How do I find out what Craftsman chainsaw I have?
Your Craftsman chainsaw’s identity is the model number on its ID label. For the chainsaw shown on this page, the model number is 917351780; match the number on your saw to confirm you have the same model before ordering parts or troubleshooting.
Where to look for the model number label
On most Craftsman chainsaws, the model/serial label is on the saw body (not the bar or chain). Check these common spots:
- On the starter housing (recoil starter side)
- Near the rear handle or trigger area
- On the underside of the powerhead (bottom of the engine housing)
- Near the oil cap or fuel cap area
- On the side cover area near the clutch/bar mount
Tips if the label is hard to read
Chainsaw labels get oily and scratched. These steps usually make the numbers readable again:
- Wipe the area with a rag and a small amount of degreaser
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to highlight stamped or faded text
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in (sometimes the camera sees what eyes miss)
- Look for a second tag or stamping if the sticker is missing
Model number vs. serial number (what to use)
Use the model number to identify the correct diagrams and parts. The serial number helps with production details but is not the primary key for parts lookup.
| You see on the label | What it’s for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Parts match and diagrams | 917351780 |
| Serial number | Manufacturing identifier | Varies |
Why it matters
Chainsaw parts like the bar, chain, sprocket, air filter, fuel lines, and carburetor components can vary by model and even by production run. Confirming the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong parts and saves time during repair.
If you want to search by model number online
Once you have the model number, you can search it directly on Sears PartsDirect to pull up the correct parts list.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman brand chainsaws?
Craftsman is a tool and outdoor power equipment brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Craftsman chainsaws (including model 917351780) have been manufactured by different companies over the years, so the exact maker depends on the model and production date.
How to identify who made your specific Craftsman chainsaw
The most reliable way is to match the model number and any product label details to the parts diagrams and listings for your unit.
- Confirm the model number is 917351780 (not just the bar length or engine size)
- Check the data tag for any additional identifiers (often a serial number or product number)
- Compare what you see on the saw to the illustrated parts breakdown for the model
- Use the model number to search parts and diagrams on Sears PartsDirect
What “Craftsman” means for parts and repairs
Craftsman is the brand on the housing; the underlying manufacturer can vary. For repairs, what matters most is ordering parts by the exact model number so the fit and mounting points match.
| What you’re trying to do | Best way to match parts | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a wear item (bar, chain, sprocket) | Match by model number and existing part markings | Prevents pitch/gauge and fit mismatches |
| Fix a running issue (fuel, ignition) | Match by model number, then verify by diagram location | Ensures correct carburetor/ignition style |
| Find the correct diagram | Use the exact model number | Avoids “close” models with different revisions |
Why it matters
Chainsaws have multiple variations that look similar (bar length, chain pitch, clutch style, carburetor type). Identifying the correct maker is less important than matching the correct Craftsman 917351780 parts list so your repair is safe and reliable.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
An 16-inch chainsaw is better for lighter, faster work like limbing and pruning, while an 18-inch chainsaw is better for cutting thicker wood and bucking firewood. For a Craftsman 917351780 3.7PS chainsaw, the “better” choice depends on the diameter of what you cut most often and how much weight you want to handle.
Quick pick guide
- Choose 16-inch if you mostly cut branches and smaller logs (typically up to about 14 inches).
- Choose 18-inch if you regularly cut medium logs (typically up to about 16 inches).
- Choose the shorter bar if you want less fatigue and better control.
- Choose the longer bar if you want fewer passes on thicker wood.
- Match bar length to your saw’s power; longer bars load the engine more.
16-inch vs 18-inch: what changes
| Feature | 16-inch bar | 18-inch bar |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | Lighter, more maneuverable | Heavier, slightly less nimble |
| Best for | Limbing, pruning, small firewood | Bucking, small-to-medium trees |
| Cutting approach | More passes on thick wood | Fewer passes on thick wood |
| Power demand | Lower | Higher |
What to consider before you decide
- Typical wood size: If most cuts are under 12 inches, 16-inch stays efficient.
- Safety and control: Shorter bars reduce overreach and help keep the nose out of pinch zones.
- Chain speed and sharpness: A sharp chain often matters more than 2 inches of bar length.
- Maintenance: Longer bars can increase chain stretch and heat if the chain is dull or tension is off.
Why it matters
Using the right bar length helps your Craftsman 917351780 cut cleaner with less bogging, reduces kickback risk from poor technique, and can extend the life of wear items like the chain, bar, and sprocket.
For more DIY readiness tips before you work on your saw, use our guide: must have tools for appliance repair.
Last updated: February 2026
How do you tell the year of a chainsaw?
For a Craftsman chainsaw model 917351780, the most reliable way to tell the year is to read the serial number or date code on the saw (usually on the crankcase, starter housing, or an ID tag). Once you have that code, you can match it to the manufacturer’s date format for that production run.
Where to look for the date code on a chainsaw
Check these common locations on a 3.7 PS chainsaw like the Craftsman 917351780:
- ID/serial tag or sticker on the crankcase
- Tag near the rear handle or fuel tank area
- Label on the starter (recoil) housing
- Stamped numbers on the engine case (less common, but possible)
How to decode what you find
Chainsaw date formats vary by maker and era, but these patterns are common:
- YYMM or YYWW (year-month or year-week)
- A longer serial number where the first 2 to 4 digits indicate the year (and sometimes month)
- A separate “MFG” or “DATE” field on the tag
Quick decode guide (typical formats)
| What you see on the tag | What it usually means | Example interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 digits (YYMM) | Year and month | 1807 = July 2018 |
| 4 digits (YYWW) | Year and week | 1820 = week 20 of 2018 |
| Long serial number | Often starts with year code | First 2 digits may be the year |
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct carburetor parts, fuel lines, ignition components, and bar and chain specs. It also helps avoid ordering a look-alike part that fits a different production run.
If you’re trying to identify the year to buy parts
Use the model number 917351780 first, then confirm with the serial/date code before ordering. If the tag is missing or unreadable, clean the area and re-check under good light.
- Wipe grime off the tag with a dry rag first
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read faint digits
- Compare any stamped numbers to the tag number (if both exist)
- Use the model number to narrow the parts list, then verify by serial/date code
For help confirming you have the correct model number before ordering, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up chainsaw serial number?
On the Craftsman chainsaw model 917351780, the serial number is on the model and serial tag attached to the saw body. On most chainsaws, that tag is placed near the oil fill area or on the bar side under the handle; once you find it, copy the serial number exactly as shown.
Where to look on a Craftsman chainsaw
Check these common tag locations first:
- Near the oil fill cap or oil tank area
- On the bar side of the saw, under or behind the front handle
- On the starter housing (recoil cover) area
- On the crankcase or main housing seam (sticker or stamped plate)
How to record it so it is usable
A serial number lookup only works when the characters match exactly.
- Write down every letter and number in order
- Keep any dashes or spaces if they appear
- Watch for look-alikes (0 vs O, 1 vs I)
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in if the print is small
Model number vs serial number
| Item | What it does | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (917351780) | Identifies the correct parts diagrams | Always, before ordering parts |
| Serial number | Identifies the production run/version | When a part has multiple versions |
Why it matters
Chainsaws sometimes have mid-production changes; using the correct serial number helps match the right version of parts like the ignition module, oil pump components, or fuel system parts.
For more help identifying model and serial information, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
