How to find CRAFTSMAN leaf blower model number?
For a Craftsman gas leaf blower, the model number is printed on the product ID label, typically on the back of the housing or on the bottom near the base. For your unit, confirm the label shows 358794742 so you can match the correct parts and diagrams.
Check these common label locations first:
- Back of the blower housing (near the handle area)
- Bottom of the unit (underside of the housing)
- Near the starter/recoil area
- Around the fuel tank mounting area
- On a flat spot of the main plastic shroud
Most Craftsman labels include a few fields. Use the model number field for parts lookup.
| Label field | What it’s used for | Example for this blower |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact product version | 358794742 |
| Serial number | Tracks the specific unit | Varies |
| Engine info (if shown) | Helps with tune-up specs | Varies |
When you write down the model number, accuracy matters because one digit can change the parts list.
- Copy every digit exactly as printed (no spaces)
- If the label is dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry it
- Take a clear photo of the label before ordering
- Match the model number first, then choose the part by name and ID
Craftsman blowers often have similar housings across multiple versions, but fuel, ignition, and starter parts can differ. Confirming 358794742 helps ensure parts like a ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497 or a Craftsman, poulan leaf blower start/stop switch kit 545081830 fit correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
Are gas leaf blowers being phased out?
Gas leaf blowers are not being phased out everywhere, but many states and cities are tightening rules on small gas engines (including leaf blowers) through local noise ordinances, emissions rules, and, in some places, sales restrictions. Your Craftsman model 358794742 can still be serviced with the right replacement parts.
Most changes fall into one of these categories:
- Use restrictions: limited hours/days due to noise
- Emissions rules: stricter standards for small off-road engines
- Sales restrictions: limits on selling certain new gas-powered equipment
- Fleet transitions: government or commercial crews moving to battery equipment
- Enforcement varies: rules can differ by city and county
If you already own a Craftsman 358794742, the most practical approach is to keep it running cleanly and reliably:
- Use fresh, properly mixed fuel (if your blower is 2-cycle)
- Replace cracked fuel lines to prevent leaks and hard starting
- Keep the primer bulb pliable so it primes fuel correctly
- Fix start/stop switch issues so you can shut the engine off immediately
- Address vacuum door or tube fit issues to maintain airflow
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Hard starting, fuel smell | Fuel delivery | Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 |
| Won’t prime or bulb won’t rebound | Priming system | Ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497 |
| Starts then dies, inconsistent run | Carb mounting/air leak | Ayp leaf blower carburetor adapter 545084901 |
| Won’t shut off | Controls | Craftsman, poulan leaf blower start/stop switch kit 545081830 |
Restrictions typically target noise and emissions. A well-maintained gas blower runs more consistently, is less likely to leak fuel, and is easier to start, which reduces unnecessary idling and helps you stay compliant with local rules.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of a gas leaf blower?
A gas leaf blower like the Craftsman 358794742 typically lasts about 7 to 10 years with normal homeowner use and routine maintenance; heavy use can shorten that, while careful fuel care and timely tune-ups can push service life to 10+ years.
- Fuel quality and storage (stale fuel is the #1 killer of small engines)
- Airflow and cooling (dirty intake areas make the engine run hotter)
- Starting system wear (rope, spring, pulley)
- Carburetor condition (varnish buildup from old fuel)
- Vibration and fastener loosening (common on handheld blowers)
- Empty the tank or run the engine dry before long storage.
- Replace cracked or soft fuel lines; a leak can cause hard starting and a lean run condition.
- Keep the primer bulb pliable and responsive so the carburetor primes correctly.
- Inspect the recoil starter for fraying rope or weak return.
- Check for exhaust restriction; a clogged muffler reduces power and increases heat.
| Symptom | Most common cause | Typical fix path |
|---|---|---|
| Starts then dies | Fuel delivery issue | Fuel line, primer bulb, carburetor service |
| Won’t prime | Primer bulb or fuel line leak | Replace bulb/line |
| Hard to start, weak power | Carburetor or exhaust restriction | Clean/service carburetor, inspect muffler |
| Starter rope won’t retract | Recoil spring/pulley wear | Replace spring/pulley kit |
If your 358794742 is otherwise in good shape, these wear items commonly bring it back:
- Ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497 (restores reliable priming)
- Ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 (fixes fuel leaks and starvation)
- Craftsman, poulan leaf blower start/stop switch kit 545081830 (fixes intermittent no-start)
Most “worn out” gas blowers are actually suffering from fuel-system and starting-system wear. Replacing a few inexpensive parts and using fresh fuel practices usually costs far less than replacing the entire blower.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the gas oil mixture for a CRAFTSMAN leaf blower?
For the Craftsman 358794742 gas leaf blower, use a 2-cycle fuel mix of 40:1 (3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gasoline). This is the most common mix for many Craftsman 2-cycle blowers; using the right ratio helps prevent hard starting, plug fouling, and engine damage.
| Gasoline amount | 2-cycle oil needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Most common “mix one gallon” size |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Good for small batches |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Useful for testing after storage |
- Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane) from a clean container.
- Measure the oil first, then add gasoline.
- Cap the container and swirl or shake to blend.
- Fill the blower’s tank; wipe up any spills before starting.
- Mix only what you will use in about 30 days to reduce varnish and starting issues.
Fuel ratio problems often show up as starting and performance complaints. Check these common items:
- Cracked or soft fuel lines (replace with ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216).
- Primer bulb that will not fill or is brittle (replace with ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497).
- Engine starts then dies or surges (carburetor issues; consider ayp lawn and garden equipment engine carburetor assembly 545081855).
- Vacuum door not sealing (air leak in vac mode; inspect leaf blower vacuum door 545100801).
A 2-cycle engine depends on oil mixed into the fuel for lubrication. Too little oil can score the piston and cylinder; too much oil can smoke, foul the spark plug, and reduce power.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a higher mph or CFM better for a leaf blower?
For the Craftsman 358794742 gas leaf blower, neither MPH nor CFM is universally “better”; they solve different problems. Higher CFM moves more leaves per pass for faster cleanup, while higher MPH delivers more punch to dislodge wet, stuck, or heavy debris.
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air the blower moves.
- MPH (miles per hour) measures how fast that air exits the nozzle.
- High CFM is best for clearing large areas and dry leaves efficiently.
- High MPH is best for wet leaves, matted grass clippings, and debris wedged in cracks.
- Nozzle design matters; a narrower nozzle often boosts “effective” MPH at the tip.
| Your cleanup job | Prioritize | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway, patio, open lawn | Higher CFM | Moves more material per sweep, fewer passes |
| Wet leaves, pine needles in seams | Higher MPH | Breaks debris loose and pushes it out |
| Mulching or vacuuming leaves | Higher CFM | Better pickup and bagging performance |
| General yard use | Balanced MPH + CFM | Versatility across seasons and debris types |
- Use the correct tube and nozzle setup; a high-velocity tip can improve stubborn-debris performance (see leaf blower high-speed nozzle-4 in 545151201).
- Keep the fuel system in good shape; weak fuel delivery reduces power and airflow (inspect ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216).
- If starting and throttle response are inconsistent, check the primer bulb for cracks or stiffness (see ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497).
- Clear clogs and check the vacuum door seals if you use vacuum mode; air leaks reduce both MPH and CFM.
MPH and CFM translate directly to time and effort. Higher CFM reduces the number of passes you need, while higher MPH reduces the amount of raking and scraping needed for stuck-on debris. Matching the spec to your yard conditions gives the biggest performance gain.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes CRAFTSMAN leaf blowers?
Craftsman is a brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker; leaf blowers sold under the Craftsman name are typically manufactured for them by various suppliers, depending on the model and production run. For Craftsman model 358794742, the most reliable way to confirm the exact maker is to match the model and engine/parts identifiers when ordering replacements like the ayp leaf blower primer bulb 530035497.
On outdoor power equipment, the brand on the housing (Craftsman) and the company that built the unit or engine are not always the same. That is normal, and it mainly affects parts lookups.
- Use the full model number 358794742 when searching parts.
- Match parts by exact part ID and description, not by appearance alone.
- If your blower has an engine label, record any engine family/model markings.
- Replace fuel system wear items together when symptoms overlap (fuel line, primer bulb, carburetor adapter).
- Keep a note of your serial number and any carburetor markings for future reference.
If you are troubleshooting or trying to confirm you have the right version of the blower, these parts are often tied to a specific configuration:
| System | Example part for model 358794742 | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel delivery | Ayp Lawn & Garden Equipment Fuel Line, Large (530069216) | Cracked lines, air leaks, fuel starvation |
| Starting/priming | Ayp Leaf Blower Primer Bulb (530035497) | Hard starting, no fuel draw |
| Controls | Craftsman, Poulan Leaf Blower Start/stop Switch Kit (545081830) | No-start due to kill switch issues |
| Air/fuel mounting | Ayp Leaf Blower Carburetor Adapter (545084901) | Vacuum leaks, poor idle |
Knowing that Craftsman is the brand owner (and that manufacturing can vary by run) keeps you from ordering the wrong carburetor, fuel line size, or switch kit. Using the model number 358794742 and matching exact part IDs is the fastest path to correct fit and reliable performance.
Last updated: February 2026





