How to String a Craftsman Weed Eater with Two Holes?
To string a Craftsman weed eater with a two-hole trimmer head, start by turning it off, removing the battery or disconnecting the spark plug, and setting the trimmer on a flat surface. Remove the spool from the head, cut a fresh length of trimmer line of the diameter recommended in your owner’s manual, and insert one end through the first hole in the spool and the other end through the second hole, pulling the line through so both sides are roughly equal. Wind both ends in the direction of the arrows shown on the spool, keeping the windings tight and even, and tuck the free ends into the notches to hold them during reassembly. Reinstall the spool into the head, snap the cover back on, then pull both line ends to release them from the notches and thread them outward through the two exit eyelets on the head.
Understanding the Two-Hole Craftsman Trimmer Head
A two-hole trimmer head is a specific design where the spool has two distinct holes for the trimmer line to pass through. This design is common on many Craftsman models and is typically a fixed-line or semi-automatic head. Unlike bump-feed heads that automatically advance line when you tap the head on the ground, a two-hole head requires you to manually restring the line when it wears down or breaks.
What does a two-hole trimmer head look like and how does it work?
The head consists of a central spool that fits inside a housing. The spool has two holes positioned opposite each other. You thread a single piece of trimmer line through both holes, creating two equal lengths of line that extend from the head. When the trimmer spins, centrifugal force keeps the lines extended for cutting.
What is the difference between a fixed-line head and a bump-feed head?
- Fixed-line head: Requires manual restringing when line wears down. More durable and less prone to jamming.
- Bump-feed head: Automatically advances line when you tap the head on the ground. Uses a pre-wound spool that can be replaced or refilled.
Why are there two holes on the spool instead of a single slot?
The two-hole design provides better balance and more consistent cutting performance. It also makes the head more durable since there’s less stress on any single point of the line.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin restringing your Craftsman weed eater, gather the necessary materials and tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and safer.
What tools and materials are required for restringing?
- Trimmer line: The correct diameter for your specific model (check your owner’s manual)
- Scissors or line cutter: To cut the trimmer line to the proper length
- Work gloves: To protect your hands while handling the trimmer line
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from any debris
How much trimmer line and what line diameter should I use?
The line diameter and length vary by model. Common diameters range from 0.065 inches to 0.095 inches. The length is typically between 10-20 feet depending on your head size. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact specifications.
What safety steps should I take before servicing the trimmer?
- Turn off the trimmer and remove the battery or disconnect the spark plug wire
- Allow the engine to cool if it was recently running
- Place the trimmer on a flat, stable surface with the head facing away from you
- Wear work gloves to protect your hands from the sharp trimmer line
Step-by-Step: How to String a Two-Hole Trimmer Head
Follow these detailed steps to properly restring your Craftsman weed eater with a two-hole trimmer head.
Step 1: Remove the Spool from the Trimmer Head
- Locate the spool release tabs or buttons on the sides of the trimmer head
- Press the tabs inward while pulling the spool out of the housing
- Set the spool aside on a clean surface
Step 2: Prepare the New Trimmer Line
- Cut a fresh length of trimmer line to the recommended size (typically 10-20 feet)
- Find the center point of the line
- Ensure the line is straight and free of kinks
Step 3: Thread the Line Through Both Holes
- Locate the two holes on the spool (they’re usually on opposite sides)
- Insert one end of the line through the first hole
- Insert the other end through the second hole
- Pull the line through until both sides are roughly equal in length
Step 4: Wind the Line on the Spool
- Look for the directional arrows on the spool that indicate the winding direction
- Wind both ends of the line in the direction shown by the arrows
- Keep the windings tight and even as you wrap
- Continue winding until about 6 inches of line remains on each end
Step 5: Secure the Line Ends
- Locate the retaining notches on the spool
- Tuck each free end of the line into a notch to hold it in place
- Ensure the line is secure and won’t unwind during reassembly
Step 6: Reinstall the Spool
- Align the spool with the housing
- Press the spool firmly into place until it clicks
- Ensure the spool is seated properly and rotates freely
Step 7: Release the Line Through the Eyelets
- Locate the two exit eyelets on the trimmer head housing
- Pull each line end to release it from the retaining notches
- Thread each line end outward through its corresponding eyelet
- Pull the lines until they extend about 6-8 inches from the head
Step 8: Test the Installation
- Reconnect the spark plug wire or reinstall the battery
- Start the trimmer and test the line extension
- Ensure the line spins freely without tangling
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid these common errors when restringing your Craftsman weed eater to ensure optimal performance.
What happens if I wind the line in the wrong direction?
If you wind the line in the wrong direction, the line won’t feed properly when you try to use the trimmer. The line may bunch up or fail to extend from the head. Always follow the directional arrows on the spool.
Why is my line not advancing or feeding out after restringing?
This usually happens when:
- The line is wound too tightly on the spool
- The line is caught on the spool or housing
- The line ends are still tucked in the retaining notches
- The spool isn’t seated properly in the housing
How can I stop the line from tangling or popping out of the head?
To prevent tangling and ensure the line stays in place:
- Wind the line evenly and tightly on the spool
- Make sure the line ends are securely tucked in the notches before reassembly
- Ensure the spool is properly seated and clicks into place
- Use the correct line diameter for your model
When to Check Your Craftsman Owner’s Manual
While this guide provides a universal approach for two-hole trimmer heads, Craftsman produces several different models with varying head designs. Your owner’s manual is the authoritative source for model-specific information.
Are there Craftsman models where the two-hole procedure differs?
Yes, some models may have slight variations in the head design, winding direction, or line length requirements. Always check your manual for any model-specific instructions.
Where can I find the recommended line diameter and length for my model?
The recommended line specifications are typically found in the “Specifications” or “Maintenance” section of your owner’s manual. You can also check the trimmer head itself for any stamped information.
How do I identify the exact model number of my weed eater?
The model number is usually located on a sticker or plate on the trimmer’s shaft or housing. It typically starts with letters followed by numbers (e.g., CMXGTAMDRC43C).
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I restring my Craftsman weed eater?
You should restring your trimmer whenever the line becomes too short to cut effectively or when it breaks. For regular use, this might be every few weeks during the growing season. For occasional use, you may only need to restring it once or twice per season.
Can I use any brand of trimmer line with my Craftsman weed eater?
Yes, you can use any brand of trimmer line as long as it matches the diameter recommended for your specific model. However, using high-quality line will provide better cutting performance and last longer.
What should I do if my trimmer head gets jammed with debris?
If your trimmer head gets jammed, turn off the trimmer and disconnect the power source. Remove the spool and clean out any debris from the housing. Check for any damaged parts and replace them if necessary before restringing.
Is it normal for the trimmer line to break frequently?
Some line breakage is normal, especially when trimming near hard surfaces like walls or fences. However, if the line breaks very frequently, you may be using the wrong diameter line, the line quality may be poor, or there may be an issue with the trimmer head that needs attention.
