How to Restring a Weed Eater Step by Step at Home
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How to restring a weed eater at home comes down to a few steps: you cut new trimmer line, wind it onto the spool in the direction the arrow shows, feed the ends through the eyelets and reassemble the head. Most bump-head trimmers follow this same basic pattern, though the exact parts differ by brand and model. This guide walks through the steps as one manufacturer’s guide describes them, then explains what to check on your own trimmer. Read your owner’s manual for the line size and winding details that apply to your model.
The short version: disassemble the head, load two lengths of line onto the inner reel, wind them tightly with the arrow, set the ends in the holding slots, feed the ends through the eyelets, and reassemble. Then test the bump feed before you start cutting.
Quick answer
- Cut about 10 feet of new trimmer line, or the length your manual lists for your head.
- Remove the bump knob, the inner wheel and the spring, and set the spring aside.
- Load the line into the inner reel, wind it tightly in the direction of the arrow, and push the ends into the holding slots.
- Feed the line through the eyelets, reassemble the head, and tug both ends to confirm the line is released.
What you need before you start
You need the replacement line, a pair of scissors or a knife to cut it, and your trimmer’s owner’s manual. Keep the manual open because the line type and length are model specific. The guide used for these steps calls for either a twin-strand split line or two 10-foot lengths of .095 inch line, and it says to confirm the correct type in your manual. If your manual names a different diameter, follow the manual.
Work on a flat surface with enough room to lay out the spool, spring and wheel. A small tray keeps the small parts together. Take a photo of the head before you start, so you can see how the spring and wheel sit when you put them back.
Step 1: Cut the new line
Cut about 10 feet of new line. If you use two separate lengths, make them the same length, so the spool winds evenly. Trimmer line is easy to fray, so cut it cleanly. A clean end feeds more easily through the eyelet and into the holding slot.
Step 2: Take the head apart
Unscrew the bump knob and lift it off the shaft. Remove the inner wheel, which holds the old line, and the spring under it. Set the spring aside in the tray. Note the position of the spring and the wheel, because the wheel must line up with the eyelets when you reassemble the head. Clean out any old line or debris from the housing before you load the new line.
Step 3: Load the line onto the inner reel
Push one end of each line length into one of the two holes on the top of the inner reel. Pull the lines through until the ends match, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of line on each side. Push the short ends into the other hole, then pull the long end to close the loop. This loads both lengths onto the reel so they wind together.
If you use a single line, follow the manual, because the hole arrangement and the amount of line differ between heads. Do not force the line into a hole that does not accept it. A forced line can split or sit crooked on the reel.
Step 4: Wind the line tightly
Wind the line tightly around the reel, following the arrow on the top of the wheel. Keep the coils neat and close together. When about 6 inches remain, push the ends into the holding slots on the reel. Tight, even winding helps the line feed smoothly and reduces tangles.
The arrow is important. Winding against the arrow can cause the line to bind or fail to release. If you are unsure of the direction, check the arrow on the wheel and the diagram in your manual before you start.
Step 5: Reinstall the spring and feed the eyelets
Place the spring back on the shaft. Then thread the line through the eyelets on the spring head. The eyelets are the small openings where the line exits the head. Make sure each line end passes through its own eyelet, and that the line is not twisted around the shaft.
Step 6: Reassemble the head
Set the wheel back on the shaft and align its slots with the eyelets. Hold the wheel down to compress the spring, then screw the bump knob back in. Tighten it by hand until it is firm. Do not over-tighten, because you need the head to open for the next bump.
Step 7: Free the line and test the feed
Gently pull both line ends to make sure they release from the holding slots. If the ends do not come out, the line may be caught in the slot or wound too tightly. Open the slot, adjust the line and try again. When both ends pull free, the head is ready.
Test the bump feed before you start cutting. Tap the head on the ground with the trimmer off. A correct setup releases a short length of line. If nothing comes out, check the line ends and the eyelets again. If the line releases too far, or comes out in an uneven way, stop and check the winding and the holding slots.
Safety before you start
The Cub Cadet guide used for these steps does not cover disconnecting power, so follow your trimmer manual for that step. For a corded electric trimmer, unplug it before you open the head. For a battery trimmer, remove the battery. For a gas trimmer, disconnect the spark plug wire. Keep your hands clear of the cutting head while you work, and do not start the trimmer until the head is fully assembled and the guard is in place.
Common problems after restringing
If the line will not feed, the most common causes are a line that is wound against the arrow, ends that are not in the holding slots, or a line that is too thick for the eyelet. Check each one against the steps above. If the line feeds too much, the winding may be loose or the spring may not be seated. Re-wind the reel tightly and check the spring position.
If the head is hard to reassemble, check that the wheel slots are aligned with the eyelets and that the line is not caught between the wheel and the housing. Forcing parts together can damage the head, so take the time to line them up.
FAQ
How much line do I need to restring a weed eater?
The guide used here calls for about 10 feet of line, either as a twin-strand split line or two 10-foot lengths. Your manual gives the length for your head, and it may differ.
Which way do I wind the line?
Wind the line following the arrow on the top of the wheel. Winding the other way can stop the line from releasing.
Why does the line not come out when I tap the head?
Check that both ends are in the holding slots and that they are not caught on the eyelets. Also check that the line is wound tightly and in the arrow direction.
Do all weed eaters use the same line?
No. Line diameter and head type differ by model. Use the size in your manual and do not assume a generic line fits.
Can I restring a cordless trimmer the same way?
Many bump-head cordless trimmers use a similar head, but the parts differ by brand. Use your trimmer’s manual and remove the battery before you open the head.
How often do I need to restring?
There is no fixed interval in the guide. Restring when the line runs out, breaks or stops feeding.
Bottom line
Restringing a weed eater is a short job once you know the order: cut, load, wind with the arrow, feed the eyelets, reassemble and test. Keep your manual nearby for the line size and the head details, and test the bump feed before you start cutting.
