Owner’s manual
Which is better, .080 or .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman 13898982 electric line trimmer, neither .080 nor .095 line is “better” because this model is designed for .065-inch round monofilament line; using thicker line can overload the auto-feed head and reduce performance. For the correct line type and loading steps, use the owner's manual.
What .080 vs .095 means (general guidance)
If you are comparing line sizes for a different trimmer:
- .080 in.: better for light trimming and edging; easier on smaller motors
- .095 in.: better for thicker weeds; more durable but needs more power to spin
- Thicker line typically means more cutting force but also more drag
- Line shape (round vs twisted vs serrated) also changes cut quality and noise
- Always match the line size to the trimmer head and motor rating
What to use in model 13898982
Your Craftsman 13898982 manual specifies:
- Line diameter: .065 in. (round monofilament)
- Feed type: auto-feed (not bump feed)
- Pre-wound spool option: Craftsman 71-99006 (as listed in the manual)
Quick comparison
| Line size | Best use case | Fit for Craftsman 13898982? |
|---|---|---|
| .065 in. | Normal grass, routine edging | Yes (specified) |
| .080 in. | Heavier residential trimming | No |
| .095 in. | Tough weeds, thicker growth | No |
Why it matters
Using the specified .065 line helps the auto-feed system advance correctly and keeps the motor from working harder than intended. It also helps prevent line jams and reduces the chance of damaging the cutting head.
Tips to get better cutting without thicker line
- Cut tall grass top-down to prevent wrapping
- Advance line when trimming efficiency drops; let the cut-off blade set the length
- Do not “bump” the head; this model is not bump-feed
- Keep the guard and cut-off blade area clear of packed debris
Last updated: February 2026
What is the fuel mixture for a Craftsman trimmer?
The Craftsman 13898982 is an electric line trimmer, so it does not use gasoline or a 2-cycle fuel mixture; it runs on household electricity through a power cord. For operating and safety details specific to this model, use the Craftsman 13898982 owner's manual.
Quick answer: electric vs. gas trimmers
A fuel mixture (like 40:1) applies to 2-cycle gas trimmers. Your model is a corded electric trimmer, so the correct “mixture” is simply the right power supply and extension cord setup.
| Trimmer type | Uses fuel mix? | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Corded electric (Craftsman 13898982) | No | Outlet power, proper extension cord |
| 2-cycle gas trimmer | Yes | Gasoline + 2-cycle oil at the specified ratio |
What to check if your trimmer will not start
If the motor does not run when you squeeze the trigger, we recommend these basics first:
- Confirm the power cord is fully plugged in and the connection is tight
- Check the household circuit breaker and reset if tripped
- Try a different extension cord (a faulty cord is common)
- Plug into a different wall receptacle on another circuit
- Unplug the trimmer before inspecting the cutting head for wrapped grass or debris
Why it matters
Using a gas/oil mix in a 2-cycle engine is critical because the oil lubricates the engine. With an electric trimmer like the Craftsman 13898982, the most common “no power” causes are electrical supply issues (outlet, breaker, extension cord), not fuel.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I use .095 trimmer line in a .080 trimmer?
No for the Craftsman 13898982 electric line trimmer; this model is designed for 0.065-inch monofilament line, so stepping up to .080 or .095 adds drag and can prevent the auto-feed head from working correctly and can overheat the motor. For the correct line and spool setup, follow the owner's manual.
What line size this model uses
Our Craftsman 13898982 manual specifies:
- A single 0.065-inch round cutting line is pre-installed
- Use only 0.065-inch diameter monofilament line for best performance
- A pre-wound spool option is listed as Craftsman 71-99006
Using thicker line than specified can make the cutting head bind, shorten runtime on the trigger, and reduce cutting performance.
What can happen if you install thicker line (.080 or .095)
Thicker line increases load on the motor and the feed system. Common results include:
- Line does not advance properly (auto-feed cannot pull it out)
- Motor bogs down in tall grass and weeds
- Overheating from restricted airflow and higher current draw
- Excess vibration and uneven cutting
- Premature wear on the spool, eyelets, or line head
Quick comparison
| Line diameter | Typical use | What to expect in model 13898982 |
|---|---|---|
| 0.065 in. | Light trimming, edging | Correct fit; best feed and performance |
| 0.080 in. | Medium weeds | Too heavy for this head; feed issues likely |
| 0.095 in. | Heavy weeds | Not recommended; high drag and overheating risk |
If you want tougher cutting without thicker line
Instead of upsizing line diameter, we recommend:
- Advance line so it stays at the correct length (let the cut-off blade trim it)
- Cut tall grass from the top down to prevent wrapping
- Keep air vents clean and clear to avoid overheating
- Use the correct extension cord gauge (16 AWG for 50 ft or less is recommended)
Why it matters
This trimmer uses an auto-feed head (not bump feed); thicker line can stop the feed from working and can damage the head if you try to force advancement. Keeping the specified 0.065-inch line helps the motor stay cooler and the cut-off blade maintain the right cutting length.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove string trimmer head craftsman?
To remove the string trimmer head on your Craftsman model 13898982, unplug the trimmer first, then open the spool retainer and lift the spool out of the line head. This gives you access to clear jams, replace the spool, or rewind new .065-in line using the steps in the owner's manual.
Safety first (before you touch the head)
- Unplug the string trimmer.
- Wait for the head to stop completely.
- Wear gloves if line ends are stiff or sharp.
- Do not grab exposed cutting line while carrying or lifting the trimmer.
How to remove the head cover and spool (most common “head removal”)
- Unplug the trimmer.
- Locate the spool retainer (cover) on the line head.
- Release the retainer tabs and lift the retainer off.
- Remove the spool from the line head.
- Clear wrapped grass or tangled line, then reinstall the spool and retainer.
If you are replacing line or the spool
Most Craftsman electric trimmers in this style use 0.065 in (1.65 mm) monofilament line. When rewinding, cut two lengths about 9 ft (2.7 m) each, wind in the direction shown on the spool, and leave about 6 in of line extended at the slots.
| Task | What you remove | What you reinstall |
|---|---|---|
| Clear jam/wrapped grass | Spool retainer and spool | Same spool and retainer |
| Replace spool | Spool retainer and old spool | New pre-wound spool |
| Rewind line | Spool retainer and spool | Same spool after rewinding |
Why it matters
Removing the spool retainer and spool the right way prevents broken tabs, cross-threading damage, and line-feed problems (like line sticking together from heat or tangling on the spool).
Last updated: February 2026
What string does a Craftsman 13898982 use?
Your Craftsman electric line trimmer model 13898982 uses a single 0.065-inch round cutting line. For the simplest replacement, use the pre-wound spool specified in the 13898982 owner's manual so the line feeds correctly and the guard trims it to length.
Correct cutting line and replacement options
- Line type: round trimmer line
- Line diameter: 0.065 inch
- Line setup: single line (one strand feeds out)
- Best replacement method: pre-wound spool made for this model
- Avoid: metal wire, rope, or any non-trimmer material
Quick spec check
| Spec | Craftsman 13898982 requirement | What to look for on the package |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.065 in. | “0.065” or “1.65 mm” |
| Shape | Round | “Round line” |
| Configuration | Single line spool | “Single line” or “single string” |
Tips to prevent feed problems
- Keep the spool cover seated and latched before running the trimmer.
- Use only 0.065-inch line; thicker line overloads the head and causes poor feeding.
- If the head is cracked, chipped, or damaged, replace the string head assembly before installing new line.
Why it matters
Using the specified 0.065-inch round line keeps the cutting head feeding smoothly, reduces motor strain, and helps the line-length limiter on the guard cut the line to a safe working length.
Last updated: February 2026
