Owner’s manual
How do you tell the year of a chainsaw?
For a Craftsman gas chainsaw like model 358350870-1976, the most reliable way to estimate the year is to use the model number and the serial number together. The owner's manual shows exactly where to find the model and serial number on the saw so you can record them and match them to the correct production era.
Where to find the model and serial number (this model)
On Craftsman 358350870-1976, the manual places the identification on a flat surface under and in front of the throttle trigger. Use that location to copy both numbers accurately.
- Clean the area so every digit is readable.
- Write down the full model number exactly as shown.
- Record the full serial number (all digits and letters).
- Take a clear photo for your records.
- Keep the serial number in a safe place (helpful for parts matching and ownership records).
How to use those numbers to determine the year
With older chainsaws, the “year” is usually determined by one of these methods:
- Model number format: Craftsman model families often indicate a specific generation or time period.
- Serial number date code: many engines use a serial pattern where early digits represent a date or batch.
- Parts list cross-check: the parts breakdown in the manual helps confirm you are looking at the correct version of the saw.
Quick comparison: what each number tells you
| What you have | What it helps confirm | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (358350870-1976) | Exact product/version family | Finding the correct manual and parts diagrams |
| Serial number | Build run or date code (varies by maker) | Narrowing down the manufacturing timeframe |
| Manual parts list/illustrations | Correct configuration | Verifying you have the right parts for your saw |
Why it matters
Knowing the approximate year helps you match the correct bar and chain setup, maintenance specs, and replacement parts. For example, this model family is documented with a 14-inch bar and a specific chain drive-link count in the manual, and those details can vary across years and versions.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on my Craftsman chainsaw?
On a Craftsman gas chainsaw like model 358350870-1976, the model number is typically printed on an ID label attached to the saw body, most often on the motor housing or near the rear handle and fuel tank area. Use the full model number exactly as shown when looking up parts.
Common places to check
Look for a sticker or metal tag in these spots:
- Side of the engine/motor housing (starter side or opposite side)
- Near the rear handle, close to the throttle trigger area
- On or near the fuel tank housing (rear of the saw)
- Underside of the saw body near the handle mount
- Around the bar mount area (near the clutch cover), depending on production run
How to record it correctly
Model labels on older chainsaws can be dirty or worn, so we recommend:
- Wipe the label with a damp rag first, then dry it
- Copy every digit, dash, and letter exactly (for example, 358350870-1976)
- Take a clear photo before the label fades further
- Use the model number when selecting diagrams and matching parts in the owner's manual
Why it matters
Craftsman chainsaws often share similar-looking housings across different versions, but parts like the fuel system, ignition pieces, and handle hardware can vary by model. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the correct items, such as the fuel pick link 530069216 or flywheel key 530015126.
Quick reference: label vs. other numbers
| What you see on the saw | What it’s used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Finding the correct parts diagrams and manual | 358350870-1976 |
| Part number on a component | Identifying a specific replacement part | 21014 |
| Bar/chain markings | Matching cutting attachments | 14 in bar/chain info |
Last updated: February 2026
What model number is a Craftsman 358350870-1976 chainsaw?
The model number for this Craftsman gas chainsaw is 358.350870 (often written as 358-350870). On Sears PartsDirect, it’s listed as 358350870-1976, which identifies the same saw and the year/version grouping for parts and documentation.
Where to find the model number on the saw
Look for the model tag or stamp in these common spots:
- On the starter housing (recoil cover) area
- Near the rear handle or fuel tank housing
- Along the chassis near the bar mount
- On a decal that also lists the Craftsman name
If the tag is dirty or oil-stained, wipe it clean and use a flashlight to read the full number.
How the numbers relate (quick reference)
| You might see | What it means |
|---|---|
| 358.350870 | The core Craftsman model number |
| 358-350870 | Same model number, different punctuation |
| 358350870-1976 | Sears PartsDirect listing for the model and version/year grouping |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number helps match the correct illustrated parts list and ensures you order compatible items like fuel system parts and hardware. For example, the parts list for this model includes items such as the fuel pick link 530069216 and the flywheel key 530015126.
Best next step
Confirm the model number directly against the diagrams and parts lists in the owner's manual before ordering or troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358350870-1976 gas chainsaw, use a 16:1 fuel mix (16 parts gasoline to 1 part oil). That equals 8 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gasoline. Using 40:1 or 50:1 is too lean on oil for this model; follow the owner's manual.
Correct fuel mix for Craftsman 358350870-1976
The manual’s fuel-mix section specifies a richer oil mix than many newer saws.
- Mix gasoline and oil in a separate container, not in the saw’s tank
- Shake well to fully blend before filling
- Use fresh gasoline (stale fuel causes hard starting and poor running)
- Use clean, correct oil; avoid dirty or contaminated oil
- Avoid multi-viscosity oils (example: 10W-30) and reprocessed oils
Quick mix chart (16:1)
| Gasoline amount | Oil amount | Common measuring tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 8 oz | 1/2 pint of oil |
| 1/2 gallon | 4 oz | Good for small batches |
| 1 quart | 2 oz | Handy for test runs |
40:1 vs 50:1 (and why they do not fit this model)
40:1 and 50:1 are common on many modern 2-cycle engines, but they provide far less oil than a 16:1 mix.
- Less lubrication for piston, rings, and crank bearings
- Higher heat and friction under load
- Faster wear during long cuts or hot weather operation
Don’t confuse fuel-mix oil with bar and chain oil
Fuel-mix oil lubricates the engine only. Bar and chain lubrication uses a separate oil tank.
- Fill the bar and chain oil tank every time you fill the fuel tank
- Keep bar oil clean to prevent oiler and bar-groove problems
- Verify oiling before cutting (oil should sling off the bar tip at speed)
Why it matters
On a 2-cycle chainsaw, the fuel mix is the engine’s lubrication system. Using the specified 16:1 ratio on the Craftsman 358350870-1976 prevents rapid internal wear and overheating.
Last updated: February 2026
