Craftsman 24086820 electric line trimmer/weedwacker Parts

Yes. A string trimmer like the Craftsman 24086820 can maintain an existing edge and clean up along sidewalks, driveways, and beds; a dedicated edger still makes a cleaner, straighter new edge when you are redefining the border.

When a string trimmer works well for edging

• Touching up an edge that is already established
• Trimming grass that creeps over concrete or pavers
• Cleaning along fences, posts, and landscape borders
• Tight spots where an edger wheel cannot fit
• Light weekly maintenance to keep lines crisp

When a dedicated edger is the better tool

A dedicated edger is the right choice when you need a true cut line and a consistent trench.

Task	String trimmer	Dedicated edger
Maintain an existing edge	Good	Excellent
Create a brand-new edge line	Fair	Best
Keep a perfectly straight line	Fair	Excellent
Cut through thick overgrowth	Fair	Good to excellent

Tips to get cleaner edging results with the 24086820

• Hold the head vertical and keep the string tip just off the hard surface.
• Work in short passes; do not force the trimmer into soil.
• Keep the guard positioned correctly and wear eye protection.
• Use steady speed; fast sweeping usually leaves a wavy edge.
• Replace worn line often; dull, short line tears instead of cuts.

Why it matters

Edging is mostly about control and consistency. A string trimmer is versatile for trimming and touch-up edging, but an edger’s guide and cutting geometry make it easier to produce a sharp, uniform border.

For help identifying the exact model number before ordering line, guards, or other replacement items, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).

Last updated: February 2026

For most homeowners, the best grass trimmer is the one that matches your yard size and how long you trim at a time. For a small-to-medium yard, an electric trimmer like the Craftsman 24086820 is typically the easiest to handle; for large or heavy weeds, a higher-power option is usually the better fit.

Quick guide: which trimmer type to choose

• Corded electric: Best for small-to-medium yards near an outlet; consistent power and lighter weight.
• Cordless (battery): Best for small-to-medium yards where you want freedom to move; runtime depends on battery size.
• Gas: Best for large properties and thick weeds; longer runtime and more power, but heavier and more maintenance.
• Straight shaft vs. curved shaft: Straight shafts usually reach under shrubs better; curved shafts often feel lighter and are easier for quick edging.

Compare the main options

Trimmer type	Best for	Typical trade-offs
Corded electric	Regular trimming around sidewalks, fences, and beds	Extension cord management, outlet distance
Cordless (battery)	Quick trimming without a cord	Battery runtime, battery replacement cost
Gas	Long sessions, dense weeds, larger lots	Fuel mixing (2-cycle), noise, tune-ups

What to look for when buying (or upgrading)

• Cutting width: Wider cuts finish faster; narrower cuts give more control in tight spots.
• Line feed style: Bump-feed is common; auto-feed is convenient but can use more line.
• Power and torque: More power helps prevent bogging down in thick grass.
• Weight and balance: A lighter trimmer reduces fatigue; a shoulder strap helps for longer sessions.
• Line size compatibility: Using the correct line diameter helps prevent jams and poor cutting.

Why it matters

Choosing the right trimmer type reduces fatigue, improves cut quality, and helps prevent common issues like line tangles, overheating, and frequent stops to reload line.

For help finding the correct replacement parts or diagrams for your Craftsman 24086820 electric line trimmer/weedwacker, use the model parts list or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. “Grass trimmer” and “strimmer” refer to the same type of tool; “strimmer” is simply a common regional nickname. Your Craftsman 24086820 electric line trimmer uses a spinning nylon line to cut grass and tidy lawn edges, which is different from a hedge trimmer.

What each tool is used for

• Grass trimmer (strimmer): trimming grass, edging along fences, sidewalks, and around trees
• Hedge trimmer: cutting hedge growth and small woody stems with a reciprocating blade
• Brush cutter (different tool): heavier-duty cutting with a blade or heavy line for thick weeds

Quick comparison

Tool name	Cutting method	Best for	Typical material
Grass trimmer (strimmer)	Nylon line	Lawn edges and light weeds	Grass, thin weeds
Hedge trimmer	Reciprocating blade	Shaping hedges	Shrubs, hedge branches
Brush cutter	Blade or heavy line	Overgrown areas	Thick weeds, brush

Why it matters

Using the right tool helps you get cleaner results and prevents damage. For example, a line trimmer is designed for flexible line impacts; forcing it into woody hedge branches can overwork the motor and wear the cutting head faster.

Parts and maintenance tip for this model

When you are shopping for replacement items (like a spool, cutting head components, or guards) for the Craftsman 24086820, match parts by the full model number to avoid fit issues. A fast way to confirm you are using the correct identifier is our guide: how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. A string trimmer (weedwacker) like the Craftsman 24086820 electric line trimmer can cut most common yard weeds and tall grass, especially when you use the correct line diameter, keep the spool feeding properly, and trim in controlled passes.

What it cuts best (and what it struggles with)

A string trimmer is designed for flexible cutting line, so it excels at light to medium vegetation.

• Cuts well: grass, dandelions, clover, small broadleaf weeds, weeds along fences and edging
• Cuts with slower technique: thicker stems, dense patches, wet or matted weeds
• Not ideal for: woody brush, thick vines, saplings (these usually need a brush cutter blade or other tool)

How to get cleaner weed-cutting results

Use these setup and technique tips for better performance and less line breakage.

• Use fresh trimmer line; old line gets brittle and snaps
• Keep the guard installed and the line length controlled (too long reduces power)
• Trim in short sweeps; let the line do the work instead of forcing the head into the weeds
• For thick weeds, work from the top down in layers
• If the head stops often, check for wrapped weeds around the shaft or head and clear them

Quick technique guide

Situation	Best approach	Why it helps
Tall weeds	Top-down passes	Prevents bogging and stalling
Dense patch	Slow, shallow sweeps	Reduces line snapping
Along edging	Hold head level, steady pace	Cleaner cut and less scalping
Wet weeds	Let them dry if possible	Wet growth drags and clumps

Why it matters

Using the right technique protects the motor and trimmer head, reduces nuisance line breaks, and gives a cleaner finish around sidewalks, landscaping, and fence lines.

For more DIY help with basic electrical troubleshooting tools (useful if the trimmer won’t start or keeps cutting out), see how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman electric line trimmer/weedwacker model 24086820, repairing is usually cheaper when the fix is simple (cord, switch, spool head, or minor wiring). Replace the trimmer when the repair total (parts plus labor) is more than about 50% of the cost of a comparable new trimmer.

Quick decision checklist

• Repair if the trimmer still has good power and the issue is isolated (won’t start, intermittent power, line won’t feed).
• Replace if the motor is failing (burning smell, heavy sparking, loss of torque) or the housing is damaged.
• Repair if you can do the work yourself with basic tools and safe electrical testing.
• Replace if multiple components are failing at once (switch plus wiring plus motor).
• Replace if the trimmer is near the end of its typical lifespan.

Typical repair vs. replace costs (what to compare)

Use this table to make a fast call before you order parts.

Scenario	What you pay for	Usually makes sense
Simple electrical issue	Cord, plug, switch, wire repair	Repair
Line feed problem	Spool, bump head, spring, cap	Repair
Motor problem	Motor assembly, brushes (if applicable), major teardown	Replace
Shop repair needed	Diagnostic fee plus labor plus parts	Replace if total exceeds ~50%

Why the 50% rule matters

Once a repair crosses about half the price of a replacement, you are paying a lot for an older tool that may still have wear in the motor, bearings, and wiring. Replacing at that point typically improves reliability and reduces repeat downtime.

If you want to troubleshoot before deciding

1. Unplug the trimmer and inspect the power cord for cuts, kinks, or a loose strain relief.
2. Check for a jammed head or wrapped line that is stalling the motor.
3. If you have a multimeter, test continuity through the cord and switch.

Helpful DIY references:

• How to tell if a fuse is blown
• How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video
• How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Last updated: February 2026