How to Replace a Weed Eater Head
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Knowing how to replace weed eater head parts saves a repair trip. To replace a weed eater head, you remove the old head from the shaft, install a replacement head or load new line onto the spool, and then refit the head so the line can feed out. Most bump-head trimmers follow the same sequence: unscrew the bump knob, lift out the inner wheel and spring, wind new line in the direction marked on the spool, and reinstall the parts. This guide walks through those steps, notes the line size manufacturers name, and lists replacement heads from this product set that match common trimmer models.
Quick answer
- Confirm the head type and part number first. The replacement heads in this set are matched to specific trimmer models, so check your manual or the old head before buying.
- Use the line diameter your manufacturer specifies. The Cub Cadet guide describes about 10 feet of line, either twin-strand split line or two 10-foot lengths of .095-inch line.
- Wind the line in the direction of the arrow on the spool, and leave about 6 inches free for the holding slots.
- Reinstall the spring, thread the line through the eyelets, set the wheel back on the shaft, and tap the head on the ground to release the line.
What you need before you start
Gather the replacement head or new line, your owner’s manual, and a clean work surface. A bump-head trimmer uses a few small parts: the bump knob, the inner wheel, the spring and the spool. Keep them together so nothing gets lost. The guide you follow should match your trimmer’s head design, because a bump head and a fixed head are assembled differently.
The Cub Cadet guide, which covers bump-head trimmers, asks for about 10 feet of new line. It gives two options: 10 feet of twin-strand split line, or two 10-foot lengths of .095-inch line. Use the line size the manufacturer specifies in your operator’s manual, because a line that is too thick or too thin can jam or fail to feed.
The Cub Cadet page does not cover safety steps such as turning off the engine or disconnecting the spark plug, so check your operator’s manual before you start. Do not work on a trimmer while it is running or still hot.
Step 1: Confirm the head type
Before you buy a replacement, match the head to your trimmer. The Zqqalitize C26-2 Dual Line Trimmer Head listings say they replace part number 4002 710 2169 and that they fit a long list of Stihl models, including the FS55, FS70, FS80, FS90, FS110, FS120, FS131 and FS250 series named in the listing. The listing also says the head replaces the AutoCut C26-2 trimmer head. The listing asks you to confirm your engine’s model and part numbers before purchase, and that is good advice for any replacement head.
The C26-2 listings are sold in several pack sizes, with 2, 3, 5 and 10 heads per order. The listing says the head uses a .095-inch line and that the nylon line adjusts automatically when you tap the head against the ground. If you only need one head, a smaller pack reduces leftover stock.
A different type of head is the steel wire trimmer head in this set, the MIAN MU 10-inch head. Its listing says it is for gasoline trimmers with a 25.4mm gear case from Stihl, Dewalt and Milwaukee, and it says it is not for cordless or electric trimmers. It includes an adapter kit for installation. If your trimmer uses string, this head is not the right part.
Step 2: Remove the old head and bump knob
For a bump-head trimmer, start by unscrewing the bump knob at the center of the head. Lift off the knob, then remove the inner wheel and the spring. Set the spring aside so you can put it back in the same position. If the head is a fixed or dual-line design, follow the separation steps in your manual, since the parts and order can differ.
Look at the old spool before you discard it. Note the direction of the arrow printed on the spool and the holes where the line ends sit. Those marks show you how to wind the new line the same way. If the old head is cracked or worn, replace the whole head rather than only the spool, because a damaged housing can cause the line to jam or fly loose.
Step 3: Cut and load the new line
Cut your new line to the length your manual gives. The Cub Cadet guide describes about 10 feet, which you can load as one length folded in half or as two separate lengths. Push one end of each length into one of the two holes on top of the inner reel. Pull the line through until 2 to 3 inches remain on the other side.
Push the short ends into the other hole, then pull the long end so the loop closes around the reel. The guide says to wind the line tightly around the reel in the direction of the arrow on top. Keep the winding tight and even so the line does not cross over itself. When about 6 inches of line remain, press the ends into the holding slots on the reel to keep them from unwinding.
If you are using a pre-wound replacement head, skip this step and move on to reinstallation. Check that the line ends are in the holding slots so they do not pull free.
Step 4: Reinstall the spool and wheel
Put the spring back on the shaft. Thread the two line ends through the eyelets on the head, so each line exits on its own side. Set the inner wheel back on the shaft, aligning its slots with the eyelets. Press down on the wheel to compress the spring, then screw the bump knob back on by hand. Tighten the knob until it is snug, but do not force it, because a crossed thread can strip the housing.
For a C26-2 type head, the listing says that you should watch the video on how to correctly replace nylon threads, because the threads are easy to sort out of place during reinstallation. Take your time with this step and keep the line ends separate until both are through the eyelets.
Step 5: Release the line and test the feed
Gently pull both line ends to confirm they are free of the holding slots. Reattach the trimmer shaft and start the engine or battery tool according to your manual. Tap the head on the ground while the trimmer runs. The bump action releases a small length of line each time you tap it, until the line reaches its operating length. If line does not feed, stop the trimmer, check that the ends are free, and confirm the winding direction matches the arrow.
Do not let the head spin up while the line is still tangled or pinched in the slots. A line that is not free can cause uneven feeding or heat up the housing.
Replacement heads in this set
The following listings are the replacement heads and head parts in this product set. The list uses only what each listing states.
Zqqalitize C26-2 Dual Line Trimmer Head, 3 pack
This listing is for a 3-pack of C26-2 dual line heads. It lists the replacement number 4002 710 2169 and a fit list covering many Stihl models, including the FS55 through FS250 series. It says each head uses .095-inch line and that the head is new and unused. Use this pack if you maintain more than one trimmer or want spares.
Zqqalitize C26-2 Dual Line Trimmer Head, 2 pack
The 2-pack version has the same part number and fit list as the 3-pack. It is the smaller option if you need two heads, and the listing asks you to confirm the engine model and part numbers before purchase.
Zqqalitize C26-2 Dual Line Trimmer Head, 5 pack
The 5-pack version has the same listed part number and fit information. The listing includes the same warm reminder about watching the video before reinstalling the nylon threads.
Zqqalitize C26-2 Dual Line Trimmer Head, 10 pack
The 10-pack version is the largest C26-2 option in this set. The listing states the same replacement number and says each head is new, unused and solid.
MIAN MU 10-inch steel wire trimmer head
This head is a steel wire attachment, not a string head. Its listing describes two heads in one box, a 10-inch and a 7-inch, with an adapter kit. It is for gasoline straight shaft trimmers with a 25.4mm gear case from Stihl, Dewalt and Milwaukee, and it is not for cordless or electric trimmers. Choose it only if your trimmer and its gear case match the listing.
Common mistakes when replacing a weed eater head
- Buying a head without confirming the model. The C26-2 listings tell you to check your engine’s model and part numbers before purchase.
- Winding the line against the arrow. The spool direction is marked for a reason, and winding the wrong way can jam the feed.
- Using line that is the wrong diameter. The C26-2 head uses .095-inch line, and the Cub Cadet guide specifies similar line lengths.
- Forgetting the spring. Set it back on the shaft before the wheel, or the head will not compress and feed correctly.
- Skipping the tap test. Tap the head on the ground to release line after reassembly, and stop if nothing feeds.
FAQ
How do I know if I need a new head or just new line?
If the spool is cracked, the eyelets are worn, or the bump mechanism does not hold, replace the head. If the head is intact and only the line is used up, load new line. The Cub Cadet guide covers line replacement on a bump-head trimmer.
How much line does a bump-head trimmer need?
The Cub Cadet guide gives the common setup, and your manual sets the exact size. Confirm the line diameter and length in your manual before cutting.
Which way do I wind the line?
Wind it in the direction of the arrow printed on top of the spool. The Cub Cadet guide specifies this direction, and winding the other way can cause feeding problems.
Can I use a wire head on a string trimmer?
No. The MIAN MU wire head is for gasoline trimmers with a 25.4mm gear case from named brands, and its listing says it is not for cordless or electric trimmers. A string head is a different part.
Why does my new line not feed?
Check that both line ends are free of the holding slots, that the line runs through both eyelets, and that the wheel and spring are seated. Then tap the head on the ground. If it still does not feed, check the line diameter and the winding direction.
Is there a safety step I should not skip?
Yes. Stop the trimmer before you work on the head, and check your operator’s manual for the shutdown steps for your model. The Cub Cadet guide does not cover this, so use the manual that came with your trimmer.
Bottom line
Replacing a weed eater head is a short job when you match the part to your trimmer and follow the winding and reinstallation steps in order. Confirm the model, use the line size your manual gives, and wind in the arrow direction. For a string trimmer, a C26-2 head or a multi-pack is the matching product in this set. For a gasoline trimmer with a 25.4mm gear case, the wire head is a separate option, and it is not a string replacement.
Sources
Cub Cadet: How to Replace Trimmer Line
Related reading on this site: Top 10 Battery Powered Weed Eaters: 6 Real Picks Compared covers battery trimmers, and Best Gas Weed Eaters: 4-Cycle Models Compared lists gas models.
