craftsman chainsaw 385 manual

The Craftsman Chainsaw 385 is a powerful gasoline-powered chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks such as felling trees, limbing, and bucking firewood. It features a robust 38cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiling system, anti-vibration handles, easy-start technology, chain brake for safety, and a tool-free chain tensioning system. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 38cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic chain oiler, anti-vibration system, inertia-activated chain brake, decompression valve for easy starting, side-access chain tensioner, and translucent fuel tank.

Assembly & Preparation

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

1. Attach the guide bar and chain: Place bar onto sprocket, loop chain around bar, align with drive links, tighten bar nuts finger-tight.
2. Adjust chain tension: Use side tensioner to raise bar tip, tighten until chain snaps back when pulled from bar. Tighten bar nuts securely.
3. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline/oil mixture (see Fuel section).
4. Fill oil tank: Use high-quality bar and chain oil.
5. Check controls: Ensure throttle trigger, throttle lockout, and chain brake function properly.

WARNING! Always wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.

First-Time Operation

Before starting, review all safety instructions. Operate outdoors only.

1. Place chainsaw on flat ground, clear of debris.
2. Engage chain brake by pushing forward until it clicks.
3. Set choke to full position (cold engine).
4. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
5. Pull starter rope briskly until engine fires (1-3 pulls).
6. Move choke to half position, pull until engine starts.
7. Disengage chain brake by pulling back toward handle.
8. Allow engine to warm up at idle for 30 seconds before cutting.

CAUTION! Never drop-start or start above waist height. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 38 cc (2.3 cu in)
• Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled
• Fuel Capacity: 14.2 fl oz (420 ml)
• Oil Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Bar Length: 18 inches
• Chain Pitch: 0.325 inches
• Chain Gauge: 0.050 inches
• Idle Speed: 2,800 RPM
• Max Power Speed: 9,500 RPM
• Sound Pressure: 106 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: Front 4.2 m/s², Rear 2.8 m/s²
• Weight: 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) dry

Controls and Components

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle lockout, choke lever, ignition switch, chain brake, decompression valve.

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and lockout. Rear Handle: Contains ignition switch. Top Cover: Houses air filter, spark plug, and choke lever. Right Side: Chain brake lever, chain tensioner. Left Side: Bar nuts, oil filler cap.

Operation: Squeeze throttle lockout and trigger to increase engine speed. Push chain brake forward to engage (stops chain). Pull back to disengage. Use choke for cold starts only.

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 89+ octane unleaded gasoline mixed with high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at 50:1 ratio (2.6 oz oil per gallon). Do not use ethanol blends above 10%.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use ISO viscosity grade 30 or equivalent. Check oil level before each use. Manual override: Press oiler button to increase flow for very dry wood.

1. Mix fuel in approved container, shake well.
2. Fill fuel tank to 80% capacity to allow for expansion.
3. Fill oil tank completely.
4. Run saw for 30 seconds to circulate oil through system.

Tip: Always use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old). Store fuel in cool, dry place.

Cutting Techniques

Supports felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 tree diameter), then back cut leaving hinge wood.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from felled tree from bottom to top, using bar tip carefully.
3. Bucking: Cut log into sections. Support log off ground. Cut from top down for tension wood, bottom up for compression.
4. Pruning: Use light touch. Do not cut above shoulder height.

WARNING! Beware of kickback. Keep saw body close to yours. Never cut with bar tip. Always cut at full throttle.

Safety Features

Chain Brake: Inertia-activated stops chain instantly upon kickback or manually engaged. Throttle Lockout: Must be depressed before throttle trigger operates. Hand Guard: Protects right hand from debris. Anti-Vibration: Reduces operator fatigue. Decompression Valve: Reduces pulling effort for starting.

Maintenance Schedule

Perform maintenance with engine off and spark plug disconnected.

CAUTION! Never use damaged or worn parts. Use only Craftsman-approved replacement parts.

Regulatory Information

EPA/CARB compliant: Meets emission standards for small off-road engines. OSHA: Complies with safety standards for power tools. Copyright © Craftsman; trademarks of Sears Brands, LLC. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

Storage: Drain fuel, run dry, remove chain, store in dry place.

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