craftsman chainsaw 16 inch manual

The Craftsman 16-inch Chainsaw is a gas-powered, professional-grade cutting tool designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It features a 42cc 2-cycle engine, a 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling, tool-free chain tensioning, an anti-vibration handle system, and a quick-start system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42cc 2-cycle engine, 16-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, tool-free chain tensioner, anti-vibration system, quick-start ignition, inertia chain brake, front and rear hand guards.

Safety Information

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

1. PPE: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, and close-fitting clothing.
2. Work Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quarter of the guide bar tip.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources. Let engine cool.
5. Carrying: Engage chain brake and carry with guide bar pointing rearward.

WARNING! Kickback can cause severe injury or death. Always operate with two hands, maintain a firm grip, and never cut above shoulder height.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires attaching the guide bar and chain, and filling fluids.

1. Attach Bar & Chain: Loosen bar nuts. Place chain over sprocket, aligning drive links with bar groove. Position bar onto studs. Ensure cutting edges face forward on top of bar. Hand-tighten nuts.
2. Tension Chain: Use tool-free knob to adjust tension. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill Bar & Chain Oil: Use recommended bar oil. Fill reservoir to marked level.
4. Mix Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (89 octane min.) mixed with 2-cycle oil at 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per 1 gal gas). Shake well.
5. Fill Fuel Tank: Add fuel mixture to tank. Avoid overfilling.

CAUTION! Never run the saw without proper bar and chain lubrication.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 42cc
• Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle oil)
• Guide Bar Length: 16 inches
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP, .050"
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.2 fl oz (420 ml)
• Oil Tank Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Maximum Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front Handle: 4.5 m/s², Rear Handle: 5.2 m/s²

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Main Controls: - Throttle Trigger: Controls engine speed. Release to idle. - Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed to engage throttle trigger. - Stop Switch (On/Off/I): "I" for run, "O" for off. - Choke Lever: For cold starting. - Primer Bulb: Press 5-10 times to draw fuel into carburetor. - Decompression Valve: Reduces compression for easier pulling. - Chain Brake (Front Hand Guard): Manually engage by pushing forward; inertia-activated during kickback. - Tool-Free Chain Tensioner Knob: Located on side.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, muffler, chain catcher, bar nuts.

Operation Guide

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on flat, clear ground. Engage chain brake.
2. Move stop switch to "I" (On).
3. Pull choke lever to full choke position.
4. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible.
5. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
6. Place toe in rear handle, hold front handle firmly. Pull starter rope briskly 2-3 times until engine 'pops'.
7. Move choke lever to half-choke position. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
8. Allow engine to run for 10 seconds, then push choke lever off. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle.
9. Disengage chain brake before cutting.

Cutting Techniques: - Felling: Notch and back cut. Use wedges for large trees. - Limbing: Cut branches from bottom side of fallen log. - Bucking: Cut log into sections. Support log off ground.

Stopping: Release throttle, allow engine to idle. Move stop switch to "O". Engage chain brake.

Chain Maintenance

Proper chain care is critical for performance and safety.

1. Daily Sharpening: Use correct round file and guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters to equal length.
2. Chain Tension Check: Check when cold and frequently during first use. Chain should be snug but pull freely. Re-tighten as needed.
3. Depth Gauge Setting: File depth gauges (rakers) with flat file. Maintain 0.025" clearance below cutters.
4. Lubrication: Check oil level before each use. Adjust oil flow rate for cutting conditions (higher for hard/dry wood).
5. Chain Replacement: Replace when cutters are worn beyond repair or damaged. Use only Oregon 91PX series chain.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces operator effort and kickback risk.

Engine Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long engine life.

Fuel Mix: Always use fresh fuel. Stale fuel is the #1 cause of starting and running problems.

Storage

Prepare chainsaw for extended storage to prevent damage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Drain bar and chain oil tank.
3. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
4. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
5. Store in a dry, locked place out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days.

Warranty Information

Craftsman 16-inch Chainsaw is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial use, or normal wear. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, take to an authorized Craftsman service center.