How Do I Restring a Stihl Weed Eater? Easy Tutorial

Introduction

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How Do I Restring a Stihl Weed Eater?” you’re not alone. Stihl is one of the most trusted brands in outdoor power equipment, and their weed eaters are known for durability and performance, but even the best tools require routine maintenance. Restringing your Stihl weed eater is one of the simplest, most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can do yourself, saving you money on professional shop fees and keeping your yard looking neat and tidy. Many users assume restringing is complicated, but with the right tools and a clear guide, you can complete the task in minutes, regardless of your experience level with outdoor power equipment. This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through every step of restringing all common Stihl trimmer head types, share best practices for extending line life, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you get the job done right the first time.

• Introduction
• Understanding Your Stihl Weed Eater’s Trimmer Head
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need for Restringing
• Safety Precautions Before You Start
• Step-by-Step Restringing for AutoCut Heads
• Step-by-Step Restringing for Tap’n Go and Bump Feed Heads
• How to Restring a Stihl Loop (Fixed) Trimmer Head
• Comparison of Common Stihl Trimmer Head Types
• Tips for Extending Trimmer Line Life
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing
• Troubleshooting Common Restringing Issues
• How Often Should You Restring Your Stihl Weed Eater?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Stihl Weed Eater’s Trimmer Head

Before you start the restringing process, it’s important to identify which type of trimmer head your Stihl weed eater uses, as the restringing process varies slightly between models. Stihl produces three primary types of trimmer heads for consumer and commercial use, each with unique features and restringing requirements.

Common Stihl Trimmer Head Types

AutoCut Heads: These are automatic feed heads that release more line when you release the trigger after cutting, no bumping required. They are the most common head type on residential Stihl weed eaters, and are known for easy, mess-free restringing.

Tap’n Go (Bump Feed) Heads: These heads require you to tap the bottom of the head on the ground to release more line while you work. They are popular for both residential and light commercial use, as they give you more control over line extension.

Loop (Fixed) Heads: These are heavy-duty fixed heads that use a continuous loop of line, with no automatic or bump feed mechanism. They are most commonly found on commercial-grade Stihl weed eaters designed for thick brush and heavy-duty use.

Some newer Stihl models also feature the PolyCut series, a low-profile bump feed head designed for precision edging and trimming around landscaping. The restringing process for PolyCut heads is nearly identical to Tap’n Go heads, with minor adjustments for the smaller spool size.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need for Restringing

Having the right tools on hand before you start will make the restringing process faster and more efficient. You likely already have most of these items in your garage or toolbox:

• Replacement Stihl trimmer line: Make sure to purchase line that matches the size and type recommended for your specific trimmer head model. Stihl sells OEM line in a variety of sizes and materials, including round, square, and serrated options for different use cases.
• Scissors or heavy-duty line cutter: A sharp pair of scissors or a dedicated trimmer line cutter will make clean, even cuts without fraying the line.
• Work gloves: Trimmer line has sharp edges, especially after cutting, so gloves will protect your hands from nicks and cuts.
• Safety glasses: Small pieces of line and debris can fly off while you’re working, so eye protection is a must.
• Flathead screwdriver: Useful for prying apart stubborn trimmer head components and removing built-up debris.
• Socket wrench set: Most Stihl trimmer heads are secured with a standard-sized retaining nut that fits a 10mm or 13mm socket, depending on your model.
• Clean rag: Use this to wipe away grass, mud, and oil from the trimmer head housing before reassembling.

While aftermarket trimmer line is widely available and often more affordable than OEM Stihl line, opt for high-quality options from reputable brands to avoid brittle, low-quality line that breaks frequently and jams your feed mechanism.

Safety Precautions Before You Start

Working with outdoor power equipment comes with inherent risks, so taking a few simple safety steps will prevent injuries and damage to your weed eater. Follow these precautions before you touch the trimmer head:

1. Disconnect the spark plug: For gas-powered Stihl weed eaters, pull the spark plug boot off the spark plug to completely disable the engine. This prevents accidental starting while you’re working, which is the single most important safety step for any maintenance task.
2. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): Put on work gloves and safety glasses before handling the trimmer head or line. If you’re working on a gas model, avoid working near open flames or sparks, as fuel vapors can be flammable.
3. Work on a flat, stable surface: Place your weed eater on a workbench or the ground in a well-lit area so you don’t have to balance it while you work.
4. Let gas models cool down: If you’ve just used your weed eater, wait at least 15 minutes for the engine and exhaust to cool before touching the trimmer head to avoid burns.
5. Keep children and pets away: Restringing involves small, sharp parts and tools, so make sure no one else is in the work area while you’re working.

For battery-powered Stihl models, remove the battery pack from the weed eater before starting work to disable the motor.

Step-by-Step Restringing for AutoCut Heads

If you’re wondering “How Do I Restring a Stihl Weed Eater?” with an AutoCut head, these step-by-step instructions will walk you through the process in just a few minutes. AutoCut heads are the most common type on Stihl residential weed eaters, and they are designed for quick, easy restringing:

1. Disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery: As outlined in the safety section, disable the engine first to prevent accidental starting.
2. Remove the trimmer head assembly: Turn the weed eater upside down so the bottom of the trimmer head is facing up. Locate the retaining nut in the center of the head, use a socket wrench to loosen it, then remove the nut, any metal washers, and the trimmer head housing. Set the washers and nut aside in a safe place so you don’t lose them.
3. Remove the old line and clean the housing: Take the spool out of the housing, remove any remaining old line, and use a clean rag to wipe away grass, mud, and debris from the inside of the housing and the spool. Built-up debris can cause the line to jam, so this step is critical for smooth operation.
4. Measure and cut the new line: Cut a piece of replacement trimmer line that is 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of your trimmer head. For most standard AutoCut heads, this is between 10 and 15 feet of line, but check your owner’s manual for exact specifications. Use a sharp cutter to make clean, even cuts to prevent fraying.
5. Wind the line onto the spool: Insert one end of the line into the small anchor hole on the center of the spool. Wind the line clockwise (this is critical for AutoCut heads to feed correctly) in even, tight layers, making sure the line does not overlap or cross over itself. Stop winding when you have 4 to 6 inches of line sticking out of the feed slot on the side of the spool.
6. Reassemble the trimmer head: Place the wound spool back into the trimmer head housing, aligning the feed slot with the line sticking out of the spool. Make sure the line ends are seated in the feed slots on the housing. Replace the metal washers and retaining nut, then tighten the nut snugly with a socket wrench. Do not over-tighten, as this can warp the housing and make future restringing difficult.
7. Test the feed and operation: Reconnect the spark plug or reinsert the battery. Pull the starter cord (for gas models) or press the trigger (for battery models) to start the engine, then bump the head on the ground a few times to test the line feed. Trim a small patch of grass to confirm the line is cutting properly. If the line does not feed, double-check that you wound it in the correct clockwise direction and that the line ends are properly seated in the feed slots.

Step-by-Step Restringing for Tap’n Go and Bump Feed Heads

Tap’n Go heads are slightly different from AutoCut heads, as they require you to tap the head on the ground to release line, and the winding direction is reversed. Follow these steps to restring your Tap’n Go head correctly:

1. Disable the engine: Disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery as usual.
2. Remove the trimmer head: Loosen and remove the retaining nut and washers as you would for an AutoCut head, then set the housing aside.
3. Release the spool: Most Tap’n Go spools are secured to the housing with a simple twist lock. Turn the spool counterclockwise to release it from the housing, then pull it straight out.
4. Remove old line and clean: Remove any remaining old line from the spool, and wipe away debris from the spool and housing with a clean rag.
5. Cut the new line to length: Unlike AutoCut heads, most Tap’n Go heads have a line length guide printed on the housing. Cut your replacement line to exactly this length (usually 10 to 12 feet for residential models) to ensure proper feeding. Use a sharp cutter for clean edges.
6. Wind the line onto the spool: Insert one end of the line into the anchor hole on the center of the spool. Wind the line counterclockwise (the opposite direction of AutoCut heads) in even, tight layers, making sure the line does not overlap. Leave 4 to 6 inches of line sticking out of each of the two feed slots on opposite sides of the spool.
7. Reassemble the head: Place the wound spool back into the housing, aligning the feed slots with the line ends sticking out. Twist the spool clockwise until it clicks into place, confirming it is locked securely. Replace the washers and retaining nut, tightening snugly but not over-tightening.
8. Test the feed: Reconnect the power source, start the engine, and tap the bottom of the head on the ground a few times to test line extension. Trim a small patch of grass to confirm the line is cutting properly. If the line does not extend when you tap the head, double-check the winding direction and make sure the line ends are properly seated in the feed slots.

For PolyCut 32-2 and similar low-profile bump feed heads, the process is nearly identical, but the spool is smaller, so you will need to cut the line to a shorter length (usually 6 to 8 feet) as specified in your owner’s manual.

How to Restring a Stihl Loop (Fixed) Trimmer Head

Loop, or fixed, trimmer heads do not have an automatic or bump feed mechanism, so they use a continuous loop of line that you tie together yourself. These heads are most common on commercial-grade Stihl models designed for heavy-duty use. Follow these steps to restring a loop head:

1. Disable the engine and remove the head: Disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery, then loosen and remove the retaining nut and washers to take the trimmer head off the weed eater.
2. Remove the old loop: Cut the old line loop with your cutter, then remove the spool from the housing. Wipe away any debris from the spool and housing.
3. Measure and cut the new line: Cut a piece of replacement line that is 1.5 times the diameter of your trimmer head. For most loop heads, this is between 12 and 18 feet of 0.095″ or 0.105″ line, depending on your model. Check your owner’s manual for exact specifications.
4. Tie the line into a loop: Bring the two ends of the line together and tie a secure double knot in the middle of the line, leaving a loop of equal length on both sides of the knot. Make sure the knot is tight, as it will be under high tension when the trimmer is spinning at full speed.
5. Install the loop on the spool: Place the knotted loop over the center of the spool, making sure the knot is seated in the groove on the spool designed to hold it in place. Pull the loop tight so there is no slack.
6. Reassemble the head: Place the spool back into the housing, making sure the line is evenly distributed on both sides of the head. Replace the washers and retaining nut, tightening snugly but not over-tightening.
7. Test the trimmer: Reconnect the power source, start the engine, and test the trimmer on a small patch of grass. Check that the line is balanced and not vibrating excessively, which can indicate the line is unevenly distributed on the spool.

Comparison of Common Stihl Trimmer Head Types

To help you choose the right trimmer head for your needs and understand the restringing process for each type, refer to the comparison table below:

As you can see, bump feed and automatic feed heads are the easiest to restring, making them ideal for most residential users who want a low-maintenance option. Loop heads are better suited for commercial users who need maximum durability for heavy-duty jobs, even though they take slightly longer to restring.

Tips for Extending Trimmer Line Life

Restyring your weed eater every few weeks can get tedious, so following these best practices will help your trimmer line last longer between replacements:

• Use the correct line size for your model: Using line that is too thick will strain your weed eater’s engine and cause the line to break more easily, while line that is too thin will wear down quickly and feed poorly. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended line size.
• Wind the line evenly and tightly: Loose, overlapping layers of line will jam the feed mechanism and cause the line to break when it catches on itself. Wind the line in smooth, even layers, and avoid stretching it so tight that it deforms or loses flexibility.
• Clean the trimmer head every time you restring: Built-up grass, mud, and sap can gum up the feed mechanism and cause the line to stick or break. Wipe down the spool and housing thoroughly each time you replace the line.
• Avoid cutting hard objects: Hitting rocks, concrete, fence posts, or tree trunks will chip and break your trimmer line instantly. Keep an eye on your cutting path and avoid obstacles whenever possible.
• Store line properly: Unused trimmer line should be stored in a sealed plastic bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and UV light will make the line brittle and prone to breaking over time.
• Use the right line type for your job: For thick weeds and brush, square or serrated trimmer line cuts more effectively than round line, but confirm your head is compatible with non-round line before using it, as some feed mechanisms are not designed for heavier line profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing

Even experienced users make mistakes when restringing their Stihl weed eaters, but avoiding these common errors will save you time and frustration:

• Winding the line in the wrong direction: This is the most frequent cause of poor line feed after restringing. AutoCut heads require clockwise winding, while Tap’n Go and bump feed heads require counterclockwise winding. Always double-check your head’s instructions before winding to avoid this error.
• Overfilling or underfilling the spool: Overfilling the spool will cause the line to overlap and jam the feed mechanism, while underfilling will cause the line to slip off the spool during use. Fill the spool to the marked level on the housing, and do not pack extra line on top.
• Skipping the spark plug disconnect step: Failing to disable the engine before working on the trimmer head can lead to accidental starting, which can cause serious lacerations or other injuries. Always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery first, no matter how quick the job seems.
• Using low-quality aftermarket line: Cheap, brittle aftermarket line breaks frequently and can jam your feed mechanism, leading to more frequent restringing and potential damage to your trimmer head. Opt for high-quality aftermarket line from reputable brands if you don’t want to purchase OEM Stihl line.
• Over-tightening the retaining nut: Excessive force when tightening the retaining nut can warp the trimmer head housing, making it difficult to remove the head for future restringing. Tighten the nut snugly, but stop as soon as it is tight enough to hold the head in place.

Troubleshooting Common Restringing Issues

Even if you follow all the steps correctly, you may run into minor issues after restringing your Stihl weed eater. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

Line Won’t Feed

If the line does not extend when you bump the head (for bump feed models) or release the trigger (for automatic feed models), first confirm that you wound the line in the correct direction for your head type. Next, check that 4 to 6 inches of line is sticking out of the feed slot, and that the line is not stuck or jammed in the mechanism. Remove the spool and clear any built-up grass or debris from the feed slot and housing. If the line still won’t feed, check that the line is properly anchored in the spool’s anchor hole, as a loose anchor will cause the line to slip when you try to feed it.

Line Breaks Frequently

If your line breaks after only a few minutes of use, first confirm you are using the correct line size for your model. Using line that is too thin or too thick can cause it to break under stress. Next, check that you are not hitting rocks, concrete, or other hard objects while trimming, as even small impacts can chip or snap the line. Finally, make sure you wound the line evenly and tightly on the spool, as loose, overlapping layers can cause the line to catch and break during use.

Excessive Vibration

If your weed eater vibrates excessively after restringing, the line is likely unevenly distributed on the spool, or the retaining nut is not tightened evenly. Remove the head and check that the line is evenly spaced on both sides of the spool. Tighten the retaining nut in small increments, alternating sides to ensure even pressure, until the head is secure and vibration is minimal.

How Often Should You Restring Your Stihl Weed Eater?

The frequency with which you need to restring your Stihl weed eater depends on how often you use it and the type of cutting you do. As a general guideline:

• Light residential use (1-2 hours per week): Restring every 2 to 4 weeks, or when the line wears down to 3 to 4 inches in length.
• Medium use (3-5 hours per week): Restring every 1 to 2 weeks, or as soon as you notice the line is worn or chipped.
• Heavy commercial use (more than 5 hours per week): Restring every few days, or whenever the line is worn down, to maintain cutting efficiency and avoid damage to the trimmer head.

It’s also a good idea to restring your weed eater at the start of each mowing season, even if the line from the previous season is still intact, as old line can become brittle and break more easily after months of storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use aftermarket trimmer line on my Stihl?

Yes, you can use high-quality aftermarket trimmer line that matches the size and type recommended for your specific Stihl model. However, OEM Stihl line is formulated for durability and compatibility with Stihl’s feed mechanisms, so it often lasts longer and feeds more reliably than cheap aftermarket alternatives. Avoid low-quality, brittle aftermarket line, as it breaks frequently and can jam your trimmer head.

How long does it take to restring a Stihl weed eater?

For most users, restringing a Stihl weed eater takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your experience and trimmer head type. Bump feed (Tap’n Go) heads are the fastest, taking as little as 3 minutes for experienced users, while loop (fixed) heads take 10 to 15 minutes for first-time users.

What size trimmer line does my Stihl weed eater use?

The correct line size depends on your model and trimmer head type. Most residential Stihl models use 0.080″ or 0.095″ round line, while heavy-duty commercial models may use 0.095″ or 0.105″ line. You can find the recommended size printed on the trimmer head housing, in your owner’s manual, or on Stihl’s website by entering your model number.

Why is my line not feeding after I restrung my Stihl?

The most common causes are winding the line in the wrong direction, not leaving enough line sticking out of the feed slot, or jams in the feed mechanism. First, confirm you wound the line in the correct direction (clockwise for AutoCut, counterclockwise for Tap’n Go). Next, make sure 4 to 6 inches of line is sticking out of the feed slot. If that doesn’t work, remove the spool and clear any grass or debris from the feed mechanism.

Can I restring a Stihl weed eater without removing the head?

Some Stihl models with AutoCut heads allow you to restring without fully removing the head: disconnect the spark plug, press the spool release button on the side of the head, remove the old line, wind the new line, and reinsert the spool until it clicks. For Tap’n Go and loop heads, you will need to fully remove the head to restring it properly.

How do I know if my Stihl has a bump feed or automatic feed head?

Bump feed (Tap’n Go) heads have a small tap button on the bottom that you bump on the ground to release line, with two line slots on opposite sides of the head. Automatic feed (AutoCut) heads have no tap button, and feed line automatically when you release the trigger after cutting. Loop (fixed) heads have a continuous line loop with no feed mechanism, as the line does not extend.

Conclusion

Restyring your Stihl weed eater is a simple, routine maintenance task that anyone can complete with the right tools and a clear guide. By following the step-by-step instructions for your specific trimmer head type, using the correct line size, and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your weed eater running smoothly all season long without paying for expensive professional service. Whether you’re a first-time user answering the question “How Do I Restring a Stihl Weed Eater?” or an experienced landscaper looking to save time on maintenance, this guide has all the information you need to get the job done quickly and correctly. With proper care and regular restringing, your Stihl weed eater will remain a reliable tool for keeping your yard neat and tidy for years to come.