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.
What You Need Before Relining a Weed Eater
Before you start, gather the right materials and tools. The most important item is the correct trimmer line. Trimmer line comes in several diameters, typically ranging from about 0.065 to 0.095 inches. Thinner line is suitable for light trimming around flowers and small weeds, while thicker line handles heavier vegetation. Your weed eater’s manual will specify the maximum line diameter the head can accept. Using a line that is too thick can cause the head to jam or the engine to strain, while a line that is too thin may break frequently.
You will also need a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut the line to length. Some trimmer heads require a screwdriver to remove the cap, so keep one handy. If your spool has a bump feed mechanism, check whether it uses a pre-wound spool or accepts loose line. This determines whether you will be winding line manually or simply swapping in a new spool. Finally, have a clean work surface and a cloth to wipe off grass and debris from the head before you begin.
The amount of line you need depends on the size of your spool. A standard spool typically holds between 15 and 25 feet of line, but this varies by brand and model. If you are unsure, measure the spool’s capacity or consult the manual. It is better to have a little extra line than to run short mid-wind, but do not overload the spool, as this can cause the line to bind.
How to Remove the Spool from the Trimmer Head
Safety comes first. Disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery before touching the trimmer head. This prevents the engine from starting accidentally while your hands are near the cutting area. Once the power source is disconnected, lay the weed eater on its side so the head is accessible.
Most trimmer heads use one of two designs: a cap that unscrews or a head with tabs that you press to release the spool. For a screw-on cap, grip the cap firmly and turn it counterclockwise. Some caps have arrows or a lock symbol to indicate the direction. If the cap is tight, use a screwdriver or a spanner wrench if your model includes one. For a tab-style head, press the tabs inward while pulling the spool out. You may need to rotate the spool slightly to align the tabs with the slots.
If the spool is stuck, do not force it. Grass, dirt, or dried line can jam the mechanism. Remove any visible debris with a small brush or screwdriver. You can also tap the head gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it. If the spool still will not budge, check the manual for model-specific release instructions. Once the spool is free, set it aside and clean the inside of the head to remove any grass clippings or old line fragments.
How to Wind New Line onto the Spool
With the spool removed, take out any remaining line. If there are old line fragments stuck in the anchor holes, use a small tool to clear them. Now cut a fresh piece of trimmer line to the recommended length. If you do not know the exact length, 15 to 25 feet is a safe starting point for most standard spools.
Look at the spool to find the anchor hole or slot. Insert one end of the line into this hole, leaving about an inch sticking out on the other side. This secures the line so it does not slip while you wind. Next, check the arrows on the spool. They indicate the direction in which the line should be wound, usually counterclockwise or clockwise depending on the model. Always follow these arrows, as winding in the wrong direction will cause the line to feed incorrectly.
Begin winding the line tightly and evenly around the spool. Keep the line under tension as you wind so it lays flat and does not tangle. Do not cross the line over itself. Continue until the line is nearly level with the outer edge of the spool, leaving a few inches of loose line to thread through the eyelets later. Overfilling the spool can cause the line to bind inside the head, so stop a little short of the rim. If your spool has two channels, wind each line separately in its own channel, following the arrows for each.
How to Reassemble the Trimmer Head
After winding, locate the eyelets on the trimmer head. These are the small holes or slots through which the line exits. Feed the loose end of the line through the eyelet on the corresponding side of the head. If your head has two eyelets, feed each loose end through its matching eyelet. Pull the line through until it is snug, but leave a few inches of slack so the line can be extended later.
Now replace the spool inside the head. Align the spool with the drive mechanism and press it into place. If the head uses a cap, screw it back on by turning it clockwise until it is snug. Do not overtighten, as this can make future removal difficult. For tab-style heads, push the spool in until the tabs click into place. Make sure the line is not pinched between the spool and the head.
Once reassembled, reconnect the spark plug or reinstall the battery. Test the trimmer by gently pulling the line to ensure it feeds freely. If the line does not pull out, the spool may be wound too tightly or the line may be caught. Open the head and check the winding. After testing, you are ready to trim. If the line is too long, trim the ends with scissors so they extend just past the cutting guard.
Common Relining Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent problems is line tangling. This usually happens when the line is wound too loosely or crosses over itself. To avoid this, keep the line under firm tension while winding and make sure each wrap lies flat against the previous one. Do not let the line bunch up in one spot.
Another common mistake is winding in the wrong direction. The arrows on the spool are there for a reason. If you wind the line opposite to the arrows, the line will not feed correctly and may jam. Always double-check the direction before you begin winding. If you are unsure, compare the arrows with the rotation of the head when the trimmer is running.
Using the wrong line length or diameter is also a frequent error. Too much line on the spool prevents it from rotating freely, while too little line means you will need to reline sooner. Likewise, a line that is too thick for the head can cause the engine to labor, and a line that is too thin will break often. Refer to your manual for the correct specifications.
Finally, do not skip the safety step of disconnecting the power source. Even a brief accidental start can cause serious injury. Always disconnect the spark plug or battery before servicing the head, and keep your hands clear of the cutting area during reassembly.
When to Replace the Spool Instead of Relining
Relining a spool manually is not always the best option. Many weed eaters accept pre-wound spools, which come with line already installed. These are convenient because you simply remove the old spool and snap in the new one. No winding is required, and you avoid the risk of tangling or incorrect winding direction. Pre-wound spools are widely available and are a good choice if you want a quick, hassle-free fix.
However, pre-wound spools can be more expensive over time than buying bulk line and winding it yourself. If you trim frequently, learning to wind line manually can save money. It also gives you the flexibility to choose the exact line diameter and length you prefer.
You should consider replacing the spool entirely if it is worn or damaged. Signs of wear include cracks, deformed edges, or a broken anchor hole. A damaged spool will not hold line securely and can cause feeding problems. If the spool is in good condition but you simply prefer convenience, a pre-wound spool is a fine option. For most users, a combination works well: use pre-wound spools for quick replacements and manual winding when you have time to save a little money.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget and how often you use the weed eater. If you are new to trimming, a pre-wound spool can help you learn the basics without frustration. Once you are comfortable, try winding your own line to gain more control over the process and reduce costs.
