What trimmer line does Craftsman use?
For the Craftsman line trimmer model 17274544, we use 0.065-inch round nylon monofilament trimmer line. This model is designed for a single 0.065-inch cutting line and works best with the factory pre-wound spool specified in the owner's manual.
Correct line and spool for model 17274544
Use the exact size and type below to keep the bump-feed head working correctly and to avoid jams.
- Line diameter: 0.065 inch
- Line shape/type: round, nylon monofilament, single-wound
- Pre-wound spool option: Craftsman 71-85967 (factory wound)
- Bulk line option: Craftsman 71-85822 (0.065 line)
- Avoid: fishing line, wire, or oversized line (these can bind the spool and overload the motor)
Quick reference table
| Item | What to use on 17274544 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting line size | 0.065-inch round | Feeds smoothly through the eyelets and spool |
| Line material | Nylon monofilament | Cuts cleanly without damaging the head |
| Easiest replacement | Pre-wound spool 71-85967 | Reduces tangles and feed problems |
| Where to shop | Model parts list, then Sears PartsDirect | Helps match parts to your exact model |
Why it matters
Using the specified 0.065-inch round line keeps the bump-feed system feeding consistently and helps prevent line welding, tangling, and premature wear on the spool housing and eyelets.
Helpful DIY content
If you are dealing with frequent line breakage, poor feeding, or tangles, our guide on solving common problems with line trimmer cutting lines walks through the most common causes and fixes.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Craftsman Weedeater not starting?
If your Craftsman electric line trimmer model 17274544 will not start, the most common causes are a power supply issue (outlet, cord, or GFCI), blocked motor housing air vents, or a jammed trimmer head/spool. Start with basic power checks, then inspect for obstructions and binding. See the owner's manual for model-specific operating and safety steps.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Confirm the outlet works by plugging in another tool or lamp.
- Reset the GFCI outlet or breaker if it tripped.
- Inspect the extension cord for cuts, crushed spots, or a loose plug.
- Unplug the trimmer and clear grass, string, or debris from the trimmer head.
- Make sure the motor housing air vents are clear; blocked vents can cause overheating and shutdown.
- If the head is hard to turn by hand (unplugged), look for a spool bind or debris wrapped around the shaft area.
What to inspect on model 17274544
The manual calls out two items that commonly affect operation:
- Air vents on the trimmer head (motor housing): keep them free of obstructions during use.
- Cutting line and spool setup: this model uses 0.065-inch round line and supports a pre-wound spool (Craftsman 71-85967) and replacement line (Craftsman 71-85822). Using the correct line size helps prevent binding and poor feed.
Symptom-to-cause guide
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No sound at all | No power, tripped GFCI/breaker, bad cord | Verify outlet, reset protection, try a known-good cord |
| Hums but head will not spin | Spool/head jam, debris obstruction | Unplug, clear debris, re-seat spool/line |
| Starts then stops quickly | Vents blocked, overheating protection | Clear vents, let it cool, avoid heavy continuous load |
| Runs but line will not feed | Incorrect line size, spool wound wrong | Re-spool with 0.065-inch line, confirm bump-feed use |
Why it matters
A no-start condition on an electric trimmer is often a simple power or airflow problem. Clearing vents and preventing spool binding protects the motor and helps the bump-feed head work correctly.
For step-by-step maintenance and operating details, use the owner's manual. For parts and supplies for your Craftsman 17274544, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to extend Craftsman trimmer line?
On the Craftsman 17274544 electric line trimmer, the cutting line extends using the bump-feed head while the head is spinning. If it does not feed, unplug the trimmer, let the head stop, then pull the line out by hand and check the spool for tangles as shown in the owner's manual.
Extend the line (bump-feed)
- Plug the trimmer into an extension cord and start it so the head is spinning.
- Gently bump the spool housing on a firm surface (hard ground or sidewalk).
- If no line releases, bump the head more sharply.
- If it still does not feed, bump on a firmer surface.
- Expect faster wear and more frequent feeding when edging along sidewalks or cutting heavier weeds.
If the line still will not advance
- Unplug the trimmer pigtail power cord from the extension cord.
- Wait until the trimmer head stops rotating.
- Gently pull the cutting lines to extend them evenly.
- Plug back in and resume trimming.
If the line still will not feed, the spool is empty or the line is tangled or jammed on the spool. Unplug the trimmer, remove the spool, untangle the line, or replace the spool.
Quick checks
- Line diameter: This trimmer uses 0.065-inch round line.
- Line ends: Keep both ends extended to similar length.
- Spool condition: Look for fused line, kinks, or a bind inside the spool.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No line advances when bumped | Line jam or empty spool | Unplug, inspect spool, untangle or replace |
| Line advances unevenly | One side stuck in spool | Unplug, pull both ends evenly, re-seat line |
| Line breaks often | Abrasive edging or heavy weeds | Feed more often, avoid scraping hard surfaces |
Why it matters
Proper line feeding keeps the cutting path consistent and reduces drag on the motor, which helps prevent overheating and repeated line breakage.
For broader DIY troubleshooting topics, see our line trimmer repair guides landing page. For parts and supplies by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026


