Can I use .095 trimmer line?
No. For the Craftsman 917773746 wheeled weed trimmer, we recommend using .155 inch diameter trimmer line cut to 18-3/4 inches; using .095 line is too thin for this head design and typically leads to poor cutting and faster wear. See the 917773746 owner's manual.
Use the line size and length specified for this trimmer head so it stays balanced and cuts cleanly.
- Diameter: .155 inch
- Length per string: 18-3/4 inches
- Replace when worn to half the original length
- Keep all installed strings within 1 inch of each other in length
- Never substitute wire, rope, or string (safety hazard)
.095 line can work in many handheld trimmers, but on this high-wheel style head it usually underperforms.
| Line choice | What you’ll notice | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| .095 inch | Breaks faster, weak cut, may slip or not “bite” | Light handheld trimming |
| .155 inch (recommended) | Strong cut, better durability, proper head balance | This Craftsman 917773746 trimmer |
If cutting is uneven or the head vibrates after reloading, these checks fix most issues.
- Cut every string to 18-3/4 inches before installing
- Confirm the strings match length within 1 inch to reduce vibration
- Inspect the carrier plate for wear or cracking; replace if damaged
- Check the head hardware is tight (loose fasteners cause wobble)
- If the head will not engage or disengage smoothly, inspect the control cable routing
If you’re seeing persistent vibration or poor cutting even with correct line, the head components may be worn; the line trimmer carrier plate 594935003 is a common wear item in the cutting head stack.
Correct line diameter and length keep the trimmer head balanced, reduce vibration, and protect the spindle and bearings from extra stress. It also improves cut quality in thick grass and weeds.
Last updated: January 2026
How to replace line on Craftsman gas trimmer?
On the Craftsman 917773746 wheeled weed trimmer, we replace the trimmer line by cutting two equal lengths (bulk line gets cut to 18-3/4 in.), removing the worn line from the carrier plate, then folding and clipping each new line into the retainer clips so both sides match. See the 917773746 owner's manual for the diagrams and the built-in length gauge marks.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug
- Let the engine and muffler cool completely
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Tip the trimmer only as needed; keep fuel from spilling
- Cut the line to length
- If you buy bulk line, cut each piece to 18-3/4 inches.
- Use the trimmer’s built-in length gauge marks on the debris shield and chassis cover to confirm the cut.
- Remove the old line
- Pull the worn line out of the line trimmer carrier plate.
- Install the new line (one side at a time)
- Fold one cut piece in half.
- Insert the folded end through the carrier plate opening to the back side of the retainer clip.
- Pull outward until the line is fully seated under the retainer clip.
- Repeat for the other side
- Match the lengths
- Check that all installed lines are the same length.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire
- Use the correct trimmer line size: .155 diameter
- Replace the line when it is worn to less than half of its original length
- Avoid letting the trimmer head rub concrete or asphalt; it accelerates wear on the mow ball
| Item | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk line | Cut to 18-3/4 in. | Prevents imbalance and poor cutting |
| Installed line | Keep both sides equal | Reduces vibration and uneven trimming |
| Throttle | Run in FAST for heavy growth | Helps maintain cutting speed |
Correct line length and equal sides keep the cutting head balanced, reduce vibration, and improve cut quality. It also helps prevent the line from popping out or wearing down too quickly.
Last updated: January 2026
What type of oil and gas for Craftsman 2 cycle 25cc 17 trimmer?
For Craftsman model 917773746, use unleaded regular gasoline (gasoline with up to 10% ethanol, E10 max) and add engine oil to the crankcase (this model is filled separately, not mixed into the fuel). The manual lists SAE 30 above 32°F and SAE 5W-30 below 32°F, with 18 oz oil capacity. See the 917773746 owner's manual for the exact fill procedure.
- Gasoline: Unleaded regular
- Ethanol limit: Up to E10 (10% ethanol)
- Engine oil type (API SG-SL):
- SAE 30 when above 32°F
- SAE 5W-30 when below 32°F
- Oil capacity: 18 oz (initial fill)
Many handheld 25cc trimmers are 2-cycle and require premix, but Craftsman 917773746 is a wheeled trimmer that uses straight gasoline in the tank and engine oil in the crankcase.
| Equipment type | Fuel in tank | Oil handling |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman 917773746 wheeled trimmer | Unleaded regular (E10 max) | Add engine oil to crankcase (separate) |
| Typical handheld 2-cycle trimmer | Gas mixed with 2-cycle oil | Oil is mixed into fuel |
- Use fresh fuel; don’t store gasoline in the tank for long periods.
- Keep the trimmer level when checking or adding oil.
- Wipe up fuel or oil spills before starting.
- Avoid fuel with more than 10% ethanol.
- Tighten the trimmer head and engine fasteners as part of routine maintenance.
Using the correct fuel and oil prevents hard starting, smoking, plug fouling, and premature engine wear. Staying at E10 max also helps protect the fuel system and drivability.
Last updated: January 2026





