What trimmer line does Craftsman use?
For the Craftsman electric line trimmer model 358745460, we use 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) diameter trimmer line. This size is specified for the trimmer head and spool so the line feeds correctly and the cutting head operates safely; see the 358745460 owner's manual.
Use round 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) line. Using thicker line (such as 0.080 or 0.095) commonly causes feed problems and poor cutting performance.
- Use only 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) line
- Do not use wire, rope, string, or “reinforced” substitutes
- Install the line neatly on the spool so it does not bind
- Keep the spool cap and hub clean so the cap latches securely
- Replace cracked or damaged spool/head parts before trimming
| Line diameter | Works in model 358745460? | What typically happens |
|---|---|---|
| 0.065 in (1.65 mm) | Yes | Proper feed and normal cutting |
| 0.080 in | No | Line may not advance; head can bind |
| 0.095 in | No | Feed failure and unsafe operation risk |
This trimmer is designed around a specific spool and feed system. The correct 0.065-inch line advances properly, keeps the cutting head balanced, and helps prevent jams that can overheat the motor or damage the spool cap.
For best results, keep the cutting head about 3 inches above the ground and let only the tip of the line do the cutting. Forcing the line into heavy weeds increases wear and can shorten line life.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best trimmer line on the market?
For the Craftsman 358745460 electric line trimmer, the best trimmer line is the exact size and type the trimmer is designed to use: 0.065-inch (1.65 mm) nylon trimmer line. Using the correct diameter gives you reliable automatic line feed, cleaner cutting, and safer operation; thicker “heavy-duty” line can overload the head and reduce performance.
Your trimmer is built around a specific line size. We recommend:
- Diameter: 0.065 inch (1.65 mm)
- Material: nylon trimmer line (standard round line works well)
- Use case: routine trimming and edging around grass and light weeds
- Avoid: wire, rope, string, blades, or flailing devices (these are unsafe and can damage the trimmer head)
For the exact line and spool guidance for your unit, follow the specifications in the 358745460 owner's manual.
| What you want | Best choice for 358745460 | What to avoid | Result if you avoid it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth feed and consistent cut | 0.065-inch nylon line | Oversize line (thicker than 0.065) | Poor feed, bogging, extra wear |
| Safer operation | Nylon line only | Wire, rope, string, blades | Higher injury risk, head damage |
| Best cut quality | Fresh, flexible line | Old, brittle line | Breaks often, ragged cut |
Many “best overall” lists focus on thicker pro-grade line for gas trimmers and heavy brush. Your Craftsman 358745460 is designed for 0.065-inch line, so the “best” choice is the one that matches that spec and feeds correctly through the automatic line feed system.
- Let the motor reach full speed before trimming.
- If you need more line, stop the motor completely, then restart to trigger the automatic feed.
- Keep the cutting head below waist level and trim right-to-left so debris is thrown away from you.
- Replace line that looks flattened, cracked, or brittle.
- Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet away while trimming.
Last updated: February 2026
How to remove string trimmer head craftsman?
On the Craftsman 358745460 electric line trimmer, you typically remove the cutting head by releasing the spool cap latches and lifting the cap off the hub; this gives you access to the spool and line path for service. For model-specific diagrams and steps, use the 358745460 owner's manual.
- Unplug the trimmer (or disconnect it from the power source) before servicing.
- Locate the two cap release latches on the spool cap.
- Squeeze/press the latches.
- Pull the cap away from the hub.
- Lift out the spool if you need to rewind or replace line.
- Disconnect power and keep the switch off.
- Inspect the head for cracks, chips, or missing fasteners.
- Use only 0.065 in (1.65 mm) trimmer line (never wire, rope, or string).
- Clear grass and debris from the hub area so parts seat correctly.
Keeping the cap and hub clean is the key to a secure fit.
- Clean the mating surfaces on the cap and hub.
- Press the cap firmly down toward the hub until it seats.
- Confirm it is locked by trying to remove it without pressing the latches.
| Task | What you should see | What it prevents |
|---|---|---|
| Cap seated and latched | Cap does not lift off by hand | Vibration, line feed problems |
| Correct line size | 0.065 in (1.65 mm) line | Poor line advance, head malfunction |
| Hub area clean | No packed debris under cap | Cap not locking in place |
A properly latched spool cap keeps the spool aligned in the hub, which helps the line advance smoothly and reduces vibration. Using the specified 0.065-inch line also prevents feed issues and unsafe head operation.
Last updated: February 2026
What size string does a Craftsman 358745460 use?
The Craftsman 358745460 electric line trimmer uses 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter trimmer line for normal operation and proper line advance. We list this spec in the 358745460 owner's manual, and using a different diameter can cause feeding problems or unsafe operation.
Use round nylon trimmer line in this size:
- Diameter: 0.065 in. (1.65 mm)
- Material: nylon trimmer line (not wire, rope, or “string”)
- Best use: general trimming and edging around grass and light weeds
- Avoid: thicker line; it can overload the motor and reduce performance
| Item | Spec for model 358745460 | What happens if it’s wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | 0.065 in. (1.65 mm) | Line may not advance, cuts poorly, can jam |
| Line type | Nylon trimmer line | Wire or cord can be dangerous and damage the head |
These checks fix most feed issues on this Craftsman trimmer:
- Confirm the line is exactly 0.065 in. diameter.
- Make sure the line is wound evenly and tightly on the spool.
- Leave the correct amount of line out of the head (typically a few inches per side).
- Clean debris from the hub and cap so the cap latches fully.
- Inspect the eyelets for wear or burrs that can grab the line.
This trimmer head is designed around 0.065 in. line; that diameter is what allows the spool to advance smoothly and keeps the cutting head working correctly. The right line size also helps protect the 5-amp motor from overload.
Last updated: February 2026
How to put trimmer line on electric trimmer?
To put trimmer line on your Craftsman 358745460 electric line trimmer, install the correct cutting line (0.065-inch diameter) into the trimmer head spool path, then pull equal lengths out so the head can feed line automatically as the motor reaches full speed. Use the 358745460 owner's manual for the exact routing shown for your head style.
- Unplug the trimmer and disconnect the extension cord from the power cord connection point.
- Use only 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter line; other sizes will not advance properly.
- Do not use wire, string, or rope; they can break and become a projectile.
- Inspect the trimmer head and debris shield for cracks or heavy wear.
- Confirm the line limiter pin is present; it trims the line to the correct cutting length.
- Cut a manageable length of new line (most homeowners start with about 10 to 20 feet total).
- Align any arrows/marks on the bump knob and head housing (if your head has them).
- Feed the line through the eyelet(s) in the direction indicated; pull through until both sides are even.
- Wind the line neatly onto the spool in the direction shown on the head (tight, even layers).
- Reassemble the head and leave a few inches of line extending.
When you start the trimmer, a small amount of line feeds out. After about 5 seconds, the line limiter pin cuts it to the correct length once the motor is at full speed.
- If you do not hear the line being cut, stop the motor completely.
- Restart and let it reach full speed.
- Repeat until you hear the line hit the limiter pin (do not repeat more than 6 times).
| Symptom | Most common cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Line will not feed | Wrong diameter line | Switch to 0.065-inch line |
| Line breaks often | Line routed/wound incorrectly | Rewind neatly in the correct direction |
| Line is too short | Ends trimmed too close | Leave a few inches out before starting |
| Head jams | Debris in head | Clean head and spool area |
Correctly loaded 0.065-inch line lets the trimmer head feed line smoothly and keeps the line limiter pin trimming to a safe, effective cutting length. That reduces jams, improves cut quality, and prevents premature head wear.
Last updated: February 2026


