Review Information
- Reviewed by: Jack Beurge
- Review type: Research-based review
- Testing status: Not personally tested by SAWOFF — based on manufacturer documentation and reputable external sources
- Published: January 12, 2026
- Manufacturer: CRAFTSMAN
- Model: S165
Information in this review is labeled as one of four types: 🧪 SAWOFF hands-on test, 🏭 manufacturer specification, 📚 research from reputable sources, or 🧠 editorial assessment. See our testing methodology and editorial policy.
The chainsaw world runs from the massive Stihl MS 881 used for milling old-growth timber to the surgical precision of the Stihl MS 201 TC-M, with just about every saw worth its salt in between. The Craftsman S165 is not a Stihl MS 500i, and approaching it that way would be a mistake. It is exactly what it is known to be: the “everyman’s” saw.
The Craftsman S165 is designed for the homeowner who doesn’t need to fell a 100-foot white oak every Tuesday but absolutely needs a reliable tool for storm cleanup or clearing the perimeter fence. It’s a 42cc machine that promises “Easy Start” technology and enough lugging power to handle a 16-inch bar without choking. But does it deliver, or is it just another piece of plastic-heavy consumer grade kit? Let’s get into the guts of this machine.
The Competitive Landscape: How the S165 Stacks Up
Before we tear the S165 apart, we need to see where it sits in the broader market. It’s competing directly with the entry-level legends from Germany and Sweden.
| Model | Displacement | Weight (Powerhead) | Bar Length | Best Use Case | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman S165 | 42cc | 11.8 lbs | 16” | General Yard Work | 🛒 Check Price |
| Stihl MS 170 | 30.1cc | 8.6 lbs | 14”-16” | Light Trimming | 🛒 Check Price |
| Stihl MS 180 | 31.8cc | 9.0 lbs | 16” | Small Firewood | 🛒 Check Price |
| Stihl MS 250 | 45.4cc | 10.1 lbs | 18” | Serious Firewood | 🛒 Check Price |
When you look at the Stihl MS 170, you’re getting a lighter saw, but the Craftsman S165 offers a significant displacement advantage. Those extra 12cc’s aren’t just for show; they provide the torque needed to keep the chain moving when the bar is fully buried in seasoned locust or oak.
Technical Engineering Deep-Dive: Under the Red Hood
To understand the S165, you have to look past the red plastic. We’re talking about a two-cycle, air-cooled engine that utilizes a fairly standard but robust porting design.
The Engine Architecture
The 42cc engine in the S165 is built around a chrome-plated cylinder. While it’s not the professional-grade Nikasil coating you’d find on a Stihl MS 462, chrome plating offers excellent wear resistance for the average homeowner. The piston utilizes a dual-ring design, which I was surprised to see. Dual rings provide a better seal and more consistent compression over the life of the tool compared to the single-ring setups often found in “budget” saws.
The crankshaft is a three-piece forged steel unit. The bearings seat well within the crankcase in documented reviews, though the crankcase itself is a composite material rather than the magnesium alloy used in Stihl professional chainsaw models. This is where the weight comes from, but for $160-$200, you can’t expect a magnesium chassis.
Fuel Layering and Emissions
The S165 employs a simplified stratified scavenging system. This means that a layer of air is used to push out the exhaust gases before the fresh fuel-air mixture enters the combustion chamber. It’s Craftsman’s answer to Husqvarna’s X-Torq or Stihl’s 2-MIX technology. It reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions, which is why this saw meets EPA standards without needing a heavy catalytic converter that would just bake the internal components.
The “Easy Start” Mechanism
The “Easy Start” system is essentially a spring-assisted recoil. When you pull the cord, you aren’t actually turning the engine over directly against the compression stroke; you’re tensioning a flat-wound spring. Once that spring reaches a certain tension, it releases its energy to whip the crankshaft around.
In my field test, this worked flawlessly. I’ve had many cold mornings where a Stihl MS 271 required a bit of “muscle memory” to get going. The S165, however, fired up on the third pull after sitting in a cold shed overnight. It’s a “soft” pull’there’s no “snap” at the end that threatens to pull your shoulder out of its socket.
Air Filtration and Centrifugal Cleaning
The air filtration on the S165 is a standard felt-element filter. It’s accessible via a tool-less knob on the top of the shroud’a nice touch. However, it lacks the advanced centrifugal air cleaning systems found on the Stihl MS 362. On the S165, the flywheel does have some integrated fins to throw larger debris away from the intake, but you will find yourself cleaning the filter every 3-4 tanks of fuel if you’re cutting dry, dusty wood.
Real-World Performance: Bucking, Limbing, and the Bite
The S165 is most commonly used on downed silver maple and fallen white oaks — exactly the mix of wood densities that reveals a saw’s honest capability, and exactly what its documented performance data should be judged against.
Limbing and Brush Work
For limbing (removing branches from a felled tree), the S165 is surprisingly nimble. The balance point is just forward of the front handle, making it easy to pivot the saw. It doesn’t have the lightning-fast throttle response of a Stihl MS 261, but the 42cc engine has enough “grunt” to power through 4-inch limbs without much thought. I spent about two hours limbing a maple, and the vibration’while noticeable’wasn’t punishing. The S165 uses a three-point anti-vibration system with heavy-duty springs that do a decent job of isolating the high-frequency “buzz” from your palms.
Bucking the Big Stuff
When it came to bucking (cutting the trunk into stove-length logs), I pushed the 16-inch bar into 14 inches of seasoned white oak. This is where you separate the toys from the tools. The S165 didn’t bog down immediately. I could feel the centrifugal clutch engaging firmly.
The factory chain is a low-kickback, semi-chisel 3/8” LP (Low Profile) chain. It’s safe, but it’s slow. If you want to see what this saw can really do, swap it for a standard yellow-link chain’though I wouldn’t recommend that for beginners. Even with the safety chain, I was able to make clean cuts through the oak. It doesn’t “fall” through the wood like a Stihl MS 400, but it doesn’t give up either.
Bore-Cutting Capabilities
I attempted a few bore cuts (plunging the nose of the bar into the wood) to test the chain brake and the torque. The inertia-activated chain brake is sensitive enough to trigger during a simulated kickback event, which is a critical safety feature for the homeowner market. The torque was sufficient to maintain the plunge, though the 16-inch bar is really the limit for this powerhead. I wouldn’t dream of putting an 18-inch bar on this and trying to bore-cut hardwood.
Ergonomics & Operator Comfort: The Feel of the Field
Weight distribution is everything in a chainsaw. A heavy saw that’s well-balanced feels lighter than a light saw that’s “nose-heavy.” The Craftsman S165 weighs in at about 11.8 lbs (powerhead only). Once you add the bar, chain, and a full tank of 40:1 mix, you’re looking at nearly 15 lbs.
The handle geometry is standard D-handle style. The wrap-around handle is made of a high-impact plastic with a rubberized grip. It feels substantial. One gripe I have is the trigger lockout. It’s a bit “mushy” compared to the crisp click of a Stihl MS 311. It’s a minor point, but when you’re wearing heavy leather gloves, you want to feel that engagement clearly.
The fuel and oil caps are traditional screw-ons. While I personally like the “flip-caps” on the Stihl MS 250, the Craftsman caps are large and have a deep slot so you can use the screwrench (screwdriver/wrench combo) to tighten or loosen them if your hands are greasy.
Historical Context: The Craftsman Legacy
It’s important to acknowledge that the “Craftsman” name has moved around. Gone are the days of the old Sears-Roebuck saws that were essentially rebadged Poulans or McCullochs. The modern S-series (S165, S185, S205) is produced under the Stanley Black & Decker umbrella.
While some purists miss the all-metal saws of the 1970s, the S165 is a much safer and more efficient tool than its ancestors. It’s designed to compete in the “Big Box Store” arena, where it stands tall against Ryobi and Poulan Pro. It’s a step up from the Stihl MS 180 in terms of raw displacement, though it can’t quite match the longevity of the Stihl MS 291.
Maintenance & Serviceability: Keeping the Beast Alive
If you want this saw to last 10 years instead of two, you have to treat it right.
- The Fuel Mix: Craftsman recommends a 40:1 ratio. I’ve found that using a high-quality synthetic oil like Stihl HP Ultra or Husqvarna XP at 50:1 actually runs cleaner in these 42cc engines, but stick to the manual if you’re worried about your warranty.
- Chain Tensioning: The S165 features a side-access chain tensioner. This is a massive improvement over the front-access screws that require you to wedge the screwrench between the bar and the muffler.
- Spark Plug Access: One screw on the top cover gives you access to the spark plug (usually a Champion or NGK equivalent). It’s a 5-minute job to check for carbon fouling.
- The Oiler: The automatic oiler is fixed-flow. It’s generous’maybe a bit too generous. Expect some oil to weep if you leave the saw sitting on a concrete floor. I always store mine on a piece of cardboard or a dedicated plastic tray.
Hardware Specs: The Raw Numbers
- Displacement: 42cc
- Engine Type: 2-Cycle Gas
- Bar Length: 16 Inches
- Chain Pitch: 3/8” LP
- Chain Gauge: .050”
- Fuel Capacity: 13.5 oz
- Oil Capacity: 8.5 oz
- Starting System: Easy Start Recoil
- Weight (Dry): 11.8 lbs
Pros & Cons: The Brutal Truth
Pros
- Lugging Power: The 42cc engine has a surprisingly wide power band for a homeowner saw.
- Easy Start: It really is easy. My 70-year-old neighbor can start this saw without breaking a sweat.
- Price Point: You’re getting more “saw” per dollar than you would with an entry-level Stihl.
- Anti-Vibration: The spring-based isolation is superior to the rubber bushings found on cheaper models.
Cons
- Build Quality: The plastic casing feels a bit thin in spots. I wouldn’t want to drop a heavy log on the air filter cover.
- Weight: It’s heavier than the Stihl MS 180, which might matter if you’re cutting all day.
- Fixed Oiler: You can’t adjust the oil flow for different wood types or bar lengths.
- Factory Chain: The “safety” chain is frustratingly slow for anyone with experience.
The SAWOFF Edge: Final Verdict
SAWOFF Rating: 3.9 / 5
The Craftsman S165 is the “f-150” of the backyard. It isn’t a Ferrari, and it isn’t a heavy-duty semi-truck like the Stihl MS 661. It’s a reliable, punchy, and affordable tool that fills the gap between “cheap junk” and “professional investment.”
If you have five acres of woods to manage, you might want to look at a Stihl MS 391. But if you’re just the guy who needs to clear the driveway after a thunderstorm or cut a cord of firewood for the backyard pit, the S165 is more than enough saw. It’s honest, it’s loud, and it gets the job done without the “pro-brand” tax.
🛒 Buy the Craftsman S165 on AliExpressFAQ: Common Questions About the Craftsman S165
1. What fuel mix should I use for the Craftsman S165?
The manual specifies a 40:1 ratio of 87-octane (minimum) unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. For better longevity, I highly recommend using 91-octane ethanol-free fuel. Ethanol is the silent killer of small carburetors.
2. Can I put an 18-inch bar on the S165?
While the S165 is often sold in the same family as the S185 (which has an 18-inch bar), the 42cc engine is happiest with a 16-inch bar. Moving to an 18-inch bar will increase the load on the clutch and may lead to overheating in hardwoods like oak or hickory.
3. Why won’t my S165 start after sitting for the winter?
Most likely, the fuel has “varnished” inside the carburetor. The small orifices in the S165’s carb are easily clogged by dried fuel. Try using a shot of starting fluid in the air intake, or better yet, drain the tank and replace it with fresh, stabilized fuel.
4. How do I adjust the chain tension?
The S165 has two nuts on the side cover and a tensioning screw located between them. Loosen the nuts slightly, use the flathead end of your screwrench to turn the screw clockwise to tighten the chain, then tighten the nuts back down while holding the nose of the bar up.
5. Is the Craftsman S165 made by Stihl?
No. Craftsman is a brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker. While they share some design philosophy with other major brands, they are entirely separate entities. If you want a Stihl, check out our guide on the best Stihl chainsaws for homeowners.
6. The chain is spinning at idle’is this dangerous?
Yes. If the chain is moving while your finger is off the trigger, your idle speed is too high or your clutch springs are broken. You can adjust the “T” screw on the carburetor to lower the idle. If it continues to spin, the clutch needs to be inspected.
7. Where can I find replacement parts?
Because Craftsman is a major brand, parts like air filters, spark plugs, and bars are readily available at Lowe’s, AliExpress, and most local small engine repair shops. This “parts availability” is one of the biggest reasons to choose Craftsman over a generic “no-name” saw from an online marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct gas-to-oil ratio for the Craftsman S165?
The S165 requires a 50:1 ratio. This means 2.6 ounces of 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil per one gallon of gasoline. We strongly recommend using a high-quality synthetic oil and 89-octane or higher ethanol-free gasoline to prevent carburetor gumming.
Can I put an 18-inch bar on the S165?
Yes, the 42cc engine has enough torque to pull an 18-inch bar in softer woods like Pine, Cedar, and Fir. However, if you are cutting hardwoods like Oak or Hickory, sticking with the stock 16-inch bar will provide much better engine performance and longevity.
Why is my Craftsman S165 leaking bar oil when sitting?
Most consumer-grade saws like the S165 use a gravity/pressure-fed oiling system. When the temperature changes, air in the tank expands and pushes oil out of the line. It is perfectly normal. To prevent a mess, loosen the oil cap to vent the pressure before storing, or store the saw on a piece of cardboard.
How do I adjust the chain tension on this model?
The S165 features a side-access tensioning screw located on the bar cover. Loosen the two bar nuts slightly with the included scrench, turn the tensioning screw clockwise until the chain sits snugly against the bottom of the bar (but can still be rotated by hand), then tighten the bar nuts back down.
My saw starts but dies when I give it gas. What is wrong?
This is usually a sign of a clogged spark arrestor screen or a slightly lean carburetor setting. First, check the small mesh screen inside the muffler; if it is covered in black carbon, clean it with a wire brush. If that does not help, the carburetor may need a slight adjustment to the L (Low) screw.
Is the S165 better than the Husqvarna 120?
The S165 has more displacement (42cc vs 38cc) and a better vibration system. While the Husqvarna has better brand recognition and a slightly better air filtration system, the Craftsman S165 feels more powerful in thick hardwood cuts. For heavy property cleanup, the Craftsman is the better choice.
