How to String a Weed Eater

If you continuously use your gas-, electric-, or battery-powered weed eater, then there is a high chance that the plastic strings it has are starting to wear down, this is due to them continually coming in touch with the grass, weeds, and the hard objects found in both (such as pavement, sticks, pebbles, etc.).

A few taps of the trimmer head on the ground will usually unwind the string a little bit more. The spool’s reserve, however, will eventually dwindle and need to be replaced. And while some trimmers simply require you to install in a pre-strung spool, most models available today need a new string to be added to the spool. That’s why it’s essential to know how to string a weed eater.

Things You Will Need:

• Weedeater string
• Wire cutters or scissors

How to String a Weed Eater

1. First, push or turn the tabs, which win enable to you undo the retaining ring that’s attached to the weed eater’s head, which will release the spool. Keep in mind that different weed models equal different methods to detach the spool from the weed eater’s head.
2. Depending on the size of the spool, cut the string anywhere from 15 to 25 feet. Don’t worry about cutting the string longer than required, as you’ll be able to remove the extra ends after winding the spool. If your weed eater model features two strings, then simply cut two identical lengths.
3. Look for the small hole(s) at the center of the spool. Push about half an inch of one end of the plastic string into the hole, which will hold it while you’re loading the spool. If your trimmer model has two plastic strings, then the spool will consequently have two sections with a divider that separates them. Each section will have its own hole(s).
4. Follow the spool’s arrow direction when winding the string onto it. In other words, you’ll need to wind the line onto the spool from side to side before you overlap it to start a second later, this is done to avoid it from tangling when used. If your model has two strings, then simply repeat this process on the other side of the spool, and remember always to leave 6 inches of string unwound at each end.
5. Cut the end of the string in the notch, which is usually located at the edge of the spool. Trimmers that rock two strings will obviously have two notches, each on one side of the spool. The primary function of the notches is to hold the string in place so that it doesn’t unwind when you’re replacing the spool.
6. Place the spool back where it belongs, the hub inside the weed eater’s head. Once done, simply release the loose length of the string from the aforementioned notches. After that, you’ll need to feed the loose ends through the trimmer’s eyelets, known as “line exit holes,” which are located in the trimmer head. As usual, repeat this process with the second string, if your model has one.
7. Finally, snap the retaining ring back in place, or retain it onto the trimmer head if needed. Wiggle it a bit to make sure that it’s secured.

Here’s a short video that summarizes pretty much everything:

A Quick Tip

Before you rush to the closest store to get some new strings, make sure to check the weed eater’s user manual, which will specify the size of the string you’ll need for your model. For example, most gas-powered weed eaters use .080 or .095 strings while electric trimmers use a .065 string. These numbers refer to the thickness of the string.

Recommended Weed Eater Strings:

Additionally, some string trimmers require you to remove the weed eater’s head from the weed eater before you can release the spool, let alone replace it. This can be easily done by removing the nuts that hold the head in place, and replacing them once done.

That’s it! Now you know how to string a weed eater safely and efficiently!

PS: If you like our guide, take a look at the rest of our tutorials and buying guides, in which we like to review various tools and equipment, such as table saws, chainsaws, impact wrenches, and air compressors.

References:

• sfgate, How to Restring a Weed Eater and Respool the Spool
• wikihow, How to Change the String on a Lawn Trimmer