Owner’s manual
View engine
How to replace a line trimmer head?
On the Craftsman 917773760 gas line trimmer, replacing the trimmer head starts by shutting the engine off, letting all moving parts stop, and disconnecting the spark plug wire. Then you remove the chassis cover and debris shield fasteners to access the head area; follow the 917773760 owner's manual for the exact fastener locations.
- Stop the engine and wait for the lines to fully stop
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the plug
- Work on a flat surface
- If you tip the trimmer, keep the carburetor and fuel cap up
- Wear gloves and eye protection
These steps get you into the trimmer head area for service:
- Remove the screw at the front of the chassis cover.
- Lift the chassis cover up and away.
- Remove the two screws on the sides securing the debris shield.
- Tip the trimmer on its side with the carburetor and fuel cap up.
- Remove the underside screws securing the debris shield, then continue disassembly to reach the head components.
If the “head problem” is really a line retention issue, the fix is often line setup, not the full head.
- Bulk line must be cut to 18-3/4 inches before use
- Use .155 diameter trimmer line
- Make sure both lines are the same length
- Inspect the carrier plate and retainer clip area for wear
- Avoid dragging the head on concrete or asphalt; it wears the bottom ball faster
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Head does not retain line | Line installed wrong or retainer clip worn | Reinstall line correctly; replace worn carrier plate/clip parts |
| Excessive vibration | Loose hardware or damaged head | Tighten fasteners; inspect head for damage |
| Loss of head drive | Belt off pulleys or broken | Check belt routing and condition |
A properly serviced trimmer head keeps line length even, reduces vibration, and prevents premature wear on the mow ball and carrier plate so the trimmer cuts cleanly through heavy weeds.
Last updated: January 2026
Which is better, .080 or .095 trimmer line?
For the Craftsman gas line trimmer model 917773760, neither .080 nor .095 is the better choice because this trimmer is specified for .155-inch diameter line cut to 18-3/4 inches; using the correct size helps prevent vibration and line-retention problems. See the 917773760 owner's manual.
- Use .155-inch diameter trimmer line.
- Cut each piece to 18-3/4 inches.
- Replace line when it wears to half its original length.
- Keep all installed lines within 1 inch of each other in length to keep the head balanced.
- Avoid using wire, rope, or string; those materials can break and cause injury.
If you are shopping for a different trimmer that is designed for smaller line, here is the practical difference:
| Line diameter | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| .080 | Light edging and thinner grass | Wears faster in heavy weeds |
| .095 | Thicker weeds and longer runtime between changes | More load on small trimmers |
Using the wrong diameter line on a high-wheel trimmer like the Craftsman 917773760 commonly leads to poor cutting, excessive vibration, and the trimmer head not retaining the line. Correct line length also improves cutting speed because the ends of the line do the work.
If cutting feels rough or the head wears quickly, inspect these common wear items:
- Husqvarna line trimmer mow ball 532182217 (protects the bottom of the head from hard-surface wear)
- Line trimmer carrier plate 594935003 (helps retain and support the cutting lines)
- Line trimmer belt 532185476 (a slipping or broken belt can reduce head speed)
Last updated: January 2026
How do I find the model number on my 917773760?
Your Craftsman gas line trimmer’s model number is on the product identification label; for this unit it will read 917.773760 (often shown as 917773760 online). Use that exact number when matching diagrams and ordering parts for the correct fit.
Check these common label locations on walk-behind Craftsman weed trimmers:
- On the rear of the chassis/deck near the wheels
- On the side of the frame near the engine mount area
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- Under the debris shield area (wipe grass and dirt off first)
- On a sticker or metal tag riveted to the frame
In the documentation, the model is printed as 917.773760. When searching parts, you may see it without the dot as 917773760.
| You see on the label/manual | You may type online | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 917.773760 | 917773760 | Same model number |
| Craftsman weed trimmer | Craftsman line trimmer | Product description |
- Copy the full model number exactly (including any dots or dashes)
- If the label is worn, use a flashlight and take a close-up photo
- Confirm the model in the parts list diagrams in the 917773760 owner's manual
Craftsman trimmers can look similar across model series, but parts like the belt, spindle housing, and throttle control vary by model. Using 917773760 helps ensure you get the correct components and hardware.
Last updated: March 2026
