craftsman chainsaw 358.350440 manual

The Craftsman Chainsaw model 358.350440 is a powerful gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a high-performance 2-cycle engine, automatic oiling system, safety chain brake, anti-vibration handle, and a durable Oregon bar and chain. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Instructions 2. Parts Identification 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Fuel & Oil 6. Starting & Stopping 7. Operation & Cutting 8. Maintenance 9. Chain Sharpening 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operating. Failure to follow warnings can cause serious injury or death.

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar; use reduced-kickback chain.
Contact with moving chain	Always engage chain brake when not cutting; wear protective chaps and gloves.
Hearing damage	Wear hearing protection during operation.
Eye injury	Always wear safety glasses or face shield.
Fire/Explosion	Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool; store fuel properly.
Carbon Monoxide	Operate only in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
Electrical hazards	Keep away from power lines.
Falling branches	Be aware of your surroundings; wear a hard hat.
Hot surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.
Unintentional starting	Set stop switch to "OFF" when not in use; disconnect spark plug for maintenance.

Parts Identification

Key components of the Craftsman 358.350440 chainsaw.

Front Hand Guard / Chain Brake
Throttle Trigger Lockout
Throttle Trigger
Rear Handle
Start/Stop Switch
Choke Control
Primer Bulb
Fuel Tank Cap
Oil Tank Cap
Muffler
Guide Bar
Cutting Chain
Chain Tensioner
Bar Cover (when included)

WARNING! Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Assembly Instructions

Assembling your chainsaw from the box.

Attach the guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar over studs, loop chain over bar sprocket and onto drive sprocket, ensure cutting edges face forward on top of bar.
Tension the chain: Lift tip of bar, tighten chain tensioning screw until chain fits snugly against bar but can be pulled by hand, then tighten bar nuts securely.
Fill oil reservoir: Use recommended bar and chain oil.
Mix fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (min 89 octane) mixed with high-quality 2-cycle engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas).
Fill fuel tank: Add mixed fuel to fuel tank.

CAUTION! Ensure chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail; an overtightened chain can damage the engine.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 358.350440
Engine Displacement: 45 cc
Engine Type: 2-cycle, air-cooled
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 40:1
Guide Bar Length: 18 inches
Chain Pitch/Gauge: .325" / .058" (Check actual bar marking)
Chain Speed: High performance
Ignition System: Electronic
Automatic Oiling: Yes, with manual override
Weight (dry): Approximately 12.5 lbs
Sound Power Level: Exceeds 100 dB(A). Wear hearing protection.

Fuel & Oil

Proper fuel and lubrication are critical for performance and engine life.

Fuel Mix: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (max 10% ethanol) mixed with a high-quality 2-cycle engine oil certified for air-cooled engines (e.g., ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD). Mix at 40:1 ratio. Shake container well before filling.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use a quality chainsaw bar oil. In cold weather (< 40°F/4°C), use a winter-grade or synthetic oil.

Filling: Clean area around caps. Fill tanks on level ground. Do not overfill. Wipe up any spills immediately.

Starting & Stopping

Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

Cold Start: Place saw on clear, level ground. Engage chain brake. Set stop switch to "I" (ON). Pull choke control out fully. Press primer bulb 5-10 times until fuel is visible. Pull starter rope sharply until engine 'pops'. Push choke control in halfway. Pull starter rope again until engine starts. Let engine run for 10 seconds, then push choke fully in. Squeeze throttle trigger to disengage fast idle.
Warm Start: Follow steps above but do not use choke. Use half-choke position only if necessary.
Stopping: Release throttle trigger. Set stop switch to "O" (OFF).

Tip: Always engage the chain brake when starting or carrying the saw over short distances.

Operation & Cutting

Basic cutting techniques and safe operation.

Stance & Grip: Stand firmly with feet apart. Hold saw firmly with both hands, right on rear handle, left on front handle, thumbs wrapped around.
Basic Cut: Let the saw do the work. Apply light downward pressure. Do not force. Use full throttle just before and during the cut.
Buckling (Cutting felled logs): Support log off ground. Cut from top. For logs under tension, make a relief cut on compression side first to avoid pinching.
Limbing: Cut branches from bottom of tree working toward top. Keep trunk between you and the saw.
Kickback Prevention: Be aware of the "kickback zone" (upper quadrant of bar tip). Never cut with this part of the bar. Maintain a firm grip.

WARNING! Always plan your cut and escape path. Never operate above shoulder height or on a ladder.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures safety and longevity.

Item	Frequency	Procedure
Air Filter	Every 10 hours	Clean with soapy water, dry thoroughly. Replace if damaged.
Spark Plug	Every season or 50 hrs	Clean electrode, check gap (0.025"), replace if worn.
Fuel Filter	Every season	Replace in-tank fuel filter.
Chain Brake Function	Before each use	Test by running saw at idle and striking front hand guard forward; chain should stop immediately.
Bar & Chain Oil Flow	Before each use	Run saw at high speed over clean surface; look for oil sling pattern.
External Cleaning	After each use	Clean saw body, bar, and cooling fins with a brush. Remove sawdust.
Chain Tension	Frequently during use	Check and adjust when chain is cool. Chain should snap back when pulled from bar.
Bar Maintenance	Every 2-3 sharpenings	File down any burrs on bar rails. Flip bar to ensure even wear.

Chain Sharpening

A sharp chain cuts faster and safer.

Secure the bar in a vise.
Identify the correct file size (typically 5/32" for .325" pitch).
File each cutter from the inside out, maintaining the original angle (usually 30°).
File all cutters to the same length. Use a filing guide for consistency.
File depth gauges (rakers) with a flat file and depth gauge tool to maintain proper height difference (approx. 0.025" below cutting edge).

CAUTION! Wear gloves. Ensure chain is properly tensioned before sharpening.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Long-term (>30 days): Drain all fuel from tank and carburetor. Run engine until it stops to clear fuel lines.
Remove chain and bar, clean, and coat with oil.
Clean entire saw thoroughly.
Store in a dry, locked place, out of reach of children.
Short-term: Simply empty the fuel tank if using ethanol-blended fuel.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank in an enclosed area due to fire and fume hazards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, flooded, old fuel, switch off	Check spark plug; wait if flooded; use fresh fuel mix; ensure switch is ON.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor adjustment, air filter	Replace fuel filter; adjust carburetor (L & H screws); clean air filter.
Engine lacks power	Clogged air filter, spark arrestor, improper fuel	Clean air filter; clean spark arrestor screen in muffler; use correct 40:1 mix.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket worn	Disengage chain brake; inspect clutch and drive sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oil but doesn't cut	Dull chain, depth gauges too high	Sharpen chain; file depth gauges to proper height.
Excessive chain vibration/ noise	Loose chain, damaged bar, worn sprocket	Tension chain properly; inspect bar for wear/damage; replace worn sprocket.
Chain oil not flowing	Empty oil tank, clogged oil port, wrong oil for temperature	Fill tank; clean oil outlet on bar mount; use appropriate seasonal oil.

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

Support: For parts and manuals, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.