Craftsman CMXGTAMDA5SC gas line trimmer/weedwacker Parts

For the Craftsman CMXGTAMDA5SC gas line trimmer, .095 line is better for thicker weeds and longer wear, while .080 line is better for lighter trimming and easier line feed. Choose based on what you cut most often, not just “stronger is better.”

Quick comparison

Trimmer line size	Best for	Tradeoffs
.080 in	Light grass, routine edging, smaller yards	Wears faster in heavy weeds
.095 in	Thick weeds, fence lines, tougher trimming	More load on the trimmer; can reduce runtime and increase vibration

How we recommend choosing for CMXGTAMDA5SC

• Pick .080 if you mostly edge sidewalks/driveways and trim light grass.
• Pick .095 if you regularly hit thick weeds or you break line often.
• If your cutting head feeds poorly with thicker line, step down to .080.
• If you see bogging at full throttle, use .080 and take narrower passes.
• Match the line shape to the job: round for general trimming, twisted or serrated for heavier cutting.

Why it matters

Using the right diameter helps your Craftsman trimmer cut cleanly without overloading the clutch, drive system, or cutting head. Too thick a line can make the engine work harder; too thin a line can waste time because it breaks and wears out faster.

Related DIY help

If your trimmer struggles after switching line (bogs, runs rough, or won’t rev), follow the tune-up and fuel checks in how to tune up a grass line trimmer video.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman CMXGTAMDA5SC gas line trimmer, replacing the cutting line usually means removing the spool cap, winding new trimmer line evenly in the correct direction, then feeding the line ends through the eyelets so the head can bump-feed smoothly without tangling.

Steps to replace the trimmer line

• Shut the engine off and let the trimmer head stop completely.
• Remove the spool cap (press tabs or unscrew, depending on the head style).
• Pull out the spool and remove any old line pieces.
• Cut two equal lengths of new line (most bump heads use two pieces).
• Wind the line tightly and evenly on the spool in the direction of the arrows.
• Keep the wraps neat with no overlaps; overlapping is what causes tangles and jam-ups.
• Feed the line ends through the eyelets, reinstall the spool, then reinstall the cap.

Quick checks if the line will not feed after reloading

• Make sure the line is not crossed or overlapped on the spool.
• Confirm both line ends are routed through the eyelets before snapping the cap on.
• Inspect the cap and bump mechanism for wear or cracks.
• Check for missing spacers or washers that let the spool sit at the right height.

Symptom	Most common cause	What to do
Line tangles inside head	Overlapping wraps	Rewind with tight, single-layer wraps
Line will not advance	Cap/bump parts worn	Replace the cap or knob
Line breaks too fast	Line too thin or brittle	Use fresh line of the correct diameter

Parts that commonly affect line loading and bump feed

If the head will not stay together, will not bump, or keeps jamming even with a clean rewind, these parts are the usual suspects:

• Line trimmer spool cap 841-032560S
• Mtd line trimmer bump feed knob 753-09365
• Line trimmer cutting head spacer 748-05052
• Line trimmer washer 9162-1

Why it matters

A properly wound spool keeps the CMXGTAMDA5SC cutting consistently and prevents heat buildup and premature wear in the cutting head, bump knob, and spool cap.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Craftsman CMXGTAMDA5SC gas line trimmer, use fresh unleaded gasoline mixed with air-cooled 2-cycle (2-stroke) engine oil at a 40:1 ratio. That equals 3.2 fl oz of oil per 1 gallon of gas; always mix in an approved fuel can.

What to use (fuel and oil)

• Gasoline: fresh, clean unleaded gas (use fuel that is less than 30 days old)
• Oil: 2-cycle oil for air-cooled small engines (trimmer/chain saw oil)
• Mix ratio: 40:1
• Mixing tip: add half the gas, add oil, shake, then add the rest of the gas and shake again
• Before refueling: shake the container to re-blend the mix

Quick mix chart (40:1)

Gasoline amount	2-cycle oil to add
1 gallon	3.2 fl oz
1/2 gallon	1.6 fl oz
1 quart	0.8 fl oz

Why it matters

A 2-cycle engine relies on the fuel mix for lubrication. Too little oil causes rapid engine wear; too much oil increases smoke, carbon buildup, and can foul the spark plug.

If it smokes, runs rough, or will not start after fueling

• Drain old fuel and remix using the chart above
• Check the spark plug condition and replace if fouled (see mtd lawn & garden equipment engine spark plug 794-00082)
• Inspect the fuel tank and lines for leaks or restrictions
• If symptoms continue, follow a tune-up process (see how to tune up a grass line trimmer video)

Last updated: January 2026