How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
To replace the trimmer line on your Craftsman high wheel brush trimmer model 536773520, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, then install two equal lengths of 0.155-inch line cut to 21.5 inches and routed through the outside loops and center hole as shown in the owner's manual.
Steps to replace the trimmer line (model 536773520)
- Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
- Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (prevents accidental starting).
- Remove the worn line from the line retainer.
- Cut new line to 21.5 inches each; use heavy gauge 0.155-inch diameter line.
- Thread both ends of the new line through the outside loops.
- Cross the ends over the line retainer, then thread the ends through the center hole.
- Pull and adjust so both ends are even; keep the two line lengths within 1 inch of each other to prevent vibration.
Line size and length quick reference
| Item | What to use | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Line diameter | 0.155 inch | Best cutting performance and proper retention |
| Line length (each side) | 21.5 inches | Keeps the head balanced and reduces vibration |
| Replace when | Worn to about half length | Prevents poor trimming and line loss |
Tips to prevent tangles, breakage, and vibration
- Keep spare nylon line moist (store it in a can of water) so it stays flexible.
- Do not run mismatched line lengths; uneven line causes shaking and faster wear.
- If the head will not hold the line, re-thread it exactly through the loops and center hole.
- For a ready-to-use replacement, use trim line 79999 if it matches your preferred diameter and application.
Why it matters
Correct line diameter, equal line length, and proper routing through the retainer keep the trimmer head balanced. That improves cutting performance and helps prevent vibration, premature line breakage, and the head failing to retain the line.
Last updated: February 2026
How to unflood a string trimmer?
To unflood your Craftsman 536773520 high wheel brush trimmer, move the throttle control lever to the START or FAST position and crank the engine in short cycles without using the primer. Once it fires, let it run briefly to clear excess fuel (expect some smoke on first start). See the owner's manual for the exact starting procedure.
Quick unflood steps (works for most 2-cycle trimmers)
- Move the throttle control lever to START/FAST.
- Do not press the primer when the engine is warm or flooded.
- Crank using short starting cycles; pause a few seconds between attempts.
- If it starts and dies, repeat short cycles until it stays running.
- After it starts, keep it at FAST briefly to clear the extra fuel.
- If the engine is loaded up, remove and dry the spark plug, then reinstall and retry.
Cold start vs. flooded start (what changes)
Use this as a simple rule: cold engines need priming; flooded engines need air and cranking.
| Situation | Primer button | Throttle position | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold start | Press 5 times (wait 2 seconds between pushes) | START/FAST | Start normally |
| Warm start | Do not use | START/FAST | Short crank cycles |
| Flooded | Do not use | START/FAST | Short crank cycles; dry plug if needed |
Why it matters
Flooding happens when too much fuel enters the cylinder, often from repeated priming or repeated start attempts. Avoiding the primer on a warm engine and using short crank cycles helps the air-fuel mix return to a combustible range.
If it keeps flooding
- Replace old fuel; stale fuel makes starting harder.
- For storage longer than 30 days, run the engine until it is out of gasoline (or drain the tank) to prevent fuel system problems.
- Check that the trimmer line is the correct length; excessive vibration can make operation and restarting harder. If your line is worn, replace it with trim line 79999.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I buy Craftsman replacement parts?
You can buy replacement parts for your Craftsman high wheel brush trimmer model 536773520 directly from the parts list for this model, which helps ensure the part matches your exact equipment. For diagrams, part identification, and maintenance guidance, use the owner's manual.
Best way to buy the right part for model 536773520
We recommend matching parts by model number first, then confirming the part name in the exploded-view diagrams.
- Find your model number on the trimmer and match it exactly: 536773520
- Use the diagrams to identify the correct assembly (handle, cutting head, wheels, guards)
- Match the part name and part ID before ordering
- Replace common wear items proactively (cutting line, fasteners, shields)
- Keep a short list of spares if you trim frequently
Common replacement parts customers order for this model
These are examples of parts available for Craftsman 536773520 that are commonly replaced during normal use:
| What you need | Part to look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New cutting line | Trim line 79999 | Routine wear item; replace when line is brittle or too short |
| Better debris control | Debris shield 740167MA | Helps contain thrown grass and debris |
| Cutting head drive support | Jackshaft assembly 492574MA | Useful when drive components wear or bind |
| Wheel replacement | Tire&rim,14x 7701021MA | Replace if tire is damaged or won’t roll smoothly |
Why it matters
Craftsman trimmers often have multiple similar-looking versions; ordering by the exact model number 536773520 prevents fit issues and reduces downtime. The manual also includes repair parts diagrams and a troubleshooting chart to help you pinpoint what failed before you buy.
Last updated: February 2026
What size line for Craftsman 536773520?
For the Craftsman 536773520 high wheel brush trimmer, we use 0.155-inch diameter trimmer line cut to 21.5 inches per piece. For best cutting performance and to prevent line-retainer issues, replace the line when it wears down to less than half its original length (under about 10.75 inches). See the owner's manual for the exact line specs and replacement notes.
Correct line specs for model 536773520
- Line diameter: 0.155 inch
- Line length (each piece): 21.5 inches
- Replace when the line is less than 1/2 length
- Use the correct diameter to help the head retain line and reduce vibration
| Spec | What to use | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.155 inch | Wrong size can slip, break, or not feed/retain properly |
| Length | 21.5 inches | Too short reduces trimming performance |
| Replace point | Under 10.75 inches | Prevents poor cutting and uneven line lengths |
Quick tips to avoid poor trimming performance
- Cut both line pieces to the same length (uneven lengths can cause vibration)
- Run the engine at the recommended operating speed (many units cut best at FAST)
- Tighten the trimmer head set screw if performance drops after a line change
- Clear debris buildup around the cutting head area so the line can swing freely
Part we recommend for replacement line
If you want the correct replacement line for this model, we stock a matching cutting line option: trim line 79999.
Why it matters
This Craftsman brush trimmer is designed around a specific line diameter and length. Using 0.155-inch line at 21.5 inches helps the cutting head grip the line correctly, keeps the trimmer balanced, and restores normal cutting power.
Last updated: February 2026





