Trimmer lines can be super complicated components, especially when it comes to how to replace them. This article breaks it down for you. The aim is to make it easier and more straightforward.
The process tends to get confusing and frustrating if you don’t have adequate information. Following this step-by-step guide, you will replace any trimmer line giving you issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trimmer Lines
There are several questions people have about the trimmer lines for their lawnmowers and weed eaters. Knowing what trimmer line to purchase, how to install it, when to change it or what cutting style works best with it can be confusing without proper help. In this section, we tackle the most commonly asked questions that relate to your trimmer line.
How often does one need to replace the trimmer line?
No tool comes with a specified timeline for when a trimmer line should be replaced. To know when to replace a trimmer line, monitor how quickly it runs out. When the trimmer line is about to finish, the trimming process becomes less effective. Once you aren’t getting as much work done as you normally would, it might be time to replace your trimmer line.
How to avoid replacing it too often?
The easiest way to avoid replacing a line too often is to buy one that is durable. A strong trimmer line will not break while in use. It will also last as long as it needs to. There are several great brands on the market. Ask around in your local store and get opinions from experts. Find a trimmer line that has a high strength inner core and an outer coat to prevent welding.
How to understand that it’s time to replace it?
When trimming your grass, if you begin to notice the pace at which you are working is reduced, you might want to check in on the trimmer line. The longer the line, the faster your weed eater works. When the line reduces, so does the speed of your tool.
Another way to know when it’s time to replace a line is to inspect the base of your tool. If you spot a small piece of trimmer line sticking out, then you might be out of line. Check to see if you need to replace the spool.
Does this process differ with different types of trimmers?
Different brands of lawnmowers might have specific instructions on how to replace a preferred trimmer line. Still, there are no permanent laws. Most spool replacements follow the same patterns. These steps follow one after another and are simple enough to replicate. Some trimmers might require more attention than others, but the basic steps are the same.
If you are unsure, consult the instructions manual attached to your lawn mower or weed eater. See our favorite weed eaters and a buying guide for picking the right one.
A Step by Step Guide to Replace Your Trimmer Line
People usually have issues with trimmer lines replacement. They consider it a difficult process. A lot of people even contact experts to help them out. While that’s an option you can explore, how to replace a trimmer line can be a fun DIY.
If you are ready to learn how to do this yourself, it’d be easy for you. Let me show you a straightforward approach. Read the following instructions and try to adhere to them as much as possible.
1. Decide On A Line
First, you have to pick a strong trimmer line. Choose the best trimmer line depending on the instructions in the trimmer’s user manual. It is essential that you don’t strain your trimmer with a thick line. If you do this, the motor will decelerate.
Ensure that the diameter of the line is proportionate to both the capability of the device and the size of your engine. Trimmer lines come in a variety of designs. This depends on the current trimming process. Jagged lines are preferable for extremely thick weeds. However, the multi-sided, braided, and standard round lines are also acceptable.
2. Dismantle The Head Of The String Trimmer
Remove the trimmer cap from inside. Do this by untwisting the knot and separating the inside reel and spring. Start by splitting the new trimmer line into 10 feet. Inspect your operator’s handbook to figure out precisely what kind of trimmer line to use.
Remove the bump button then the internal frame and spring. Discard the former line. Tidy up the area in case of debris.
Keep your screws safe till you need them again.
3. Put In The Line
Here, cut about 10 “parts of cable and double them. Put the lines into one of the gaps in the reel and squeeze it into the spool until only a few inches stay. Now, see to the remaining line by putting it into the other reel. Then squeeze the line tightly to complete the loop.
This will secure the line in position so that it does not spin freely inside the body.
Find the two compartments at the bottom of the internal reel and squeeze into one of the gaps. Squeeze one into each end of the trimmer row. They should meet up so that both ends match, and the trimmer line has two to three inches left.
Insert the trimmer line’s short end into the other internal reel pocket, then draw the string’s length end to close. Put the minor side of the trimmer line in the other inner spool hole, and then carry along the bottom of the string to shut off the loop.
4. Winding The Trimmer Line
Following the direction of the arrow on the top of the wheel, tightly wind the trimmer line around the spool. When 6 inches of the string remains, push the ends into the holding slots marked ‘0.95″‘.
5. Finesse The Line Onto The Reel
Maneuver the line around the spool, following the spool’s buttons. See to the line across the hole and start wrapping it around the spool. When you begin to operate it, there are more chances of getting it tangled. Seal the spool so that you can insert the line next to itself, not over it.
The arrow placement on each trimmer cap varies but should be somewhere close to the reel’s outer border.
Make sure you apply sufficient pressure to keep it packed uniformly. See to it that you don’t leave a lot of room. If you attempt to push out more line, it will get mangled. Once you have up to six inches unwrapped, push the strings into the holding slots.
6. Reposition the Spring & Lead the Line
Re-position the lever as it was before. To avoid it from dropping out, be careful to hold it down. Ensure the cap and spool eyelets are stacked up as well. Line the opening with the cap center in the core of the spool. Push the spool softly into the cap. Turn the cap and rub it to make sure the spool is safe.
7. Substitute the rod spring
Locate the eyelets on the top of the stem and pass through the trimmer row. Return the wheel to the needle and set up the remaining spaces on the cutter top with the eyelets. To compress the lever, hold down the wheel and then insert the button into the base.
Place the eyelets on the top of the tree. Use the other side to move the cord through the eyelets while maintaining the loop in position on one side. Pull them firmly in place.
Locate the eyelets on the spring head. While keeping the spring in place with one hand, use the other hand to push the strings through the eyelets. Pull them firmly into place, and continue holding the spring as you move onto the next step.
8. Tighten The Head
Set the reel to its official position on the barrel. Hold down the reel, compress the cable, and return the button to the bottom of the trimmer head. Screw the button away into the top of the trimmer.
9. Eject the Line
Don’t squeeze too tightly. Tap the strings to make sure the spaces in between are freed. As soon as the line is in the right location, everything is in order. Start it and twist it a couple of times to make sure it’s laid properly, and voila!
Use the cap and trimmer. Press down your cap on the shoulder tabs to insert it into the top of the trimmer. Press the cap lightly until you feel a click.
This is how you should work to replace your trimmer line. Study the steps well, and make progress slowly. Keep the instructions closely. That way, you can read each instruction while you work on your trimmer line. Eventually, you’d get the hang of it.
Hope the article has been useful and informative. I have tried to answer all the most common questions related to the issue and provide you with a straightforward guide on how to get a new trimmer line installed. Now that you have learned how to replace trimmer line and learned all ins and outs of it, you can be a self-sufficient lawn mower!