How to Put New Line on a Weed Eater

Everyone hates weeds.

Weeds are considered as pests by most homeowners. Luckily, we have some powertools on our side to help us in our battle. Weed eaters (aka the string trimmer or weed wacker) are the perfect tool to help us win against weeds.

But weed eaters do require maintence. One of the most common, and easiest, repairs you can do at home is to put new string on the trimmer head. This article will explain how to put line on a weed eater.

Tools Needed:

• Screwdriver
• Knife or strong scissors
• Replacement string line.

Step-By-Step Instructions on How To Put String In A Weed Wacker

Step 1: First, you have to purchase a trimmer line. This product is usually bought in rolls. You can purchase this product from a hardware store or an online retail store.

There are different sizes – thicker string is better for bigger weeds and more powerful engines. Too small a line for your job and you’ll struggle to cut the weeds. Too big a line, and you’ll have performance issues with your trimmer.

Refer to your weed eater manual to find the right line size. Some popular dimensions are 0.065 inches and 0.095 inches.

Step 2: Once you have purchased the trimmer line, then, you are ready to do your work. One easy way to measure the right amount of line is to pull off arm lengths. Grab the line in one hand, and with the other arm hold the new spool against your shoulder. With your first hand, grab the line at the spool, and pull outwards. Trimmer line measuring about 12 to 15 feet can be held by most weed eaters. This will be 4 or 5 arm lengths depending on your size.

Step 3: The string is now ready to be loaded to the trimmer. Remove the head on the spool on your weed eater. Sometimes it removes by pushing in tabs – sometimes it requires removing a screw.

Step 4: Observe which way you need to load the string. The head will spin in one direction, and the string needs to be loaded accordingly. There will be an indication on the back of the spool. Anchor the string in the spool head, and wind in the right direction.

Step 5: There are different types of string trimmer heads. If you have a double, the trimmer head will have two holes on opposite sides. When connecting the spool, you should be inserting one end of the string through one hole and the other end goes through the other hole. You should then slide the spool into the trimmer head and turn it to the direction where you will be able to wound it up tightly. We have a guide on how to string a weed eater with two holes here.

If you have a single, it will be easier. You just need to run the string through the only hole in the head. Either way, place the head securely back in the trimmer.

Step 6: Push the bump head of the spool down and try to pull string out of the trimmer head. If you can remove line from the spool – you are ready to go. When you eventually need to get more line as you are out trimming weeds, simply puch in the bump head to pull more line.

Step 7: If you have too much line, you can cut off the excess. While you are looking at your trimmer, clean it of any debris.

I hope this guide to adding new string to your trimmer is helpful. If you have any other advice, please leave it in the comments below!