To put string on a weed trimmer, first ensure the power is disconnected by removing the battery, unplugging the cord, or stopping the engine. Remove the spool cap to access the cutting head, then replace the old line with a fresh length—typically 8 to 15 feet. Wind the new line onto the spool following the direction of the arrow, secure the ends, and reassemble the head. For bump-feed models, tap the head on the ground while running to release more line.
Replacing trimmer line is a fundamental maintenance task that ensures your equipment cuts efficiently without stalling or snapping. Because there are several different ways to load line depending on your specific model, it is important to identify your trimmer head type before you begin. This guide will walk you through the specific procedures for bump-feed, fixed-line, and pre-wound spool systems.
Understanding the Question: What Does It Mean to Put String on a Weed Trimmer?
When people ask how to “put string on” a trimmer, they are usually referring to one of two distinct tasks: winding bulk trimmer line onto an existing spool or installing a completely new, pre-wound replacement spool. Understanding which one you need to do will save you time and prevent frustration.
Replacing Line on a Spool vs. Installing a Pre-Wound Spool
If you have a large roll of bulk line, you will need to manually wind it onto the spool inside your trimmer head. This is often more cost-effective but requires more effort. Conversely, many manufacturers sell pre-wound replacement spools. These are essentially “plug-and-play” components where the line is already wound; you simply drop the entire spool into the head and guide the ends through the eyelets.
Common Trimmer Head Types
Not all weed trimmers operate the same way. Identifying your head type is the first step in any repair or maintenance task:
- Bump-Feed Head: The most common type. You tap the head on the ground while the motor is running to release more line.
- Fixed-Line Head: These do not use a spool. Instead, they use solid metal or plastic blades/segments that you manually thread through the head.
- Auto-Feed Head: These models automatically release more line as the current line wears down, often using a spring-loaded mechanism.
- Universal Heads: Some aftermarket heads are designed to fit multiple brands and may have unique loading requirements.
Why Winding Direction Matters
Most spools feature a small arrow indicating the direction in which the line should be wound. Following this arrow is critical. If you wind the line in the opposite direction, the tension required to feed the line during use will actually cause the line to unravel or jam inside the head, potentially damaging the mechanism.
What You Need Before You Start: Choosing the Right Line and Tools
Before you disassemble your trimmer, gather your supplies to ensure a smooth process. Working with the wrong type of line can lead to frequent breakage or motor strain.
Determining the Correct Line Gauge
Trimmer line is measured by its diameter, often referred to as the “gauge.” Using a line that is too thick can prevent the spool from turning or cause the engine to bog down. Using a line that is too thin may result in the string snapping too easily against tough weeds. Always check your trimmer’s user manual or the markings on the cutting head to find the recommended diameter (e.g., .065, .080, or .095 inches).
Bulk Spool vs. Pre-Wound Spools
Choosing between bulk line and pre-wound spools depends on your budget and convenience. Bulk line is significantly cheaper per foot, making it ideal for heavy users. Pre-wound spools are more convenient for occasional gardeners who want a quick fix without the hassle of winding.
Terminology: “Weed Eater String” vs. “Trimmer Line”
You may see different terms used in hardware stores or online. While “weed eater string” is a common colloquialism (often used because “Weed Eater” is a well-known brand name), the technical term is “trimmer line.” Whether you search for string or line, you are looking for the same nylon filament product.
Step-by-Step: How to Wind String Onto a Bump-Feed Trimmer Spool
For most homeowners, the bump-feed method is the standard. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the line is seated correctly.
1. Safety First: Disconnect Power
Never attempt to work on the cutting head while the trimmer is connected to a power source. If it is gas-powered, ensure the engine is off and cool. If it is electric, remove the battery or unplug the cord. Wearing eye protection is highly recommended, as small pieces of old, broken line can often spring out during disassembly.
2. Remove the Spool Cap
Locate the cap on the bottom of the trimmer head. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew it by hand, use a screwdriver, or use a specialized tool provided with the trimmer. Once unscrewed, carefully lift the cap off to reveal the spool inside.
3. Clear the Old Line
<pRemove the old, tangled, or worn-out spool and line from the head. Inspect the inside of the housing for any debris, dirt, or broken fragments of old line that might cause a jam during reassembly.
4. Cut and Thread the New Line
Cut a fresh length of trimmer line. While lengths vary by model, a common starting point is between 8 and 15 feet. Thread one end of the line through the small hole, or “eyelet,” located on the side of the spool.
5. Wind the Line
Locate the winding direction arrow on the spool. Wind the line tightly and evenly around the spool in that specific direction. Avoid overlapping the lines haphazardly; a neat, tight wind ensures the line feeds smoothly.
6. Secure and Reassemble
Leave a few inches of line hanging off the spool. Most spools have a small notch or groove designed to hold the end of the line in place. Hook the line into this notch, place the spool back into the trimmer head, and replace the spool cap. Tighten the cap according to your manual’s instructions. Finally, pull both ends of the line through the eyelets on the outer housing to ensure they are ready for use.
How to Install a Pre-Wound Trimmer Spool (Skip-the-Winding Method)
If you have purchased a pre-wound spool, the process is significantly faster. This method is designed to minimize downtime.
Loading the Pre-Wound Spool
Simply remove the old spool and cap from your trimmer head. Take your new pre-wound spool and place it into the housing. Ensure it sits flush and is oriented correctly according to the manufacturer’s design.
Guiding the Line Ends
Identify the two ends of the line protruding from the pre-wound spool. Feed these ends through the exit eyelets on the trimmer head’s outer casing. Once the ends are through, replace the spool cap and tighten it. You are now ready to go.
How to Release More Line
With a pre-wound spool, you still use the bump-feed mechanism. While the trimmer is running at a medium speed, gently tap the head against the ground. This action triggers the internal mechanism to release a small amount of additional line from the spool.
Step-by-Step: Loading a Fixed-Line Trimmer Head
Fixed-line heads are common on professional-grade or heavy-duty trimmers. They do not use a spool; instead, they use solid segments of line that act like blades.
The Difference in Operation
Unlike bump-feed heads, fixed-line heads do not “feed” more line automatically. When the line wears down or breaks, you must manually replace the segments.
How to Replace Fixed Line
- Remove the head assembly as you would with a bump-feed model.
- Remove the old line segments.
- Cut two or more pieces of heavy-duty trimmer line to the specific length required by your model (refer to your manual, as this varies significantly).
- Thread the ends of the line through the designated holes in the head assembly.
- Secure the line in place using the head’s locking mechanism or specialized clips.
Troubleshooting Common Problems: Jamming, Line Not Feeding, and Breakage
Even with correct installation, you may encounter issues during operation. Here is how to address the most frequent problems.
Line Jamming or Tangling
If the line is jamming, it is often due to an uneven winding pattern on the spool or debris stuck inside the head. Disassemble the head, clear out any old fragments, and re-wind the line more neatly, ensuring it follows the direction of the arrow.
Line Not Feeding When Tapping
If you tap the head on the ground and no line emerges, the internal spring may be stuck, or the line may be too short to trigger the mechanism. Try feeding a little more line through the eyelets manually, or check if the eyelets are clogged with dirt.
Frequent Line Breakage
If your line keeps snapping, you may be using a gauge that is too thin for the task, or you may be hitting hard objects like rocks or fences. Additionally, ensure the line is not being cut too long; if the line extends too far past the head, the centrifugal force and impact can cause it to snap prematurely.
Safety Tips and Final Checks Before Trimming
To ensure a safe and productive experience, always adhere to these final safety protocols.
Essential Safety Gear
Operating a weed trimmer involves high-speed rotating parts that can kick up debris. Always wear:
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying stones and line fragments.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Sturdy boots are preferred to protect your feet.
- Long Pants: To protect your legs from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: If using a gas-powered trimmer.
Final Test
Before starting your yard work, perform a quick test. Turn the trimmer on and tap the head on the ground once or twice to ensure the line feeds correctly. Check that the line is even on both sides and that the head is securely tightened. If everything feels stable and the line is feeding, you are ready to trim.
