How To Change The Weed Wacker String

Maintaining a well-groomed yard often involves tackling unruly grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas. A weed wacker, also known as a string trimmer, is your go-to tool for this task. However, its effectiveness hinges on having a fresh and properly installed string. When the string breaks, wears down, or runs out, you'll need to replace it. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can keep your yard looking its best.

Identifying Your Weed Wacker Type

Before you begin, it's crucial to determine the type of weed wacker you have. The two most common types are:

• Bump Feed: This type allows you to advance the string by tapping the spool housing on the ground while the trimmer is running.
• Automatic Feed: This type automatically advances the string as needed.

Knowing your weed wacker type will help you understand the specific steps involved in replacing the string.

Gathering Your Supplies

You'll need a few essential items before you start:

• Replacement String: Check your weed wacker's manual to determine the correct diameter and type of string. Using the wrong string can damage your trimmer. Common sizes range from 0.065 inches to 0.105 inches.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Wire Cutters or Scissors: For cutting the string to the correct length.
• Your Weed Wacker's Manual: It provides specific instructions and diagrams for your model.

Replacing the String on a Bump Feed Weed Wacker

This is the most common type of weed wacker, so let's start here:

Step 1: Power Down and Disconnect

Ensure the weed wacker is turned off. If it's electric, unplug it. If it's gas-powered, ensure the engine is off and the spark plug is disconnected.

Step 2: Access the Spool

Locate the spool housing, usually on the bottom of the trimmer head. Depending on your model, you may need to press tabs or unscrew a cap to remove the spool housing cover. Consult your manual for specific instructions.

Step 3: Remove the Old Spool

Carefully remove the old spool from the housing. If there's any remaining string, discard it.

Step 4: Prepare the New String

Cut a length of string as specified in your manual. If the manual is unavailable, a good starting point is 10-20 feet of string. It’s better to have more than less.

Step 5: Wind the New String

Most spools have arrows indicating the direction in which to wind the string. Feed one end of the string into the small hole or eyelet on the spool. Start winding the string tightly and evenly around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrow. Overlap layers of string to keep it compact.

Step 6: Create Two Separate Sections (If Applicable)

Some bump feed spools are designed to hold two separate strands of string. These spools will have a divider in the middle. In this case, you'll need to split the string into two equal lengths and wind each length onto its respective side of the spool. Each side will typically have its own eyelet for feeding the string.

Step 7: Secure the String Ends

Once the spool is fully wound, secure the ends of the string into the retaining slots or notches on the spool. These slots hold the string in place while you reinstall the spool into the housing.

Step 8: Reinstall the Spool

Carefully insert the spool back into the spool housing, ensuring it sits properly. Feed the ends of the string through the eyelets or holes in the housing. Make sure the string moves freely.

Step 9: Reattach the Cover

Replace the spool housing cover, making sure it clicks or screws securely into place.

Step 10: Test the String

Gently pull on both ends of the string to ensure they advance smoothly. If you have a bump feed trimmer, tap the spool housing on the ground to advance the string. If it doesn't advance, double-check that the string is wound correctly and the spool is properly seated.

Replacing the String on an Automatic Feed Weed Wacker

Automatic feed weed wackers are generally easier to reload, but the process can vary depending on the model.

Step 1: Power Down and Disconnect

As with the bump feed, ensure the weed wacker is turned off and disconnected from the power source.

Step 2: Access the Spool

Locate the spool housing and remove the cover according to your manual's instructions. This often involves pressing buttons or twisting the cover.

Step 3: Remove the Old Spool

Take out the empty or partially empty spool.

Step 4: Use a Pre-Wound Spool (If Available)

Many automatic feed trimmers use pre-wound spools that can be purchased ready to install. If you have this option, simply insert the new pre-wound spool into the housing, ensuring it clicks into place. Feed the string through the eyelets, replace the cover, and you're done.

Step 5: Wind the String (If Necessary)

If you don't have pre-wound spools, you'll need to wind the string yourself. Follow the same steps as for a bump feed trimmer (Steps 4-7), paying close attention to the winding direction and securing the string ends. However, automatic feed spools may have a different design, so carefully examine the spool and your manual.

Step 6: Reinstall the Spool

Insert the wound spool back into the housing, ensuring it's properly seated. Feed the string through the eyelets.

Step 7: Reattach the Cover

Replace the spool housing cover and secure it.

Step 8: Test the String

Turn on the weed wacker and allow the automatic feed mechanism to advance the string. If the string doesn't advance, consult your manual for troubleshooting tips. It may require you to manually pull the string slightly to engage the automatic feed.

Tips for Preventing String Breaks

To prolong the life of your weed wacker string and reduce the frequency of replacements:

• Use the Correct String: Always use the string size and type recommended by the manufacturer.
• Avoid Hard Surfaces: Be mindful of concrete, rocks, and other hard surfaces that can quickly wear down the string.
• Soak the String: Before winding a new spool, soak the string in water for about 30 minutes. This will make it more pliable and less likely to break.
• Proper Storage: Store your weed wacker in a cool, dry place to prevent the string from becoming brittle.
• Adjust Cutting Height: Adjust the cutting height of your weed wacker to avoid scalping the lawn or hitting obstructions.
• Work at a Moderate Pace: Avoid forcing the trimmer through thick vegetation, as this can put excessive strain on the string.

String Wacker String Replacement Checklist

Use this checklist as a quick reminder of the steps involved:

Before You Begin:

• ✅ Identify your weed wacker type (Bump Feed or Automatic Feed).
• ✅ Gather necessary supplies (replacement string, safety glasses, gloves, wire cutters/scissors, manual).
• ✅ Power down and disconnect the weed wacker.

String Replacement:

• ✅ Access the spool housing.
• ✅ Remove the old spool.
• ✅ Cut the new string to the appropriate length.
• ✅ Wind the string tightly and evenly around the spool in the correct direction.
• ✅ Secure the string ends in the retaining slots.
• ✅ Reinstall the spool into the housing.
• ✅ Reattach the spool housing cover.

Final Check:

• ✅ Test the string advancement mechanism.
• ✅ Ensure the string moves freely.

By following these steps and tips, you can confidently replace your weed wacker string and keep your lawn looking its best. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your model.