Craftsman 358796120 line trimmer Parts

For your Craftsman 358796120 gas line trimmer, you replace the cutting line by removing the old line and line glide plate, cleaning the cutting head, reinstalling the line glide plate, then feeding a new length of Craftsman replacement line through the correct holes shown on the line glide plate. See the 358796120 owner's manual for the exact hole locations and line routing.

Before you start (safety and setup)

• Shut the trimmer off and let the engine cool.
• Disconnect the spark plug boot before maintenance.
• Wear gloves and eye protection.
• Use only Craftsman brand line (never wire, rope, or string).
• Inspect the head for cracks or missing pieces; replace damaged head parts before use.

Step-by-step: replace the trimmer line

1. Remove the old line from the cutting head.
2. Remove the line glide plate.
3. Clean the entire surface of the cutting head.
4. Reinstall the line glide plate before inserting new line.
5. Align the line glide plate arrow to match the line size you are using (the plate shows the correct alignment).
6. Insert both ends of the new line through the proper holes in the cutting head.

Choosing the right line (what the manual calls out)

The manual notes different line types for different cutting:

Line color	Best for	Notes
Red (medium)	Grass and small weeds	General trimming work
Black (large)	Larger weeds and light brush	Heavier cutting load

Common reloading mistakes to avoid

• Installing line before the line glide plate is reinstalled (this causes poor feed and tangles).
• Using the wrong holes for the line diameter.
• Overlapping or crossing the line inside the head (increases tangling and uneven feed).
• Running line too long or too short; keep cutting line at the proper length.

Why it matters

Correct line routing and the right line size help the bump head feed smoothly, reduce tangles, and prevent extra strain on the clutch and engine when cutting thicker weeds.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 358796120 gas line trimmer, fuel line size depends on which section you’re replacing (tank-to-carburetor supply line vs. return/vent line). We match the correct diameter by using the illustrated parts information in the 358796120 owner's manual and the routing shown for your specific fuel system.

How to identify the correct fuel line size on model 358796120

We recommend measuring the old line and confirming the routing before ordering.

• Remove the air filter cover and locate the carburetor and primer bulb
• Identify the supply line (from fuel tank to carburetor) and the return line (back to tank)
• Measure inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of the old line with calipers
• If the old line is swollen or cracked, cut a clean, straight section to measure
• Match the line by ID first (it must seal on fittings), then confirm OD fits the tank grommet

Typical fuel line sizes used on small gas trimmers

Many Craftsman-style 2-cycle trimmers use small fuel tubing in these common ranges (your unit may use one or two sizes):

Fuel line location	Typical ID range	Typical OD range
Tank to carburetor (supply)	3/32 in to 1/8 in	3/16 in to 1/4 in
Primer/return line	1/8 in to 3/16 in	1/4 in to 5/16 in

Parts that commonly go with a fuel line replacement

If your line is brittle, leaking, or collapsing, these related items often cause the same symptoms (hard starting, stalling, or fuel leaks):

• Primer bulb (cracked bulb can mimic a bad line): line trimmer primer bulb 696989
• Air filter (restricted airflow can make it run poorly): engine air filter 696923
• Kill switch (intermittent shutoff can look like fuel starvation): kill switch 530069572

Why it matters

A fuel line that is even slightly too large can leak or pop off; a line that is too small can restrict fuel flow. Correct sizing and routing helps the primer bulb pull fuel properly and keeps the carburetor supplied under load.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman Weedwacker line trimmer, the model number is printed on a product label attached to the trimmer itself (not just in the paperwork). For your Craftsman model 358796120, match the full number on the label to the number shown in the 358796120 owner's manual to ensure you’re using the correct parts list and instructions.

Where to look on the trimmer

Check these common label locations on gas line trimmers like model 358796120:

• On the shaft/tube near the engine or handle
• On the engine housing (starter side or near the muffler area)
• Near the fuel tank area
• Under or near the air filter cover
• On the rear handle or control housing

What the model number label looks like

Most Craftsman labels include a model number and sometimes additional identifiers.

What you see on the label	What it means	What to do
358.796120 or 358796120	The model number (formatting may vary)	Use this to pick parts and follow procedures
Extra numbers/letters	Serial, date, or engine family info	Record it, but prioritize the model number for parts
Worn or dirty label	Hard to read	Clean gently and use a flashlight to read the imprint

Tips to identify the correct number (and avoid ordering the wrong part)

We recommend using the label on the trimmer as your primary identifier because paperwork can be missing or incomplete.

• Write down the model number exactly as shown (include dots if present)
• Take a clear photo before the label fades further
• If multiple numbers appear, choose the one that starts with 358 for this Craftsman series
• Use the model number to confirm maintenance items in the manual (for example, tune-up steps)
• When troubleshooting a no-start issue, confirm the model first before replacing parts like a lawn & garden equipment kill switch 530069572

Why it matters

The model number controls the exact parts breakdown for your trimmer. Even small model changes can affect fuel line routing, primer bulb style, ignition parts, and fasteners, so matching 358796120 prevents wrong-part returns and repeat repairs.

Last updated: February 2026