Safety Instructions
Essential Safety Gear:
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Hearing protection
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Steel-toed boots
- Close-fitting clothing
Critical Safety Rules
- Work Area Safety: Keep work area clean and well-lit. Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away.
- Electrical Safety: Use only properly grounded outlets. Keep cord away from cutting area.
- Personal Safety: Stay alert and watch what you are doing. Do not operate when tired or under influence.
- Chain Saw Use: Keep both hands on handles. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times.
- Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly with both hands. Do not cut with tip of bar.
- Before Cutting: Inspect wood for nails, wire, or other metal objects. Clear area of tripping hazards.
- After Cutting: Wait for chain to stop before setting saw down. Disconnect power before maintenance.
Assembly Guide
Tools Needed:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver set
- Chain tension adjustment tool
- Bar and chain oil
Assembly Steps
- Unpack Components: Remove all parts from packaging including bar, chain, and sprocket cover.
- Install Guide Bar: Place guide bar onto mounting studs with chain tensioning pin aligned with hole in bar.
- Install Chain: Place chain over sprocket and onto guide bar with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.
- Install Sprocket Cover: Place sprocket cover over bar and secure with nuts, but do not fully tighten.
- Tension Chain: Adjust chain tension using adjustment screw until chain fits snugly against bar.
- Final Tightening: Tighten sprocket cover nuts securely while maintaining proper chain tension.
- Add Lubricant: Fill oil reservoir with recommended bar and chain oil before first use.
Specifications
| Model Series | CMECS456 |
| Type | Electric Chain Saw |
| Motor | 15 Amp Electric |
| Bar Length | 16 inches |
| Chain Speed | 2,800 FPM |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8 inch |
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 inch |
| Oil Capacity | 6.8 fl oz |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs |
| Voltage | 120V, 60Hz |
| Cord Length | 6 feet |
| Automatic Oiler | Yes |
Warranty Information
- Full Warranty: 2 years limited warranty
- Motor Warranty: 3 years on electric motor
- Additional Coverage: Optional extended protection plans available
For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com
Operation Guide
Starting Procedure
Ensure chain brake is engaged. Place saw on firm surface. Hold front handle with left hand, press safety trigger and trigger switch with right hand.
Proper Cutting Technique
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold saw firmly with both hands. Let saw do the work - don't force it through the cut.
Kickback Prevention
Always cut with the bottom of the bar. Never cut with the tip. Maintain secure grip and be prepared for sudden movement.
Automatic Oiling System
The saw features an automatic oiling system that lubricates the chain during operation. Check oil level before each use.
Chain Brake System
Inertia-activated chain brake stops the chain instantly if kickback occurs. Test brake function before each use.
Low-Kickback Chain
Equipped with low-kickback chain and reduced-kickback guide bar for enhanced safety during operation.
Cutting Techniques
Felling
Cutting down trees. Always plan escape path. Make notch cut first, then back cut.
Limbing
Removing branches from fallen tree. Work from base to top. Keep saw close to trunk.
Bucking
Cutting fallen tree into sections. Support log properly. Watch for binding.
Pruning
Cutting live branches. Make undercut first to prevent bark tearing.
Notching
Creating directional cut for tree felling. Typically 1/3 of tree diameter.
Plunge Cutting
Advanced technique for cutting from middle of log. Requires experience and caution.
Maintenance Guide
Daily Maintenance
- Check chain tension before each use
- Inspect chain for damage or dullness
- Fill oil reservoir with bar and chain oil
- Clean air vents and cooling fins
- Inspect power cord for damage
Weekly Maintenance
- Clean guide bar groove and oil holes
- Check sprocket for wear
- Clean sawdust from motor housing
- Inspect chain brake function
- Check all nuts and bolts for tightness
Chain Sharpening
- Secure saw in vise or clamp
- Use correct size round file for chain pitch
- Maintain proper filing angle (typically 30°)
- File each cutter to same length
- Check depth gauges and file if necessary
- Clean chain after sharpening
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Saw won't start | Power issue, safety switches engaged | Check power supply, ensure all safety switches are properly engaged |
| Chain won't move | Chain brake engaged, chain too tight | Disengage chain brake, adjust chain tension |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull chain, improper chain tension | Sharpen or replace chain, adjust tension |
| Chain throws oil | Over-oiling, wrong oil type | Adjust oil flow, use proper bar and chain oil |
| Motor overheats | Dirty air vents, dull chain | Clean cooling system, sharpen chain |
| Excessive vibration | Damaged chain, loose components | Inspect chain for damage, tighten all components |
Common Issues
- Chain comes off bar: Improper tension, worn bar, damaged drive links
- Chain doesn't oil: Clogged oil ports, empty reservoir, faulty oil pump
- Motor runs but chain doesn't: Worn sprocket, damaged clutch, sheared key
- Excessive kickback: Dull chain, improper cutting technique, cutting with bar tip
- Chain stretches quickly: Insufficient lubrication, cutting dirty wood, excessive tension
- Bar gets hot: Insufficient oil, dull chain, improper chain tension
Manual Downloads
Current Model Manuals
CMECS456
16" 15-Amp Electric Chain Saw
CMECS316
16" 12-Amp Electric Chain Saw
CMECS420
20" 15-Amp Electric Chain Saw
CMECS214
14" 10-Amp Electric Chain Saw
Popular Previous Models
CMXECAM610
16" 15-Amp Chain Saw
358.360340
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CMECS512
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315.341410
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