How to Reline a Craftsman Weed Eater? Craftsman Reline Steps

Introduction

Craftsman weed eaters are a staple for homeowners and landscapers alike, known for their durability and consistent performance when maintaining lawns, garden beds, and overgrown edges. Over time, the trimmer line on your Craftsman model will wear down, break frequently, or become tangled, leaving you with uneven cuts and frustrating downtime. Instead of rushing out to buy a replacement weed eater, learning How to Reline a Craftsman Weed Eater? is a simple, cost-effective skill that will save you money and keep your equipment running smoothly for years. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the relining process, from gathering the right tools to troubleshooting common issues, so you can tackle the job confidently even if you have never worked on a weed eater before.

• Why Reline Your Craftsman Weed Eater?
• Tools and Materials Needed
• Types of Trimmer Line for Craftsman Weed Eaters
• Safety Precautions Before Starting
• Step-by-Step: How to Reline a Craftsman Weed Eater
• Reline Tips for Bump Feed vs. Fixed Line Heads
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relining
• When to Replace Instead of Reline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why Reline Your Craftsman Weed Eater?

Reline your Craftsman weed eater instead of replacing it for a number of practical reasons. First, it is extremely cost-effective: a new Craftsman weed eater costs $100 or more, while a spool of replacement trimmer line costs just $3 to $8. Relining also extends the overall lifespan of your tool, which is built to last for years with proper maintenance. A fresh line cuts more cleanly and efficiently than worn, dull line, so you will get better results with less effort. For homeowners with large yards or thick vegetation, relining also lets you customize your line type (such as switching to heavier-duty square line for brush) without investing in a new tool. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, making it far faster than driving to a store to pick up a replacement weed eater.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start the relining process, gather all the necessary tools and materials to avoid interruptions. You will need:

• Replacement trimmer line (correct size and type for your Craftsman model, usually .080 or .095 inch for most residential models)
• Adjustable wrench or screwdriver (to remove the trimmer head, depending on your model; many newer Craftsman models have a quick-release button that requires no tools)
• Pliers (to help pull out old line and tighten loose parts)
• Rag or paper towels (to clean debris from the trimmer head)
• Scissors, line cutter, or sharp utility knife (to cut the new line to the correct length)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp line edges and debris)
• Safety glasses (to protect your eyes from flying debris when removing old line)

Most of these items are likely already in your household toolbox, and replacement trimmer line is available at most hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers for a few dollars.

Types of Trimmer Line for Craftsman Weed Eaters

Craftsman recommends specific line sizes and types for its weed eaters, which are usually listed in the owner’s manual or printed on the side of the trimmer head. Using the correct line will ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your tool’s motor.

Round vs. Square Line

Trimmer line comes in two primary cross-sectional shapes: round and square. Round line is the most common, affordable option, and works well for light-duty use like trimming grass and thin weeds around sidewalks and driveways. It is flexible and easy to load, but it dulls quickly when cutting thick, woody vegetation. Square line has sharp edges that cut more aggressively, making it ideal for thicker weeds, overgrown brush, and dense vegetation. It is slightly more expensive than round line, but it stays sharp longer and provides cleaner cuts for heavy-duty jobs. For most Craftsman residential weed eaters, either type works, but choose based on your typical yard work.

Line Weight Considerations

Trimmer line weight is measured by diameter, with common sizes including .065, .080, and .095 inches. Thinner line (.065) is lightweight and ideal for small, electric Craftsman models, as it puts less strain on the motor and allows for longer run times. Thicker line (.080 or .095) is more durable and better for larger, gas-powered Craftsman models, as it can handle thicker vegetation without breaking. Always check your Craftsman weed eater’s manual for the recommended line diameter, as using a line that is too thick can overload the motor, while a line that is too thin will break frequently and wear out quickly. Some heavy-duty Craftsman models also support composite line, a durable blend of materials that resists breaking even when cutting thick, woody brush.

Safety Precautions Before Starting

Working on a weed eater may seem low-risk, but taking a few simple safety steps will prevent injuries and damage to your tool. Follow these precautions before you begin:

• Disconnect the power source fully: For electric Craftsman weed eaters, unplug the unit from the outlet and remove the battery pack if it is cordless. For gas-powered models, turn off the fuel valve, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental startup, and let the engine cool completely if it was recently in use. This eliminates the risk of the weed eater turning on while you are working on the trimmer head.
• Wear protective gear: Put on work gloves to protect your hands from sharp line edges, and safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris that may fly out when removing old line.
• Work on a stable surface: Place the weed eater on a flat, clean workbench or the ground to avoid slipping or dropping the tool while you work.
• Keep children and pets away: Ensure no one is nearby while you are working, as small parts and sharp line can be hazards.

These simple steps take less than a minute and will keep you safe throughout the relining process. (See Also:How To String A Ryobi Battery Weed Eater)

Step-by-Step: How to Reline a Craftsman Weed Eater

Most Craftsman weed eaters use a universal relining process, though there are small variations between bump feed and fixed line heads. The steps below cover the standard process for most models, with additional tips for specific head types later in this guide.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Disconnect Power

Start by setting up a clean, well-lit workspace. Lay out a rag or old towel to catch any debris that falls from the trimmer head as you work. For electric models, unplug the unit from the wall outlet or slide out the battery pack to fully disconnect power. For gas-powered models, turn off the fuel valve and ensure the engine is cool to the touch. This step eliminates the risk of the weed eater accidentally turning on while you are removing the old line, which could cause serious injury.

Step 2: Remove the Old Trimmer Line

Locate the trimmer head at the bottom of the weed eater, which is usually covered by a circular retention cap or held in place with a small bolt. Use an adjustable wrench or screwdriver to loosen and remove the retention cap or bolt, or press the quick-release button if your model has one, then carefully pull the trimmer head off the drive shaft. Once the head is removed, you will see the old line spool inside. Pull the remaining old line out of the spool, and use pliers to remove any tangled or stuck line from the line ports on the head. If the old line is broken into small pieces, use a small screwdriver to poke them out from the opposite side of the port. Set the old line aside for disposal, and set the trimmer head on your work surface.

Step 3: Clean the Trimmer Head

Before loading new line, take a few minutes to clean the trimmer head to ensure smooth operation. Use a rag to wipe away any grass clippings, dirt, or debris that has accumulated inside the head and around the line ports. If there is stuck-on grime, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the rag to dissolve it. Clean the line ports thoroughly with a cotton swab or small brush to remove any tangled line fragments that could cause jams later. For hard-to-reach areas, use a can of compressed air to blow out debris. A clean trimmer head will reduce the risk of line jams and ensure the new line feeds smoothly during use.

Step 4: Measure and Cut the New Line

The length of line you need depends on your Craftsman model and the size of the trimmer head spool. Most standard residential Craftsman weed eaters require 10 to 15 feet of line per side, for a total of 20 to 30 feet of line for a dual-line head. Check your owner’s manual for the exact recommended length, or measure the length of the old line you removed as a reference. Cut the new line to the correct length using scissors, a line cutter, or a sharp utility knife, making sure both ends are cut straight to prevent jams. If you are using a bump feed head, cut the ends at a 45-degree angle to make it easier to advance the line when bumping the head on the ground.

Step 5: Load the New Line Into the Trimmer Head

This step varies slightly depending on whether you have a bump feed or fixed line head, but the core process is the same. First, locate the line spool inside the trimmer head, which is usually a small circular plastic piece with notches to hold the line in place. For dual-line heads, you will load two separate pieces of line, each on its own side of the spool. Insert one end of the cut line into the line port on the spool, then rotate the spool clockwise to wrap the line evenly around the spool, leaving 6 to 8 inches of line sticking out of the port. Avoid overlapping the line as you wrap it, as this can cause jams when the line feeds. Once the line is fully wrapped, tuck the loose end into the notch on the spool to hold it in place, then repeat the process for the second line if you have a dual-line head. Many Craftsman models have arrows on the spool indicating the correct wrapping direction, so follow these arrows for best results. For bump feed heads, make sure the line is not wrapped too tightly, as this will prevent it from advancing when you bump the head.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test the Weed Eater

Once the new line is loaded, place the spool back into the trimmer head, making sure it sits flush against the base of the head. Align the line ports with the openings on the trimmer head, then slide the retention cap or bolt back into place and tighten it securely with your wrench or screwdriver. Do not overtighten, as this can crack the plastic trimmer head. Reconnect the power source (plug in the electric model or reattach the battery), then turn on the weed eater and test it on a patch of grass. If the line feeds smoothly and cuts evenly, the relining process is complete. If the line does not feed, turn off the weed eater and double-check that the line is loaded correctly and not tangled inside the head.

Reline Tips for Bump Feed vs. Fixed Line Heads

Most Craftsman weed eaters come with either a bump feed or fixed line trimmer head, and the relining process varies slightly between the two. Understanding the differences between these head types will help you reline your tool more efficiently and avoid common issues.

For bump feed heads, avoid wrapping the line too tightly around the spool, as this will prevent it from advancing when you tap the head on the ground. Leave a small amount of slack in the line when loading, and cut the ends at a 45-degree angle to make feeding easier. If the line does not advance after relining, pull a small amount of line out manually to prime the feed mechanism. For fixed line heads, make sure the line is wrapped evenly around the spool without overlapping, as overlapping line can cause jams and uneven cuts. Store extra trimmer line in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming brittle, and avoid leaving your weed eater in direct sunlight when not in use, as UV rays can degrade line quality over time. If you frequently switch between light and heavy-duty tasks, consider keeping a spare spool loaded with the appropriate line type so you can swap it out quickly instead of relining every time you need to change line. (See Also:How To Grease A Stihl Weed Eater Shaft)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relining

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes when relining a weed eater, but avoiding these common errors will save you time and frustration:

• Using the wrong line size: As mentioned earlier, using a line that is too thick can overload your Craftsman’s motor, while a line that is too thin will break constantly. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended line diameter before purchasing replacement line.
• Wrapping the line too tightly: This is the most common cause of line feed jams, especially with bump feed heads. When wrapping line around the spool, leave a small amount of slack to allow the line to advance freely during use.
• Overlapping the line when wrapping: Overlapping line creates bumps on the spool that catch on the line ports and cause jams. Wrap the line evenly in neat, single layers around the spool.
• Overtightening the retention cap: The plastic retention cap on most Craftsman trimmer heads can crack if overtightened, leading to line feed issues and the need to replace the entire head. Tighten the cap until it is snug, but do not use excessive force.
• Skipping the cleaning step: Failing to clean the trimmer head before loading new line can leave debris and old line fragments inside the head, which will cause jams and poor performance even with new line installed.
• Using old, brittle trimmer line: Even if you have leftover line from a previous purchase, old line can become brittle and break frequently, especially if it has been stored in a hot garage or shed. Always use fresh, high-quality line for best performance.
• Not leaving enough line exposed: If less than 6 inches of line is sticking out of the port after loading, it may not feed properly, or it may get stuck inside the head. Always leave at least 6 inches of line exposed after wrapping.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your relined Craftsman weed eater runs smoothly and lasts for many uses.

When to Replace Instead of Reline

While relining is a cost-effective fix for most issues, there are times when replacing the trimmer head or the entire weed eater is the better option. If the trimmer head is cracked, broken, or the line ports are warped, relining will not fix the problem, and you will need to replace the head. Most Craftsman trimmer heads are affordable to replace, ranging from $10 to $30 depending on the model, and replacement heads are available directly from Craftsman or most hardware stores. If the drive shaft is bent, the motor is making unusual noises, or the weed eater has significant wear and tear from years of use, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire tool instead of continuing to repair it. Additionally, if you find yourself relining the weed eater more than once a month due to frequent line breakage, you may be using the wrong line type for your yard, or the tool may be underpowered for your needs. In these cases, upgrading to a heavier-duty Craftsman model or switching to a fixed line head may be a better long-term solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reline my Craftsman weed eater?

The frequency of relining depends on how often you use the weed eater and the type of vegetation you cut. For light residential use (trimming grass once a week), you will likely need to reline every 1 to 2 months. For heavy-duty use (cutting thick brush and overgrown areas weekly), you may need to reline every 2 to 4 weeks. If you notice the line breaking frequently, not feeding smoothly, or leaving uneven cuts, it is time to reline regardless of how long it has been since the last replacement.

Can I use any trimmer line for my Craftsman weed eater?

No, you should always use the line size and type recommended by Craftsman for your specific model. Using a line that is too thick can overload the motor and cause premature wear, while a line that is too thin will break frequently and wear out quickly. Check your owner’s manual or the label on the side of the trimmer head for the correct line diameter, and stick to line that meets Craftsman’s specifications for best performance. (See Also:How To Restring A Dewalt 20v Weed Eater)

Why does my new line keep breaking right after I reline?

There are several common reasons for this issue: you may be using line that is too thin for your model, you wrapped the line too tightly around the spool, the trimmer head is damaged or misaligned, or you are cutting vegetation that is too thick for the line type you are using. First, double-check that you are using the correct line diameter for your Craftsman model. If the line size is correct, try wrapping the line with a little more slack to prevent it from binding. If the problem persists, inspect the trimmer head for cracks or damage, and consider switching to a heavier-duty line type like square line for thick vegetation.

How do I know if my Craftsman weed eater has a bump feed or fixed line head?

The easiest way to tell is to look at the bottom of the trimmer head. Bump feed heads have a small rounded bottom designed to be tapped on the ground, and they do not have pre-cut line sticking out of the ports when not in use. Fixed line heads have two (or more) pieces of line sticking out of the ports at a fixed length, and they do not have a rounded bottom for bumping. You can also check your owner’s manual, which will specify the type of trimmer head your model uses.

Conclusion

Learning How to Reline a Craftsman Weed Eater? is a simple, valuable skill that will save you money, reduce waste, and keep your lawn care equipment running at peak performance for years. By gathering the right tools, using the correct trimmer line for your model, following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, and avoiding common mistakes, you can complete the relining process in 10 to 15 minutes with no prior experience. Whether you have a bump feed or fixed line head, regular relining will ensure your Craftsman weed eater delivers clean, even cuts every time you use it. If you run into issues during the process, refer back to the troubleshooting tips in this guide, and always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. With proper care and regular maintenance, your Craftsman weed eater will remain a reliable tool for all your lawn and garden needs for years to come.