How to replace the blade on an edger?
To replace the blade on your Craftsman 536772341 lawn edger, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the blade locknut, swap the blade, then reinstall and torque the locknut to 40 to 45 ft-lb. The blade is reversible and does not need sharpening (do not sharpen it).
Safety first (before you touch the blade)
- Move the throttle control to STOP and wait for all moving parts to stop
- Pull the clutch lever back to DISENGAGED
- Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
- Wear eye protection and gloves; debris and sharp edges can cause injury
- Work on a flat surface so the edger cannot roll
Blade replacement steps
- Disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Hold the rear nut as shown in the 536772341 owner's manual so the shaft does not turn.
- Remove the blade locknut and remove the blade.
- If the blade edge is nicked or dented, flip the blade over (it is reversible). If both sides are worn or damaged, replace it.
- Install the blade and reinstall the locknut.
- Tighten the blade locknut to 40 to 45 foot-pounds.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire.
What to do with a nicked blade
The blade is designed to cut without sharpening. Use this guide to decide what to do:
| Blade condition | What we recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minor nicks or dents | Keep using it | Usually does not affect function |
| Excessive nicks on one edge | Reverse the blade | Gives you a fresh cutting edge |
| Both sides worn or damaged | Replace the blade | Maintains safe, consistent cutting |
Why it matters
A properly installed blade (and correctly torqued locknut) keeps the drive shaft secure and the cut consistent. Sharpening can weaken the blade and increase the risk of breakage, so reversing or replacing the blade is the safe fix.
Last updated: February 2026
Is an edger blade reverse thread?
On the Craftsman 536772341 lawn edger, treat the blade retaining nut as a standard thread unless the 536772341 owner's manual for your unit specifies otherwise. In practice, most standard blade nuts loosen counterclockwise and tighten clockwise; confirm before applying heavy force.
How we recommend confirming thread direction safely
Before you try to remove the blade, set the edger up so it cannot start and the blade cannot spin.
- Stop the engine and let all moving parts come to a complete stop.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire.
- Tip the edger only as the manual directs; keep fuel from spilling.
- Block the blade with a wood block against the blade guard (do not use your hand).
- Use the correct socket on the blade nut; keep the wrench square to avoid rounding.
- Try a short, controlled counterclockwise turn first; if it does not move, stop and re-check.
Blade hardware you will handle on this model
The parts list for model 536772341 shows the blade nut and blade washer used at the blade area.
| Hardware | What it does | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Blade retaining nut | Clamps the blade to the arbor | Nut 46023MA |
| Blade washer | Spreads load and helps keep the blade secure | Washer blade 22265MA |
If the nut is stuck
A stuck nut is usually corrosion, packed debris, or overtightening.
- Clean packed dirt from the blade area first.
- Apply penetrating oil to the nut and let it soak.
- Use a longer-handled wrench for steady torque (not sudden impacts).
- Replace damaged hardware rather than reusing rounded nuts or cupped washers.
Why it matters
Turning the nut the wrong direction can strip the arbor threads or round the nut, turning a simple blade change into a bigger repair. Confirming direction first protects the shaft, blade hardware, and your hands.
Last updated: February 2026
What size blade does the Craftsman 536772341 edger take?
The Craftsman edger model 536772341 uses a 9-inch blade. This is specified in the operator documentation for this model, and it is the blade diameter the guard and cutting depth settings are designed around.
How we confirm the correct blade size
Use the 536772341 operator's manual to verify the blade diameter and the correct blade mounting stack-up (blade orientation plus washers and nut). The manual also helps you confirm safe service steps before you loosen the blade hardware.
Before buying a replacement blade, match these details:
- Diameter: 9 inches
- Center mounting style: match the original blade and spindle
- Blade thickness: match the original so guard clearance stays correct
- Rotation direction: install the blade in the same orientation as removed
- Hardware condition: replace worn washers or a damaged nut
Related hardware that affects blade fit and safety
If the blade loosens, wobbles, or you see uneven wear, the clamping hardware is usually the cause. These model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Nut 46023MA (blade retaining nut)
- Washer blade 22265MA (washer used in the blade stack)
Quick reference
| Item | Purpose | Replace when |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch edger blade | Cuts the edge trench | Bent, chipped, worn down, vibration |
| Nut 46023MA | Secures blade to spindle | Threads damaged, will not stay tight |
| Washer blade 22265MA | Helps clamp and space blade | Grooved, warped, cracked |
Why it matters
Using the correct 9-inch blade keeps proper guard clearance, reduces vibration, and helps the Craftsman 536772341 cut a consistent edge at the intended depth.
Last updated: February 2026
What engine is on a Craftsman edger?
Craftsman lawn edger model 536772341 uses a small gasoline lawn and garden engine designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with separate engine oil (4-cycle style). For the exact engine manufacturer and model code, use the engine identification information in the 536772341 owner’s manual and the ID label on the engine.
How to identify the exact engine on model 536772341
Use the engine’s model and code numbers to match tune-up and repair parts correctly.
- Look for an engine ID label or stamped plate on the engine (commonly on the blower housing, valve cover area, or near the muffler)
- Record every field exactly (often model, type, and code)
- Match parts using those numbers (spark plug, air filter, carburetor kit, recoil starter)
- Clean the label gently with a rag; avoid scraping off printing
- Cross-check the engine section and parts listings in the 536772341 owner’s manual
What we can confirm for this edger from the manual
The manual for 536772341 confirms the fuel type and that engine oil is checked/filled separately from gasoline.
| Item | What to use | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline | Helps prevent hard starting and poor performance |
| Oil system | Separate crankcase oil (4-cycle style) | Prevents engine damage from low oil |
| Engine ID | Model/type/code from engine label | Ensures correct engine parts and settings |
Why it matters
Craftsman edgers were built with different engine makes and versions over the years. The engine ID is what determines the correct maintenance parts and repair parts; using the wrong ones can cause no-start, surging, or poor cutting power.
Related edger parts customers commonly replace
If you are servicing the blade area or controls while you are working on the engine, these model-matched parts are commonly replaced:
- Washer blade 22265MA (blade stack hardware)
- Wheel and tire assembly 336545MA (helps maintain consistent edging depth)
- Handle 740147MA (control and grip component)
Last updated: February 2026



