Craftsman Part # 406706, Blade

What It Is

The Craftsman Part # 406706 is a 21-inch replacement blade designed for walk-behind lawn mowers. It’s a standard straight/medium-lift blade intended for general grass cutting on residential lawns.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• Deck size: This blade is 21 inches long (tip to tip) and fits mowers with a 21-inch cutting deck. Measure your current blade or deck width.
• Model fit: OEM part for many Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan Pro mowers. Common compatible models include Craftsman 917, 944, 247 series, and select MTD-built decks. Check your mower’s model number against the part number.
• Mounting hole: Center hole is 1-inch diameter with a 5-point star pattern (some older models use a round hole – measure yours). The blade is 0.25 inches thick.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is an OEM Craftsman blade. Aftermarket equivalents exist but may vary in thickness, balance, or steel quality.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy – requires a socket wrench (usually 5/8-inch or 15/16-inch) and a block of wood to prevent blade rotation. Torque to 30-40 ft-lbs.
• Sharpness: Comes pre-sharpened but not razor-edged. A quick touch-up with a file is recommended for best cut quality.
• Common gotcha: The star drive center hole can be a tight fit on some spindles. If it doesn’t sit flush, don’t force it – check for debris or a bent adapter.
• Balance: Always check blade balance after installation. An unbalanced blade causes vibration and damages the spindle. Use a blade balancer or hang it on a nail.

Should You Buy It

If you have a 21-inch Craftsman, Husqvarna, or compatible MTD mower with a star-pattern blade mount, this is a reliable, direct-fit OEM replacement. It’s a good choice for homeowners who want a hassle-free drop-in blade without measuring aftermarket options. Not ideal for mulching or bagging-specific needs – this is a standard lift blade for discharge cutting.