Owner’s manual
Is 40 1 or 50 1 better for chainsaws?
For the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358381700, 40:1 is the better choice because it is the required fuel mix. Using 50:1 in a saw designed for 40:1 reduces lubrication and can accelerate wear; follow the ratio and fueling steps in the owner's manual.
What to use for model 358381700
Our manual specifies:
- Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
- Ethanol blend up to E10 (10% max)
- A good-quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil
- Mix ratio: 40:1
Quick mix chart (40:1)
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 fl oz |
| 2 gallons | 6.4 fl oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 fl oz |
40:1 vs 50:1: what changes
Both ratios can run a 2-cycle engine, but they are not interchangeable when your manual calls out a specific mix.
- 40:1: more oil per gallon; stronger lubrication for bearings, piston, and cylinder
- 50:1: less oil per gallon; cleaner burning in saws engineered for it
- If your saw is tuned for 40:1, running 50:1 can increase friction and heat
- If your saw is tuned for 50:1, running 40:1 can increase smoke and carbon buildup
Tips to avoid fuel-related starting and running problems
- Mix fuel in an approved container; add oil first, then gas, then shake
- Use fuel you can burn within 30 days
- Do not use straight gasoline; it can damage the engine quickly
- Avoid E15, E85, or methanol blends
- Keep the air intake clean; a clogged filter can make the saw run rich (see lawn & garden equipment engine air filter 530057925)
Why it matters
The fuel mix ratio controls lubrication in the crankcase and top end. On the 358381700, the correct 40:1 mix helps protect the piston and cylinder, supports stable carburetor tuning, and reduces the chance of overheating under load.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
A 16-inch chainsaw is usually the better choice for lighter, faster yard work because it’s easier to control and less tiring to run. An 18-inch chainsaw is better when you regularly cut thicker wood and want more reach and cutting capacity; it typically feels heavier during long sessions.
How to choose the right bar length for your jobs
Use bar length to match the wood size and the kind of cutting you do most often.
- Choose 16-inch for limbing, pruning, storm cleanup, and smaller firewood
- Choose 18-inch for more frequent firewood cutting and medium-diameter logs
- If you cut mostly at shoulder height or in tight spaces, shorter bars handle better
- If you often cut near ground level or buck longer logs, extra bar length can reduce repositioning
- If you are newer to chainsaws, a shorter bar is typically easier to manage
Safety and control matter more than bar length
For any bar length, safe operation and kickback control are the priority. Our Craftsman 358381700 operator guidance emphasizes protective gear, keeping bystanders back, and using kickback-reducing features like a reduced-kickback guide bar, low-kickback chain, and a working chain brake. Review the safety and operating sections in the 358381700 owner's manual.
Quick safety checklist (applies to 16-inch and 18-inch)
- Wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chaps, and sturdy footwear
- Keep children, bystanders, and animals at least 30 feet away
- Keep your body clear of the chain whenever the engine is running
- Maintain proper chain tension; a loose chain can derail
- Keep the chain sharp; sharp chains make chips, dull chains make powdery sawdust
16-inch vs 18-inch: practical comparison
| Feature | 16-inch bar | 18-inch bar |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Light to medium yard work | Medium-duty cutting and more frequent firewood |
| Handling | More maneuverable | Less maneuverable in tight spots |
| Fatigue over time | Lower | Higher |
| Cutting reach | Shorter | Longer |
Why it matters
Choosing the right bar length helps you cut more efficiently with less fatigue, and it supports safer technique. Regardless of length, keeping the bar groove and oil holes clean and maintaining chain sharpness helps prevent poor cutting performance and unnecessary wear.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the number one selling chainsaw in the world?
STIHL is widely recognized as the number one selling chainsaw brand worldwide. For your Craftsman 358381700 gas chainsaw, that brand ranking does not change how your saw operates; what matters most is using the correct bar, chain, and safety features listed in the 358381700 owner's manual.
What “number one selling” usually means
When people ask this, they typically mean best-selling brand overall, not a single model number. Sales leadership can vary by country and year, but STIHL is commonly cited as the global volume leader.
What matters more for your Craftsman 358381700
Even if another brand sells more units, your day-to-day results come from correct setup and maintenance on your specific saw.
- Use a reduced-kickback guide bar and low-kickback chain when specified
- Keep the chain brake installed and working; do not disable it
- Maintain the spark arresting screen and muffler components where required
- Keep the air filter clean to prevent hard starting and rough running
- Replace cracked fuel lines or a leaking primer bulb to avoid fuel delivery issues
Quick comparison: brand popularity vs. repair reality
| Topic | What it affects | What to do on model 358381700 |
|---|---|---|
| Best-selling brand | Buying trends | Focus on correct Craftsman parts and specs |
| Chain brake and kickback features | Safety and control | Verify chain brake function before cutting |
| Fuel system condition | Starting and power | Inspect fuel lines and primer bulb; replace if brittle |
| Air filtration | Performance and engine life | Clean or replace the air filter regularly |
Helpful parts we stock for common running issues
If your question is really about “what keeps a chainsaw running like the top brands,” these are common wear items for the 358381700:
- Ayp lawn & garden equipment engine carburetor primer bulb 530047721 for a cracked or collapsing purge bulb
- Mcculloch lawn & garden equipment engine air filter 530057925 for restricted airflow and rich running
- Chainsaw fuel line kit 580727101 for fuel leaks, hard starting, or fuel starvation
- Ayp chainsaw carburetor 545070601 when cleaning and adjustment no longer restores performance
Why it matters
“Best-selling” is a popularity metric; safe cutting and reliable starts come from correct maintenance. The manual for the Craftsman 358381700 emphasizes kickback reduction features, chain brake use, and spark arrestor maintenance, which directly impact safety and performance.
You can also search parts by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are servicing more than one chainsaw.
Last updated: February 2026
