Look, I'll be honest with you - the first time I tried putting string on a weedeater, I nearly threw the darn thing across the yard. It was one of those hot summer afternoons where the mosquitos were eating me alive while I fumbled with that plastic trimmer head. The manual might as well have been written in ancient Greek. Sound familiar?
After helping over 200 neighbors solve this exact problem at my hardware store job, I can tell you most folks struggle with the same pain points. That's why I'm breaking down everything about how to put string on a weedeater the no-nonsense way. No fluff, just what actually works.
What You Absolutely Need Before Starting
Don't be like me that first time - scrambling mid-job because you're missing something crucial. Here's your battle kit:
| Item | Why It Matters | My Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement String | Wrong size = jams and frustration | .065-.095" diameter (check your manual) |
| Needle-Nose Pliers | Essential for stubborn spool removal | 6-8" length with wire cutters |
| Gloves | Prevents nasty cuts from sharp edges | Leather palm work gloves |
| Scissors/Wire Cutters | Clean cuts prevent feeding issues | Heavy-duty kitchen scissors work |
| Clean Rag | Grass clogs are the enemy | Microfiber catches debris best |
Hot Tip: Skip the cheap bargain bin trimmer line. I made that mistake last season and spent more time clearing jams than actually trimming. The $2 savings isn't worth it when you're sweating buckets in July.
Safety First: Don't Skip This Part
I know you're eager to get going, but listen - my buddy Jeff ended up with 8 stitches because he got careless during this process. Follow these steps religiously:
Always disconnect spark plug wire before handling the trimmer head. Even if it's electric, unplug it. That accidental startup could cost you a finger.
- Work on a stable surface (not your lap!)
- Wear eye protection - flying debris is no joke
- Clean the work area so you're not kneeling on sharp objects
Trust me, taking 2 minutes for safety beats 2 hours in the ER.
Identifying Your Trimmer Head Type
This is where most tutorials drop the ball. Different heads require different approaches:
| Head Type | How to Spot It | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bump Feed | Has a button on bottom you tap while trimming | Beginner (easiest) |
| Automatic Feed | No buttons - feeds line automatically | Intermediate |
| Fixed Line | Requires complete disassembly | Advanced (most frustrating) |
Still unsure? Flip your weedeater over and google the model number stamped near the shaft. Takes 30 seconds but saves major headaches.
My worst string reloading disaster happened with a fixed-line Ryobi. I didn't realize the spring was under tension when I opened it. That little coil shot across my garage like a missile - took me 45 minutes to find it under the workbench.
Step-by-Step: How to Put String on a Weedeater
Finally! The meat and potatoes. I'll walk you through each stage like you're standing right next to me in the garage.
Getting That Stubborn Spool Out
This is the step where most people panic. Take a deep breath and follow this:
Proven trick: Press down firmly on the spool while turning the locking tab counterclockwise. If it won't budge, wrap a rubber band around the tab for better grip. Still stuck? Heat the housing briefly with a hair dryer - plastic expands when warm.
Once open, note how the old string is wound before removing it. Snap a phone pic if you have memory like mine. Clean out all grass debris - this causes 90% of feeding problems later.
Measuring and Cutting Your Line
Too long = tangles. Too short = won't feed. Here's the goldilocks zone:
- Cut 20-25 feet of line for standard spools
- For dual-feed systems: cut two equal lengths (measure!)
- Angle-cut the ends - makes threading easier
Why does length matter? That time I tried using 30 feet "to save time later"? Ended up with a bird's nest inside the head that took an hour to untangle.
The Right Way to Wind Your String
Direction matters more than you think:
| Trimmer Brand | Winding Direction | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Stihl | Clockwise | Counterclockwise winding |
| Echo | Counterclockwise | Over-tightening |
| Husqvarna | Clockwise | Loose winding |
| Ryobi | Directional arrows | Ignoring arrows |
Keep moderate tension as you wind - lines shouldn't overlap. Leave 6-8 inches loose for feeding later. If the spool has notches, secure the ends there temporarily.
Reassembly Without Losing Parts
The moment of truth! Here's how not to launch springs into orbit:
- Align the spool arrows with housing arrows
- Feed loose ends through exit holes
- Hold spool down firmly while reinstalling cap
- Listen for the definitive "click" of engagement
Test feed before final assembly by pulling gently on both ends. If it doesn't retract smoothly, recheck winding direction.
Why Your String Keeps Breaking or Jamming
Nothing's more frustrating than fresh line that snaps constantly. Usually boils down to these culprits:
If your line melts instead of breaking, you've got cheap nylon. Splurge on commercial-grade trimmer line - it handles heat better and lasts 3x longer.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Constant breakage | Hitting concrete/rocks | Angle trimmer away from hard surfaces |
| Line won't feed | Debris in housing | Complete disassembly and cleaning |
| Uneven feeding | Uneven line lengths | Remeasure and recut both strands |
| Vibration issues | Worn spool bearings | Apply lithium grease or replace parts |
For heavy brush, consider upgrading to serrated line. It cuts through tough weeds like butter but wears faster on hard surfaces.
Cheat Sheet: Line Types Compared
Not all trimmer lines are created equal. Here's the real-world breakdown:
| Line Type | Best For | Durability | Price Range | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Nylon | Regular lawn maintenance | ★★★☆☆ | $5-$10 per spool | Good basic option |
| Twisted Line | Thicker weeds | ★★★★☆ | $8-$15 per spool | Best bang for buck |
| Serrated Edge | Brush/overgrowth | ★★☆☆☆ | $12-$20 per spool | Specialized use only |
| Commercial Grade | Professional use | ★★★★★ | $15-$30 per spool | Worth every penny |
After testing 12 brands last season, I settled on Oregon Magnum Gatorline. Lasts 3x longer than hardware store generic stuff. Yeah it costs more upfront, but you'll change it less often.
When to Call It Quits and Replace the Head
Sometimes the problem isn't the string - it's the head itself. Replacement signs:
- Cracks or warping in plastic housing
- Broken tabs that won't lock
- Bearings that grind when spinning
- Multiple failed attempts at restringing
Good news? Most replacement heads cost $15-$40 and install in minutes. I put off replacing my Echo head for months - worst decision ever. The new one made trimming feel like a different machine.
FAQs: Real Questions From My Hardware Store Days
Q: How often should I restring my weedeater?
Depends on usage. Weekly users replace monthly. Casual users? Every season. Actual sign it's time: when you're spending more time bump-feeding than trimming.
Q: Can I use any thickness string in my trimmer?
Nope! Too thick jams the mechanism. Too thin snaps constantly. Check your manual or the old spool for sizing. Most residential units take .065-.080 inch.
Q: Why won't my line advance when I bump it?
Usually two issues: debris packed under the spool (clean it!), or you've wound the line against the arrow direction. Also check for melted line ends - they fuse together.
Q: Can I put too much string on the spool?
Absolutely. Overfilling causes instant tangles. Leave 1/4 inch space from the rim. If the spool lid won't sit flush, you've overdone it.
Q: Is there an easier way to put string on a weedeater?
Pre-loaded spools exist for some models - just pop out the old, pop in the new. Costs more but saves time. For heavy-use trimmers, consider quick-load systems like SpeedFeed.
Pro Maintenance Tricks They Don't Tell You
Want your trimmer head to last years? Do these simple things:
After every use: Tap the head on the ground while running to clear grass clippings. Takes 5 seconds but prevents 80% of feeding issues.
- Annual deep clean: Remove spool, scrub with stiff brush and soapy water
- Lubricate bearings with silicone spray (not WD-40!)
- Store trimmer hanging vertically to prevent spring fatigue
- In winter: Remove line completely to prevent plastic memory warp
My Stihl FS 56 has lasted 9 seasons with this routine. Still starts on first pull.
When All Else Fails: Last Resort Solutions
We've all been there - ready to take a sledgehammer to the stupid thing. Before you do:
Emergency fix for broken tabs: Wrap electrical tape tightly around the housing as a temporary hold. Won't win beauty contests but might finish your yard work.
For completely seized heads? Soak overnight in penetrating oil. Still stuck? Careful application of heat from a hair dryer often breaks the bond.
Honestly though? If you've spent over an hour fighting it, replacement heads are cheaper than your sanity. I learned this the hard way after wasting a perfectly good Saturday.
Look. Mastering how to put string on a weedeater transforms it from frustrating chore to quick maintenance task. Once you've done it correctly a few times, you'll wonder why it ever seemed hard. The key is understanding your specific model and not rushing the process.
Got a tricky trimmer situation I didn't cover? Drop your question in the comments - I still help folks solve these every weekend at the shop. Happy trimming!
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