How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the cutting line on your Craftsman gas line trimmer model 358791580, remove the old line and line glide plate, reinstall the line glide plate, then feed a new piece of trimmer line through the correct holes so both ends come out equal length. Use the hole guide shown in the 358791580 owner's manual.
- Shut the engine off and let it cool; disconnect the spark plug boot before maintenance.
- Remove the old line and remove the line glide plate from the cutting head.
- Clean the entire surface of the cutting head.
- Reinstall the line glide plate (it must be installed before inserting new line).
- Identify the correct line holes using the arrows/guide on the line glide plate.
- Insert both ends of one piece of line through the proper holes in the side of the cutting head.
- Pull both ends until the line seats against the hub and runs fully through the positioning tunnels.
| Check | What you should see | What it prevents |
|---|---|---|
| Line glide plate | Installed and aligned before threading line | Line binding and poor feed |
| Line routing | Line runs through the positioning tunnels | Tangling and uneven wear |
| Line length | Both ends the same length | Vibration and uneven cutting |
- Use only Craftsman replacement line (never wire, rope, or string).
- Red line is typically used for grass and small weeds.
- Black line is typically used for heavier weeds and light brush.
Correct line routing and equal line length help the trimmer head feed smoothly, cut evenly, and reduce tangles inside the cutting head.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the fuel mix for a Craftsman gas trimmer?
For the Craftsman gas line trimmer model 358791580, we use a 40:1 fuel mix (unleaded gasoline to 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil). That equals 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gas; this ratio helps protect the 2-stroke engine from damage.
Use this quick chart when mixing fuel for your Craftsman trimmer:
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Most common mix size |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Good for small batches |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Mix carefully for accuracy |
Mixing correctly matters as much as the ratio. Follow these steps from the 358791580 owner's manual:
- Use fresh, unleaded gasoline in an approved fuel container
- Add the measured 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil to the gasoline
- Seal the container and shake briefly to fully blend the mixture
- Fuel the trimmer outdoors and wipe up any spills
- Move at least 10 feet away from the fueling spot before starting
This model is designed for synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
- Use 2-cycle oil labeled for air-cooled engines
- Do not use automotive oil
- Do not use marine 2-cycle oil
- Do not guess the ratio; measure it
A 2-stroke Craftsman trimmer relies on oil mixed into the gasoline for lubrication. Too little oil can score the cylinder and piston; too much oil can foul the spark plug and cause heavy smoke and poor performance.
Last updated: January 2026
Can I use .095 trimmer line?
Yes, you can use 0.095-inch trimmer line on the Craftsman 358791580 as long as it feeds smoothly through the trimmer head and you keep the cutting line at the proper length. For best results and safety, follow the line and head guidance in the Craftsman 358791580 owner's manual.
Using thicker line can improve durability in heavy weeds, but it also increases load on the engine and trimmer head. Before committing to 0.095, we recommend these quick checks:
- Confirm the trimmer head is the specified type for this unit and is securely fastened.
- Make sure the line advances and cuts cleanly without binding.
- Keep the line at the proper length (overlong line increases drag and vibration).
- Run at less than full throttle when you do not need maximum cutting power (reduces wear and noise).
- Stop using the trimmer if the head parts are chipped, cracked, or damaged.
Line size affects cutting feel, fuel use, and head wear. Here is what most gas line trimmers experience:
| Line diameter | Best for | Typical tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| 0.080 in | Light grass, edging | Wears faster in thick weeds |
| 0.095 in | Thicker grass, weeds | More engine load; can reduce run time |
This trimmer is designed for line-trimmer use only, and the manual emphasizes using the correct replacement line and keeping it at the proper length. Using a line that is too heavy for the head can cause poor feeding, extra vibration, and faster trimmer head wear.
If performance drops after moving to 0.095 line, address the basics first:
- Trim the line to the correct length and verify the shield is installed properly.
- Inspect the head for damage and replace worn components.
- Check for fuel leaks before use.
- If the primer bulb is cracked or not working consistently, replace the ayp lawn & garden equipment engine carburetor primer bulb 530047721.
Last updated: January 2026





