Craftsman 14 Inch Gas Chainsaw Manual

The Craftsman 14-inch Gas Chainsaw is a powerful, lightweight tool designed for homeowners for tasks like pruning, limbing, and cutting small to medium-sized trees. It features a 42cc 2-cycle gas engine, automatic oiling system, 14-inch Oregon bar and chain, tool-less chain tensioning, inertia-activated chain brake, anti-vibration handles, and a translucent fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel & Oil 7. Starting & Operation 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Care & Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 14-inch Oregon bar and chain, Automatic chain oiler, Inertia-activated chain brake, Anti-vibration system, Tool-less chain tensioner, Translucent fuel tank, Front and rear handles.

Feature	Description
Engine	42cc 2-cycle gasoline engine
Bar Length	14 inches (Oregon)
Chain Oil	Automatic oiling system with manual override
Chain Brake	Inertia-activated for kickback protection
Vibration Dampening	Anti-vibration handles reduce user fatigue
Chain Tensioning	Tool-less adjustment knob
Fuel Tank	Translucent for easy fuel level check
Throttle Lock	Prevents accidental throttle engagement
Choke Control	For easy cold starting
Decompression Valve	Reduces pulling effort during start

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and chainsaw chaps.
Clear Area: Ensure work area is clear of people, pets, and obstacles.
Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper tip of the bar to prevent kickback.
Secure Workpiece: Material being cut must be firmly supported.
Two-Handed Operation: Always grip front and rear handles with both hands.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the bar and chain, and adding fuel/oil.

Attach Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts, fit bar over studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar (cutting teeth facing forward on top), tension chain, tighten nuts.
Fill Fuel: Use fresh 50:1 gas/oil mix (89 octane minimum). Do not overfill.
Fill Chain Oil: Use bar and chain oil. Fill reservoir to marked level.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug but pull freely around bar. Re-check after initial use.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 42cc
Engine Type: 2-cycle air-cooled gasoline
Fuel/Oil Mix: 50:1 (High-quality 2-cycle oil)
Bar Length: 14 inches
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .050" (Oregon 91VXL)
Chain Speed: Approx. 55 ft/sec at max RPM
Weight (dry): 10.5 lbs
Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
Vibration Level: Front/Rear Handle: 5.2/3.1 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Main Controls: On/Off Switch, Choke Lever, Throttle Trigger, Throttle Lockout, Chain Brake Lever, Primer Bulb, Decompression Valve (if equipped).

Components: Fuel Tank Cap, Chain Oil Tank Cap, Spark Plug, Air Filter Cover, Muffler, Rear Handle with Anti-Vibration, Front Handle with Chain Brake, Bar Cover, Chain Catcher.

Adjustments: Chain Tension Knob (tool-less), Idle Speed Screw (under cover), Carburetor Adjustment Screws (H and L - for authorized service only).

Fuel & Oil

Use only fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating mixed with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio.

Fuel Mix: Pour specified amount of 2-cycle oil into an approved gas can, then add gasoline. Shake well.
Chain Oil: Use only bar and chain oil for lubrication. Do not use waste or motor oil.
Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill slowly to avoid spills. Wipe away any drips.

Tip: Use fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days. Dispose of old fuel properly.

Starting & Operation

Follow these steps for safe starting and cutting.

Cold Start: Place on clear, flat ground. Engage chain brake. Set On/Off to "I". Pull choke to full position. Press primer bulb 5-10 times. Pull starter cord sharply until engine 'pops'. Push choke to half position. Pull cord again to start. Let run for 10 seconds, then push choke off.
Warm Start: No choke. Set On/Off to "I". Pull cord to start.
Cutting: Disengage chain brake (pull toward you). Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to engage chain. Let chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use steady, controlled pressure. Do not force.
Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Set On/Off switch to "O".

WARNING! Never drop-start or start the saw above waist height. Always keep firm footing.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Task	Frequency
Check chain tension	Before each use, after first tank
Clean air filter	Every 5 hours of use
Check/clean spark arrestor screen	Every 25 hours
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours or annually
Clean cooling fins	Every 25 hours
Inspect fuel lines/filter	Annually
Clean chain brake mechanism	Every 25 hours
Grease drive sprocket bearing	Every 100 hours

Chain Care & Sharpening

A sharp chain is safer and more efficient.

Inspection: Check for damaged, broken, or dull cutters and depth gauges.
Sharpening: Use correct round file size (.325" chain uses a 5/32" file). Maintain factory angles (typically 30°). File each cutter evenly. File depth gauges with a flat file and gauge tool.
Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when chain feels loose or sags from bottom of bar.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the chain. Ensure saw is off and cool.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain all fuel from tank and run carburetor dry.
Remove chain, clean it with solvent, dry, and coat with oil. Store separately.
Clean entire saw, especially air intake and cooling fins.
Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

Long-Term: For storage over 30 days, use fuel stabilizer in the mix or drain completely.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Old fuel, flooded, no spark, clogged filter	Use fresh fuel mix; wait if flooded; check spark plug; clean air filter.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issue	Replace fuel filter; clean carburetor (may require service).
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch/sprocket worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch drum and sprocket.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cut	Dull chain, improper filing	Sharpen or replace chain; check depth gauge height.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain, damaged bar	Tighten all nuts/bolts; balance chain; inspect bar for wear/ damage.
Chain comes off bar	Loose chain tension, worn bar/chain	Re-tension chain; inspect bar rails and drive links for wear.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.