Craftsman 38cc 16&#34 Gas Chain Saw Reviews


www.sears.com


3.95 of 5
(by 58 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 77% of reviewers recommend (43 out of 58)

Pros
  • great saw at any price. (23)
  • works like a champ right out of the box (22)
  • easy for first time users (21)
  • convenient and clean storage. (15)
  • chain tension adjustment feature (15)
  • starts on demand (7)
Cons
  • let you know when i find one (13)
  • none (8)
  • keeps cutting out. (8)
  • chain keeps coming off (3)
  • chain spins at idle. (2)
  • it stalls often (2)
  • safety sticks (1)
  • chain tensioner slips (1)
  • bar oiler not working (1)
  • leaks bar oil when not in use. (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

Chain saw works well and was completely assembled and the box contained the two cycle oil mix. However, you will need to buy oil for the chain. The chain tension feature simplifies/facilitates the adjustment of the chain. This feature allows you to quickly adjust the chain without any wrenches or pliers....

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Posted on Apr 06, 2011
Most Helpful Critical Review

I got this model mostly because at 40/1 oil mixture is identical to my craftsman blower and I don't like having another gas can to manage -- other models were 50/1. I needed it for some basic pruning of trees and light work. Note I am a 1st time chain saw user.

  • Starting directions were clear and simple....
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Posted on May 05, 2011

Craftsman 38cc 16&#34 Gas Chain Saw Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 58 in total

First let me say this is a very dangerous product.  First time I started it out of the box, the chain started spinning without me pulling the trigger.  I looked in the manual and this is not supposed to occur.  Still happens.

Second, the chainsaw keeps cutting out.  As soon as I begin a cut, or even approach the tree it turns off.  What really stinks is I didn't pull it out of the box until I needed it - just outside the return window.  I absolutely would not recommend this to a friend.

Posted on Nov 14, 2010

Like everything I buy new, I thought I would have to go over and over the instructions to learn how to operate properly. I was pleasantly surprised that it took only a few glances through the instructions to put together and get this chain saw started. It was simple to assemble and easier to start and maintain. I love my new chainsaw and look forward to using it for years to come.

I wish I had started with craftsman years ago and I would have saved so much money and effort.

Thank you Sears!!

Posted on Oct 12, 2010

A better than average chain saw, which is a little easier to handle than the 18" and larger Craftsman. Once the chain saw is started, it work very well, but getting started is a whole 'nother matter. I bought this to replace an older model that got taken from my vehicle and am a little disappointed in this one as I figured (wrongly) that the quality would be the same.

It was easy to use but one thing I noticed right away is that the safety bar would stick (not good).

It was nice that it came with a case and a starter kit and I got it on sale, but still, even at that price I was expecting it to...

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Posted on Apr 03, 2011
Although I've not put this chainsaw to the test yet, my early trials found that it starts very easily and appears to be solidly built. It's not for the pro, but I think is just right for occasional use by a homeowner (or whomever). It's heads above the junker I finally got rid of (not from Sears). I love the easy chain adjustment, requiring no tools or disassembly, and the storage case.
Posted on Jan 29, 2011

Craftsman Chainsaw

Bought this for my son. He uses it all the time to cut down tree, cut firewood etc..Says it is the best saw he has used
Posted on Feb 20, 2011

Bought this chain saw today. Brought it home. Put in the fuel and bar chain oil, followed the start up instructions. Pulled the cord, started up like a new one. Loved it.

Posted on Apr 11, 2011

I am extremely pleased with this chainsaw. After a mild frustration in initial starting, the saw performed flawlessly. It idled smoothly and was very easy to start. I cut 8 and 10 inch tall pines with ease. I helped my neighbor who had just purchased an 18" Echo saw. It was a bear to get started even after it was warmed up. He was going to return it for a Craftsman. I like the new carrying case as well as it has room to carry a quart of bar oil inside with the saw. I would highly recommend this saw to anyone who is looking for a high quality, reliable chain saw.

Posted on Jun 09, 2010

This chain saw has far exceeded my expectations as to what I would get out of it.  It is great on gas, and is extremely easy to use.  Adjusting the chain takes a minute to get used to but works as it should and haven't had an issue with the chain jumping off the bar.  It does go through a fair amount of chain oil, but the bar is always well lubricated.  The only down side is that the unit does drip oil and it should be stored in its case so that you don't have oil all over the place.  One of my friends went out and bought one right after he had a chance to use mine.  Can't go wrong with...

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Posted on Jun 02, 2010

This chain saw is a good value

Saw worked right of the box, even at high altitude.  We had no problems using the saw except that it would often die when returning to idle.

Posted on Nov 23, 2010
Posted on Jan 19, 2011

great saw, easy to use. easy to maintain. gets the job done. worth the price.

Posted on Oct 05, 2010

Great Saw for the Price

For less than $140 you have a chain saw that has features that were options on the Stihl that I was looking at.  Decompression makes for an easy pull to start and the tool-less chain tightening is another added feature.  The first time I used it I had a little trouble with the idle, but once it warmed up it was fine.  I am sure that a small carburetor adjustment will probably fix that.  So for 1/3 the cost of a Stihl, you have a high performing chain saw.  If I used a chain saw a lot, I still would probably opt for the Stihl, but for infrequent use this was a true bargain.  I was really surprised...

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Posted on Jul 23, 2010

Works great and easy to use.

I bought this a few months ago to cut up a few large branches that fell during a storm. It worked great. Recently another branch fell and I had not used since the first time. It started right up and worked well again. It is nice that you can tighten the chain without using a screw driver.

Posted on Oct 09, 2010

Reviews of Craftsman 38cc 16&#34 Gas Chain Saw