How to Replace the Cutting Edge on a Craftsman Snow Blower
- 1). Turn the snow blower off, and allow it to cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the plug by gently pulling it free. This will prevent accidental starting of the engine.
- 2). Park the machine on a flat hard suitable work surface, free from loose dirt or debris. Begin the shave plate replacement procedure by first removing the skid shoes, located on the lower left and right sides of the auger housing. Craftsman recommends that these components be replaced at the same time as the shave plate to prevent uneven or excessive wearing of the new shave plate.
- 3). Remove the 2 carriage bolts, washers and hex nuts that secure each skid shoe to the side of the auger housing. Remove the hex head nuts by turning them counterclockwise with a crescent wrench until the nuts are free. Push the carriage bolts free from the skid shoes by pushing them inward towards the center of the auger housing.
- 4). Tilt the machine backwards so that it partially rests on its handlebars, with the auger housing about 1 foot off the ground. The machine must be stable, so that it won't fall over or forward when you push and pull slightly on the auger housing as you work.
- 5). Remove the 4 carriage bolts, washers and hex nuts that secure the shave plate to the bottom of the auger housing. Remove the hex head nuts by turning them counterclockwise with a crescent wrench until they are free. Push the carriage bolts free from the shave plate by pushing them upwards towards the center of the auger. Remove the old shave plate by pulling it away from the auger housing.
- 6). Reinstall the new shave plate in it's groove on the auger housing, then attach the 4 carriage bolts, washers and hex head nuts in the same holes that they were removed from. The carriage bolts must be inserted from the inside of the auger housing, with the threaded end of the bolts facing down. Be sure the shave plate sits square and level at the bottom of the auger housing before tightening down the hex head nuts. Tilt the machine forward so that it again rests on the new shave plate.
- 7). Install the 2 new skid shoes by attaching them to the auger housing using 2 carriage bolts, washers and hex nuts for each shoe. Adjust both shoes so that they are in direct contact with the ground before tightening the hex head nuts. Remember to push the carriage bolts through the skid shoes from the inside of the auger housing outwards before adding the washers and hex head nuts. Tighten the nuts securely. Attach the spark plug wire back onto the spark plug.
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