Do chainsaws use 40 1 or 50 1?
Most gas chainsaws, including many Craftsman models like 358355050, are designed to run 50:1 (2.6 oz 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gasoline) when you use a quality 2-cycle oil. Some older saws and some heavy-duty use cases run 40:1 (3.2 oz per gallon), but the best choice is the ratio specified for your exact saw.
Quick answer: which mix should I use?
Use this as a practical rule:
- Start with 50:1 if you are unsure and you are using modern 2-cycle oil labeled for chainsaws.
- Use 40:1 only if your saw’s fuel cap/label or documentation specifies it, or if you are following a proven setup for an older engine.
- Never mix “extra oil” as a fix for a saw that is running lean due to an air leak, carburetor issue, or clogged fuel system.
Mix chart (most common)
| Ratio | Oil per 1 gallon gas | Oil per 1 liter gas | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | 2.6 oz (about 77 ml) | 20 ml | Most modern chainsaws |
| 40:1 | 3.2 oz (about 95 ml) | 25 ml | Some older saws, some high-load use |
Why the ratio matters
Running the correct fuel mix protects the engine and keeps the saw running cleanly.
- Too little oil can increase wear and heat (scuffing, piston damage).
- Too much oil can increase smoke, carbon buildup, and spark plug fouling.
- The “right” ratio assumes the saw is mechanically sound (good crank seals, fuel lines, and carburetor tuning).
Best practices for mixing 2-cycle fuel
- Use fresh, ethanol-free fuel when possible (or don’t store ethanol fuel long-term).
- Use a measuring bottle; do not guess.
- Mix in an approved fuel can: add half the gas, add oil, shake, then top off and shake again.
- Label the can 50:1 or 40:1 so it never gets confused.
- If the saw sits for weeks, drain old mix and run the carburetor dry before storage.
Helpful related reading
For finding and confirming the exact model identification used for parts and specs, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
What is the L and H on a Craftsman chainsaw?
On the Craftsman 358355050 gas chainsaw, L and H are the carburetor mixture adjustment screws: L controls the low-speed (idle and acceleration) fuel mixture, and H controls the high-speed (wide-open throttle) fuel mixture. Adjusting them changes how the engine runs under light versus heavy load.
What the screws do (and what you will usually see)
Most Craftsman saw carburetors have three adjustment points:
- L (low-speed mixture): affects starting, idle quality, and throttle response
- H (high-speed mixture): affects top-end power and how the saw runs while cutting
- Idle speed screw (often marked T, LA, or S): sets idle RPM (it does not change fuel mixture)
Safe, practical tuning basics
Carburetor tuning impacts performance and engine life. We use these rules of thumb for the 358355050 and similar Craftsman saws:
- Start with small changes (about 1/8 turn at a time)
- Warm the engine before final adjustments
- If it bogs or dies when you squeeze the trigger, the L circuit is usually too lean
- If it screams at full throttle with little “burble,” the H circuit is usually too lean
- If the chain moves at idle, lower idle speed using the idle screw until the chain stops
Quick symptom guide
| Symptom | Most likely adjustment | Typical direction |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t idle, dies at idle | L or idle speed | Slightly richer L, then raise idle speed if needed |
| Hesitates on acceleration | L | Slightly richer L |
| Lacks power in the cut | H | Slightly richer H |
| Chain spins at idle | Idle speed screw | Lower idle speed |
Why it matters
Correct L and H settings help your Craftsman chainsaw start easier, accelerate cleanly, and cut with steady power. Just as important, proper mixture helps prevent overheating and premature wear in the piston and cylinder.
For more help identifying the correct model information before ordering carburetor-related parts, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
What is the number one selling chainsaw in the world?
There is no single, universally verified “number one selling chainsaw” worldwide because sales are reported differently by region, time period, and metric (units vs. revenue). In practice, STIHL and Husqvarna are the two brands most often cited as global leaders, but the top spot depends on how you measure it.
How “#1 selling” is typically measured
Different sources rank chainsaws in different ways; that is why you will see different answers.
- Brand vs. model: most rankings are by brand, not one specific saw
- Units vs. dollars: a brand can lead in revenue but not in units (or vice versa)
- Region: North America, Europe, and other markets can rank differently
- Time window: “this year” results differ from “all-time” popularity
Practical takeaway for your Craftsman 358355050
For maintaining a Craftsman 358355050 gas chainsaw, brand sales rankings do not change what keeps a saw cutting well and starting reliably.
- Keep the chain sharp and set correct chain tension
- Use fresh 2-cycle fuel mix and avoid long fuel storage
- Clean or replace the air filter on schedule
- Confirm the bar and chain oiling is working (a dry bar wears fast)
- Inspect the spark plug and fuel lines if starting becomes difficult
Quick comparison: what you can rely on
| What you want to know | What’s reliable | What varies |
|---|---|---|
| “#1 selling” globally | No single universal answer | Metric, region, and year |
| Top-tier brand presence | STIHL and Husqvarna are consistently prominent | Which one ranks higher |
| Best choice for repairs | Match parts to your exact model | Brand popularity |
Why it matters
When you are troubleshooting or ordering parts, the most important detail is matching parts to the exact model number and configuration of your saw, not which brand sells the most.
Use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts) to confirm identification details before ordering.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Craftsman brand chainsaws?
Craftsman is a brand name, not a single chainsaw manufacturer. For Craftsman gas chainsaws like model 358355050, the actual maker depends on the model’s production era and the supplier Craftsman used at that time; common OEMs across years include Poulan/Husqvarna and MTD, while the Craftsman brand is owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
How to tell who made your Craftsman 358355050
Use the model and ID information on the saw to identify the OEM and match the correct parts list.
- Confirm the model number is 358355050 (exact match matters for parts diagrams).
- Check the data plate for a manufacturer code or prefix (often near the starter housing or handle area).
- Look for an engine family marking on the crankcase or recoil cover.
- Compare the bar and chain specs (pitch, gauge, drive links) to what is currently installed.
- Use our model-number help if the tag is worn or missing: how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Common Craftsman chainsaw OEMs (what it means for parts)
Different OEMs can use different carburetors, ignition modules, fuel lines, and bar/chain setups even when the saws look similar.
| OEM you may see on older Craftsman saws | What you’ll typically notice | Parts impact |
|---|---|---|
| Poulan / Husqvarna group | Similar chassis and engine layouts across models | Many wear parts are OEM-specific (fuel system, ignition, clutch) |
| MTD | Different fasteners and assemblies on some homeowner models | Carburetor and air-filter housings often differ |
Why it matters
Getting the OEM right prevents ordering the wrong carburetor, fuel line, air filter, spark arrestor, or bar and chain components for your Craftsman 358355050 gas chainsaw.
Last updated: February 2026


