To reline a weed eater, first disconnect the spark plug or battery for safety. Remove the spool from the trimmer head, take out any remaining line, and cut a new piece of trimmer line to the recommended length (typically 15–25 feet depending on the spool). Insert one end of the line into the anchor hole on the spool, then wind it tightly in the direction indicated by the arrows on the spool, leaving a few inches loose. Feed the loose ends through the eyelets on the trimmer head, replace the spool, and test by gently pulling the line. Always check your model’s manual for specific line diameter and winding direction to ensure proper operation.
What You Need Before Relining a Weed Eater
Before you start relining your weed eater, gather the necessary tools and materials. The most critical item is the correct trimmer line—also called weed eater string or cutting line. Trimmer line comes in various diameters, typically ranging from 0.065 to 0.095 inches, and the right size depends on your trimmer’s specifications. Using a line that is too thick can damage the spool or cause the motor to overwork, while a line that is too thin may break frequently and cut inefficiently. Check your owner’s manual or look for a label on the trimmer head that indicates the recommended line diameter.
You will also need a measuring tape or ruler to cut the line to the proper length. Most spools hold between 15 and 25 feet of line, but some larger spools can take up to 30 feet. If you are using a pre-wound replacement spool, you only need to remove the old spool and install the new one; that is a different process from manual relining. For manual relining, you need a fresh spool of trimmer line, a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the line, and optionally, safety glasses to protect your eyes from any snapping line.
Additionally, it is wise to have a clean, flat workspace so you do not lose small parts like springs or washers that may come loose when you open the trimmer head. Some trimmers have a bump-feed mechanism that includes a spring; be careful not to lose it when you detach the spool. Having a small container or tray to hold screws and components is helpful. Finally, ensure the trimmer is turned off and the spark plug wire (for gas models) or battery (for electric models) is disconnected to prevent accidental starting.
How to Remove the Spool from the Trimmer Head
Removing the spool is the first physical step after safety preparation. The method varies by brand and model, but most trimmer heads have a release mechanism. Many are equipped with two tabs or buttons on the side of the head that you press simultaneously to release the spool cover. Once pressed, you can pull the cover off, exposing the spool inside. On other models, you may need to unscrew a cap or a retaining knob by turning it counterclockwise. Some older designs require a tool, such as a screwdriver or a hex wrench, to loosen a bolt in the center.
If the spool is stuck, try tapping the head gently with a rubber mallet or the handle of a screwdriver to free it. Be careful not to damage the plastic housing. You can also use a pair of pliers to grip the spool and wiggle it out, but do so gently to avoid breaking the spool or the head. Once the spool is out, inspect it for damage—cracks or warped flanges can cause feeding issues. Also take note of any springs or washers inside the head so you can reassemble them correctly later.
With the spool removed, you can see the remaining line. If there is any line left, pull it out completely. This is a good time to clean the spool and the inside of the head with a cloth to remove grass clippings and dirt that can affect performance. After cleaning, you are ready to load the new line.
How to Wind New Line onto the Spool
Winding the line correctly is the most crucial part of relining. Start by cutting a fresh piece of trimmer line to the recommended length—typically 15 to 25 feet, but check your spool’s capacity. Use the anchor hole on the spool: there is usually a small hole or slot near the center where you insert one end of the line. Push about 1/4 inch of the line into this hole to lock it in place. Some spools have two anchor holes for a dual-line system; follow the same process for each line if your trimmer uses two lines.
Now, wind the line onto the spool. Most spools have arrows or directional indicators molded into the plastic that show the correct winding direction—usually clockwise or counterclockwise. It is essential to follow these arrows, because winding in the wrong direction will cause the line to feed improperly or tangle inside the head. Wind the line tightly and evenly, layer by layer, keeping the coils neat and close together. Do not cross the line over itself, as that can cause binding. Leave about 6 inches of line unwound at the end, which will be fed through the eyelets later.
How tight should the line be wound? It should be snug, but not overly tight to the point of deforming the spool. A moderate tension is ideal—if you pull on the line after winding, it should not unravel, but you should still be able to feed it out when the trimmer is in use. If you have a dual-line spool, repeat the winding process for the second line, ensuring both are wound equally and in the correct direction. Once both lines are wound, you are ready to reassemble.
How to Reassemble the Trimmer Head
After winding, you need to feed the loose ends of the line through the eyelets on the trimmer head. The eyelets are the small holes or slots on the outer rim of the head through which the line protrudes when the trimmer is assembled. Locate the eyelets that correspond to the line(s) you just wound. For each line, take the loose end and push it through the appropriate eyelet from the inside out. You may need to guide it with your fingers or a small tool. Pull it through until about 3–4 inches of line extends outside the head.
Now, place the spool back into the head housing, making sure it aligns with the drive mechanism. If there is a spring, ensure it sits properly on the center post. Align the spool’s tabs or notches with the corresponding slots inside the head. Then, press the spool down firmly until it clicks into place or seats fully. Replace the cover or cap that you removed earlier, securing it either by snapping it on, tightening the retaining knob, or pressing the tabs back in place. Make sure the cover is seated evenly to prevent the spool from wobbling.
Test your reassembly by gently pulling the line to see if it feeds out smoothly. If the line does not pull easily, you may have wound it incorrectly or the eyelets may be misaligned. Rotate the spool manually to check for smooth rotation. Once everything seems right, reconnect the spark plug or battery, and test the trimmer at low speed. The line should advance when you tap the head on the ground (if it is a bump-feed model) or automatically feed as it wears. If it doesn’t, double-check your winding direction and that the line is not pinched.
Common Relining Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Relining seems simple, but several common mistakes can lead to frustration. One of the most frequent errors is winding the line in the wrong direction. The arrows on the spool are there for a reason—if you ignore them, the line will not feed properly and may jam. Always verify the direction before you start winding. Another mistake is using too much line; exceeding the spool’s capacity causes the line to tangle or bind, preventing smooth feeding. Stick to the recommended length, even if you think more line will last longer.
Tangling is another common issue. This often happens when the line is wound unevenly or crosses over itself. To avoid tangling, wind in neat, tight layers, and do not allow the line to overlap in a haphazard manner. Also, make sure the line is not twisted before winding—straighten it out if it has coils from the packaging. Some people also forget to leave enough loose end to feed through the eyelets; if you leave too little, the line may slip back inside the head. Leaving 6 inches is a safe rule.
What happens if you wind the line the wrong way? The trimmer will not feed line when you bump the head, or the line may break prematurely because it is forced against the head’s internal mechanism. Additionally, using an incorrect line diameter for your model can cause the line to snap frequently or the motor to overheat. Always match the diameter to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you keep experiencing tangling, consider using a pre-wound spool, which eliminates the winding step and often comes with correct line pre-installed.
When to Replace the Spool Instead of Relining
While relining manually is cost-effective, there are times when it is better to buy a pre-wound spool. Pre-wound spools come with the line already wound in the correct direction and to the proper length, saving you time and effort. They are especially convenient if you are not confident in your winding skills or if you need a quick replacement. Many major trimmer brands offer pre-wound spools that are direct fit for their models, so you simply remove the old spool and snap in the new one.
You should also consider replacing the entire spool if the existing spool is worn out. Signs of wear include cracks, warped flanges, or a broken center post. A damaged spool can cause the line to feed erratically or get stuck. If you notice that the line does not feed even after careful relining, the spool itself might be the culprit. Additionally, if the bump-feed mechanism becomes unreliable, the spring or internal components may be damaged, in which case a new spool assembly is the easiest fix.
How do you know when the spool is worn out? Visual inspection is key—look for cracks, missing tabs, or distortion. If the spool does not sit flush in the head or wobbles, replace it. Pre-wound spools are usually only a few dollars more than manual line, and they include the correct line already cut to length. For occasional users, the convenience justifies the extra cost. For frequent use, manual relining saves money, but having a spare pre-wound spool on hand can get you back to work quickly if you run out of line in the field.
