Your trusty Craftsman lawn mower has served you faithfully for years, but now it’s starting to show its age. A broken blade, a sputtering engine, or a worn-out deck can quickly turn your weekend lawn care into a frustrating chore. You know you need parts, but where do you find them? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best options for buying Craftsman lawn mower parts, from online retailers and local stores to manufacturer resources and even DIY alternatives.
Overview
Finding the right Craftsman lawn mower parts doesn’t have to be a chore. This article will explore a range of options, from popular online marketplaces and local stores to manufacturer resources and alternative solutions. We’ll also offer tips on how to identify the parts you need and save money along the way.
Popular Online Retailers
For the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home, online retailers are a great starting point for Craftsman lawn mower parts. You’ll find a vast selection, often with competitive pricing and detailed product information.
Amazon
Amazon is a go-to destination for countless products, including lawn mower parts. Its vast marketplace features numerous sellers offering Craftsman components, from basic blades and filters to complex engine parts.
- Pros: Wide selection, competitive prices, convenient returns, fast shipping.
- Cons: Quality can vary between sellers, potential for counterfeit parts.
eBay
eBay is another popular online marketplace where you can find Craftsman lawn mower parts. Sellers on eBay often offer used or refurbished parts, which can be a good option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution.
- Pros: Wide selection, competitive prices, potential for finding hard-to-find parts, used or refurbished options available.
- Cons: Quality can vary, potential for counterfeit parts, shipping times can be longer.
Local Hardware and Home Improvement Stores
Sometimes you need parts in a hurry, and a trip to your local hardware or home improvement store can be a quick and convenient solution.
Home Depot and Lowe’s
These big-box retailers typically carry a selection of common Craftsman lawn mower parts, like blades, filters, and spark plugs.
- Pros: Convenient location, knowledgeable staff, potential for in-store pickup.
- Cons: Limited selection compared to online retailers, potentially higher prices.
Local Hardware Stores
Don’t overlook the smaller, locally-owned hardware stores. They may have a surprising selection of Craftsman parts, and their knowledgeable staff can often help you find exactly what you need.
- Pros: Personalized service, knowledgeable staff, often carry a good selection of parts.
- Cons: Limited selection compared to larger stores, potentially higher prices.
Manufacturer Resources
When in doubt, go directly to the source. Craftsman lawn mowers are manufactured by Sears, now owned by Transformco. Here’s how you can find replacement parts:
Sears Parts Direct
Sears Parts Direct is the official parts distributor for Craftsman products. This online platform allows you to search for parts by your model number and view diagrams and specifications.
- Pros: Authentic parts, accurate diagrams, easy to navigate.
- Cons: Potentially higher prices compared to other retailers.
Contact Craftsman Customer Service
If you’re having trouble finding the right part, don’t hesitate to contact Craftsman customer service. They can assist you in identifying the correct component and guide you to the best source for your needs.
- Pros: Expert assistance, knowledgeable staff, personalized guidance.
- Cons: May require additional time to resolve your query.
Alternative Solutions: DIY and Used Parts
While buying new parts from reputable sources is often the best option, there are other avenues to consider depending on your needs and budget.
DIY Solutions
For simple repairs like replacing a blade or air filter, you may be able to find suitable alternatives at your local hardware store. Be sure to check the dimensions and specifications to ensure compatibility with your Craftsman mower.
- Pros: Potentially cheaper than original parts, readily available.
- Cons: May not be as durable as original parts, potential for incompatibility.
Used Parts
Another option is to source used parts. Online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist often have a good selection of used Craftsman lawn mower parts. However, proceed with caution when purchasing used parts, as their condition and durability may vary.
- Pros: Can be significantly cheaper than new parts.
- Cons: Condition and durability may be unknown, potential for damage or failure.
Identifying the Right Parts
To ensure you’re buying the correct parts for your Craftsman lawn mower, follow these steps:
Locate the Model Number
Your Craftsman lawn mower’s model number is typically found on a sticker or metal plate located on the mower’s frame or engine. This number is crucial for identifying compatible parts.
Check Part Diagrams
Online retailers and manufacturer websites often provide detailed diagrams of lawn mowers, showing the location and names of each component. Use these diagrams to identify the specific part you need.
Use Search Filters
Most online retailers allow you to filter your search results by model number, part type, and other criteria. This can help you narrow down the options and find the exact part you need.
Saving Money on Craftsman Lawn Mower Parts
Finding the best deals on Craftsman lawn mower parts can save you money:
Shop Around
Compare prices across multiple retailers, including online marketplaces, local stores, and manufacturer websites.
Look for Discounts and Sales
Many retailers offer discounts and sales on lawn mower parts, especially during seasonal promotions.
Consider Buying in Bulk
If you need multiple parts, consider purchasing them in bulk to potentially save on shipping costs and per-unit price.
Conclusion
Finding the right Craftsman lawn mower parts doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By considering the wide array of options from online retailers to local stores and manufacturer resources, you can find the perfect solution for your needs and budget. With a little research and careful consideration, you can keep your Craftsman lawn mower running smoothly for years to come.
FAQ
Where can I find Craftsman lawn mower parts?
Craftsman lawn mower parts can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some of the most common places to find parts include:
- Craftsman Website: The Craftsman website is a great place to start your search for parts. You can enter your lawn mower model number to find a list of compatible parts.
- Sears: Sears is the original retailer of Craftsman products, and they still carry a wide selection of parts. You can visit a Sears store in person or shop online.
- Amazon: Amazon is a great option for finding Craftsman parts, especially if you’re looking for a wide selection or competitive prices.
- eBay: eBay is another good source for Craftsman parts, especially if you’re looking for used or discontinued parts.
What if I don’t know my Craftsman lawn mower model number?
If you don’t know your lawn mower model number, you can try to identify it by looking at the model identification tag located on the mower. You’ll want to take a picture of the tag and check for the model number, which is usually a combination of letters and numbers. If you can’t find the model tag, you can contact the Craftsman customer service line for assistance.
What if the parts I need are not available from the manufacturer?
If you are unable to find the parts you need from the manufacturer, you can try searching for them at other retailers such as:
- Local hardware stores: Local hardware stores often carry a selection of lawn mower parts, including Craftsman parts. You can call ahead to see if they have the part you need in stock.
- Online retailers: Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart also carry a wide selection of lawn mower parts, including Craftsman parts. You can compare prices and shipping costs from different retailers before making a purchase.
- Specialty lawn mower repair shops: Specialty lawn mower repair shops may have a larger selection of parts, especially if you need a more obscure part.
How do I know if a part is compatible with my Craftsman lawn mower?
The best way to ensure that a part is compatible with your Craftsman lawn mower is to check the part number. You can find the part number on the original part or on the packaging of the new part. If the part numbers match, then the part is compatible. You can also use a Craftsman parts finder tool on the website or at a store to see if a part is compatible with your mower.
How much do Craftsman lawn mower parts cost?
The cost of Craftsman lawn mower parts can vary widely depending on the part and the retailer. A simple part like a blade might cost a few dollars, while a more complex part like a carburetor could cost upwards of $100. The best way to get an idea of the cost is to check the prices of the parts you need at different retailers.
Are Craftsman lawn mower parts covered by a warranty?
Most Craftsman lawn mower parts are covered by a limited warranty. The warranty terms will vary depending on the part and the retailer, so it is important to check the warranty information before making a purchase. You can find the warranty information on the Craftsman website, at a Sears store, or on the packaging of the part.
Where can I find instructions on how to install Craftsman lawn mower parts?
Many Craftsman parts come with installation instructions, and you can also find installation instructions online. The Craftsman website has a library of repair manuals and installation guides for many of their products, and you can also find instructions on websites like YouTube or Fixya. If you are not comfortable installing the part yourself, you can take your lawn mower to a qualified repair shop.