Owner’s manual
How to adjust a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358350461 gas chainsaw, the most common “adjustment” is setting the chain tension so the chain rides snugly in the guide bar groove but still rotates freely by hand. Adjust it any time you refuel or notice sag under the bar; then fully tighten the bar nuts.
How to adjust chain tension (step by step)
- Shut the engine off and let the muffler cool.
- Disengage the chain brake (so the chain can move).
- Use the bar tool to confirm the chain moves freely around the guide bar.
- Loosen the chain brake (bar) nuts until they are finger tight.
- Turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the chain contacts the bottom of the guide bar rail.
- Lift the tip of the guide bar; keep it lifted while you finish adjusting.
- Turn the adjusting screw until there is no sag, then tighten the bar nuts securely.
Quick “too tight vs too loose” check
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chain will not rotate by hand | Too tight | Loosen bar nuts slightly; turn adjuster counterclockwise a little; retighten |
| Visible sag under the bar | Too loose | Turn adjuster clockwise until sag is gone; tighten bar nuts |
| Chain rotates freely and stays seated in the groove | Correct | Recheck after a few cuts and at each refuel |
Why it matters
Correct chain tension helps the 358350461 cut smoothly, reduces premature wear on the guide bar and sprocket, and lowers the chance of the chain derailing during use.
Helpful references
- Use the procedure and diagrams in the 358350461 owner's manual.
- If you are also dealing with fuel issues while tuning the saw, follow tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Craftsman 358350461 42 cc 2 cycle gas 18 chainsaw?
The Craftsman 358350461 is a gasoline-powered, 2-cycle chainsaw intended for occasional homeowner use. In the 358350461 instruction manual, it’s identified as a 2.2 cu. in. (36cc) saw set up for a 16-inch bar, with a 40:1 gas-to-oil fuel mix and an automatic bar-oiling system.
What this model is (based on the manual)
- Engine: 2-cycle, 2.2 cu. in. (36cc)
- Bar size: 16 in.
- Fuel: Unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at 40:1
- Bar oiling: Automatic oiler; fill bar-oil tank whenever you fuel
- Intended use: “For occasional use only”
| Spec or feature | 358350461 setup | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 36cc (2.2 cu. in.) | Helps match the right tune-up and fuel system parts |
| Bar length | 16 in. | Determines correct replacement bar and chain size |
| Fuel mix | 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gal gas) | Prevents piston and cylinder damage from improper lubrication |
| Auto oiler | Metered during operation | Extends bar and chain life |
Clearing up the “42cc / 18-inch” description
That description often applies to other Craftsman chainsaw variants. For model 358350461, use the manual specs when buying wear items and setting up the saw.
Common parts you may replace
- Fuel line components (cracks, leaks, hard starting)
- Primer bulb (won’t prime, fuel won’t move)
- Carburetor parts (runs rough, won’t idle)
- Bar and chain (dull cutting, excessive vibration)
Why it matters
Using the correct bar length and the correct 40:1 fuel mix keeps the saw running reliably and prevents avoidable engine damage, hard-starting, and poor cutting performance.
Last updated: February 2026
What kind of gas goes into a Craftsman chainsaw?
For the Craftsman 358350461 gas chainsaw, we use fresh unleaded gasoline mixed with a good-quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon of gas). We do not use straight gas in the fuel tank.
Correct fuel mix for model 358350461
Use this mix every time you refuel:
- Gas type: fresh unleaded gasoline
- Oil type: synthetic 2-cycle oil for air-cooled engines (chainsaw/2-stroke oil)
- Mix ratio: 40:1
- Mix amount: 3.2 oz oil to 1 gallon of gas
- Do not use: automotive oil or boat (marine) oil
Quick mix table
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Standard mix for this saw |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Good for small batches |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Mix in an approved fuel container |
How to mix and fuel safely
We recommend mixing fuel in a separate, approved gas container (not in the chainsaw tank).
- Add some gasoline to the container first
- Measure and add the 2-cycle oil
- Add the remaining gasoline
- Cap and shake briefly to fully mix
- Remove the chainsaw fuel cap slowly when refueling
Why it matters
A correct 40:1 2-cycle mix lubricates the engine while it runs. Straight gasoline or the wrong oil type can cause hard starting, rough running, and rapid engine damage.
Related maintenance tip
When you fill the fuel tank, we also fill the bar and chain oil tank so the chain oiler can lubricate the guide bar and chain during cutting. For fuel, oil specs, and operating steps, use the 358350461 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the fuel filter in a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358350461 gas chainsaw, the fuel filter sits inside the fuel tank, attached to the end of the fuel line; you access it by removing the fuel cap and pulling the filter out through the tank opening (it can rattle in an empty tank). See the Craftsman 358350461 owner's manual for the exact procedure.
How to find it (quick location check)
- Remove the fuel mix fill cap.
- Look into the fuel tank opening with a flashlight.
- Find the fuel line inside the tank.
- The fuel filter is on the end of that line (a small weighted filter).
- Use a clean hooked wire or long needle-nose pliers to gently pull the filter up.
How we replace the fuel filter (safe, standard method)
- Run the saw until it runs out of fuel (drains the system).
- Turn the ON/STOP switch to STOP.
- Disconnect the spark plug boot.
- Remove the fuel cap and the connected retainer.
- Pull the filter out of the tank, remove it from the fuel line, then install the new filter and reassemble.
Parts that are commonly involved
| What you’re servicing | What to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel delivery in the tank | Cracked or hardened fuel line | Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 |
| Fuel tank opening | Cap seal and venting | Fuel tank cap (match by model) |
Why it matters
A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow, which commonly causes hard starting, stalling, or a saw that only runs with the choke partly on. Keeping the filter and fuel line in good shape helps protect the carburetor and keeps the 2-cycle engine running smoothly.
Last updated: February 2026
