Craftsman 16 Chainsaw Owners Manual

The Craftsman 16 Chainsaw is a powerful and reliable 16-inch gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a robust engine, automatic oiling system, low-kickback chain and bar, tool-free chain tensioning, and safety features like a chain brake and throttle lockout. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 16-inch guide bar and chain, 2-cycle gasoline engine, Automatic oiler, Chain brake, Throttle lockout, Tool-free chain tensioner, Front and rear hand guards.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on mounting studs, loop chain around sprocket and bar groove, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Mix gasoline with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (use recommended oil).
3. Fill oil tank: Use bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
4. Check chain tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely.

WARNING! Always wear protective gear: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps. Never operate without proper safety equipment.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, ensure chainsaw is on level ground with clear area.

1. Prime engine: Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
2. Set choke: Move choke lever to FULL position for cold start.
3. Engage chain brake: Pull handle back until it clicks (safety position).
4. Start engine: Place on ground, hold front handle with left hand, place right foot through rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires.
5. Warm up: Move choke to HALF position, then to RUN after engine runs smoothly.
6. Disengage chain brake: Push handle forward to release brake before cutting.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from chain. Never drop-start or start above waist height.

Specifications

• Model: Craftsman 16-inch Gas Chainsaw
• Engine: 42cc 2-cycle air-cooled
• Fuel: Gasoline/oil mix (50:1 ratio)
• Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch: 3/8-inch low-profile
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches
• Drive Links: 55
• Sound Rating: 105 dB(A) at operator's ear
• Vibration Level: Less than 5 m/s²
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Components

Main controls located on top and rear handle. Front Handle: Chain brake lever, Throttle lockout. Rear Handle: Throttle trigger, On/Off switch, Choke lever, Primer bulb.

Safety Features: Chain brake (inertia-activated), Throttle lockout (must be pressed to engage throttle), Right-hand guard, Spark arrestor muffler.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, Spark plug, Chain tension knob, Oil filler cap, Fuel filler cap.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) mixed with 2-cycle engine oil at 50:1 ratio. Never use automotive oil or straight gasoline.

1. Mix fuel in approved container: Add oil first, then gasoline. Shake well.
2. Fill fuel tank: Clean area around cap, fill to 80% capacity.
3. Bar and chain oil: Use only chainsaw bar oil (viscosity appropriate for temperature).
4. Check oil flow: Run saw at high speed while pointing bar at light surface; oil should appear as fine line.

Tip: Store fuel mix no longer than 60 days. Use fuel stabilizer for longer storage.

Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting positions for felling, limbing, and bucking.

1. Felling (cutting down trees): Plan escape path, make notch cut on falling side, then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing (removing branches): Stand uphill, cut from trunk outward, support limb when possible.
3. Bucking (cutting fallen logs): Support log off ground, cut from top down, beware of binding.
4. Kickback prevention: Keep nose of bar away from objects, maintain firm grip, use low-kickback chain.
5. Proper stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, left arm straight, right arm slightly bent.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip).

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Clean air filter, check for loose parts.

Weekly: Clean spark arrestor screen, inspect spark plug, check fuel filter.

Monthly: Clean cooling fins, check bar for wear, replace worn sprocket.

Seasonally: Replace spark plug, clean carburetor, inspect anti-vibration mounts.

Chain Sharpening: File at 30-degree angle, maintain equal tooth length, check depth gauges.

Storage Guidelines

Long-term storage preparation to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain fuel tank: Run engine until it stops from fuel starvation.
2. Drain oil tank: Empty bar oil reservoir.
3. Clean thoroughly: Remove sawdust from cooling fins, air filter, and exterior.
4. Remove chain: Clean and soak in oil, store separately.
5. Store properly: In dry location, covered, out of children's reach.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Fuel deterioration can damage carburetor.

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required: Safety glasses with side shields, Hearing protection, Gloves, Chainsaw chaps or pants, Steel-toe boots, Hard hat when felling.

Operation Safety: Keep bystanders 50 feet away, Never operate alone, Don't operate when tired or impaired, Be aware of electrical lines, Watch for falling branches.

Emergency Procedures: If kickback occurs, release throttle immediately; If chain brake engages, inspect before resetting; If injury occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center.

Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com