To rewind a weed eater, first disconnect the spark plug (gas) or remove the battery (electric) for safety. Remove the spool cover by pressing the tabs, then take out the spool and remove any old line. Insert one end of the new line into the anchor hole and wind it in the direction shown by the arrows on the spool, leaving a few inches of slack. Thread the loose ends through the eyelets in the head, replace the spool and cover, and test the feed by tapping the head on the ground.
Before You Start: Safety and Preparation
Rewinding a weed eater is a straightforward task, but it requires a few safety precautions and some preparation. The most important step is to ensure the trimmer cannot accidentally start while you are working on it. For a gas-powered weed eater, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. For an electric model, remove the battery or unplug the unit. This simple step prevents the engine from firing unexpectedly and keeps your hands safe.
Next, gather the correct trimmer line. Trimmer line comes in different diameters, typically measured in inches or millimeters. Using the wrong diameter can cause feeding problems or damage the trimmer head. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended line size. If you no longer have the manual, look for a label on the trimmer head or shaft that lists the correct line diameter. Common sizes range from 0.065 inches for light-duty trimmers to 0.105 inches or larger for heavy-duty models.
You will also want a clean, flat work surface. A workbench or a sturdy table gives you room to spread out the parts and prevents small pieces from getting lost. Some trimmers have a small retaining cap or spring inside the head that can pop out when you remove the spool, so working over a tray or cloth helps keep these parts contained.
Removing the Spool and Cover
Most modern weed eaters use a bump-feed head, which releases more line when you tap the head on the ground. To access the spool on this type of head, look for two tabs on the sides of the cover. Press these tabs inward and pull the cover straight off. On some models, you may need to turn the cover counterclockwise while pressing the tabs. If the cover is stuck, check for a small locking tab or a screw that holds it in place.
Once the cover is off, you will see the spool sitting inside the head. Lift the spool straight up to remove it. Some spools have a spring underneath that pushes them up, so be prepared for the spool to pop out. Set the spool aside and remove any old, tangled line. If the line is broken inside the spool, unwind it completely and discard it. Check the spool for cracks or damage while you have it out.
Not all trimmer heads are the same. Some fixed-line heads require you to feed the line through the head rather than winding it onto a spool. Others use a SpeedFeed or similar system where you insert the line through a hole and wind it by turning the knob. If your trimmer uses one of these designs, consult the owner’s manual for the specific removal procedure. The general principle is the same: access the spool or line chamber, remove old line, and prepare for new line.
Winding New Line onto the Spool
Before you start winding, look at the spool to find the winding direction arrows. These arrows are usually molded into the top or bottom of the spool and indicate the correct direction to wind the line. Winding in the wrong direction is one of the most common mistakes, and it will prevent the line from feeding correctly. If the arrows are worn or hard to see, note the direction the old line was wound before you removed it.
Cut a length of new trimmer line. For most spools, a single piece of line about 15 to 20 feet long is sufficient. Some spools require two separate pieces of line, one for each eyelet. Check the spool for a divider in the middle. If there is a divider, you will need two pieces of line, each wound on its own side of the spool.
Find the anchor hole on the spool. This is a small hole or slot near the center where the end of the line is inserted to hold it while you wind. Insert one end of the line into the anchor hole and pull it through until it catches. Begin winding the line in the direction shown by the arrows. Keep the line taut as you wind to prevent loose loops that can tangle. Wind until the line is nearly level with the outer edge of the spool, leaving about a quarter inch of space. Do not overfill the spool, as this can cause the line to jam.
Leave a few inches of line loose at the end. This slack is necessary so the line can be threaded through the eyelets in the trimmer head. If you are winding two pieces of line, repeat the process on the other side of the spool, using the second anchor hole if one exists.
Reassembling the Head and Testing
With the line wound, it is time to reassemble the trimmer head. First, locate the eyelets on the outside of the head. These are the small holes where the line exits the head. Thread the loose end of the line through the eyelet on its corresponding side. Pull the line through until it comes out the other side. If you have two pieces of line, thread each through its own eyelet.
Place the spool back into the head, aligning it with the slots or notches inside. The spool should sit flush with the head. If there is a spring, make sure it is in place before inserting the spool. Press the spool down gently and replace the cover. Align the tabs on the cover with the slots in the head and press until the cover snaps into place. If the cover uses a twist-and-lock design, turn it clockwise until it locks.
To test the feed, reconnect the spark plug wire or reinstall the battery. Hold the trimmer with the head pointing down and tap the head lightly on the ground. You should see a small amount of line advance. If no line feeds, the line may be wound too tightly, or the spool may be inserted incorrectly. Check the winding direction and the alignment of the spool.
If the line feeds but is too short, you may have wound too little line. If it feeds too much, the spool may be overfilled. Adjust the amount of line and rewind if necessary. Once the line feeds correctly, you are ready to use the trimmer. The line will wear down during use, and tapping the head will release more line as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Rewinding Problems
If the line does not feed after rewinding, the most likely cause is incorrect winding direction. Remove the spool and check the arrows. The line must be wound in the direction shown, which is usually the same direction the head rotates. Winding the wrong way will cause the line to pull back into the head instead of feeding out.
Another common issue is line tangling or jamming. This usually happens when the line is wound too loosely or when the spool is overfilled. Loose loops can catch on each other and form a tangle inside the head. To fix this, remove the line and rewind it with more tension, keeping the coils tight and even. Also, make sure you leave the recommended amount of space at the top of the spool.
Line that breaks shortly after feeding is often a sign of the wrong line diameter. Line that is too thin may be too weak, while line that is too thick can bind in the eyelets and break. Check your owner’s manual for the correct diameter and replace the line if needed. Dried-out or brittle line can also break easily, so use fresh line from a sealed package.
If the spool will not turn or the head feels stuck, check for debris inside the head. Grass clippings and dirt can accumulate and block the spool. Clean the head thoroughly with a brush or compressed air before reassembling. If the head is cracked or the spring is damaged, you may need to replace the entire head assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I rewind my weed eater? The frequency depends on how often you use the trimmer and the type of line. Most users rewind when the line runs out, which can be after several hours of use. Some heavy-duty line lasts longer, while thinner line wears faster. If you notice the line getting short frequently, consider switching to a thicker line if your trimmer supports it.
Can I reuse old line when rewinding? It is generally not recommended to reuse old line. Used line may be brittle, kinked, or weakened from exposure to sunlight and heat. Reusing it increases the risk of tangling and breakage. Fresh line is inexpensive and provides more reliable performance, so it is best to start with new line each time.
Why does my line come out too fast? If the line feeds out too quickly, the spool may be overfilled, or the line may be wound too loosely. Remove the spool, unwind a small amount of line, and rewind it with more tension. Also, check that the line is not catching on the anchor hole, which can cause it to release unexpectedly.
What should I do if the line is stuck in the head? If the line is jammed and will not pull out, remove the spool and cut the line with scissors or a utility knife. Remove the pieces carefully, checking for any line wrapped around the spring or inside the head. Clean the head and rewind with fresh line, making sure to wind in the correct direction.
