Craftsman 316791200 trimmer Parts

To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman 316791200 gas line trimmer, remove the trimmer head cover, pull out any old line, then load new line evenly so it feeds smoothly and does not overlap inside the spool. Use the owner's manual for the exact head style and line routing.

Quick steps to reload the trimmer line

• Shut the engine off and let the muffler and head cool completely.
• Clean grass and debris from the trimmer head so the spool can seat correctly.
• Remove the bump knob or head cover (style varies by head).
• Remove old line pieces and untangle any jammed line.
• Cut two equal lengths of new line (most bump heads use two lines).
• Feed each line into its eyelet and wind the spool in the direction shown on the spool arrows.
• Keep the wraps tight and side-by-side (no crossing or overlapping).

How to avoid tangles and feed problems

Overlapping wraps are the most common reason line binds up and will not advance. These habits prevent that:

• Wind with steady tension so the line lays flat
• Stop winding when you reach the fill mark (overfilling causes jams)
• Leave equal line tails on both sides before reinstalling the cover
• Replace line that is brittle, flattened, or fused together

What to check if the line will not advance

Symptom	Most likely cause	What to do
Line will not bump-feed	Line crossed/overlapped on spool	Rewind neatly, side-by-side
Line feeds but breaks fast	Line too small or old/brittle	Use the correct diameter and fresh line
Head is hard to turn	Debris packed under cover	Clean head and spool area

Why it matters

Correctly wound line reduces vibration, improves cutting performance, and prevents premature wear on the trimmer head and drive components.

Last updated: February 2026

A whipper snipper, snipper, weed eater, and line trimmer are essentially the same tool; the different names are regional. Your Craftsman 316791200 is a gas line trimmer that cuts grass and light weeds using a spinning nylon line, mainly for edging and trimming around obstacles.

Quick definitions (what people usually mean)

• Line trimmer: Generic name for a string trimmer that uses nylon line
• Weed eater: Common nickname for a line trimmer (often used in the U.S.)
• Whipper snipper: Common nickname for a line trimmer (often used in Australia and New Zealand)
• Snipper: Shortened slang for whipper snipper

How a line trimmer differs from other cutters

People sometimes use “whipper snipper” to mean any handheld trimmer, but the real difference is usually the cutting system:

Tool type	Cutting method	Best for	Typical limitation
Line trimmer (string trimmer)	Nylon line	Grass, edging, light weeds	Not ideal for thick brush
Brush cutter	Metal blade	Heavy weeds, brush, saplings	More kickback risk, heavier
Edger	Blade or dedicated edging head	Crisp sidewalk edges	Not for general trimming

Why the name matters when buying parts

The name on the box is less important than matching parts to the exact model. For Craftsman 316791200, use the parts list and diagrams to match what you see on the trimmer.

Common part categories you may shop by include:

• Fuel system parts (tank, carburetor, gaskets)
• Drive system parts (flexible drive shaft, coupler, gearbox)
• Exhaust parts (muffler)
• Controls and wiring (throttle housing, wire harness)

Where to confirm what your trimmer uses

For the correct terminology, maintenance steps, and any model-specific notes (like line size, head style, and service procedures), check the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractors do not use one universal fuel-line size; the correct inside diameter is set by the engine’s fuel-tank outlet, fuel filter, and carburetor inlet fittings. For the most accurate match, measure the old line’s inside diameter and confirm routing in the 316791200 owner's manual.

How we size a Craftsman lawn tractor fuel line

• Identify whether the tractor engine is 4-cycle (most lawn tractors) and whether it uses an inline fuel filter.
• Measure the old hose inside diameter (ID) with calipers or a drill-bit gauge.
• Match the ID to the fitting barb so the hose fits snugly without splitting.
• Replace the line if it is stiff, cracked, swollen, or loose on the barb.
• Replace the fuel filter at the same time if your tractor has one.

Typical fuel line sizes you will see

These are the most common IDs used on many Craftsman riding mowers and similar small-engine fuel systems.

Equipment type	Typical fuel line ID	Common connection style
Many lawn tractors (4-cycle)	1/4 in	Inline filter, clamps on barbed fittings
Some smaller engines / short runs	3/16 in	Tight push-on fit, sometimes no clamp

Important note about this model page

This page is for a Craftsman 316791200 gas line trimmer, not a lawn tractor. The trimmer parts list (for example, engine fuel tank 753-06250 and line trimmer carburetor 753-06288) will not determine a lawn tractor fuel line size.

Why it matters

A fuel line that is too large pulls air and causes surging or stalling; a line that is too small restricts fuel flow and can cause hard starting. Correct ID and routing keep fuel delivery steady.

Last updated: February 2026

To remove the trimmer head on your Craftsman 316791200 gas line trimmer, shut the engine off, disconnect the spark plug boot, lock the shaft at the gearbox, then unthread the head. Use the removal direction shown for your model in the 316791200 owner's manual.

Steps to remove the trimmer head

• Turn the engine off and let it cool completely.
• Pull the spark plug boot off so the trimmer cannot start.
• Clean debris from the head and gearbox area so the lock point is visible.
• Rotate the head until the locking hole/notch in the head aligns with the locking hole/notch in the gearbox/base plate.
• Insert the locking tool (or a snug Allen key) to hold the shaft.
• With the shaft locked, unthread the head.

Which way do I turn it?

Many trimmer heads loosen counterclockwise, but some use reverse threads and loosen clockwise. For Craftsman model 316791200, follow the direction shown in the 316791200 owner's manual to avoid stripping threads.

Thread style	Typical loosening direction
Standard thread	Counterclockwise
Reverse thread	Clockwise

If the head is stuck

• Recheck that the shaft lock is fully engaged; partial engagement lets the shaft spin.
• Use gloves for grip and apply short, firm turns.
• Apply penetrating oil at the threaded joint, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then try again.
• If the head is cracked or the threads are damaged, replace the trimmer head using the parts list for model 316791200.

Why it matters

Locking the shaft and turning the correct direction protects the gearbox and threads, keeping the head secure and reducing vibration during trimming.

Last updated: February 2026