What size string does a Craftsman 358798210 use?
Your Craftsman 358798210 gas line trimmer uses .080 inch (2 mm) diameter trimmer line. Using a different diameter can prevent the bump-feed head from advancing line correctly and can also create a safety hazard; follow the specs in the owner's manual.
Use these specs when buying or winding new line:
- Line diameter: .080 in. (2 mm)
- Cutting path: 17 in.
- DIY re-spool length: two pieces, 12.5 ft (3.8 m) each
- Feed type: bump-feed (tap the head on grass to advance line)
| Item | Spec for model 358798210 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | .080 in. (2 mm) | Required for proper line advance |
| Line pieces to wind | 2 | Wind evenly and tightly |
| Length per piece | 12.5 ft | Leaves 3 to 5 in. unwound before installing |
Before servicing the trimmer head, we use these steps to keep the job safe and prevent damage:
- Move the stop switch to STOP/OFF and wait for the unit to fully stop
- Disconnect the spark plug lead wire
- Pull the spool off by firmly pulling the tap button
- Clean the hub and spool surfaces
- Wind two 12.5 ft lengths of .080 in line in the direction of the arrows on the spool
- Feed the ends through the exit holes and reinstall the spool
The bump-feed head on this Craftsman trimmer is designed around .080 in line. Thicker line can bind and stop advancing; thinner line can wear too fast and may not feed consistently, which reduces cutting performance.
Last updated: February 2026
What type of oil and gas for Craftsman 358798210?
For the Craftsman 358798210 gas line trimmer, we use unleaded gasoline mixed with a good-quality 2-cycle, air-cooled engine oil at a 40:1 ratio (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon of gas). Follow the exact fueling and safety steps in the owner's manual.
Use this mix every time you fuel the trimmer:
- Gas type: Unleaded gasoline
- Oil type: 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (Craftsman-branded oil is recommended in the manual)
- Mix ratio: 40:1
- Mix amount: 3.2 oz oil to 1 gallon gas
- What not to use: Automotive oil or boat (marine) oil (these can damage the engine)
| Gas amount | Oil amount (40:1) |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz |
Mixing correctly helps prevent hard starting, poor acceleration, and piston or cylinder damage.
- Add the measured 2-cycle oil to an approved fuel container first
- Add unleaded gasoline
- Cap the container and shake briefly to fully blend
- Fill the tank outdoors with the engine off and cool
- Move the choke to Full for cold starts, then to Off after it starts (per the manual)
Alcohol-blended fuels can create storage issues over time. For best results:
- Mix only what you will use in about 30 days
- Use a fuel stabilizer for stored fuel
- If storing the trimmer, run the engine after adding stabilizer (the manual notes at least 5 minutes)
This 2-cycle Craftsman engine relies on the oil mixed into the gasoline for lubrication. A lean mix (too little oil) increases wear and overheating; a rich mix (too much oil) can foul the spark plug and cause smoky running.
If you are also replacing cracked or leaking fuel tubing while servicing the fuel system, the parts list for this model includes the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 and poulan lawn & garden equipment fuel line, small 530069247. You can order parts from the list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman 358798210 gas line trimmer, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the spool, and rewind two equal lengths of .080-inch line evenly in the direction shown on the spool. Then rethread the line through the hub and reinstall the spool (details in the owner's manual).
- Push and hold the stop/off switch until the engine fully stops
- Disconnect the spark plug lead wire so the trimmer cannot start accidentally
- Work on a clean bench so dirt does not get into the trimmer head
- Use only .080 in (2 mm) diameter trimmer line (never wire, rope, or string)
- Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button.
- Clean the hub and spool so the line feeds smoothly.
- Cut line lengths: cut two 12.5 ft (3.8 m) pieces of .080-inch line.
- Anchor the line ends: insert each line end about 1/2 inch (1 cm) into the small holes inside the spool.
- Wind evenly and tightly in the direction of the arrows on the spool.
- Set the line in the notches, leaving about 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12 cm) unwound.
- Thread the line through the hub exit holes and reinstall the spool.
| Item | What to use on Craftsman 358798210 |
|---|---|
| Line diameter | .080 in (2 mm) |
| Line length to cut | Two pieces, 12.5 ft (3.8 m) each |
| Typical feed per tap | About 2 in (5 cm) |
- Start the engine and run at full throttle to advance line
- Tap the trimmer head lightly on grass (not concrete or asphalt)
- If line is worn down to about 2 inches, more than one tap may be needed
Correct line diameter and even winding prevent tangles and poor feeding; they also reduce the chance of the line “welding” to the spool from heat and friction, which can make bump feeding stop working.
If you also need fuel system tune-up parts while you are servicing the trimmer, we stock common items like the fuel filter 530095646 and fuel lines; you can order parts from the list for your model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best trimmer line on the market?
For the Craftsman 358798210 gas line trimmer, the “best” trimmer line is the one that matches the factory spec: use .080 in (2 mm) diameter nylon line. That size feeds and advances correctly in this trimmer head and helps you cut efficiently without premature wear.
Use round or slightly twisted .080 in nylon line for everyday trimming. If you want longer life, choose a premium .080 in line (often labeled “high wear” or “commercial grade”), but keep the diameter at .080 in.
- Use .080 in (2 mm) line only (this model is designed around that size)
- Avoid “upsizing” to thicker line; it can jam and stop advancing
- Replace line before it wears down too short; very short line needs multiple taps to advance
- Tap-to-advance on grass, not concrete or asphalt, to reduce head wear
- Let the tip of the line do the cutting; do not force the head into heavy material
| What you’re doing | Best .080 in line shape | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Light grass and edging | Round | Smooth feeding and reliable advance |
| Mixed weeds and thicker grass | Twisted | Often quieter with good cutting efficiency |
| Around fences, rocks, posts | Round (premium) | Better durability while still feeding well |
This trimmer advances line by tapping the head while running at full throttle; the head and line limiter are designed for a specific diameter and maximum length. Using the correct diameter helps the line advance properly and reduces the chance of binding, poor cutting, and excessive head wear. For the exact operating steps and safety guidance, follow the owner's manual.
If line feeding problems are caused by fuel delivery or hard starting (not the head itself), these model-matched parts are commonly replaced during tune-ups:
- Fuel filter 530095646 (restricted filter can cause bogging and poor throttle response)
- Fuel line, small 530069247 (cracked line can pull air and lean out the engine)
- Fuel line, large 530069216 (helps restore proper fuel flow on older trimmers)
For ordering model-correct parts, use the parts list for Craftsman 358798210 or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





