How to Put New Weed Eater String? Quick Restring Guide

Introduction

A weed eater (also called a string trimmer) is one of the most essential tools for maintaining a neat, tidy lawn, but when its cutting string wears down, breaks, or stops feeding, many homeowners assume they need to buy an entirely new tool. The good news is that learning How to Put New Weed Eater String? is a simple, 10-minute task that costs a fraction of a replacement trimmer, and this guide will walk you through the process for every common model type, plus tips to avoid jams and extend the life of your string and tool. Whether you have a basic fixed-line model, a bump-feed trimmer, or an automatic feed system, restringing is a skill that will save you time and money for years to come.

• Understanding Weed Eater String Types
• Round vs. Square String
• String Diameter Guide
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Basic Fixed-Line Model)
• Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Bump-Feed Model)
• Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Automatic Feed Model)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing
• Tips for Longer String Life and Better Performance
• When to Replace Your Weed Eater vs. Just Restringing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding Weed Eater String Types

Before you start the process of How to Put New Weed Eater String?, it’s important to choose the right type of string for your trimmer and lawn care needs. The shape, diameter, and material of your string will impact cutting performance, durability, and the overall health of your weed eater’s motor.

Round vs. Square String

Round string is the most common, affordable option, ideal for light residential use on thin grass and small weeds. Its smooth edges reduce friction, so it wears down slower on hard surfaces like driveways, but it’s less effective at cutting thick, tough weeds.

Square (or edged) string has sharp corners that slice through dense weeds and thick brush much more efficiently than round string. It’s a better choice for larger yards or areas with overgrown vegetation, but it wears down faster and can cause more wear on the trimmer’s head if used on hard surfaces.

Star-shaped and twisted string are heavy-duty options designed for commercial use, offering even better cutting power for very thick brush, but they are more expensive and require a more powerful trimmer motor to operate effectively.

String Diameter Guide

String diameter is measured in thousandths of an inch, and using the wrong size can damage your trimmer. A string that’s too thin will break constantly, while a string that’s too thick will overload the motor and cause premature wear. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact recommended diameter for your model, but general guidelines are:

• .065 inch: Best for light residential use, thin grass, and small weeds.
• .080 inch: Ideal for medium-duty use, mixed grass and thicker weeds, and most residential yards.
• .095 inch and larger: For heavy commercial use, thick brush, and large overgrown areas.

Below is a quick comparison of the three most common weed eater feed types to help you understand what to expect when restringing your specific model:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Restringing your weed eater requires only a few basic supplies, most of which you may already have at home. Having everything ready before you start will make the process faster and easier:

• Replacement weed eater string (correct diameter and shape for your model)
• String trimmer line cutter or sharp scissors
• Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, matching the screws on your trimmer head)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp string edges)
• Small brush or compressed air (to clean out debris from the head and spool)
• Owner’s manual for your specific weed eater model (optional but helpful for model-specific instructions)

Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Basic Fixed-Line Model)

Fixed-line (or manual feed) weed eaters require you to manually feed the string through the head and wind it onto the spool each time you restring. This is the simplest model to restring, and the process takes 5-7 minutes for most users. (See Also:Why Is My Weed Eater Smoking White)

1. Disconnect the spark plug for safety. Locate the spark plug wire on the side of the trimmer’s engine, and pull it off the spark plug. This prevents accidental startup while you’re working on the head, which is a critical safety step to avoid injury.
2. Remove the old string and spool. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the spool cover in place, then lift off the cover. Pull the old spool out of the head, and cut off any remaining string attached to it. Discard the old string properly.
3. Clean the trimmer head. Use your small brush or compressed air to remove all grass clippings, dirt, and debris from inside the head and around the feed eyelets. Buildup here is a common cause of string jams, so taking a minute to clean now will save you headaches later.
4. Measure and cut the new string. Most fixed-line models require two equal pieces of string, each 2x the length of the original string, or 10-12 feet total for residential models. Cut the string with your line cutter or scissors, and file the ends if they are frayed to make feeding easier.
5. Feed the string through the eyelets. Insert one end of the first string piece through the center of the spool, then out through one of the feed eyelets on the side of the head. Repeat with the second string piece, feeding it through the opposite eyelet. Pull both ends until there is equal overhang on both sides.
6. Wind the string onto the spool. Hold the spool steady and wind each string end clockwise around the spool, overlapping each layer slightly to keep the string neat. Leave 6-8 inches of string hanging out of each eyelet when you’re done winding – this overhang is necessary for the string to feed correctly when you operate the trimmer.
7. Reassemble the head and test. Snap the spool back into the head, replace the spool cover, and tighten the screws. Reconnect the spark plug wire, then turn on the trimmer and let it run for a few seconds to make sure the string feeds correctly and there are no tangles.

Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Bump-Feed Model)

Bump-feed trimmers are the most common type for residential use, and they release more string when you bump the bottom of the head against the ground while the trimmer is running. Restringing a bump-feed model is slightly different from a fixed-line model, and takes 7-10 minutes.

1. Disconnect the spark plug. As with any trimmer work, start by pulling the spark plug wire off the spark plug to prevent accidental startup.
2. Remove the spool assembly. Twist the spool cap at the bottom of the head counterclockwise until it releases, then pull the spool straight out of the head. Some models have a release button you need to press before removing the spool, so check your manual if it’s stuck.
3. Remove the old string. Pull any remaining string off the spool, and discard it. If the string is tangled around the spool, carefully cut it off with your scissors.
4. Clean the head and spool. Brush out all debris from inside the head and from the spool’s center hole and feed notches. Make sure the feed holes in the head are clear, as clogs here will prevent new string from feeding correctly.
5. Cut the new string. Most bump-feed models require two equal pieces of string, each 2x the length of the old string, or 12-15 feet total for residential use. Cut the string to size, and file the ends to prevent fraying.
6. Load the spool. Insert one end of a string piece into the small hole in the center of the spool. Wind the string evenly around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrow printed on the spool (almost always clockwise), overlapping each layer slightly to keep the string neat. Leave 6-8 inches of string hanging out of the feed notch on the spool when you’re done. Repeat with the second string piece on the opposite side of the spool.
7. Thread the string through the head. Align the spool’s feed notches with the feed holes in the head, and feed each string end through its corresponding hole. Pull the string until the overhang is 6-8 inches long on each side.
8. Reassemble and test. Snap the spool back into the head until it clicks into place, then twist the spool cap clockwise until it’s tight. Reconnect the spark plug wire, turn on the trimmer, and bump the head on the ground 2-3 times to test that the string feeds correctly. If it doesn’t feed, double-check that you wound the string in the correct direction and that the feed holes are clear.

Step-by-Step: How to Put New Weed Eater String (Automatic Feed Model)

Automatic feed trimmers release new string automatically as you work, without needing to bump the head. They are more convenient for heavy use, but restringing is slightly more involved than bump-feed models, taking 8-12 minutes.

1. Disconnect the spark plug. Start by removing the spark plug wire to prevent accidental startup during the restringing process.
2. Remove the spool assembly. Press the release button on the side of the trimmer head (if your model has one), then pull the spool straight out of the head. Some models require you to twist the spool slightly to release it, so refer to your manual if needed.
3. Remove the old string. Pull all remaining string off the spool, and cut away any tangled pieces with your scissors.
4. Clean the head and spool. Use a brush or compressed air to remove all debris from the head’s feed mechanism and the spool’s center hole and feed notches. Automatic feed models are more prone to jams from debris, so cleaning thoroughly is especially important here.
5. Cut the new string. Automatic feed models typically require two equal pieces of string, each 2x the length of the old string, or 15-20 feet total for commercial-grade models. Cut the string to size, and file the ends to prevent fraying.
6. Load the spool. Insert one end of a string piece into the center hole of the spool. Wind the string evenly around the spool in the direction of the arrow printed on the spool (usually clockwise), leaving 6-8 inches of string hanging out of the feed notch on each side. Repeat with the second string piece on the opposite side of the spool.
7. Thread the string through the feed mechanism. Align the spool’s feed notches with the guide slots in the head, and feed each string end through its corresponding slot. Make sure the string is seated properly in the feed mechanism, with no tangles or kinks.
8. Reassemble and test. Snap the spool back into the head until it clicks into place. Reconnect the spark plug wire, turn on the trimmer, and let it run at full speed for 10-15 seconds to test the automatic feed. If the string doesn’t feed automatically, check that you wound the string in the correct direction and that the feed mechanism is clear of debris.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes when restringing a weed eater, but avoiding these common errors will save you time, prevent jams, and extend the life of your trimmer:

• Winding the string in the wrong direction. Almost all spools have an arrow printed on them indicating the correct winding direction. Winding the string backwards will cause it to tangle, jam, or feed incorrectly, and will require you to take the head apart again to fix. Always check for the arrow before you start winding.
• Using the wrong string diameter. As mentioned earlier, using string that’s too thick will overload your trimmer’s motor, while string that’s too thin will break constantly. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended diameter for your specific model.
• Skipping the cleaning step. Failing to clean out grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the head and spool before restringing is one of the most common causes of repeated jams, even with new string. Spend an extra minute cleaning now to avoid frustration later.
• Not disconnecting the spark plug. It’s tempting to skip this step to save time, but accidental startup while working on the head can cause serious lacerations or other injuries. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before you start any work on the trimmer.
• Winding the string too tight. Winding the string as tight as possible may seem like it will keep it from tangling, but it actually prevents the string from feeding correctly. Wind the string evenly, with moderate tension, to allow it to slide through the feed holes smoothly.
• Forgetting to leave overhang. If you wind the string all the way to the end of the spool with no overhang, there will be no string to feed through the head when you operate the trimmer. Always leave 6-8 inches of string hanging out of the feed holes after winding.

Tips for Longer String Life and Better Performance

Once you’ve mastered How to Put New Weed Eater String?, you can extend the life of your string and improve your trimmer’s performance with these simple tips:

• Use the string shape and diameter recommended by your trimmer’s manufacturer for optimal cutting power and to avoid damaging the motor.
• Wind the string evenly around the spool, overlapping each layer slightly, to prevent tangles and ensure smooth, consistent feeding.
• Cut the ends of the string at a 45-degree angle to reduce fraying and make it easier to feed through the head’s eyelets.
• Store extra string in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as UV light and heat can make the string brittle and prone to breaking.
• Clean the trimmer head every time you restring the string to remove built-up debris that can cause jams and wear on the feed mechanism.
• Wear work gloves when handling new string, as the sharp edges can cause deep cuts to your hands.
• If you have a bump-feed or automatic feed model, test the string feed after restringing before using it on your lawn, to make sure it’s working correctly and adjust the string length if needed.

When to Replace Your Weed Eater vs. Just Restringing

Restringing is a cheap, easy fix for most common weed eater issues, but it’s not a solution for every problem. Here’s how to tell if you just need new string, or if it’s time to replace your trimmer entirely:

Restring if: The only issue is worn, frayed, or broken string, the string won’t feed (and the feed holes are clear), or the trimmer runs fine but cuts unevenly. Restringing costs $5-$15 for a spool of string, and takes less than 10 minutes.

Replace the trimmer if: The head is cracked or broken, the spool is damaged and won’t hold string, the feed mechanism is jammed and can’t be fixed, the motor is making strange noises, smoking, or not running, or you’re restringing more than once a week because the string breaks constantly (indicating a problem with the feed mechanism or motor). A new weed eater costs $50-$300+ depending on the model and features, so only replace it if restringing won’t fix the issue. (See Also:How To Clean Air Filter On Weed Eater)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I restring my weed eater?

The frequency of restringing depends on how often you use your trimmer and what you’re cutting. For light residential use (1-2 hours per week, cutting only thin grass), you’ll need to restring every 1-2 months. For heavy commercial use (4+ hours per week, cutting thick brush and weeds), you may need to restring once a week or more. If you frequently hit rocks, concrete, or other hard surfaces, you’ll need to restring more often, as these surfaces wear down string quickly.

Can I use any string for my weed eater?

No, you should always use the string diameter and shape recommended by your trimmer’s manufacturer. Using string that’s too thick will overload the motor and cause premature wear, while string that’s too thin will break constantly. Square or star-shaped string cuts better for thick weeds, but it wears down faster and may not be suitable for lighter-duty trimmers. Check your owner’s manual for exact specifications before buying replacement string.

Why does my weed eater string keep jamming?

String jams are almost always caused by one of a few common issues: winding the string in the wrong direction, winding it too tight, failing to clean debris out of the feed holes, using string that’s too thick for your model, or a damaged feed mechanism. To fix jams, first disconnect the spark plug, remove the spool, clean out all debris, check that the string is wound in the correct direction, and make sure you’re using the right string diameter. If jams persist, the feed mechanism may be damaged and need replacement.

How long should my weed eater string be?

Most weed eaters require two equal pieces of string, each 2x the length of the original string that came with the trimmer. For residential models, this is usually 10-15 feet total (5-7.5 feet per piece), while commercial-grade models may require 15-20 feet total. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact recommended length for your specific model, as using string that’s too long can cause tangles and jams.

Is it cheaper to restring or buy a new weed eater?

Restringing is almost always cheaper than buying a new weed eater. A spool of replacement string costs $3-$15, while a new weed eater costs $50-$300+ depending on the model and features. Even if you need to replace a broken spool or feed mechanism, parts usually cost $10-$25, which is still far cheaper than a full replacement. Only buy a new trimmer if the motor or head is severely damaged and cannot be repaired. (See Also:How To Tune Stihl Weed Eater)

How do I know if my weed eater needs a new string?

There are several clear signs that your weed eater needs a new string: the cutting string is frayed, broken, or shorter than 2-3 inches; the trimmer is cutting unevenly or leaving patches of uncut grass; the string won’t feed through the head when you operate the trimmer; or you hear a high-pitched whining sound from the head when the trimmer is running, which indicates the string is worn down and the spool is spinning without cutting. If you notice any of these signs, restring your trimmer as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Conclusion

Learning How to Put New Weed Eater String? is one of the simplest, most cost-effective lawn care skills you can learn. Restringing your trimmer takes less than 15 minutes, costs a fraction of a replacement tool, and extends the life of your weed eater by years. No matter what type of model you have – fixed-line, bump-feed, or automatic feed – the process is straightforward once you follow the correct steps for your specific trimmer. By choosing the right string, avoiding common mistakes, and following the tips in this guide, you’ll keep your trimmer running smoothly and your lawn looking neat all season long. The next time your weed eater stops feeding or cuts unevenly, skip the trip to the hardware store for a new tool, and restring it yourself.