To restring a weed eater spool, first disconnect the trimmer’s power source: remove the spark plug wire on gas models or the battery on electric models. Remove the spool from the cutting head, measure and cut a fresh length of trimmer line, wind it tightly in the direction shown by the arrow on the spool, tuck the line ends into the eyelets or locking slots, then reinstall the spool and test the feed. Before you start, confirm the manufacturer’s recommended line diameter and the correct winding direction for your model, because winding the wrong way is the most common cause of jams and line retraction.
Restringing a Weed Eater Spool: The Short Version
If you need to get back to trimming quickly, here is the basic sequence for restringing a weed eater spool. First, make the trimmer safe to work on by disconnecting its power. Next, remove the spool from the trimmer head using the release mechanism, which is often a tab, a screw, or a twist-off cap. Measure and cut a fresh length of nylon trimmer line to the manufacturer’s recommended diameter. Wind the line tightly and evenly onto the spool in the direction indicated by the arrow, then secure the line ends in the locking slots or eyelets. Finally, reinstall the spool, ensure the line passes through the head’s eyelets, and test the feed.
The tools and supplies you need are minimal: the correct diameter of trimmer line, a pair of scissors or line cutters, and possibly a screwdriver or wrench depending on your trimmer’s design. You should also have eye protection and gloves on hand. The entire process usually only takes a few minutes once you are familiar with your specific spool’s design.
Prepare the Trimmer Safely Before You Start
Safety is the first and most important step. Before you touch the cutting head or spool, you must disconnect the power source to prevent accidental startup. For gas-powered trimmers, this means removing the spark plug wire from the spark plug. For cordless battery-powered models, remove the battery pack. For corded electric trimmers, unplug the power cord from the outlet. This precaution ensures the engine or motor cannot start while your hands are near the cutting line.
Wearing eye protection is a sensible precaution when handling trimmer line, as the line can spring free unexpectedly. Gloves can also protect your hands from the sharp edges of the cutting head and the stiff nylon line. Work on a flat, clean surface where you can easily see small parts like springs or washers that might be inside the spool assembly.
You should also gather your supplies before disassembling anything. Have the new trimmer line ready, and confirm you have the correct diameter. The recommended line size is usually printed on the spool itself or listed in the owner’s manual. Using the wrong diameter can prevent the feed mechanism from working and may damage the head. If your spool is worn, cracked, or damaged, it may be time to replace the entire spool rather than just the line.
Remove the Spool from the Trimmer Head
To remove the spool, you first need to access the trimmer head. This typically involves removing a cap or cover that holds the spool in place. Common release mechanisms include tabs you press inward, a center bolt you unscrew, or a cap that twists off. Some heads have a simple snap-on design, while others require a tool. If the head does not match these common patterns, consult your owner’s manual for the correct disassembly steps.
When removing the spool, be aware that a spring and small washers may be under it. These parts can pop out and get lost if you are not careful. Perform the removal over a flat surface, and keep track of the order in which parts come off so you can reassemble them correctly. If the spool is stuck, do not force it. Check for any remaining fasteners or clips that might still be holding it in place.
Once the spool is out, set it aside and inspect it. Look for the winding direction arrow, which is usually molded into the plastic. This arrow indicates the direction you must wind the line. Also, note how the line is currently wound, if any old line remains, so you can see how it was originally loaded.
Measure and Cut the Trimmer Line
The correct line diameter is critical for proper feeding. Using line that is too thick can jam the mechanism, while line that is too thin may not feed correctly or may break easily. The manufacturer’s recommended diameter is typically printed on the spool or listed in the manual. Most residential trimmers use a modest-diameter nylon line, but you should always verify the size for your specific model.
For length, a general approach is to cut one long piece per line channel on the spool. For a single-line spool, you need one piece of line. For a dual-line spool, you need two pieces, or one long piece that is folded in half, depending on the design. Wind the line until the spool is nearly full, but leave enough room so the line does not bind. Avoid overfilling the spool, as this can cause jams.
If you are unsure about the length, it is better to cut a bit more than you think you need. You can always trim the excess after the line is installed and feeding properly. Having too little line on the spool means you will have to restring again sooner.
Wind the Line in the Correct Direction
Winding the line in the correct direction is the most important part of the process. The arrow on the spool indicates the direction you must wind. Winding the wrong way is the most common cause of jamming and line retraction. Take a moment to locate the arrow before you start winding.
Start by securing one end of the line in the anchor point or locking slot on the spool. This is often a small notch or hole near the center of the spool. Once the line is anchored, begin winding it tightly and evenly in the direction shown by the arrow. Keep the coils neat and adjacent to each other, and avoid crossing over previous wraps. Crossing lines can cause tangles and feeding problems.
For dual-line spools, each line is wound into its own channel or section. Keep the two lines separate as you wind, and make sure each is anchored in its own locking slot. Wind both lines evenly so the spool remains balanced.
When you have wound most of the line, leave a few inches free at the end. This free end will be tucked into the locking slots or eyelets to hold the line in place until you reinstall the spool.
Secure the Line Ends and Reinstall the Spool
Once the line is wound, secure the free ends in the locking slots or notches on the spool rim. These slots hold the line in place so it does not unwind while you reinstall the spool. On most bump-feed spools, the line ends are tucked into small slots or notches on the spool rim before the cap is reinstalled.
Reinstall the spool into the trimmer head, making sure the spring and any washers are replaced in the correct order. Ensure the line passes through the eyelets on the head. The eyelets are the small holes or guides that direct the line out of the head. If the line is not through the eyelets, it will not feed properly.
Replace the cap or cover and secure it with any fasteners you removed. Make sure everything is tight and properly aligned. A loose cap can cause the spool to wobble or the line to feed incorrectly.
To test the feed, hold the trimmer head away from your body and bump it against the ground as the manufacturer intends, or pull the line manually if the design allows. The line should advance smoothly. If it does not, check that the line is wound in the correct direction and that the ends are properly secured.
How Different Spool Types Vary
Weed eaters and string trimmers come with different types of spool heads, and the restringing process can vary slightly between them. Understanding the common types will help you adapt the steps to your specific trimmer.
Bump-Feed Spool
A bump-feed spool releases line when you tap the head against the ground while the trimmer is running. This is the most common type on residential trimmers. To restring it, you follow the steps above: remove the spool, wind the line in the correct direction, secure the ends, and reinstall. The bump mechanism advances the line as needed during use.
Auto-Feed Spool
An auto-feed spool advances line automatically as you use the trimmer, without needing to bump the head. The restringing process is similar to a bump-feed spool, but the internal mechanism may be different. Always follow the arrows and markings on your specific spool for winding direction and line length.
Fixed-Line Head
A fixed-line head does not have a spool that winds line. Instead, you manually insert precut pieces of line into the head. This type does not feed line automatically; you replace the line by hand when it wears down. The process is simpler, as there is no winding involved, but you still need to use the correct line diameter and secure the pieces properly.
Single-Line vs. Dual-Line
Single-line spools have one channel for the line, while dual-line spools have two. Dual-line spools cut more efficiently but require you to wind two lines evenly. The principles are the same: follow the arrows, wind tightly, and secure the ends.
Troubleshooting: Line Won’t Feed or Keeps Jamming
If the line will not feed after restringing, the most likely cause is incorrect winding direction. Remove the spool and rewind the line in the direction shown by the arrow. Also, check that the line ends are securely tucked into the locking slots and that the line passes through the eyelets.
If the line jams or retracts back into the head, it may be wound too loosely or the coils may be crossing over each other. Rewind the line tightly and evenly, keeping the coils neat and adjacent. Also, verify that you are using the correct line diameter.
If the line keeps breaking or shredding during use, check the diameter against the manufacturer’s recommendation. Line that is too thin may break easily, while line that is too thick may not feed properly. Also, inspect the spool and head for wear or damage that could be causing the line to fray.
In most cases, feed problems are correctable by removing the spool and rewinding it correctly. If the problem persists, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
