Craftsman's smaller gas saw is a 42cc full-crank engine on a 16-inch bar for $199, with a 3-point anti-vibration system, a self-activated chain brake, and tool-free access to the plug and filter. The full crank is the part worth paying for at this price — most saws this cheap use a half-crank engine that runs rougher and wears faster. What stops it short of a recommendation is the 3.7-star average across 660 reviews at Lowe's, which is low for a mass-market saw and tracks with the pattern owners describe: it starts and cuts fine when new, and the plastic around the starter and the carburetion are where complaints concentrate once it has sat through a winter. Buy it as an occasional-use saw, drain the fuel between seasons, and expect a returns desk rather than a service bench behind the two-year warranty.

Best for: Occasional-use homeowners who want a full-crank gas engine at the lowest price a national brand offers.

Specifications

Engine class: 40cc class (by displacement)
Engine: 42 cc
Bar length: 16 in
Bar range: 16 in
Single-pass cut: about 14 in (bar minus 2)
Chain: 3/8" low-kickback pitch / .050" gauge
Weight: 12.2 lb, with bar and chain
Power type: Gas
Use case: Homeowner
Warranty: 2-year limited
Model: S1600 (CMXGSAMY42N6)

Manufacturer figures except the engine class and single-pass cut, which are derived here. What each spec means

42cc full-crank at $199
3-point anti-vibration
Tool-free plug and filter access

What owners like

Full-crank 42cc engine rather than the half-crank common under $200
12.2 lb ready to cut is light for a 42cc saw
3-point anti-vibration and a self-activated chain brake are not givens at this price
Tool-free access to spark plug and air filter makes seasonal maintenance quick
Sold at Lowe's nationwide, so returns are easy even if service is not