Craftsman 358.796131 User Manual

operator's

manual

MODEL NO.

358.796131 - 26.2CC

A WARNING;

Carefully read and follow
Safety Rules, Precautions
and Operating Instructions.
Failure to do so c^n result in
serious personal injury.

Sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, 111. 60684 U.S.A.

CRRFTSMRN

GAS WEEDWACKER®

Fuel Mix 16:1 2 Cycle Engine

• Assembly • Maintenance

• Operation • Repair Parts

Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation

©

66706-1-34385-1-34485

PRINTED IN U.S.A,

ш

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON SEARS CRAFTSMAN GAS WEEDWACKER® :

ifthisCRAFTSMAN GAS WEEDWACKER®trimmerfailstoperform properly duetoadefect in materialorworkmanshipwithin ^
one year of purchase, Sears will repair it, free of charge. ;

If this CRAFTSMAN GAS WEEDWACKER® trimmer is used forcommercial or rental purposes this warranty coverage applies ;
for only 90 days from the date of purchase. !

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT I
THROUGHOUTTHEUNITEDSTATES.THISWARRANTYAPPLIESONLYWHENTHISPRODUCTISINUSEINTHEUNITEO ■
STATES. ;

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. ;

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO./DEPT. 698/731A/SEARS TOWER/CHICAGO, IL 60684 '

5ЙШШЬ(10(

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules and Precautions
Know Ybur WEEDWACKER® Trimmer
Assembly

Engine Information...............................................................6

...

..........................................................................5

A. Fueling Your Unit ....................................6

B. Pre-operation Checks
C. Starting Instructions
D. Operating Instructions

E. Engine Adjustments................................9

Using Your Unit.................................................10

A. Operating instructions
B. Advancing The Cutting Line

........................................

..............................

......................

...............................

....................

..........................

..........

3

10
10

mmmmmmmwmmm

C. Cutting Methods

4

D. Cutting Head Maintenance.............12

General Maintenance..........................................14

A. Drive Shaft Lubrication..........................14

B. Air Filter Care
7
7
9

C. Fuel Tank Upkeep

D. Starter Rope Repair

E. Trouble Shooting Chart

Accessories .......................................................................17

Parts List

Quick Refe rence Page .......................................27

...................................................

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.................................

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18-24

11

14
14
15
16

ENGINE TYPE:
DISPLACEMENT:
ENGINE RPM:

IGNITION:

CARBURETOR:

“ON/OFF” SWITCH:

STARTER:

Starter Rope Handle

Throttle Trigger'

Starting Instructions &
Model Number

2-Cycle Air-Cooled

26.2 cc
Operating - 6500 - 7500

Idle-2800-3200
Solid State
Diaphragm All Position with

adjustable fuel mixture Jets

Positive Toggle

Auto Rewind

Muffler Guard

''OIM/OFF'

Fuel Ca^^Alr Filter

Switch

SPECIFICATIONS

MUFFLER:

CLUTOH: Centrifugal
FUEL TANK: 1B9 fl. oz.

SPARKPLUG:
SPARK PLUG GAP:
MODULE AIR GAP;

LUBRICATION: . Gasoline/Oil Mix -16:1

CUTTING LINE

DIMENSION:

Assist Handle

Drive Shaft Housing

Splash Deflector

'c,.=i R,it+nn MANUFACTURED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING

Fuel Injector Button y s p^^ENTS: 3,708,967; 3,826,068; 3,859.776; 4,035,912;

4,052,789;
4,124,938;
4,269,372;

260.394,

4,054,992; 4,067,108; 4.104,797; 4,114,269;
4,156,312; 4,156,967; 4,161,820; 4,167,812;
4,296,675; DES. 249,630; DES. 255,764; DES.

U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS PENDING.

Lo Tone - California approved

spark arresting

STD361258(CJ-14)
.0247.026"
.0107,014"

.080" Diameter

Cutting Head

SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS

Failure to follow safety rules and precautions could result in serious personal injury.

A. KNOW YOUR UNIT

1. Read your Operator's Manual carefully until
you completely understand and can follow
all safety rules, precautions and operating

Instructions before operating the unit.

2. Restrict your unit to users who understand
and follow all safety rules, precautions, and
operating instructions found in this manual.

B. PLAN AHEAD

Ahnays wear eye protection. The

1.

and face which can result In loss of vision or
serious personal injury.

2. Dress safely in long pants and wear boots or

safety shoes. Do not wear loose clothing,

jewelry, short pants or sandals; or go barefoot.

3. Do not operate the unit when you are tired,

ill, or upset; or if you have taken alcohol or
drugs/medication.

4. Inspect the area to be cut before starting the

unit. Remove all debris and objects that can

ricochet, be thrown, become entangled in the cutting
head, orcause injury or damage during cutting.

5. Keep children, bystanders and animals a safe

distance away from the work area—a minimum
of 30 feet (10 meters).

C. HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION

1. Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame {in

cluding smoking, open flames, or work that
could cause sparks) in the areas where fuel

is mixed, poured, or stored.

2. Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area; store fuel in

a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; and use an
approved, marked container for all fuel purposes.

3. Do .npt..smoke while handling fuel or while

operating the unit. , ^ ^

4. Wipe up ail spills before starting thè engine.

5. Move at ieast 10 feet (3 meters) away from
fuei and fueling site before starting the

engine.

splash deflector/llne limiter will not
prevent rocks and debris from being
thrown or ricocheting Into the eyes

D. OPERATE YOUR UNIT SAFELY

1 Inspect the entire unit before each use for loose,

. missing ordamagedparts^iDo not use until the unit

is in proper working order.

2. Use only flexible, non-metalic, monofilament

cutting line. Do not use other materials such as rope,

wire, etc. Wire can break off during cutting and be ■
come a dangerous missile.

3. Make sure the cutting head stops turning

when the throttle trigger is released and the
engine runs at idle speed. For correction,

refer fo "Carburetor Adjustments," page 9.

4. Keep the handies free of oil and fuel.

5. Never start or run the engine inside a closed

room or building. Exhaust fumes Contain

dangerous carbon monoxide.

6. Keep your body clear of the cutting head

while the unit is in use.

7. Do not operate in a position over waist high.

8. Do not overreach. Keep firm footing and

balance at all times.

9. Run the engine at full throttle only when

cutting.

10, Stop the engine before removing the fuel

cap.

11. Use only for Jobs explained in this manual.

E. MAINTAIN YOUR UNIT PROPERLY

1. Maintain the unit according to recommend
ed procedures.

2. Disconnect spark plug before performing

maintenance except for carburetor adjustment.

3. Use only recommended replacement parts.

The use of any part, or accessory not specifically
designed Ibrthis u nit could create a hazard and/or void
your warranty.

4. Drain fuel from the fuel tank before storing

for 30 or more days.

5. Do not store the.unit or fuel in a closed area

where fuel vapors can reach sparks or an

open flame from hot water heaters, furnaces,etc.

6. Store in a dry area out of the reach of

children.

Awarning

The lower unit of this machine is designed as a line
trimmer only, and must not be equipped with any type
blade. Serious Injury can occur to the user or
bystanders because:

— The necessary protective devices for blade use are

not part of-the lower unit. . . .

— Some blades are not designed for the high speed

this engine produces. This can cause Injury due to

blade failure.

Do not use any attachment with this engine other than

those supplied by the manufecturer and specifically
recommended for this power head. Serious injury to
the user or damage to the engine can result otherwise.

STATE AND LOCAL

ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS

Your engine is equipped with a temperature limiting
muffler and spark arresting screen which meets the
requirements of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All

U.S. Forest Land and the states of California, Maine,

Oregon, and Washington require by law that certain inter

nal combustion engines operated on forest, brush, and

grass covered areas be equipped with a temperature
limiting muffler and/or spark arresting screen. If you

operate an internal combustion engine in a state or
locale where such regulations exist, you are legally
responsible for maintaining the operating condition of
these parts. Failure to do so can subject you to
liability or to a fine.

KNOW YOUR WEEDWACKER® TRIMMER

A. INTRODUCTION

Your WEEDWACKER® Trimmer Is a versatile product
developed for large lawns and to make short work of a
variety of lawn care tasks - trimming, mowing, edging,
sweeping, and scalping.

Special Features include;

• FUEL INJECTION STARTING™

• Adjustable assist handle

• Semi-automatic advancing line feed

• 17" inch cutting path

• Total weight -13 lbs,

-------------------

B. UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove contents from the barton if you have not

done so.

2. Check parts against the list below.

3. Examine parts for damage.

4. Notify your Sears Store immediately if a part

is missing or damaged.

NOTE: A rattle like noise in a powerhead with an
empty fuel tank is a normal condition, caused by the

___

Jilter moving against the wall of Jhe^mpty tank.

8“i

3 grease

PL ■— FJ

KEY

1

Engine

2

Drive Shaft/Bearing Assembly

3

Splash Deflector

4

Cutting Head

5

Assist Handle

6

2-Cycle Engine Oil - 8 oz. can

7

Grease
Loose Parts Bag

8

Screw, Splash Deflector - 1/4-10x1-1/8"

9

Bracket, Splash Deflector

10

Hex Bolt, Assist Handle, 1/4-20x1-1/2"

11

Washer, Assist Handle, 1/4 flat

12

Knob, Assist Handle, 1/4-20

13

Clamp - Engine Shroud

14

Screw - Clamp -1/4 - 20 x 9/16"

15

Nut-1/4-20-Clamp

-

--

Operator’s Manual (not shown)

CARTON CONTENTS:

LOOSE PARTS BAG CONTENTS:

QTY.

1
1

1
1
1
1
1
1

2
1
1
1
1
1
1

1

ASSEMBLY

A. PREPARATION

Your Operator’s Manual has been developed to help
you assemble the unit and to understand its safe opera

tion. It is important that you read your manual com

pletely to become familiar with the unit before you begin

assembly.

1. READ YOUR OPERATOR’S MANUAL.

2. Tools you will need:

z

1-1/4 inch Wrench
7/16 inch Wrench

3/8 inch Wrench

or

vS

b.

z®

Adjustable Wrench

z^

Slotted Screwdriver

B. ASSEMBLY STEPS

1. DRIVE SHAFT HOUSING — Figure 1.

a. Place clamp from loose parts bag on the engine

shroud as shown in Figure l.

b. Pull about 6 inches of the flexible drive shaft out from

the drive shaft housing.

c. Fit the end of the flexible drive shaft into the square

shaped opening inside the engine shroud. Figure l.

NOTE: Turn the engine as necessary to line up parts.
d. Align the groove in the drive shaft housing with the

key inside the engine shroud opening.

e. Firmly push the drive shaft housing straight into the

engine shroud until it bottoms out (about 1-1/2
inches).

f. Install clamp screw and square nut as shown in

Figure 1.

NOTE: The nut must be mounted on the tab side of

the clamp to keep nut from turning.

g. Tighten the clamp screw secu rely with a screwd river.

2. CUTTING HEAD — Figure 2

a. Hold the dust cup with a 1-1/4" wrench to keep the

dust cup from turning. Figure 2.

b. Thread the cutting head clockwise onto the arbor

shaft, against the dust cup, and as tight as possible
with your hand. Figure 2.

c. Press the tap button and pull the cutting line from the

head a minimum of 2 inches. Figure 3.

NOTE: To remove the cutting bead, hold the dust cup

' • with ad-1/4"'wrench and unthread the cutting head

counterclockwise

3. SPLASH DEFLECTOR - Figure 4

a.

Locate the raised “V” ridge on the splash
deflector into the indented “V” slot on the

drive shaft housing. Figure 4.

b.

Rest the bottom of the splash deflector on top
of the drive shaft housing shoulder above the
dust cup.
NOTE: The bottom of the splash deflector
must rest on top of the shoulder of the drive
shaft housing.
Make sure the splash deflector is aligned
toward the engine as shown in Figure 5.
Install the bracket and screws as shown in
Figure 4.
Tighten the screws evenly and securely with a

3/8 inch wrench or a slotted screwdriver,

NOTE: It is possible that a small space will be seen

between the bracket and the splash deflector when
hardware is fully tightened.

4. ASSIST HANDLE — Figure 5

a. Align the assist handle on the drive shaft hous

ing above the decal(s), makifig sure the handle
curves back toward the engine. Figure 5.

b. Firmly push the assist handle over the drive

shaft housing.

c. Install the assist handle bolt, washer, and

knob as shown in Figure 5.

NOTE: Make sure the screw is placed on the side of
the handle with the hex-shaped screw opening.

d. Holdtheunltintheoperatingpositionandadjustthe

handle up or down thedrive shaft housing to a posi

tion comfortable for the user.

e. Tighten the knob by hand only.

NOTE: The assist handle can be rotated from left to
right allowing thecutting head to be tilted. Tilting the
angle of the cutting head is useful when trimming or

.......

cutting alarge, sloped

.

EN0INE INFORMATION

A. FUELING YOUR UNIT

1, FUEL MIXTURE

Ybur unit is powered by a 2-cycle engine which

line and a high quality engine oil specially made for

2-cycle air-cooled engines. The internal design of the

2-cycle engine requires lubrication of moving parts. This
lubrication is provided when you use the recommended
mixture of gaspline and oil.

Using the correct measure of gasoline to oil is very
Important. Too much oil in the mixture will foul the

sparkplug.

I CAUTIONfl Too little oil wilt cause the engine to

overheat and become seized.

Always mix the fuel thoroughlyinacontalner since

the gasoline and oil do not readily combine. Do nof

trytomixfueldimcOyin the fuel tank.

a. DO NOT USE.

Figure 5

• BIA OIL (Boating'IrtstltUte Of America) --

— Does not have proper additives for air-cooled

2-<^cl0 engines and can cause damage to your

unit.

................

• AUTOMOTIVE OIL-

— Does not have proper additives for 2-cycle

engines and can cause damage.

• GASOLINE CONTAINING ALCOHOL
(High Test, Premium or Gasohoi) —

— Stiffens critical carburetor fuel metering

elements and causes engine damage

from overheating.

— Increases vapor lock (causes hard starting).

— Attracts water causing corrosion damage.

b. USE THE FOLLOWING:

3. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

#71-3B55S

16:1 Ratio

1 GALLON

regular

UNLEADED

GASOLINE

(¡I2pti

_^>>GINE O»
— OR —

GOOD GBfcoE

, 161 ^

COOLED, 2-C^CLt

^ EMfilNFOIL

_________

2. HOW TO MIX FUEL AND FILL TANK

a. Pour 1/2 gallon gasoline into an approved marked

container. Do not try to mix fuel directly in the fuel

tank.

b. Add entire measure of 2-cycle engine oil.
c. Cover container tightly and shake for one minute.
d. Add remainder of gasoline.
e. Cover container tightly and shake again.

f. Remove the fuel cap. Refer to “Spedfications”, page

2, for fuel cap location.

g. Fill the tank using a spout or funnel.

h. Reinstall the fuel cap securely.

B. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Before operating your unit, always;

1. ^ CHECK OVER SAFETY RULES AND PRECAU

TIONS in this Operator’s Manual. Make certain you

completely understand and follow each one.

2. ^ CHECK THE AIR FILTER

Clean the filter If dirty before operating the unit. For
location, see page 14.

a. Use only recommended fuel mixtures.

b. Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in

the areas where fuel is mixed, poured, or
stored. There should be no smoking, open

flames or work that could cause sparks.

c. Use an approved, marted container for alt fuel

purposes.

d. M ix and pour fuel in an outdoor area. Store fuel

in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Gasoline

vapors are harmful to your health and can cause
serious hazards, such as explosion and fire.

e. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting the

engine.

f. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fuel

and fueling site before starting the engine.

3. ^CHECK THE UNIT FOR LOOSE BOLTS, NUTS,

OR FITTINGS.

Tighten, repair or replace parts as necessary. Tools
required are shown on page 5. Use only recom
mended, genuine Sears/Craftsman replacement
parts.

4. ^CHECK THE FUEL TANK.

Fill with a clean, fresh fuel mixture according to
instructions in fuel mixture section.

C. STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. HOW FUEL INJECTION STARTING™ WORKS

FUEL INJECTION STARTING™provides a . ­quick, start feature by. injecting a precise . ­amourit of fuel directly into the. carburetor
manifold which provides a rich fuel mixforthe
first few seconds of operation.

rh

CARBURETOR |

FUEL INJECTION STARTING DEVICE (PATENTPENDING)

Figure 6

GRAIN

• Each time the injector button is pressed and

■ released, fuel is forced from the fuel tank to

• ■ the accumulator chamber.

• The accumulator chamber provides a sec

ondary fuel supply until the carburetor can
obtain fuel through the primary line

• When the accumulator chamber is full, fuel
is injected into the carburetor manifold to
provide a rich mixture for starting.

• Excess fuel escapes through a drain to
prevent the engine from flooding if the

injector button is pressed too many times.

As a result, a few drops of fuel may appear
on the ground during the starting procedure.

• The number of injections required will
depend on temperature conditions and the
time elapsed since the engine was last

started.

2. STARTING PROCEDURE

3. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

Extend aminimumof4 Inches of line from the
cutting head to provide the correct load on the

engine.

Stand in the operating position, and place

b.

the cutting head on the ground. Figure 9.

This insures that fuel will flow into the in
jector pump.

Move the ignition switch to the "ON" posi

c.

tion. Figure 7.

d. Grip the rear handle with your right hand,

squeezing and keeping the throttle trigger
fully depressed until the engine runs

smoothly.

e.

Press the injector button down fully allow
ing the button to return completely after
each pressing. Follow conditions and injec

tions listed.

Conditions

First Starting Out-of-Box

[Above 30° F Temperature!

— First starting/engine cold

— Restarting/engine hot

(Below 30°F Temperaturel

Required Injections

6

3-4

0-1

— (See “Cold Weather Starting",

this page.)

, Ointinue pressing and releasing the injector but

f.

ton until fuel drips out of the bottom of the unit.

I CAUTIONfl If more than a drop or two of fuel
spills on the ground move unit away to another

area for starting to avoid creating a fire hazard.

g. Pull starter rope quickly and sharply until

engine starts.

NOTE; If engine attempts to start but dies

or does not start after 5 (five) pulls, press

injector one more time and pull starter

rope again.

h. The engine wUI run roughly when first

started. It is important to keep the throttle

trigger fully , depressed until the engine

runs smoothly (10 seconds or less).

i. If the engine starts but the cutting head does

not turn with the throttle trigger depressed,

make sure the drive shaft housing is properly
seated in the engine shroud. See “Drive Shaft
Housing", pages.

a. If the engine starts to die immediately after

starting, keep throttle trigger depressed

and press injector button once with fore
finger to give unit additional fuel.

b. If the engine is stopped momentarily (less

than 5 minutes), it probably will not require
an injection.

c. If unit runs out of fuel or is drained for stor

age “First Starting" procedure may be re
quired because

the system will be dry.

d. After starting and engine runs smoothly,

keep unit running at half speed until engine
is warmed up to proper idle.

e. Using gasoline or fuel mix over 2 months old

will cause the engine to be difficult or impos

sible to start!

4. COLD WEATHER STARTING

(Below 30° F)

a. Follow “Starting Procedure" through step

“d", then as below.

b. Press injector button down fully six (6)

times allowing the button to return com
pletely after each pressing.

c. Pull starter rope quickly and sharply until

unit starts. Keep trigger fully depressed.

d. If unit does not start in four pulls or attempts

to start but dies, press injector button an

additional four times.

e. Continue pulling starter rope four pulls,

if unit fails to start, repeat step d., above.

f. It is important not to release trigger until

unit runs smoothly.

g. Once unit has started, immediately press

injector button two additional times to keep
unit running until it warms up.

h. In extremely cold weather, it will be very

difficult to flood the unit, so if the unit

- ■ doesn’t start quickly, do not hesitate to

press injector button for additional fuel.

i. For starting warm engine in cold tempera

tures, press injector button once before

starting.

^WARNING

The cutting head must not turn when the engine
runs at Idle speed. Refer to “Carburetor Adjust
ments”, page 9 for correction.

FUEL
INJECTOR
BUTTON

Figure 9

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

For maximum performance and efficiency:

1. Always accelerate the engine to the desired

speed before cutting.

2. Never operate the engine at a higher speed

than necessary.

3. Always release the trigger and allow the en
gine to return to idle speed when not cutting.

Make sure the cutting head stops turning
when the throttle trigger is released and the
engine runs at idle speed. For correction,

refer to “Carburetor Adjustments," below.

Stop engine by moving the ignition switch, to
the “OFF" position (Figure 8).

ENGINE ADJUSTMENTS

1. CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS

The carburetor has been carefully adjusted atthe factory.
Due to changes in altitude and operating conditions, your
carburetor may require adjusting. Tb make the adjust
ment follow the procedure below very carefully:

a. PREPARATION

1. ) Use fresh fuel mix with proper gasoline/

' oil ratio. See "Fuel Mixture”, page 7.

2. ) Make sure the cutting line extends at least
4 inches to provide correct load on engine.

3. ) Remove air filter ( Figure 10 ) and place
under spark plug wire for safe keeping.

4. ) Turn both low speed and high speed mixture

screws clockwise ^ A until fully closed,
but do not overtighten. Figure 10. Unscrew both
mixture screws one full turn counterclockwise

b. IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT

1. ) Turn Idle Speed Screw clockwise

until it stops. Do not overtighten. Open
screw one full turn counterclockwise.

2. ) Start the engine and cut grass for 3 min
utes to warm up engine.

3. ) Allow engine to idle.

4. ) Adjust Id le Speed Screw until engine continues

to run without stalling and without the cutting
head turning.

Turn screw clockwise to increase

engine speed if engine stalls;

Turn screw counterclockwise to slow

engine down if cutting head
continues to turn.

i CAUTION:

are highly critical adjustments. If set incorrectly per

manent damage will occur to the engine. Both the

low speed mix and the high speed mix sc/eivs
should be in the range of 3/4 to 1-1/4 turns open.

I

High and low speed mixture settings

c. LOW SPEED MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT

Allow engine to idle.

1.)

2.)

Turn Low Speed Mixture Screw clock
wise slowly. Note the position at
which the engine speed is increased.

3.)

Turn the screw slowly counterclockwise.
A . Note the position at which the
speed Is reddeed.

4.)

Set the screw mid-way between these two
extreme positions.

d.

IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT

1. ) Allow engine to idle.

2. ) Adjust the Idle Speed Screw until the

engine idles as fast as possible without
the cutting head or blade turning

ICAUTIONH Do not operate engine at full throttle

for prolonged periods while making high speed
adjustments as damage to the engine can occur.

e. HIGH SPEED MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT

1 ) Support the shaft so that the cutting head

is off the ground and will not contact anv

object.

2.

Squeeze throttle trigger wide open

3.

Turn the High Speed Mixture Screw slowly

clockwise until the engine speed is

reduced. Note position.

4.

Turn the screw slowly counterclockwise

Stop when the engine just begins

to run rough. ^

5.} Turn the screw slowly the minimum

amount clockwise-until the engine

runs smoothly.

f. CHECK ACCELERATION

Allow the engine to idle. Squeeze trigger and
check engine acceleration. If the engine
does not accelerate smoothly, you may have

to repeat steps “b.3.)" through “e."
NOTE: Generally, by turning the low speed

screw counterclockwise A“*«* a small amount,
the unit will accelerate properly.

Figure 10

g. REINSTALL AIR FILTER

I CAUTION: I The air filter must be fitted into the

corners of the housing to avoid engine damage.

2. SPARKPLUG

Check spark plug periodically and replace as necessary.
Set the electrode gap at .025".