Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman chainsaw model 358351080, we use a 40:1 fuel mix (regular unleaded gasoline plus air-cooled 2-cycle engine oil). The manual specifies 40:1 because it provides the lubrication this engine needs; using a leaner 50:1 mix can lead to overheating and engine damage. See the owner's manual for the fuel mixture chart and handling steps.
The Craftsman 358351080 manual calls for 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gasoline).
- Use regular unleaded gasoline.
- Use 2-cycle engine oil labeled for AIR-COOLED engines.
- Premix fuel in an approved container (do not mix in the saw’s fuel tank).
- Shake the container briefly before fueling.
- Fill bar oil every time you fill fuel; the saw typically uses about one tank of bar oil per tank of fuel.
| Fuel amount | 40:1 oil amount | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon gas | 3.2 oz oil | Correct mix for Craftsman 358351080 |
| 1 gallon gas | 2.6 oz oil | 50:1 mix; too little oil for this model |
Using the right oil matters as much as the ratio.
- Use quality 2-cycle (AIR-COOLED) oil.
- Do not use automotive motor oil.
- Do not use marine 2-cycle oils (NMMA/TC-W3 type).
- Consider fuel stabilizer for storage; follow the stabilizer label while keeping the saw’s 40:1 ratio.
A 2-cycle chainsaw engine relies on the oil in the fuel for lubrication. On the 358351080, the specified 40:1 mix protects bearings and other moving parts; running 50:1 reduces lubrication and increases the risk of overheating and seizure.
Last updated: January 2026
Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
For the Craftsman 358351080 gas chainsaw, a 16-inch setup is better for lighter cutting and easier control, while an 18-inch setup is better when you need more reach and cutting capacity for larger limbs and firewood. Your best choice depends on what you cut most often.
Use these practical rules of thumb for this model:
- Choose 16-inch for pruning, limbing, and frequent overhead or awkward-angle cuts where control matters most.
- Choose 18-inch for bucking firewood and cutting thicker material where the extra bar length reduces repositioning.
- If you are newer to chainsaws, 16-inch typically feels more manageable and helps reduce fatigue.
- If you often cut near the bar nose, prioritize safe technique and kickback awareness regardless of bar length.
The operator manual for this Craftsman chainsaw lists both bar lengths as supported configurations, along with key engine and chain details. See the owner's manual.
| Item | 16-inch setup | 18-inch setup |
|---|---|---|
| Guide bar length | 16 in. | 18 in. |
| Typical best use | Limbs, smaller logs | Firewood, thicker cuts |
| Handling | More maneuverable | Heavier feel, more reach |
These steps help the saw cut straighter, faster, and safer:
- Keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned before each use.
- Maintain good footing and keep bystanders at least 30 feet away.
- Avoid cutting above shoulder height; get a professional for high work.
- Confirm the oiler is supplying oil to the bar and chain.
- If the saw cuts crooked or you have to force it, inspect the guide bar for wear.
Bar length changes how the saw handles and how much wood you can cut in one pass. On the 358351080, choosing the right bar helps you work more efficiently while staying in control, which is critical for reducing kickback risk.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number on my Craftsman chainsaw?
On a Craftsman gas chainsaw like model 358351080, the model number is printed on a decal (label) attached to the saw. Check the main housing near the engine area first, then look around the handle and underside if you do not see it right away; confirm the full number exactly as shown in the owner's manual.
We typically see the model/serial decal in one of these spots:
- On the side of the engine/motor housing (most common)
- Near the rear handle area
- On the bottom of the saw body (underside)
- Near the starter housing or fuel tank area
Record the information exactly as it appears on the decal:
- Model number (for example, 358.351080-18" may appear in the manual for this series)
- Date code or serial number
- Date of purchase (helpful for service history and parts matching)
The model number is what we use to match the correct Craftsman chainsaw parts (like a fuel line kit, primer assembly, or guide bar and chain). A single missing digit can pull up the wrong parts diagram.
Use this checklist to avoid common mix-ups:
| Item to check | What it should look like | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Numbers and periods (example: 358.351080) | Dropping the period or swapping digits |
| Suffix | May include bar length (example: -18") | Ignoring the suffix when ordering |
| Serial/date code | Separate line on the decal | Using the part number from a component instead |
If the label is damaged, use the parts list in the owner's manual to identify assemblies on the saw and narrow the model family. For example, the 358351080 series commonly uses items like the primer assembly 530071835 and line kit 530069216 depending on the exact configuration.
Last updated: January 2026





