Direct Answer: Restringing Your Weed Eater
To restring a weed eater, first identify your trimmer head type (bump-feed, fixed-line, or pre-wound spool). For the most common bump-feed head, you’ll remove the spool, cut a 20-25 foot length of new line, thread it through the center hole, wind it in the direction indicated by arrows, thread the ends through the eyelets, and reassemble. For a fixed-line head, simply cut the appropriate length, thread it through the head’s holes, and secure it. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific line thickness and winding direction, and wear safety glasses during the process.
Understanding Your Trimmer Head Type
The first and most critical step is correctly identifying your trimmer’s head design. The restringing process differs significantly between types. “Weed Eater” is a brand name, but it’s commonly used generically for any string trimmer. The three primary head types are:
- Bump-Feed Head: This is the most common design. It features a spring-loaded spool inside a housing. You “bump” the head on the ground while it’s spinning to feed out more line automatically. To restring, you must access and rewind the internal spool.
- Fixed-Line Head: This head does not use a spool. Instead, you cut a specific length of line and manually thread it through holes or channels in the head itself. It’s often found on lighter-duty or electric trimmers.
- Pre-Wound Spool (Disposable): Some trimmers use a sealed, disposable spool cartridge. When the line runs out, you discard the entire spool and snap in a new, pre-wound one. This is the easiest method but can be more costly over time.
Look at your trimmer head. If you see a central knob or cap you can press or twist to release a spool, it’s likely a bump-feed. If you see open holes where a single piece of line is threaded through, it’s a fixed-line head.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these items:
- Correct Trimmer Line: Check your owner’s manual or the old line for the proper diameter (e.g., 0.065″, 0.080″, 0.095″). Using the wrong thickness can damage the head or reduce cutting performance.
- Scissors or Line Cutter: To cut the new line to length.
- Pliers (Optional): Can be helpful for gripping stubborn spools or line ends.
- Owner’s Manual: The ultimate source for model-specific instructions, line length, and winding direction.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from debris or a snapping line.
Step-by-Step Guide for Bump-Feed Trimmer Heads
This is the most detailed process. Follow these steps carefully.
1. Remove the Old Spool
Ensure the trimmer is off and disconnected from power. Most bump-feed heads have a release mechanism. This is often a button on the side of the housing or a tab you press while twisting the bottom cap. Consult your manual. Once released, the spool should slide out of the housing. Remove any old, tangled line.
2. Measure and Cut New Line
Cut a new piece of trimmer line to the length specified in your manual. A common length for many residential trimmers is 20 to 25 feet. If you don’t have the manual, a good starting point is a length that, when folded in half, reaches from the spool to the end of the trimmer shaft and back twice.
3. Thread and Wind the Line
Look for a small hole or anchor point in the center of the spool. Thread one end of the line through this hole. Pull it through until you have roughly equal lengths on both sides. Now, begin winding the line onto the spool.
Critical: Winding Direction. Look for arrows or the word “WIND” stamped on the spool. You must wind the line in the direction indicated. Winding it backwards will prevent the line from feeding properly. Wind the line neatly and tightly onto the spool, keeping it flat and avoiding overlaps that can cause tangles.
4. Thread Through the Eyelets
Once fully wound, you’ll have two loose ends. Thread each end through the exit holes (eyelets) on the outside of the spool. Pull a few inches of line out through each eyelet.
5. Reassemble the Head
Hold the wound spool and align it with the housing. There are usually notches or guides that must line up. Press the spool firmly into the housing until it clicks or locks into place. Ensure the line is feeding freely through the eyelets.
6. Test the Feed
Reconnect power, hold the trimmer safely, and gently tap the head on the ground (while running) to test the bump-feed mechanism. New line should extend.
Guide for Fixed-Line and Other Trimmer Heads
Fixed-Line Head
The process is simpler. Cut a length of line as specified. Locate the threading holes on the head. Thread one end of the line through one hole and out the other until the line is centered, with equal lengths on both sides. Some heads have a locking mechanism or a specific path to wrap the line around to secure it. Ensure the line is tight and won’t slip.
Pre-Wound Spool (Disposable)
This is the easiest. Remove the empty spool cartridge according to your trimmer’s instructions. Take the new pre-wound spool and snap it into place. No manual winding is required.
Troubleshooting Common Restringing Problems
- Line Won’t Feed: This is almost always due to incorrect winding direction. Disassemble and rewind the line in the direction of the arrows. Also, ensure the line isn’t tangled on the spool.
- Line Tangles or Welds Together: This happens if the line is wound too loosely or overlaps excessively. Wind it neatly and tightly. Also, check that you’re using the correct line diameter.
- Line Breaks Immediately: You may be using line that is too thin for your trimmer’s power, or there may be a sharp edge on the eyelet. Check the line thickness recommendation and inspect the eyelets for burrs.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
- Always wear safety glasses when operating or maintaining your trimmer.
- Work in a clear area, away from people, pets, and fragile objects.
- Store your trimmer in a dry place. Extreme heat or cold can make the trimmer line brittle.
- If the spool housing is cracked or the bump mechanism is broken, it may be time to replace the entire head assembly rather than just the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of trimmer line should I use?
The correct line thickness (diameter) is specified in your trimmer’s owner’s manual. Using a line that is too thick can overload the motor and damage the head. Common sizes range from 0.065″ for light-duty electric trimmers to 0.155″ for heavy-duty gas models.
How much line do I need to wind on the spool?
Again, consult your manual. For most residential bump-feed trimmers, a total length of 20 to 25 feet is standard. Overfilling the spool can cause jamming.
Can I use any brand of replacement line?
Yes, as long as it matches the diameter recommended for your specific trimmer model. The brand of the line itself is less important than its thickness and quality.
Why does my line keep tangling inside the head?
Tangling is usually caused by winding the line onto the spool in the wrong direction, winding it too loosely, or allowing the line to overlap unevenly. Disassemble, remove all old line, and rewind carefully, following the directional arrows on the spool.
