To reload a weed eater, first identify which type of trimmer head you have (bump-feed, fixed-line, or auto-feed), then remove the empty or broken line, cut new trimmer line to the length and diameter recommended for your model, wind it onto the spool in the direction shown by the arrows on the spool, thread the ends through the eyelets, reassemble the head, and test the feed before resuming trimming.
Running out of trimmer line in the middle of yard work is a common frustration, but reloading a weed eater is a straightforward task once you understand how your specific trimmer head works. The process varies depending on whether you have a bump-feed, fixed-line, or auto-feed system, but the core principles are the same: use the right line, wind it correctly, and secure it properly.
This guide walks you through the entire reloading process, from identifying your head type to testing the feed after you finish. Follow along with your owner’s manual for model-specific details, and you will have your string trimmer back in action in just a few minutes.
Identify Your Trimmer Head Type First
Before you start reloading, you need to know which type of trimmer head your weed eater uses. The three most common designs are bump-feed, fixed-line, and auto-feed heads, and each one requires a slightly different approach to replacing the line.
Bump-Feed Heads
Bump-feed heads are the most widely used trimmer head design. They feature a spool of line inside a housing, and when you tap the bottom of the head against the ground while the trimmer is running, a mechanism releases a small amount of new line. If your trimmer has a spring-loaded bump knob on the bottom of the head, you almost certainly have a bump-feed system.
Fixed-Line Heads
Fixed-line heads hold one or two pre-cut lengths of trimmer line that are manually inserted and locked into place. There is no spool and no automatic feeding mechanism. When the line wears down, you remove the old pieces and insert new ones. These heads are common on lighter-duty trimmers and some commercial models.
Auto-Feed Heads
Auto-feed heads advance line automatically based on the trimmer’s rotational speed. They typically use a spool similar to bump-feed heads, but instead of tapping to release line, the centrifugal force or a built-in mechanism feeds it as you use the trimmer. Some auto-feed designs are proprietary and may require brand-specific replacement spools.
If you are unsure which type you have, check your owner’s manual or look for markings on the head itself. Many heads are labeled, and the manual will describe the reloading procedure in detail. Knowing your head type ensures you follow the correct steps and avoid damaging the mechanism.
Gather Supplies and Prepare the Trimmer Safely
Having the right supplies on hand before you start makes the reloading process smoother and helps you avoid mistakes that can lead to jams or poor feeding.
What You Need
- Replacement trimmer line in the correct diameter for your trimmer head
- Scissors or line cutters to cut the new line to length
- Safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands
- Your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance on line length and head disassembly
How to Determine the Correct Line Diameter
The correct line diameter for your trimmer is usually printed directly on the trimmer head or listed in the owner’s manual. Using the wrong thickness is one of the most common causes of feeding problems. Line that is too thick will not advance properly and can jam the head, while line that is too thin may break excessively or fail to cut effectively.
Trimmer line comes in various diameters, and what works for one model may not work for another. Always check the specifications for your specific trimmer before purchasing replacement line. If you cannot find the information on the head or in the manual, contact the manufacturer or a qualified dealer for guidance.
Safety Steps Before Opening the Head
Before you touch the trimmer head, take these safety precautions:
- Turn off the trimmer completely.
- Disconnect the spark plug on gas-powered models to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove the battery on cordless electric models.
- Unplug the trimmer if it is a corded electric model.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against sharp line ends and debris.
These steps are simple but important. Trimmer line is stiff and can spring back unexpectedly, and an accidental start while you are handling the head could cause serious injury. Always err on the side of caution.
Remove the Empty or Broken Line
Once the trimmer is safely powered down, you can open the head and remove the old line. The exact method depends on your head type.
Opening a Bump-Feed or Auto-Feed Head
Most bump-feed and auto-feed heads open by pressing the tabs or buttons on the side of the housing, which allows the cap to release. Some designs require you to unscrew a retaining cap or remove a screw. Once the cap is off, you can pull out the spool.
With the spool removed, unwind and discard any remaining old line. Clean out any grass clippings, dirt, or debris that have accumulated inside the head. A clean head operates more smoothly and helps prevent future jams.
Replacing Line on a Fixed-Line Head
For fixed-line heads, simply pull the old line segments out of their mounting points. Some fixed-line heads use a simple twist-lock or clamp mechanism to hold the line in place. Remove the old pieces and set them aside for disposal.
Spool Replacement vs. Line Replacement
Many trimmer heads accept either a pre-wound replacement spool or loose line that you wind yourself. Pre-wound spools are convenient but may cost more over time. Winding your own line gives you more control and is generally less expensive. Check your head to see which options it supports, and choose the approach that works best for you.
Measure and Cut the New Trimmer Line
Cutting the right length of new line is important. Too much line can cause jams, while too little means you will be reloading again sooner than necessary.
Finding the Recommended Length
The recommended line length for your spool is typically listed in the owner’s manual or printed on the spool itself. A common approach for bump-feed heads is to cut a length that can be wound evenly around the spool without excessive overlapping. If you do not have the manual, a general guideline is to measure a length that fills the spool when wound in neat, even layers without stacking on top of itself.
For fixed-line heads, the required length is usually shorter and more straightforward, as you are simply inserting one or two pre-cut segments.
Making a Clean Cut
Use sharp scissors or line cutters to cut the new line. A clean, angled cut makes it easier to thread the line through the eyelets on the trimmer head. Ragged or frayed ends can catch and make assembly more difficult.
What Happens If the Length Is Wrong
If you cut the line too long, it may bunch up inside the head and cause jams or uneven feeding. If the line is too short, it may not feed properly or may run out very quickly during use. When in doubt, it is better to err slightly on the shorter side and trim again if needed, rather than dealing with a jammed head.
Wind the Line Onto the Spool Correctly
This is the most critical step in the reloading process. Incorrect winding is the number one cause of feeding problems after a reload.
Follow the Arrows
Most spools have arrows or directional markings that indicate which way the line should be wound. These arrows are there for a reason: winding the line in the wrong direction will prevent it from feeding correctly when you use the trimmer. Always follow the markings on your specific spool.
Wind Tightly and Evenly
Start by anchoring the line in the notch or slot at the center of the spool, then wind it tightly and evenly in the direction indicated by the arrows. Keep tension on the line as you wind to prevent loose loops or gaps. If your spool has separate channels or dividers, wind the line into each channel as shown in the manual.
Avoid letting the line cross over itself or stack unevenly. Crossing or overlapping line is a common cause of tangles and jams. Take your time during this step to ensure the line lays flat and even on the spool.
Dual-Line vs. Single-Line Spools
Some spools use two separate lengths of line wound in opposite directions, while others use a single length folded in half. The procedure is similar, but dual-line spools require you to wind each half separately and ensure both sides are even. Check your spool design and follow the appropriate method.
Secure the Line Ends and Reassemble the Head
Once the line is wound onto the spool, you need to secure it and put the head back together.
Securing the Line Ends
Most spools have notches, slots, or clips on the outer edge that hold the line ends in place during reassembly. Tuck the line ends into these notches to keep them from unwinding while you position the spool back into the head. This step is essential for maintaining tension and ensuring the line feeds correctly.
Threading Through the Eyelets
Feed the line ends through the eyelets (the small holes or guides) on the trimmer head housing. The eyelets direct the line outward and allow it to extend and retract smoothly during use. Make sure the line passes through cleanly without kinking or twisting.
Reassembling the Head
With the line threaded through the eyelets, carefully place the spool back into the head housing. Press or screw the cap back into place according to your head design. Make sure the head is seated properly and that the line is not pinched between any components. The head should feel secure and operate smoothly when you test it by hand.
Do not overtighten any screws or caps, as this can damage the housing or interfere with the feeding mechanism. Follow the manual’s guidance for proper reassembly.
Test the Feed and Start Trimming
Before you start your full trimming session, take a moment to verify that the reload was successful.
Testing Bump-Feed and Auto-Feed Heads
Reconnect the spark plug or battery and start the trimmer at a low speed. Hold the trimmer in a safe position and, for bump-feed heads, gently tap the head against the ground. You should feel and see the line advance slightly. If the line does not feed, turn off the trimmer and check your winding direction and spool seating.
For auto-feed heads, run the trimmer at operating speed and observe whether the line extends on its own. If it does not, the winding may be incorrect, or the head may need further inspection.
Testing Fixed-Line Heads
Fixed-line heads do not have a feeding mechanism to test, but you should verify that the line segments are securely locked in place and extend evenly from the head. Give each segment a gentle tug to confirm it is seated properly.
Start at Low Speed
Begin trimming at a low speed to confirm the line holds and cuts properly. If everything looks and sounds normal, you can increase to your preferred operating speed. This brief test helps you catch any issues before you commit to a full session.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Problems
Even with careful work, you may encounter a few issues after reloading. Here are the most common problems and their typical causes.
Line Is Jamming or Not Feeding
If the line will not advance, the most likely cause is incorrect winding direction. Double-check the arrows on the spool and unwind the line if necessary, then rewind it in the correct direction. Other causes include using the wrong line diameter, crossing the line on the spool, or not seating the spool properly in the head.
Line Keeps Falling Out of the Head
This usually means the line ends were not properly secured in the spool notches before reassembly, or the spool is not seated correctly in the housing. Disassemble the head, re-secure the line ends, and reassemble carefully.
Line Breaks Immediately After Reloading
Immediate breakage can result from using line that is too thin for your trimmer, hitting hard objects like rocks or fences, or winding the line so loosely that it tangles and snaps under tension. Ensure you are using the correct diameter and that the line is wound tightly and evenly.
Head Will Not Close Properly
If the head cap will not snap or screw back into place, the spool may be overfilled with line, the line may be caught between components, or the spool may not be aligned correctly. Remove the spool, check for obstructions, and try again. Do not force the head closed, as this can damage the mechanism.
Tips for a Smoother Reloading Experience
A few practical habits can make reloading faster and reduce the likelihood of problems.
- Keep a spare pre-wound spool on hand so you can swap quickly and rewind the empty one later at your convenience.
- Store trimmer line in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming brittle or losing its shape.
- Inspect the head for wear each time you reload. Cracked housings, worn eyelets, or damaged spools can cause ongoing feeding issues and may need replacement.
- Clean the head regularly to remove grass, dirt, and debris that can interfere with the feeding mechanism.
- Refer to your owner’s manual whenever you are unsure about line diameter, length, or head disassembly procedures.
Reloading a weed eater is a basic maintenance task that every owner should know. By identifying your head type, using the correct line, and winding it properly, you can keep your trimmer running smoothly and avoid the frustration of jams and feeding failures. When in doubt, your owner’s manual is always the best resource for model-specific guidance.
