A weed eater is a fantastic backyard tool that’s tasked to trim overgrown weeds in your backyard or lawn. Other than its common ‘weed eater’ name, this tool is known by many popular names such as weed whacker, string trimmer, or line trimmer. Just as its name suggests, a weed eater uses its dominant plastic string to cut through grass and weeds. Since a lot is expected to happen in its line of duty, knowing how to string a weed eater is really important.
You see while cutting through shrubs and overgrown weeds, the spool unwinds a few inches of the string to ensure that you have plenty of string to use. In the process, the reserve string dwindles forcing you to replace it. Since most weed eater models will require you to add a new string to the spool, this short guide has offered you an in-depth procedure on how to string your weed eater.
How to String a Weed Eater: Step by Step Guide
Gather Your Supplies
- Weed eater string
- A pair of scissors
Changing the String for a Single Line Weed Eater
- Step One: Check the Manual
Now that you’ve decided to replace the string in your weed eater, the first step you’ll need to take is to read through the user manual. The best thing about the manual is that it gives you some useful tips on how to replace the string.
It also informs you about the specific size and type of string you’ll need when replacing. For instance, if you’re using a gas-powered weed eater, the recommended size of string you’ll need is 0.80 to 0.95. For electric and battery-powered models, the recommended string size is 0.65.
- Step Two: Prepare the String
Now that you’ve read the manual, the next step is to prepare the line. Here, you’ll need to ensure the string has the correct diameter to ensure that it goes through the hole easily. Otherwise, picking a string with the wrong diameter will make it useless.
After you’ve checked the diameter, cut the line anywhere from 15 to 25 feet. In case the string gets longer, don’t panic as you’ll cut the extra string once you’ve winded it on the spool.
- Step Three: Turn off the Trimmer
In case the weed eater was already in use, you need to turn it off to let it cool down. Once it’s cool, remove any grass or lawn clippings that might have stuck on the device.
- Step Four: Remove the Retaining Cap
Depending on the model you’re using, you’ll need to remove the retaining cap by either twisting it or pressing multiple tabs to take it off safely. Removing the retaining cap will give you clear access to the tiny hole at the center of the spool.
- Step Five: Locate the Starter Hole
With the retaining cap out of the way, accessing the starter hole will be very easy. So, once you’ve located it, insert one end of the plastic string inside and push it about half an inch inside the spool. This will help to hold the string tightly while you wind the rest to the spool.
Next, check the imprint of arrows on the spool to confirm the direction to which you’ll be winding the string.
- Step Six: Wind the String
Proceed to wind the string in a neat straight line to prevent causing clogging issues when using the trimmer.
Also, when winding the string, you need to start from one side then finish on the other (from left to right or vice versa). When the first layer is done, start winding the overlapping layer and do the same. This is very important as it prevents the string from tangling.
Once you’re through wrapping the string, snap the remaining 5 to 6-inch line into the retainer on the spool. This will help to hold the string firmly when operating the weed eater.
- Step Seven: Reattach the Spool to the Trimmer Head
So, once you’ve snapped the remaining line to the retainer, line up the retainer’s slot with that of the trimmer’s head. Pull the string to make sure it extends through to the outside through the trimmer head’s slot.
What if It’s a Double-Line Weed Eater?
If you’re feeding the string in a double-stringed weed eater, then the first five steps will be pretty much the same. You’ll start by finding the best string for replacement, turn off the trimmer then remove the retainer cap to locate the starter hole.
In this case, you’ll be dealing with two starter holes. So, to start, pick your line and feed it in the first starter hole. Wrap it gently and neatly in the direction of the arrows until you have at least 5 to 6 inches of line remaining. Snap the remaining string into the retainer to hold firmly.
Pick the second line and feed it in the starter hole. Just like the first one, wind the second line neatly on the spool until you have at least 5 to 6 inches of line remaining. Again, feed the second line into the retainer on the spool.
When you’re done, both the first and second lines should exit the spool on opposite sides. This will allow them to match the eyelets of the trimmer’s head, which are located on opposite sides. So, to finalize this process, snap the lines into the trimmer’s eyelets to come through to the outside. Reattach the retaining cap and get ready to use your trimmer.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. As you can see, restringing a weed eater is not as hard as it sounds. The process is very easy to accomplish but only when you have the right knowledge. In this short guide, we’ve managed to explain in detail how you’re supposed to string a weed eater.
So, whether it’s a gas-powered, an electric, or a battery-powered model, this guide has offered you everything you’d like to know when it comes to restringing your weed trimmer.