Owner’s manual
How often should you change your edger blade?
Replace the blade on your Craftsman 172796570 lawn edger when it reaches the wear indicator holes, gets badly nicked or chipped, or starts leaving a ragged edge even at the recommended cutting depth. For most homeowners, that typically means once per season; heavy use can require more frequent replacement.
The model-specific sign to watch (wear indicator holes)
Your Craftsman 172796570 blade has two wear indicator holes. When normal wear reaches those small holes, the blade is at its service limit and needs replacement. See the blade mounting order and wear indicators in the owner's manual.
Common replacement intervals (what most people experience)
Actual blade life depends on soil, edging depth, and how often you hit concrete or rocks.
- Light use (touch-ups, clean beds/sidewalks): about 1 season
- Average weekly edging: 1 to 2 times per season
- Heavy use (overgrown edges, lots of hardscape contact): multiple times per season
- Any time you see cracks, missing chunks, or severe bends: replace immediately
How to make the blade last longer
The manual recommends using a shallower cutting depth to increase blade life, then increasing depth as the blade wears.
- Start at the minimum cutting depth and increase only as needed
- Avoid forcing the edger; let the blade do the work
- Keep the blade guard clear so debris does not drag and overload the blade
- Do not edge into gravel beds or areas with hidden rocks
- Inspect the blade before each use for chips and uneven wear
Quick guide: replace vs. adjust
| What you notice | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Blade worn to indicator holes | Replace blade | Blade is at its wear limit |
| Tool slows down in thick grass | Reduce depth, take lighter passes | Prevents overload and excess wear |
| Ragged edge but blade not at indicators | Clean guard, reduce depth, re-check wear | Drag and depth often cause poor cut |
| Nicks/chips from impacts | Replace blade | Impacts create unsafe imbalance |
Why it matters
A worn blade makes the edger work harder, increases vibration, and produces a rough edge. Replacing at the wear indicators helps keep edging clean and reduces strain on the motor and blade hardware.
Last updated: February 2026
What size blade is a Craftsman 172796570 edger?
The Craftsman 172796570 is a 12-amp electric lawn edger that uses a round edger blade mounted on the output shaft with two spacers and a hex head nut with a conical washer. For the exact blade diameter for your unit, match the replacement blade by the Sears item numbers listed in the 172796570 owner's manual.
Blade identification for model 172796570 (from the manual)
Use these model-specific details to ensure the blade you buy fits and runs true:
- Blade mounts with two spacers (top spacer and bottom spacer)
- Secured by a hex head nut with conical washer
- Blade has two wear indicator holes; replace when worn to the small holes
- Manual warns against using non-recommended accessories or attachments
- Keeping initial cutting depth low helps extend blade life
Replacement blade references you can use to order the correct size
The manual lists the replacement blade as Sears item numbers #11000 and #86880. Ordering by those item numbers ensures you get the correct blade size and mounting style for Craftsman model 172796570.
| What you have | What to use when ordering | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman edger model number | 172796570 | Ensures parts match your exact edger version |
| Replacement blade listing | Sears item #11000 or #86880 | Locks in the correct blade size and center mounting |
| Worn blade | Wear indicator holes as the replace point | Prevents poor cutting and excess vibration |
Why it matters
Using the correct blade size and mounting hardware keeps the blade centered in the guard, reduces vibration, and prevents overloading the motor or damaging the output shaft.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace the blade on an edger?
To replace the blade on your Craftsman 172796570 edger, unplug it, wait for the blade to stop completely, then use two wrenches to hold the spacer and loosen the hex head nut with conical washer. Swap the blade and reinstall the spacers and hardware in the same order shown in the owner's manual.
Safety steps we follow first
- Turn the edger off and disconnect it from the power outlet.
- Wait for the blade to come to a complete stop (it coasts briefly).
- Wear work gloves; the blade is sharp.
- Keep the extension cord away from the blade guard area.
- Set the edger on a stable, flat surface.
Blade removal (Craftsman 172796570)
- Use a crescent wrench to hold the outer spacer so the blade cannot turn.
- With a second wrench, loosen the hex head nut with conical washer.
- Remove the nut with conical washer, the spacer(s), and the old blade.
- Clean debris from the blade area and all mounting hardware.
Installing the new blade correctly
Reinstall the blade, spacers, and nut exactly as illustrated for model 172796570.
| Checkpoint | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spacer alignment | Make sure the spacer “flats” engage the shaft “flats” | Prevents wobble and slipping |
| Blade seating | Blade sits flat against the spacer | Reduces vibration and uneven wear |
| Hardware order | Match the manual’s diagram | Keeps the blade secured properly |
When to replace the blade
- Replace the blade when it is worn down to the wear indicator holes.
- Replace it if it is bent, cracked, or has damage that affects rotation.
- If the blade has a small nick, you can file it smooth if it does not interfere with movement.
Why it matters
Correct spacer engagement and hardware order keep the blade running true. That improves edging quality and helps protect the shaft, spacers, and blade guard from damage.
Last updated: February 2026
