Direct Answer: How to Restring a Weed Eater
To restring a weed eater, first identify your trimmer head type (bump-feed, fixed-line, or auto-feed). For the most common bump-feed head, remove the spool cap, discard the old line, cut a new piece of trimmer line to the length specified in your manual (typically 10–25 feet), insert one end through the anchor hole or notch in the spool, wind the line tightly in the direction indicated by the arrows on the spool, leave a short tail (2–3 inches) protruding through the eyelet, snap the spool back into the housing, and thread the line through the guide before starting. Always consult your specific model’s manual for exact line length, diameter, and winding direction.
Understanding Your Trimmer Head Type
Before you touch the spool, you need to know which type of trimmer head you own. The restringing procedure differs significantly between designs, and using the wrong method can cause the line to jam, snap, or fail to feed.
The Three Main Trimmer Head Types
- Bump-feed head: The most common type. You tap the head on the ground while the trimmer is running to release more line. It uses a spring-loaded spool that you wind by hand.
- Fixed-line head: Uses short, pre-cut pieces of line (usually 2–4 per head) that are inserted through holes or slots. There is no spool to wind; you simply replace the line pieces when they wear down.
- Auto-feed or speed-feed head: Feeds line automatically when the engine speed changes or when you press a button. Many speed-feed heads let you reload line without removing the spool or using tools.
Pre-Wound vs. Hand-Wound Spools
Some trimmers accept pre-wound spools, which come ready to install straight from the package. Others require you to hand-wind line from a bulk spool. Check your manual or the old spool: if the spool has a factory sticker, a plastic bag, or a brand-specific part number, it is likely designed for a pre-wound replacement. If the spool is empty and has anchor holes and directional arrows, it is meant to be hand-wound.
Finding Your Model Number and Specifications
Your trimmer’s model number is usually printed on a sticker or metal plate near the engine or on the shaft. Write it down before shopping for line or replacement spools. The owner’s manual—available online from most manufacturers—will list the recommended line diameter, line length, and winding direction.
Tools and Materials Needed
Restringing a weed eater is one of the simplest maintenance tasks you can do. In most cases, you will not need any tools at all.
What You Need
- Trimmer line: Choose the correct diameter (see the FAQ section below) and material. Round nylon line is standard; twisted or serrated line cuts thicker weeds but may not fit every head.
- Cutting tool: Scissors or a utility knife to cut the line to length.
- Optional tools: A flathead screwdriver or pliers can help remove a stuck spool cap, but most modern heads are tool-free.
- Safety gear: Gloves and eye protection, especially if the old line is brittle and snaps during removal.
How Much Line Do You Need?
For a standard bump-feed spool, you will typically need 10 to 25 feet of line. The exact amount depends on the spool size and the line diameter. A good rule of thumb: if the spool holds about 15 feet of 0.080-inch line, it will hold less if you use a thicker 0.105-inch line. Check your manual, or simply wind until the spool is full but not bulging.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Bump-Feed Head
Follow these universal steps for the most common type of trimmer head. The exact layout varies by brand, but the principles are the same.
Step 1: Safety First
- Turn off the trimmer and disconnect the spark plug wire (for gas models) or remove the battery (for cordless models).
- Lay the trimmer on a flat surface with the head facing up.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and old line.
Step 2: Remove the Spool Cap
Press the tabs on the side of the head and pull the cap off, or turn the cap counterclockwise if it is threaded. On some models, you will need to push the cap down and twist. If the cap is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose—but avoid damaging the plastic housing.
Step 3: Remove the Old Line
Take the spool out of the housing. Pull off any remaining line and discard it. Clean out grass clippings and debris from the spool and the inside of the head. A dirty head is a common cause of line feeding problems.
Step 4: Cut the New Line to Length
Cut a single piece of trimmer line to the length recommended in your manual. If you do not know the exact length, start with 15 feet for most standard spools. You can always trim the tail shorter, but you cannot add line once it is wound.
Step 5: Anchor the Line
Find the anchor hole or notch on the spool. Insert one end of the line into the hole and pull it through until it catches. Some spools have a small slot that holds the line in place; others require you to bend the line into a hook shape to lock it.
Step 6: Wind the Line in the Correct Direction
Look for the arrows printed on the spool. They indicate the winding direction. Wind the line tightly and evenly in the direction of the arrows, keeping the coils neat and side by side. Do not cross the line over itself. Stop when the line is level with the outer edge of the spool—do not overfill.
Step 7: Leave a Tail Through the Eyelet
Most spools have a small eyelet or slot near the outer rim. Hold the line in place with one hand, then pull the free end through the eyelet, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of tail protruding. This tail will be fed through the head when you reassemble.
Step 8: Reassemble the Head
Place the wound spool back into the housing, aligning any tabs or notches. Thread the protruding tail through the guide hole or slot on the outside of the head. Press the spool cap back on until it clicks, or screw it on if it is threaded.
Step 9: Test the Feed
Pull the tail gently to confirm the line moves freely. Reconnect the spark plug or battery, start the trimmer, and tap the head on the ground to test the bump-feed mechanism. The line should advance with each tap.
Special Considerations for Other Head Types
Fixed-Line Trimmer Heads
Fixed-line heads do not use a spool. Instead, they hold short pieces of line (usually 4 to 8 inches) in slots around the head. To restring:
- Remove the head or open the retaining cap.
- Pull out the worn line pieces.
- Cut new pieces to the length specified in your manual.
- Insert each piece through the slot and push until it locks into the retaining notch.
- Reassemble and trim the exposed line with scissors if needed.
Auto-Feed and Speed-Feed Heads
Many modern trimmers use a speed-feed head that allows reloading without removing the spool. The process is usually:
- Align the arrow on the spool with the arrow on the head.
- Insert the end of the line into the feed hole.
- Rotate the spool in the direction indicated to wind the line automatically.
- Leave a tail protruding, then snap the spool cover closed.
Always check your manual, because the exact steps vary by brand.
When to Replace the Entire Spool Head
Replace the whole head if the housing is cracked, the bump knob is broken, the spring is damaged, or the line keeps jamming even after a correct restring. A new head is inexpensive and can save you hours of frustration.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Winding in the Wrong Direction
If you wind the line opposite to the arrows, the line will not feed and may pull back into the spool. The arrows are not decorative—they match the rotation of the head. If the line does not advance after restringing, rewind it in the opposite direction.
Overfilling the Spool
Stuffing too much line onto the spool prevents the spring from working and causes the line to jam. Wind until the line is flush with the spool rim, then stop.
Leaving Too Little Line
If the tail is shorter than 2 inches, it may slip back inside the head and fail to feed. Always leave a visible tail when reassembling.
Why Won’t the Line Advance?
- The line is wound in the wrong direction. Fix: rewind.
- The spool is overfilled. Fix: remove a few feet of line.
- The line is too thick for the eyelet. Fix: use the diameter recommended in your manual.
- The head is clogged with debris. Fix: clean the housing and spool.
- The spring or bump knob is broken. Fix: replace the head.
Why Does the Line Keep Breaking?
Line breaks prematurely when it is too thin for the job, when the trimmer is run at full throttle against hard surfaces, or when the line has aged and become brittle. Use the correct diameter and replace old line rather than reusing dried-out spools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trimmer line diameter is compatible with my weed eater?
The correct diameter is printed in your owner’s manual and often on the spool or head. Common sizes are 0.065, 0.080, 0.095, and 0.105 inches. Thinner line (0.065–0.080) suits lightweight electric trimmers; thicker line (0.095–0.105) is for gas-powered models with higher cutting power. Using a line that is too thick can jam the feed mechanism and strain the engine.
Is it better to buy pre-wound spools or wind my own line?
Pre-wound spools are more convenient and guarantee the correct winding direction and line length, but they cost more per use. Hand-winding a bulk spool is cheaper and lets you choose the exact line diameter and material. If you are new to trimming, a pre-wound spool is the easiest way to avoid mistakes.
How often should I check or replace the trimmer line?
Check the line before every use. Replace it when the cutting length drops below about 4 inches or when the line no longer feeds properly. Heavy use can wear out a spool of line in a single session, while light trimming may last several weeks. Always keep a spare spool or bulk line on hand.
Can I use any brand of trimmer line in my weed eater?
Yes, trimmer line is largely universal as long as the diameter fits your head. However, some brands design their heads for specific line shapes (round, twisted, or serrated). Check your manual for recommended shapes, and avoid mixing line types on the same spool.
