Owner’s manual
What model number is a Craftsman 358350842 chainsaw?
The model number for this Craftsman gas chainsaw is 358350842. You’ll typically find it on the saw’s model tag, and it matches the model shown in the parts diagrams and lists in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model number on the saw
Look for a model/serial tag in one of these common spots:
- On the starter housing (recoil starter side)
- Near the rear handle or trigger area
- On the crankcase area behind the clutch cover
- On the underside of the handle frame
- Near the bar mount studs (behind the clutch cover)
How the model number is formatted
Craftsman chainsaw model numbers are often shown with or without punctuation.
| You might see it as | It refers to |
|---|---|
| 358350842 | Same model number, no punctuation |
| 358-350842 | Same model number, hyphenated format |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number 358350842 ensures we match the correct illustrated parts list and compatible replacement parts (for example, starter components, fuel system parts, and hardware). That prevents ordering a look-alike part that does not fit.
Quick tip when ordering parts
When you shop for parts, we recommend matching all three:
- Model number: 358350842
- Part name (example: fuel line, handle, washer)
- Part ID from the parts list (example: fuel pick link 530069216)
Last updated: February 2026
How do you tell the year of a chainsaw?
For a Craftsman chainsaw like model 358350842, the most reliable way to estimate the year is to use the serial number and model number from the ID location on the saw, then match that information to the production era shown in the documentation and parts breakdown in the owner's manual.
Where to find the model and serial number on 358350842
On this model, we look for the identification information on a flat surface under and in front of the throttle trigger. Record the serial number and keep it in a safe place.
What to do:
- Clean the area under the throttle trigger so the stamp or tag is readable
- Write down the full model number (358350842)
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Take a clear photo of the tag/stamp for reference
How to use that information to estimate the year
Craftsman chainsaws were produced across multiple eras and often used different manufacturers and serial formats. The year is typically determined by decoding the serial number format used for that production run.
Use this quick process:
- Confirm the model is 358350842 (not a close variant like 358-350870)
- Use the serial number to look for a date code pattern (often embedded in the first characters)
- Compare your saw’s features and parts layout to the diagrams and parts list in the manual
- If the saw has been rebuilt, rely on the serial number, not replacement parts, for dating
Quick checks that help narrow the production era
These checks do not give an exact year by themselves, but they help confirm you are decoding the right saw.
| Check | What you’re looking for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model/serial location | Under and in front of throttle trigger | Confirms you’re reading the correct ID area |
| Fuel mix spec | 16:1 gas-to-oil mix listed for 358-350842 | Matches the correct manual/spec set |
| Bar/chain spec | 14-inch bar, 76 drive links noted in specs | Helps validate model family |
Why it matters
Knowing the year (or at least the correct production era) helps us match the right parts and service procedures, especially for fuel system and ignition items that can vary by run.
If you’re troubleshooting starting or fuel issues while you’re identifying the saw, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw for the most common checks.
Last updated: February 2026
How to look up chainsaw serial number?
On the Craftsman gas chainsaw model 358350842, the serial number is located on a flat surface under and in front of the throttle trigger. Once you find it, record it exactly; using the serial number with the model number helps you match the right diagrams, procedures, and replacement parts in the owner's manual.
Where to find the serial number on model 358350842
Check the area around the throttle trigger and rear handle; the marking is typically on a flat spot meant for a stamped or printed ID.
- Look under the rear handle near the throttle trigger
- Check the flat surface directly in front of the throttle trigger
- Wipe off oil, sawdust, and residue before reading
- Use a flashlight; stamps can be faint
- Take a photo so you do not have to re-check later
How to write it down correctly
Serial numbers are easy to misread on outdoor power equipment.
- Copy every character in order (include any dashes)
- Watch for look-alikes (0 vs O, 1 vs I)
- Save a clear photo in your phone for future parts lookups
- Store the number with your maintenance notes (chain sharpening, spark plug service)
What to use the serial number for
| What you have | What it helps with | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (358350842) | Finding the correct parts diagrams | Ensures you are in the right model family |
| Serial number | Tracking your exact unit | Helps keep accurate ownership and service records |
| Both together | Confirming the best match | Reduces ordering mistakes |
Why it matters
Having the correct serial number helps prevent mix-ups when ordering common maintenance and fuel-system items, such as a fuel pick link 530069216, and when following safety and maintenance procedures.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common chainsaw problems?
Common problems on the Craftsman 358350842 gas chainsaw include hard starting, rough running, poor cutting from a dull or loose chain, and kickback risk from technique or chain condition. Many issues clear up with correct fuel mix, proper chain tension, and routine sharpening (see the 358350842 owner's manual).
Most common problems we see
- Won’t start or is hard to start (fuel quality, spark, or air flow)
- Runs rough, surges, or lacks power under load
- Cuts slowly or “walks” sideways in the cut (dull or unevenly sharpened chain)
- Chain is too loose or too tight (poor performance and faster wear)
- Excessive kickback tendency (bar nose contact, improper technique, poor chain maintenance)
Quick checks that fix a lot of issues
Fuel and fuel delivery
Use fresh, properly mixed 2-cycle fuel. For this model, a 32:1 gas-to-oil mix is the standard target. Also inspect for fuel delivery restrictions; a cracked or hardened fuel line can cause lean running and hard starting. If you’re replacing lines, match the routing and sizes; the fuel pick link 530069216 is one of the fuel line parts used on many setups.
Chain tension and cutting performance
The manual’s chain-tension guidance is a strong baseline:
- Chain should move freely around the bar by hand (engine off).
- You should only be able to lift the chain about 1/8 inch off the bar.
- Check tension often on a new chain; after break-in, check it every time you fill the gas tank.
Sharpening basics
A dull chain makes you push to cut and increases wear. Under normal conditions, plan to sharpen about every 2 to 3 tanks of fuel. A file guide helps keep angles consistent; the file guide 582934801 is a common sharpening aid.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Old/wrong fuel mix, fouled plug, restricted air flow | Refresh fuel mix; check spark and air flow |
| Runs rough | Fuel restriction, air leak, carburetor out of adjustment | Inspect fuel lines; verify fuel mix |
| Cuts crooked/slow | Dull chain, uneven sharpening, debris at bar mount | Clean bar mount; sharpen; set tension |
| Chain loosens quickly | New chain stretch, improper adjustment | Re-tension; recheck frequently |
Why it matters
Correct fuel mix protects the 2-cycle engine, and proper tension and sharpening reduce bar and chain wear while helping control kickback risk.
Last updated: February 2026
