To put new line in a weed eater, first make sure the trimmer is off: disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery. Press the tabs on the trimmer head and lift off the cap to expose the spool. Remove any old line, then cut a fresh length of trimmer line (most bump-feed spools hold roughly 15 to 25 feet). Check the arrow on the spool for the winding direction, insert one end of the line into the anchor hole, and wind it tightly in the direction shown. If the spool has two channels, repeat with a second piece of line. Stop with the last few inches unwound, thread the free ends through the eyelets in the head, and snap the cap back on. Because line diameter, length, and winding direction vary by model, always confirm the markings on the spool and the instructions in your owner’s manual.

What Kind of Weed Eater Head Do You Have?

Three common weed eater head types arranged on a workbench for comparison

Before you begin, it’s crucial to identify the type of trimmer head on your weed eater. The re-spooling procedure differs significantly between designs. The three most common types are:

  • Bump-Feed (or Tap-and-Go): This is the most common head. You feed line by tapping the bottom of the head on the ground while it’s spinning, which releases more line from an internal spool.
  • Fixed-Line (or Manual Feed): These heads use pre-cut lengths of line that are manually inserted into slots or holes on the head. There is no internal spool.
  • Auto-Feed (or Continuous Feed): These systems automatically advance line as you use the trimmer, often using centrifugal force. They typically use a spool but have a different loading mechanism.

Look at your trimmer head. If it has a spool you can remove and wind line onto, it’s likely a bump-feed. If it has simple slots where you insert short, stiff pieces of line, it’s a fixed-line head.

What to Know Before You Put Line in a Weed Eater

Having the right supplies and information prevents damage to your trimmer and ensures optimal performance.

  • Line Diameter (Gauge): Using the wrong size line can jam the head or reduce cutting power. Common diameters are 0.065″, 0.080″, and 0.095″. Check your owner’s manual or the old line for the correct gauge.
  • Line Length: While the manual is best, a general rule for bump-feed spools is 15 to 25 feet of line per spool. Overfilling can cause jams.
  • Winding Direction: This is critical. Most spools have an arrow indicating the direction to wind the line. Winding it backwards will prevent it from feeding correctly.
  • Line Material: Lines come in various shapes (round, twisted, serrated) and materials. Round line is standard and durable. Twisted or serrated lines may cut better but can be more prone to breakage.

Step-by-Step: How to Put Line in a Bump-Feed Weed Eater

This is the most common procedure. Follow these steps carefully.

  1. Safety First: Turn off the trimmer. For gas models, disconnect the spark plug wire. For electric models, remove the battery or unplug it.
  2. Access the Spool: Locate the tabs or buttons on the sides of the trimmer head. Press them in and lift the cap straight off. You should now see the spool.
  3. Remove Old Line: If there is old, tangled line on the spool, unwind it completely and discard it.
  4. Prepare New Line: Cut a fresh length of line. The correct length is specified in your manual. If you don’t have it, a good estimate for most residential trimmers is 10-15 feet per line for a dual-line spool.
  5. Anchor the Line: Look for a small hole or notch on the inner hub of the spool (the anchor hole). Insert one end of the new line into this hole.
  6. Wind the Line: Look for an arrow on the spool indicating the winding direction. Wind the line tightly and evenly onto the spool in that direction. Keep tension on the line to prevent loose loops.
  7. Second Line (If Dual-Line): If your spool has two channels, repeat steps 4-6 for the second piece of line on the opposite side of the spool.
  8. Secure and Thread: Once wound, leave about 6 inches of line unwound. Tuck the line into the small notches on the edge of the spool to hold it in place temporarily. Thread the free ends of the line through the eyelets (the metal or plastic guides) on the trimmer head cap.
  9. Reassemble: Align the spool with the head and press it down until it clicks. Snap the cap back on, ensuring the tabs lock into place.
  10. Test Feed: Tap the bottom of the head on the ground a few times while the trimmer is running to release the line from the notches.

How to Put Line in Fixed-Line and Auto-Feed Heads

These heads are often simpler to load.

Fixed-Line Heads

  1. Cut several short pieces of line, typically 8-12 inches each, as specified by the manufacturer.
  2. Locate the slots or holes on the perimeter of the trimmer head.
  3. Insert one end of a pre-cut line into a slot until it clicks or locks into place.
  4. Repeat for the other slots. The line should stick out evenly from the head.

Auto-Feed Heads

Many auto-feed heads use a similar spool to bump-feed heads but with a different loading mechanism. Often, you don’t need to remove the spool. Instead, you feed the line through the eyelet and into the head until it catches on an internal mechanism. Then, you wind the line onto the spool by hand or by rotating the head in a specific direction. Always consult your manual for the exact procedure.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

  • Line Won’t Feed: This is usually caused by winding the line in the wrong direction or having it tangled on the spool. Re-spool the line, ensuring it follows the arrow’s direction.
  • Line Jams or Breaks Frequently: You may be using the wrong line diameter. Also, ensure the line is wound tightly and evenly. Loose winding causes tangles.
  • Cap Won’t Snap On: Make sure the spool is seated correctly and the line isn’t caught between the spool and the cap. Check that the tabs are aligned.
  • Line Tangles Immediately: This often happens if the line is wound too loosely or if the spool is overfilled.

Direct Answer: Putting Line in a Weed Eater at a Glance

Here is the quick-reference checklist for the most common bump-feed head:

  1. Power Off: Disconnect spark plug or battery.
  2. Open Head: Press tabs and remove cap.
  3. Remove Old Line.
  4. Cut New Line: Use the correct gauge and length (10-15 ft per line is a common estimate).
  5. Anchor & Wind: Insert line end into anchor hole. Wind tightly in the direction of the arrow.
  6. Secure & Thread: Tuck line in notches, thread ends through eyelets.
  7. Reassemble & Test: Snap cap on, tap head to release line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove the entire spool to add new line?

For most bump-feed and auto-feed trimmers, yes. You need to access the spool to wind the line correctly. Fixed-line heads do not use a spool; you simply insert pre-cut lines into the head.

Can I reuse old line or should I always install fresh line?

It is highly recommended to use fresh line. Old line becomes brittle, develops memory (holds a coiled shape), and is more likely to break or jam. Fresh line feeds more smoothly and cuts more effectively.

When should I replace the line in my weed eater?

You should add or replace line whenever it becomes too short to cut effectively or if it breaks. Keeping a few extra feet of line on the spool ensures you can keep working without frequent stops. It’s also good practice to replace the entire line if it becomes heavily tangled or damaged.

What is the quickest way to replace weed eater line?

The quickest method is for a fixed-line head: simply pop out the old line pieces and insert new pre-cut lengths. For a bump-feed head, the process is inherently a bit longer due to the need to wind the spool correctly. Having pre-cut line on hand can speed up the process for any head type.