How To String A Troy Bilt Weed Eater
Okay, so your Troy-Bilt weed eater is staring at you, all sad and string-less. Don't worry, we've all been there. It's like showing up to a party without your dancing shoes – totally useless! But fear not, my friend, because restringing that thing is easier than you think. Seriously! Like, way easier than parallel parking.
Let's get this party started, shall we? First things first, we need to talk about safety. I know, I know, safety briefings are so boring. But trust me, you don't want to accidentally unleash the weed-whacking fury on your toes. So,
- Make sure the weed eater is turned OFF. Unplugged, battery removed – the whole shebang. No exceptions!
- Gloves are your friends. Seriously, those little nylon strings can give you paper cuts.
- Eye protection? Yeah, why not. I mean, looking cool is half the battle, right? (Plus, debris).
Alright, safety lecture over. Now for the fun part! Well, less boring part.
Must Read
Choosing Your String: The Great Filament Fiasco
String isn't just string, you know? There's a whole world of filament out there, each with its own personality. Round, square, twisted… it's enough to make your head spin!
Check your owner's manual (gasp!) to see what size and type of string your Troy-Bilt is designed for. Seriously, don't skip this step. Putting the wrong string in is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. It won't end well. Usually, it's somewhere between .065 and .095 inches.

For average lawns, .080" round string works great. For tougher weeds? Maybe go for the square or twisted kind. They're like the Rambo of weed eater strings.
Bought the string? Awesome! Let’s move on, and unravel this mystery, pun intended.
Restringing: The Actual How-To (Finally!)
Okay, now for the nitty-gritty. This is where things get exciting. (Relatively speaking, of course.)

There are usually two main types of weed eater heads: bump-feed and auto-feed. The general idea is the same: take it apart, wind the string, put it back together. But the details differ. I’ll be talking about bump feed here since most Troy-Bilts use that.
- Remove the Spool: Usually, there's a button or tabs on the side of the trimmer head. Press them to release the spool cover. It might be a little stubborn, but don't give up!
- Remove the Old String: If there's any old string left, yank it out. We're starting fresh, baby!
- Measure and Cut: Consult your owner’s manual. Most will tell you how many feet. Generally, you’re going to want somewhere around 10-25 feet, depending on the model. This is where measuring tape comes in handy. Or…just guess? No judgement here. But remember, too much is almost as bad as not enough.
- Winding Time: This is the slightly tricky part. Look for arrows on the spool. They indicate which direction to wind the string. Divide the string in half, and wind one half on each side of the spool. Keep it tight and even. Uneven winding is a recipe for disaster. Seriously, tangled string is the bane of every weed eater's existence. And make sure you have equal lengths of string on either side, like perfectly balanced scales.
- Thread the String: There are usually little slots or eyelets on the spool that the string needs to pass through. Thread the ends of the string through these. Think of it like threading a needle, but on a slightly larger, more weed-related scale.
- Reassemble: Put the spool back into the trimmer head, making sure the string is properly positioned. Snap the cover back on. You should hear a satisfying "click." If you don't, something's not quite right.
And that's it! You've successfully restrung your Troy-Bilt weed eater. Congratulations! You are now a certified Weed Whacking Warrior.

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
Before you go all out and start trimming the entire neighborhood, give it a test run. Start the weed eater and tap the bump knob on the ground. The string should advance. If it doesn't, double-check that you've wound the string correctly and that the spool is properly seated. And remember, patience is key.
Now go forth and conquer those weeds! Just, you know, be careful out there. And maybe wear sunscreen. And definitely don't trim your neighbor's prized petunias. Trust me, they won't appreciate it.
Happy weed whacking!
