How to Put Weed Eater String on Craftsman? Craftsman Reload

Introduction

A Craftsman weed eater is a staple tool for homeowners looking to maintain a neat, tidy yard, but when the trimmer string wears out, frays, or breaks, many users are left wondering How to Put Weed Eater String on Craftsman? Reloading the string head is a simple, low-cost maintenance task that eliminates uneven cuts, reduces strain on your tool’s motor, and gets you back to trimming in minutes. Many Craftsman owners assume this process is complicated or requires professional help, but it requires no special skills or expensive tools—just a few basic supplies and a clear guide. Whether you have an older gas-powered Craftsman trimmer or a newer cordless model, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the reload process, help you choose the right string for your tool, and troubleshoot common issues so you can avoid frustration. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to keep your Craftsman weed eater running smoothly for years.

• Understanding Your Craftsman Weed Eater
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step: How to Put Weed Eater String on Craftsman
• Comparison of Craftsman Weed Eater String Head Types
• Tips for Longer String Life and Easier Reloads
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Craftsman Weed Eater

Craftsman manufactures a wide range of weed eaters for both residential and commercial use, and understanding your specific model is the first step to successfully reloading its string. Most Craftsman trimmers fall into two categories: gas-powered models, which offer high power for large yards and thick brush, and electric/cordless models, which are lighter, quieter, and ideal for small to medium residential spaces. The string head design—the component that holds and feeds the trimmer string—varies slightly between models, but the core reload process is consistent across most Craftsman products. Using the wrong string or loading it incorrectly can lead to jams, broken string, and even damage to your tool’s motor, so taking a few minutes to learn about your model’s specifications will save you time and hassle in the long run.

Common Craftsman Weed Eater Models

Some of the most popular Craftsman weed eater models on the market include the 25cc gas-powered straight-shaft trimmer, the 12V electric cordless curved-shaft trimmer, and the 20V MAX cordless straight-shaft trimmer. Most residential Craftsman models use a standard 0.080-inch diameter trimmer string, while heavy-duty gas-powered models may require 0.095-inch or 0.105-inch string to handle thicker brush. You can find the exact string size recommended for your model printed on a sticker on the string head itself, or listed in your owner’s manual. If you no longer have the manual, you can find a digital copy on the Craftsman website by entering your model number.

Types of Weed Eater String

Trimmer string comes in a variety of shapes and materials, each designed for specific use cases. Round string is the most common option for residential use, as it is affordable, easy to find, and works well for cutting grass and light weeds. Square string has sharp edges that cut through thicker, tougher weeds more efficiently, making it a good choice for overgrown yards. Serrated string is designed for heavy-duty use, with teeth that slice through woody brush and thick vegetation, but it wears out faster than round or square string. For most Craftsman weed eaters, round or square string in the recommended gauge is the best choice, as it balances cutting performance and durability without putting excess strain on the motor.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Reloading your Craftsman weed eater string requires no specialized tools, and all the supplies you need are likely already in your garage. Before you begin, gather the following items:

• Replacement trimmer string: Make sure to purchase string that matches the gauge recommended for your Craftsman model. You can buy pre-cut lengths of string, or a full spool that you can cut to size yourself.
• Scissors or string cutter: A sharp pair of scissors or a dedicated trimmer string cutter will give you a clean, straight cut that prevents jamming during feeding.
• Work gloves: Trim string is extremely sharp, and handling it without gloves can lead to cuts on your hands. A pair of thick work gloves will protect you from injury.
• Clean rag: Use this to wipe away grass clippings and debris from the string head before and after reloading, to prevent dirt from getting into the internal mechanism.
• Small flathead screwdriver (optional): Some Craftsman models have a retaining screw holding the spool in place, or you may need this to gently pry out a tangled old spool.

Once you have all your supplies, find a flat, well-lit workspace to work in, so you can keep track of small parts and avoid losing components during the reload process.

Step-by-Step: How to Put Weed Eater String on Craftsman

The process of reloading a Craftsman weed eater string head is straightforward, but following the steps in order will help you avoid common mistakes like tangled string or jammed mechanisms. The steps below work for nearly all Craftsman bump-feed and automatic-feed string heads, but always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Preparing Your Weed Eater

Safety is the first priority when working on any power tool, so start by disconnecting the power source to avoid accidental startup. For gas-powered Craftsman models, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting unexpectedly. For corded electric models, unplug the trimmer from the outlet, and for cordless models, remove the battery pack and store it in a cool, dry place while you work. Next, lay the weed eater on a flat surface with the string head facing up, and use your clean rag to wipe away any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the head housing. This will prevent dirt from falling into the internal feed mechanism when you remove the spool.

Removing the Old String

Locate the release mechanism on the bottom of the string head: most Craftsman models have a twist-off plastic cap, while some have a small release tab that you press to pop the cover off. Twist the cap counterclockwise (or press the release tab) to remove the bottom cover of the head. Next, pull the old string spool straight out of the head housing. If the old string is tangled or broken, use your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose, being careful not to damage the spool’s notches or the feed mechanism inside the head. Once the spool is removed, wipe out any remaining broken string pieces or debris from the head housing with your rag.

Measuring and Cutting the New String

The correct length of string for your Craftsman model depends on the size of the spool and the head type. Most standard bump-feed heads require 10 to 15 feet of string, while automatic-feed heads may need 12 to 18 feet. If you have a dual-line head (which uses two separate strings for cutting), you will need to cut two equal lengths of string. If you do not have your owner’s manual handy, a good rule of thumb is to cut a length of string equal to the height of your weed eater plus 2 feet. Use your scissors or string cutter to make a clean, straight cut—jagged edges can cause the string to jam during feeding. For dual-line heads, measure and cut both strings to the exact same length to ensure even cutting on both sides of the trimmer.

Loading the String Into the Head

This is the most critical step in the process, as loading the string incorrectly will lead to jams and poor feeding performance. Start by checking the spool for a small printed arrow, which indicates the correct direction to wind the string. Winding in the wrong direction is the most common cause of reload failures, so double-check the arrow before you begin.

For bump-feed heads: Insert one end of the string into the small hole on the center of the spool, then wind the string tightly around the spool in the direction of the arrow. As you wind, make sure each layer of string lies flat against the previous layer to avoid tangling. For single-line heads, leave 6 to 8 inches of string sticking out of the feed hole on the side of the spool. For dual-line heads, wind each string on opposite sides of the spool, leaving equal lengths of string sticking out of each feed hole.

For automatic-feed heads: Insert the string ends into the small feed holes on the spool, then wind the string tightly around the spool in the direction of the arrow, taking care not to let the strings cross over each other. Some newer Craftsman automatic-feed heads do not require winding at all: instead, you simply insert the pre-cut string ends into the feed holes, and the head automatically feeds the correct length of string as you trim. Check your owner’s manual to confirm if your model uses this no-wind design.

Once the string is fully wound, tuck the loose ends of the string into the small notches on the edge of the spool to hold them in place while you reinsert the spool into the head.

Reassembling and Testing

Align the spool with the slots inside the head housing, then push it in firmly until you hear a click, which indicates it is seated correctly. Make sure the loose ends of the string are sticking out of the feed holes on the bottom of the head. Replace the bottom cover or cap, twisting it clockwise (or pressing the release tab) until it is fully secure. Next, reconnect the power source: reattach the spark plug wire for gas models, plug in the electric trimmer, or reinsert the battery for cordless models.

Test the trimmer in a safe, open area first. For bump-feed models, bump the head lightly on the ground 2 to 3 times while the trimmer is running at full speed to release more string. Trim a small patch of grass to check that the string is feeding correctly and cutting evenly. If the string does not feed, turn off the tool immediately, disconnect power, and double-check that you wound the string in the correct direction and that the spool is seated properly. Once you confirm the string is feeding correctly, you can resume normal use.

Comparison of Craftsman Weed Eater String Head Types

Craftsman uses two primary string head designs across its weed eater lineup, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right head for your use case will make reloading easier and improve your trimming performance.

No matter which head type you have, the reload process is simple once you understand how your specific model works. If you are unsure which head your Craftsman weed eater uses, check the label on the bottom of the head or refer to your owner’s manual.

Tips for Longer String Life and Easier Reloads

With a few simple best practices, you can extend the life of your trimmer string and make future reloads even faster and easier. Follow these tips to get the most out of your Craftsman weed eater:

• Always use the correct string gauge for your model: Check your owner’s manual for the recommended string size, and never use string thicker than specified. Thick string puts excess strain on the motor, leading to overheating, reduced battery life (for cordless models), and increased fuel consumption (for gas models).
• Wind the string tightly and evenly: Loose, uneven winding is the leading cause of tangled string and jams. As you wind, press down lightly on each layer to make sure it lies flat against the previous layer, with no gaps or overlaps.
• Don’t overfill the spool: Leave a small gap of at least ¼ inch between the wound string and the edge of the spool. Overfilling the spool causes the string to rub against the head housing during use, leading to premature wear and breakage.
• Store spare string properly: Keep unused trimmer string in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Exposure to UV rays and moisture makes string brittle, causing it to break easily during use.
• Clean the string head after each use: Wipe away grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the head after every trimming session. Built-up debris can get into the feed mechanism, causing jams and making reloads more difficult.
• Reload string before it wears down too far: If the string is shorter than 2 to 3 inches, it can get stuck in the head housing and cause a jam that requires full disassembly to fix. Reload the string when it is still 3 to 4 inches long to avoid this issue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes when reloading weed eater string, but avoiding these common errors will save you time and prevent damage to your tool:

• Winding the string in the wrong direction: This is the most frequent mistake made when reloading Craftsman weed eater string. Always check the arrow printed on the spool before winding, and wind in the direction the arrow points. Winding in the opposite direction will prevent the string from feeding, and may cause it to jam completely.
• Using the wrong string type or size: As mentioned earlier, using string that is too thick or too thin will lead to poor performance and frequent breakage. Stick to the gauge and type recommended by Craftsman for your model.
• Not seating the spool correctly: If you do not push the spool in firmly until it clicks, it will wobble during use, causing the string to feed unevenly or break. Always confirm the spool is locked in place before replacing the bottom cover.
• Skipping safety steps: Failing to disconnect the power source before reloading is a major safety hazard. Even if you think the tool is off, a accidental startup can cause serious injury. Always disconnect the spark plug, unplug the trimmer, or remove the battery before starting any work on the string head.
• Letting the string get too short: As noted earlier, letting the string wear down to less than 2 inches can cause it to get stuck in the head housing, requiring you to disassemble the entire head to remove the jam. Reload the string early to avoid this problem.
• Using dull cutting tools: Dull scissors or string cutters will leave ragged edges on the string, which can catch on the spool and cause jams. Make sure your cutting tool is sharp before cutting new string.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my Craftsman weed eater string?

The frequency of string replacement depends on how often you use your trimmer and the type of vegetation you cut. For casual residential use (1 to 2 times per month), you will likely need to reload the string every 2 to 3 months. If you use your trimmer weekly or cut thick, woody brush, you may need to reload it every 2 to 4 weeks. Inspect the string before each use: if it is frayed, worn, or shorter than 3 inches, it’s time to reload. If you notice the string breaking frequently even after reloading, you may be using the wrong string type or cutting too close to hard surfaces like rocks or pavement.

Can I use any string on my Craftsman weed eater?

No, you should only use trimmer string that matches the gauge recommended by Craftsman for your specific model. Most residential Craftsman weed eaters use 0.080-inch or 0.095-inch round or square string, but some heavy-duty models may require 0.105-inch string. Using string that is too thick will damage the motor and string head, while string that is too thin will break easily and provide poor cutting performance. You can find the correct string size in your owner’s manual or printed on a sticker on the string head itself.

Why won’t my Craftsman weed eater start after reloading string?

If your weed eater won’t start after reloading string, the most common cause is that the spool is not seated correctly in the head housing, or the string is tangled and jamming the mechanism. First, disconnect power and remove the bottom cover to check that the spool is clicked fully into place and that the string is not tangled. If the spool is seated correctly, check that you did not accidentally disconnect the spark plug wire (for gas models) or remove the battery (for cordless models) during the reload process. If the tool still won’t start, consult your owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps specific to your model, as there may be a separate issue unrelated to the string reload.

What size string does my Craftsman weed eater use?

The correct string size for your Craftsman weed eater is listed in your owner’s manual, and is also often printed on a sticker on the bottom of the string head. Most standard residential Craftsman models use 0.080-inch diameter string, while heavy-duty gas-powered models may use 0.095-inch or 0.105-inch string. If you cannot find the specification in your manual or on the head, you can measure the diameter of your old string with a set of calipers to match the replacement size. When in doubt, contact Craftsman customer support with your model number for confirmation.

Is it cheaper to reload string or buy a new head?

Reloading string is almost always cheaper than replacing the entire string head. A pack of replacement trimmer string costs between $5 and $15, while a new Craftsman string head costs between $15 and $40, depending on the model. Reloading your existing head also reduces waste, making it a more environmentally friendly option. The only time you may need to replace the entire head is if the spool or internal feed mechanism is damaged, which is rare for most residential users who perform regular maintenance.

Conclusion

Learning How to Put Weed Eater String on Craftsman is a simple, valuable skill that will save you money on yard maintenance and keep your tool performing at its best. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, using the correct string and tools for your specific model, and avoiding common mistakes, you can reload your Craftsman weed eater’s string head in 10 minutes or less, even if you have no prior experience with trimmer maintenance. Remember to always prioritize safety by disconnecting power before working on your tool, use the string gauge recommended by the manufacturer, and clean the head regularly to extend its lifespan. With proper care and regular maintenance, your Craftsman weed eater will deliver reliable, efficient performance for all your yard work needs for years to come.