How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman gas line trimmer model 358796600, we remove the old line and line glide plate, clean the cutting head, reinstall the glide plate in the correct position, then feed new Craftsman replacement line through the proper holes shown on the glide plate. See the 358796600 owner's manual for the exact hole and arrow alignment for your line size.
Safety first
Before we service the trimmer head, we prevent accidental starting and reduce injury risk.
- Shut the engine off and let the muffler and head cool
- Disconnect the spark plug boot before maintenance
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Keep the shield installed and secure
- Never use wire, rope, or string; use only trimmer line
Step-by-step: replace the trimmer line
These steps match the manual’s “Line replacement” procedure for this Craftsman trimmer.
- Remove the old line from the cutting head.
- Remove the line glide plate.
- Clean the entire surface of the cutting head (dirt and melted line cause tangles).
- Reinstall the line glide plate.
- Identify the correct feed holes and arrow alignment on the glide plate for your line diameter.
- Feed equal lengths of new line through the correct holes so there is no overlapping inside the head.
- Pull both ends to seat the line evenly.
Line choice (what the manual recommends)
| Line color | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Grass and small weeds | General trimming |
| Black | Larger weeds and light brush | Heavier cutting load |
Common mistakes that cause tangling or poor feed
- Winding or feeding line so it overlaps inside the head
- Using the wrong holes for the line diameter (misaligned glide plate)
- Leaving debris in the head after the old line is removed
- Running line too long or too short (affects cutting and vibration)
Why it matters
Correct line routing and glide plate alignment keep the bump head feeding smoothly, reduce line jams, and help the engine maintain speed under load. If the head is clean and the line is installed without overlap, the trimmer cuts more consistently.
If you also notice fuel seepage or cracking while you are servicing the trimmer, replacing the fuel line is a common maintenance fix; the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216 is a listed replacement part for this model.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 358796600 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to unflood a string trimmer?
If your Craftsman 358796600 gas line trimmer is flooded, clear it by stopping fuel flow, opening the throttle, and pulling the starter until the engine fires; then let it idle briefly. Follow the starting and safety steps in the owner's manual before restarting.
Quick steps to unflood it
- Move the ON/OFF switch to OFF and wait 30 to 60 seconds.
- Set the trimmer on stable ground; keep the trimmer head below waist level and away from your body.
- Hold the throttle trigger fully open (this lets more air in).
- Pull the starter rope in steady pulls until you hear the engine try to start.
- Turn the ON/OFF switch to ON and keep pulling until it starts.
- Once it starts, release the throttle and let it return to idle when you are not cutting.
If it still will not start
A flooded 2-cycle trimmer usually has too much fuel in the cylinder or a wet spark plug. These checks fix the most common causes.
- Remove and dry the spark plug; reinstall and try the unflood steps again.
- Check the air intake path; a heavily fuel-soaked filter can make starting harder.
- Inspect for fuel leaks and damaged or loose parts before use.
- If you smell fuel or see cracked tubing, replace the fuel line with the correct size, such as ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216.
- If the engine starts but runs rough afterward, the carburetor may need service; use how to rebuild a line trimmer carburetor or replace the carburetor with line trimmer carburetor 530071811.
What to do differently next time (to prevent flooding)
| Situation | What to change | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated pulls with choke on | Use choke only for initial cold start, then reduce choke as soon as it pops | Prevents over-fueling |
| Pumping primer too many times | Use only the number of primer pushes listed in the manual | Avoids flooding |
| Storing fuel too long | Use fresh, properly mixed fuel | Easier starting |
Why it matters
Flooding washes excess fuel into the cylinder and wets the spark plug, so the engine cannot ignite the mixture. Clearing the extra fuel restores the correct air-to-fuel balance and reduces wear from repeated hard starting.
You can order model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for your Craftsman 358796600, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What size is the fuel line on a Craftsman trimmer?
On the Craftsman 358796600 gas line trimmer, fuel line size depends on which section of the fuel system you are replacing (tank pickup/return vs. carburetor feed). For the correct routing and the exact line used on your unit, we recommend matching the line to the parts breakdown in the owner's manual.
How to choose the correct fuel line size
Use these checks to make sure the replacement line seals correctly and does not leak:
- Match the inside diameter (ID) to the fitting so it grips tightly without clamps.
- Match the outside diameter (OD) so it passes through the tank grommet and guides without kinking.
- Replace any hardened or swollen line; old line often will not reseal.
- Cut the ends square; angled cuts can cause air leaks.
- Replace the line if you see wetness, cracking, or a fuel smell during storage.
Model-specific parts that fit this trimmer
For this model, we stock a large fuel line option that is commonly used in the fuel system on small 2-cycle equipment.
Quick comparison
| What you need | Best match on this model page | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a deteriorated fuel hose | Fuel line (large) | Fuel leaks, air leaks, hard starting |
| Restore fuel delivery after storage | Fuel line plus fresh 40:1 fuel mix | Surging, stalling, won’t start |
Why it matters
A fuel line that is even slightly loose or cracked can pull air instead of fuel. On a 2-cycle trimmer like the Craftsman 358796600 (40:1 fuel mix), that shows up as hard starting, rough running, or fuel leaking during storage.
Helpful DIY guidance
If you are replacing the line because of leaking or hard starting, follow a step-by-step routing guide so the supply and return lines do not get swapped: how to replace a line trimmer fuel line.
You can order replacement parts for your Craftsman 358796600 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why does my Craftsman trimmer die when I give gas?
When your Craftsman gas line trimmer model 358796600 dies as you squeeze the throttle, the most common causes are a restricted air or fuel supply (dirty air filter, stale fuel, clogged fuel line) or an idle speed set too low. Start with fuel mix and basic tune-up checks in the owner's manual.
Quick checks that fix most “dies when I give it gas” problems
- Confirm fresh fuel and correct mix: This model uses unleaded gasoline mixed with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled oil at 40:1 (3.2 oz oil per 1 gallon gas). Old fuel or the wrong mix can bog and stall.
- Inspect the air filter: A clogged air filter makes the engine run overly rich and can stall when you accelerate.
- Check for fuel restriction: Look for cracked, soft, or plugged fuel lines and replace as needed.
- Warm the engine briefly: A cold engine can stumble if you hit full throttle immediately.
- Look for loose wiring at the stop switch: A chafed wire can intermittently ground ignition and kill the engine.
Adjust the idle speed (common on “stalls when throttling”)
If the engine idles weakly and dies when you pull the trigger, set idle speed so it runs steadily with the cutting head not spinning.
- Turn the idle speed screw clockwise to increase idle if it stalls.
- Turn it counterclockwise if the trimmer head spins at idle.
Idle speed adjustment goals
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dies when trigger is pulled | Idle too low or fuel delivery weak | Increase idle slightly; then check fuel system |
| Head spins at idle | Idle too high | Lower idle until head stops |
Parts that commonly solve the issue
If you find fuel line damage or restriction, replacing the line is a reliable fix. For this model, we often see improvement after installing the ayp lawn & garden equipment fuel line, large 530069216.
Why it matters
Stalling on acceleration is usually a mixture problem (too much fuel, not enough air) or a fuel delivery problem (not enough fuel under load). Fixing it prevents hard starting, plug fouling, and poor cutting performance.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 358796600, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





