Weed eaters are an excellent tool to aid in landscaping and making your lawn attractive.
What if the plastic strings in your trimmer start to wear down?
It is time to replace the string on your weed whacker! However, this is a challenge, especially for those who have never touched the line before. You have landed on the right page.
We will present you with a step-by-step guide on how to restring a weed eater in this article. Changing the string on your lawn trimmer should never be a hassle once you know all the steps.
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How to String a Weed Eater?
Are you ready? Let’s discover a comprehensive guide with us now.
Check if your model works with one or two strings. The process will be slightly different between the two.
Isn’t it too apparent? You can find a lot of information in the manual that will help you while stringing the trimmer.
For example, you will know the specific type of string compatible with your model. This is to avoid buying the wrong lines and wasting money in the end.
Pay attention to the size. You would not want to insert the wrong size of the string and end up damaging the whole device.
Typically, gas-powered trimmers make use of 0.080 or 0.095 string. Meanwhile, electric weed eaters go with 0.065.
Again, refer to your manual guide to confirm.
At this step, you need to release the spool gently.
There are two methods to perform this step, including unscrewing the spool or pushing in the tabs to release it.
Warning! If you are unable to release the spool, it might be because you have not removed off the head of your weed eater yet. This situation happens in some particular models only.
To take off the head, simply remove the nuts by screwing them back until loose.
Now, cut a strip of 15-25 feet from your string. The exact figure depends on the size.
When you are hesitating between two choices, go for the long as you can always cut it down later. For weed whacker using two strings, make sure the two pieces of string measure the same.
It is time to string your weed eater now.
Find a small hole in the center of the spool, and push a half-inch of the string through it. The hole should grab onto the string firmly so that it is hassle-free to load the rest.
Most trimmers on the market come with crafted arrows to show you the direction of winding the string.
Follow the arrows and wind the string from side to side. When you complete the first layer, let’s overlap to form the second. This is to prevent the string from tangling.
When you finish winding the string, clip it into the notch, which you will find at the edge of your spool.
The notch is supposed to keep the string fixed in place when you replace the spool.
Put the spool back in the hub.
The loose length of the string should be fed through the eyelets, also known as a line exit hole.
Screw the ring back onto the trimmer head tightly.
You are done with stringing your weed eater. Turn the device on and get back to work!
How to String a Weed Eater With Two Holes?
There are not many differences between stringing a weed eater with one hole and two holes.
Look at the guide above; focus on step 5 onwards.
Fold the string you cut off in two. Push each end of the string through two holes at the center. One side should be around six inches longer than the other.
Pull strings so that they are in the same direction. Place your index finger between them and hold the lines against the holding unit.
Now you begin winding the strings until the strings have only six inches left on both sides. Hold one piece of the string while pushing the other end through the notch.
Then, snap the one you are holding through the other notch.
Place the loose length of the string through the holes at the bottom of the weed whacker. You are good to go then!
How to Restring a Weed Eater?
Restringing your trimmer is almost the same as stringing one, but it requires one more step.
Guess what it is? Yes, it is to remove the old string inside your trimmer.
After removing the head and releasing the spool, you need to take off the old string of the spool.
This step might depend on specific modes. For some weed eaters, you need to remove the string with the spool attached to the trimmer. Meanwhile, others allow you to take the spool out of the trimmer and release the spool. This would be a whole lot more convenient.
Read more —
How To Use A Weed Eater (The Detailed Guide)
How to Wind a Weed Eater String?
Winding a string is the most important step in stringing the weed whacker. Fortunately, it is not too challenging to perform.
First off, you need to look for the crafted arrows which show the directions of winding. Generally, the arrows are imprinted on the spool.
In some cases, the manufacturer crafted the arrows on the bottom of the spool. This would make them wear off over time, however.
In case you cannot find the arrows, do not worry! Our suggestion is to wind the string in the opposite direction to your cutting head. Otherwise, the strings will unwind when the weed eater is working.
Most trimmers spin clockwise, so you should wind the string counterclockwise.
How To Make Your String Last?
Even with a detailed guide, restringing the weed eater is still a tedious task. What’s worse, sometimes the trimmer runs out of strings just some minutes after you feed it.
What a pain!
Is there any way to make the strings last for multiple cuts? Fortunately, there are a couple of such techniques. Scroll down to know.
1. Weed Feeding Tips
It is essential to keep the strings parallel to the ground when you are feeding the spool. This will prevent the strings from hitting dirt or rocks.
Only feed new string when your weed whacker asks for it. But how do you know when? You may ask.
Our advice is to listen to the string trimmer to figure out. You might need some practice, but it is worth the effort to save the strings for more uses. Otherwise, you would run out of strings often.
2. Types of String
There are a bunch of factors that affect the lifespan of a string.
First off, we have the string size, which plays a crucial role in determining how long your strings will last. String sizes come in three main types, lightweight-medium, medium-heavy, and very heavy-duty.
In our opinion, when you cannot cut the grass with 0.095 string or above, you should switch to a metal blade.
The second factor is the string shape. There are round, multi-sided, diamond, twisted strings, etc. available on the market. According to our experience, multi-sided strings are better than round strings in terms of performance and durability.
3. Maintain Your Strings
It is apparent that you need to protect the strings to increase their lifespan.
Do not expose the strings to direct sunlight, especially in the summer months. When the temps get too high, it is advisable to soak them in water to prevent damage from heat.
Generally, the thicker the lines, the longer you have to soak them.
Another trick is to store the strings in a plastic bag filled with a damp cloth.
Last but not least, avoid running the weed eater at full throttle. You know, the trimmer operating at full speed will generate heat, which might melt the lines and lead to line welding.
Therefore, set the throttle at high enough levels to cut the plants only. You do not need full throttle for most of the time trimming the lawn, so do not risk your lines for speed.
The Bottom Line
Now you know how to string a weed eater.
Amongst all the steps, the winding is the most important as well as challenging. It might take time and effort to practice, but you should be able to do it skillfully after a while.
Also, do not forget to apply the above tips to make your strings last longer. You will save lots of time, effort, and money.
Thank you for reading! For any questions or comments, you can leave them in the comment section, and we will answer you.
