Introduction
Restringing a trimmer head is a routine maintenance task that keeps your Bolens BL110 weed eater cutting cleanly and efficiently. Whether you are a seasoned landscaper or a weekend gardener, knowing how to string a Bolens BL110 weed eater saves time, reduces frustration, and extends the life of the tool. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from understanding the head design to selecting the right line, winding it correctly, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end you will have a reliable, repeatable method that works every time you need to replace the cutting line.
- Understanding the Bolens BL110 Trimmer Head
- Tools and Materials Needed
- Safety Precautions
- Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to String a Bolens BL110 Weed Eater
- Detailed Winding Techniques
- Comparison Table: Line Types and Specifications
- Tips and Best Practices
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Maintenance After Restringing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Understanding the Bolens BL110 Trimmer Head
The Bolens BL110 uses a bump‑feed, dual‑line trimmer head that holds two separate strands of nylon line. The head consists of a spool, a spring‑loaded bump knob, and a cover that locks in place with a retaining tab. When the bump knob is tapped on the ground, the spring releases a small amount of line, keeping the cutting length consistent. Knowing the orientation of the spool arrows is critical; they indicate the direction the line must be wound so that the bump mechanism feeds correctly. Most replacement spools are marked with an “L” and “R” or with arrows pointing clockwise for the left side and counter‑clockwise for the right side.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following items to avoid interruptions:
- Replacement trimmer line – 0.095 in. (2.4 mm) diameter is the factory specification for the BL110.
- Scissors or a sharp utility knife for cutting the line.
- Gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris.
- A clean rag for wiping the spool and housing.
- Optional: a small flat‑head screwdriver if the retaining tab is stiff.
Using the correct line diameter ensures proper feed tension and prevents the head from jamming or the line from breaking prematurely.
Safety Precautions
Always disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery before working on the trimmer head. This eliminates any chance of accidental start‑up. Wear gloves and safety glasses throughout the procedure. Keep the work area clear of bystanders, especially children and pets. If the trimmer has been running recently, allow the engine to cool completely to avoid burns. Finally, never force the bump knob or retaining tab; excessive force can crack the plastic housing.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to String a Bolens BL110 Weed Eater
- Remove the spool cover. Press the retaining tab on the side of the head and lift the cover off. Set the cover aside in a clean spot.
- Take out the empty spool. Pull the spool straight out of the housing. Note the orientation of the arrows on the spool; you will need to wind the new line in the same direction.
- Cut two equal lengths of line. Measure roughly 10 ft (3 m) for each strand. Cutting both strands at once guarantees they are the same length, which helps the bump feed stay balanced.
- Insert the first strand. Find the anchor hole on the spool marked for the left line (usually labeled “L” or with a clockwise arrow). Push one end of the line into the hole until it seats firmly.
- Wind the left strand. Holding the spool steady, wind the line neatly in the direction of the arrow, keeping each turn tight and side‑by‑side. Avoid overlapping or crossing turns.
- Secure the left strand. When about 6 in. (15 cm) of line remains, slip the free end into the corresponding notch or slot on the spool flange to hold it temporarily.
- Repeat for the right strand. Insert the second strand into the right‑side anchor hole (marked “R” or counter‑clockwise arrow) and wind in the indicated direction, again leaving a short tail to lock in the notch.
- Reinstall the spool. Align the spool so the two tails sit in the guide slots on the housing. Press the spool back into place until it clicks.
- Replace the cover. Snap the cover onto the housing, ensuring the retaining tab engages fully.
- Test the bump feed. Reconnect the spark plug wire or battery, start the trimmer, and gently tap the bump knob on the ground. The line should advance a few inches each tap.
Detailed Winding Techniques
Single‑Line vs. Dual‑Line Winding
Some users prefer a single, thicker line for heavy brush, while the factory dual‑line setup offers a wider cutting swath for grass. If you choose a single line, use a 0.105 in. (2.7 mm) diameter and wind only one side of the spool, leaving the opposite side empty. The bump mechanism will still feed, but the cutting width will be reduced. Dual‑line winding, as described in the step‑by‑step guide, provides the best balance for typical lawn maintenance.
Pre‑Stretching the Line
Nylon line can shrink slightly after the first few minutes of operation. To minimize this, gently pull each strand taut for a few seconds before winding. This pre‑stretch reduces the chance of the line loosening on the spool and improves feed consistency.
Using a Line Winder Tool
A handheld line winder (often sold as a “trimmer line spooler”) can make the winding process faster and more uniform. Insert the spool into the winder, thread the line through the guide, and turn the handle. The tool maintains even tension and prevents the line from crossing over itself.
Comparison Table: Line Types and Specifications
| Line Type | Diameter | Material | Best Use | Feed Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Nylon | 0.095 in. (2.4 mm) | Copolymer nylon | General grass trimming | Factory dual‑line head |
| Heavy‑Duty Nylon | 0.105 in. (2.7 mm) | Reinforced copolymer | Thick weeds, light brush | Single‑line or dual‑line (may require wider spool) |
| Twisted/Serated | 0.095 in. (2.4 mm) | Twisted copolymer | Reduced noise, cleaner cut | Factory dual‑line head |
| Square/Star Profile | 0.095 in. (2.4 mm) | Shaped copolymer | Aggressive cutting, longer life | Factory dual‑line head (check spool clearance) |
Tips and Best Practices
- Always use the line diameter recommended by the manufacturer; oversized line can jam the bump feed.
- Wind the line under moderate tension—too loose and it will slip, too tight and it may deform the spool.
- Keep the spool clean; debris inside the housing can interfere with the bump mechanism.
- Store spare line in a cool, dry place to prevent UV degradation.
- Inspect the bump knob spring annually; a weakened spring causes inconsistent line feed.
- When cutting thick stems, use a slower engine speed to reduce line breakage.
- Replace both strands at the same time even if only one appears worn; this keeps the head balanced.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Winding in the wrong direction. The arrows on the spool are not decorative; winding opposite to the arrow causes the line to retract instead of advance. Always double‑check the arrow before you start.
- Unequal line lengths. If one strand is longer, the bump feed will become unbalanced, leading to one side feeding more than the other. Measure and cut both strands together.
- Over‑filling the spool. Packing too much line prevents the bump knob from moving freely. Leave the recommended 6 in. tail and do not exceed the spool’s capacity.
- Forcing the cover onto a mis‑aligned spool. This can crack the retaining tab. Ensure the spool seats fully before snapping the cover.
- Using worn or brittle line. Old line loses elasticity and snaps easily. Replace line at the start of each season or after 20 hours of use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the line does not advance when you bump the head, first verify that the spool is seated correctly and that the bump knob spring is intact. A broken spring must be replaced; it is a low‑cost part available from most small‑engine dealers. If the line feeds but immediately breaks, check for sharp edges on the spool flange or housing that may be cutting the nylon. Lightly sand any rough spots with fine‑grit sandpaper. When the trimmer vibrates excessively after restringing, the spool may be unbalanced—remove the spool, re‑wind both strands with equal tension, and reinstall. Finally, if the engine stalls when the head contacts heavy growth, consider switching to a heavier‑duty line or reducing the throttle.
Maintenance After Restringing
After you have successfully restrung the Bolens BL110, run the trimmer for a few minutes at low speed to let the line settle. Inspect the bump knob for smooth operation and listen for any unusual rattling. Clean the air filter and check the spark plug gap according to the owner’s manual; a well‑tuned engine reduces strain on the cutting head. Lubricate the drive shaft splines lightly with a marine‑grade grease every 25 hours of operation. Store the trimmer in a dry location, and cover the head with a cloth to keep dust out of the spool cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What line diameter does the Bolens BL110 use?
The factory specification calls for 0.095 in. (2.4 mm) diameter nylon line. Using this size ensures proper feed tension and compatibility with the bump‑feed mechanism.
Can I use a thicker line for tougher weeds?
You can use a 0.105 in. line, but only if you wind a single strand on one side of the spool. The dual‑line head is not designed for two thick strands simultaneously, and doing so may cause jamming.
How often should I replace the trimmer line?
Replace the line at the beginning of each mowing season or after roughly 20 hours of cutting time. Frequent contact with hard surfaces (sidewalks, curbs) accelerates wear.
Why does the line keep breaking at the same spot?
Repeated breakage usually indicates a sharp edge on the spool flange or a mis‑aligned guide slot. Inspect the spool for burrs and smooth them with fine sandpaper. Also verify that the line is not crossing over itself during winding.
Do I need to remove the spark plug wire every time I restring?
Yes. Disconnecting the spark plug wire (or removing the battery on electric models) eliminates the risk of accidental start‑up while your hands are near the rotating head.
Can I use pre‑cut line spools instead of bulk line?
Pre‑cut spools are convenient and guarantee the correct length, but they are more expensive per foot. Bulk line allows you to cut exact lengths and is more economical for frequent users.
Conclusion
Mastering how to string a Bolens BL110 weed eater is a straightforward skill that pays off every time you tackle overgrown grass or stubborn weeds. By understanding the trimmer head design, gathering the right tools, following the step‑by‑step winding process, and applying the tips and troubleshooting advice outlined above, you will keep your trimmer feeding smoothly and cutting cleanly all season long. Regular maintenance—checking the bump spring, cleaning the spool cavity, and using the correct line diameter—extends the life of both the head and the engine. With this comprehensive guide at hand, you can approach each restringing job confidently, knowing you have the knowledge to do it right the first time.