How to Thread a Craftsman Mandrel Housing

The mandrel on a lawn mower is part of the deck assembly and can break or be damaged over time, or if the lawn mower hits a rock, tree stump or roots, or other hard items. Replacement mandrel housings can be purchased from the lawn mower manufacturer, such as Craftsman, or in many home garden or repair stores. Threading the new mandrel housing on the mower correctly will help ensure the mower will run properly after repairs are made, and also can help prevent possible injury from stripped or failed threads.

Water lubricant spray
Torque wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the pointed, tapered end on the bolts for the new mandrel housing, which are called dog point threads.
- 2
  Spray the bolts, especially the dog points, with a water lubricant spray, such as WD-40.
- 3
  Hold the mandrel housing on the lawn mower deck and align the holes.
- 4
  Thread each bolt into the mandrel housing, starting with the dog point ends and keeping each bolt straight while turning the bolt clockwise.
- 5
  Place the washer between the pulley and the top bearing, then thread the largest nut on the shaft. Torque the nut to approximately 75 foot-pounds using the torque wrench.
- 6
  Thread the blade bolt onto the shaft and torque to approximately 27 to 35 foot-pounds.

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