How to Restring a Craftsman Ws2200 Weed Eater? Guide

Introduction

The Craftsman WS2200 is a popular gas-powered weed eater known for its reliability and powerful cutting performance, making it a top choice for residential and light commercial yard maintenance. One of the most basic but essential maintenance tasks for this model is restringing the trimmer head, a process that ensures consistent cutting performance and prevents damage to the engine or cutting components. Many WS2200 owners assume restringing is a complicated, time-consuming task, but with the right tools and a clear step-by-step process, you can complete the job in 10–15 minutes at home, no professional help required. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to restring a Craftsman Ws2200 Weed Eater?, including the tools you’ll need, common mistakes to avoid, tips for extending the life of your trimmer line, and answers to frequently asked questions about the process. Whether you’re a first-time WS2200 owner or have been using the trimmer for years, this guide will help you master restringing quickly and safely.

• Understanding the Craftsman WS2200 Trimmer Head
• How the WS2200 Bump Head Works
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing Your Craftsman WS2200 Weed Eater
• Preparing the Trimmer for Restringing
• Removing the Old Trimmer Line
• Measuring and Cutting New Trimmer Line
• Loading the New Line into the Trimmer Head
• Reassembling the Trimmer Head
• Choosing the Right Trimmer Line for Your WS2200
• Tips and Best Practices for Longer Line Life
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding the Craftsman WS2200 Trimmer Head

Before you start the restringing process, it’s helpful to understand how the WS2200’s trimmer head is designed and how it operates. The WS2200 uses a dual-line bump feed head, which holds two separate strands of trimmer line that spin together to cut grass and weeds. This design provides a more even cut than single-line heads and reduces the need for frequent line replacement, as each spool holds enough line for several hours of use under normal conditions. The head is designed to be user-serviceable, meaning you can replace the line yourself in minutes without specialized tools.

How the WS2200 Bump Head Works

The bump feed mechanism is one of the most convenient features of the WS2200, as it automatically extends the trimmer line as it wears down during use. When the line becomes too short to cut effectively, you simply tap the bottom of the trimmer head against the ground while the trimmer is running. This action releases a small amount of line from each spool, extending the cutting edge to its optimal length. The head is calibrated to release exactly 0.5 inches of line per bump, so you don’t have to worry about overextending the line, which can cause imbalance and reduced cutting performance. Understanding this mechanism will help you avoid common mistakes when restringing, such as leaving too much or too little line exposed after loading.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering all the necessary tools and materials before you start the restringing process will save you time and prevent frustration. You likely already have most of these items on hand, and they are inexpensive to replace if needed. Here’s what you’ll need to complete the job:

• 0.080-inch diameter trimmer line: The WS2200 is specifically designed for 0.080″ line, so avoid using thinner or thicker options, as they will not fit properly in the spools or head. You can choose from round, square, twisted, or composite line depending on your cutting needs (we’ll cover line types in more detail later).
• Work gloves: Trimmer line has sharp edges that can cause cuts to your hands, so wear thick work gloves when handling and cutting the line.
• Safety glasses: When cutting line or working with the trimmer head, small pieces of line can fly off and cause eye injuries, so safety glasses are a must.
• Flathead screwdriver: You’ll use this to pry off the trimmer head cover and remove the retaining ring or nut that holds the head in place.
• Trim line wrench (optional): Some WS2200 models have a retaining nut that requires a 10mm wrench to loosen, rather than a screwdriver. Check your owner’s manual to see if your model requires this tool.
• Clean rag: Use this to wipe away grass clippings and debris from the trimmer head before disassembly, which prevents dirt from getting inside the head and causing jams.
• Line cutter or heavy-duty scissors: You’ll use this to cut the new trimmer line to the correct length. A dedicated line cutter works best, as it is designed to cut through thick nylon line cleanly without fraying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing Your Craftsman WS2200 Weed Eater

Restringing your WS2200 takes 10–15 minutes once you have all the required tools on hand. Follow these steps in order to avoid damaging the trimmer head or injuring yourself. If you’re wondering how to restring a Craftsman Ws2200 Weed Eater? for the first time, take your time with each step to ensure you don’t miss any critical details.

1. Prepare the trimmer for disassembly
2. Remove the old trimmer line from the head
3. Measure and cut new trimmer line to the correct length
4. Load the new line into the trimmer head spools
5. Reassemble the trimmer head and test the feed

Preparing the Trimmer for Restringing

The first and most important safety step is to disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This prevents the trimmer from accidentally starting while you’re working on the head, which can cause serious injury. Locate the spark plug on the side of the engine, then pull the rubber boot off the plug to disconnect it. Next, turn the trimmer upside down so the head is facing up, and use your clean rag to wipe away any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the outside of the trimmer head. This prevents dirt from falling into the head when you remove the cover, which can cause jams or damage to the spools. If your WS2200 has a guard attached to the head, you can leave it in place for this step, as it will not interfere with disassembly.

Removing the Old Trimmer Line

Once the trimmer is prepared, locate the retaining ring or nut that holds the trimmer head to the drive shaft. For most WS2200 models, this is a plastic retaining ring that can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver. Insert the tip of the screwdriver under the edge of the ring and gently pry it upward until it pops free. If your model uses a metal retaining nut, use a 10mm wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it loosens, then remove it by hand. Once the retaining hardware is removed, pull the bump head cover straight off the head to expose the two internal spools. Pull the old trimmer line out of the spools and discard it. If the line is tangled or stuck, use the edge of your flathead screwdriver to cut through it and free it from the spools. Inspect the spools for cracks or warping while they are exposed; if you notice any damage, replace the spools before proceeding, as damaged spools will cause line to tangle and break during use.

Measuring and Cutting New Trimmer Line

The WS2200 requires two equal lengths of 0.080″ diameter line, one for each spool. Cut two pieces of line that are 10–12 feet long each. This length is ideal, as it provides enough line for several hours of use without being so long that it tangles inside the head. Use your line cutter or heavy-duty scissors to cut the line, and wear work gloves to avoid cuts from the sharp nylon edge. Measure the line before cutting to ensure both pieces are exactly the same length; uneven line lengths will cause the trimmer to vibrate excessively and cut unevenly. If you’re using square or twisted line, take extra care when cutting to avoid fraying the edges, as frayed line will break more quickly during use. (See Also:How To Spool A Makita Weed Eater)

Loading the New Line into the Trimmer Head

This is the most critical step in the restringing process, as loading the line incorrectly will cause tangles and inconsistent feeding. Start by taking one piece of cut line and threading one end through the small eyelet on the side of one of the spools. Leave approximately 6 inches of line sticking out of the eyelet; this tail will feed out of the head when you bump it, so you don’t want it to be too short. Next, wrap the line evenly around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrow printed on the top of the spool (this is almost always clockwise for the WS2200). Do not overlap the line as you wrap, and keep the wraps tight and even to prevent gaps that can cause tangles. Once you have wrapped the entire spool, tuck the 6-inch tail into the small notch on the edge of the spool to hold it in place. Repeat this process for the second spool with the second piece of line. Make sure both tails are pointing in the same direction as the exit slots on the trimmer head cover, so they can feed out properly when you bump the head.

Reassembling the Trimmer Head

Once both spools are loaded with line, place them back into the trimmer head, making sure they seat fully into the grooves on the inside of the head. Align the line tails with the exit slots on the head cover, then snap the cover back onto the head until it clicks into place. If your model uses a retaining nut, thread it back onto the drive shaft and turn it clockwise with your wrench until it is snug, but do not overtighten it, as this can crack the plastic head. If your model uses a retaining ring, snap it back into the groove around the edge of the head until it is fully seated. Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug by pushing the rubber boot firmly onto the plug. To test the feed, turn the trimmer on (or have someone help you start it if you’re working alone) and tap the head on the ground a few times. You should see 0.5 inches of line extend from each side of the head with each bump. If the line does not feed, turn off the trimmer, disconnect the spark plug again, and check that the line tails are aligned with the exit slots and that the spools are loaded correctly.

Choosing the Right Trimmer Line for Your WS2200

While the WS2200 is designed for 0.080″ diameter line, there are several different types of line available, each with unique benefits for different cutting tasks. Choosing the right line for your needs will improve cutting performance, extend the life of your line, and reduce the frequency of restringing. Below is a comparison of the most common trimmer line types to help you select the best option for your WS2200:

For most WS2200 owners, square cross-fit line is the best all-around choice, as it provides better cutting performance than round line without the higher cost of twisted or composite line. If you only use your trimmer for light grass cutting, round line is a cost-effective option that works well for basic tasks. Avoid using line thicker than 0.080″, as it will not fit properly in the WS2200’s head and can damage the engine or drive shaft.

Tips and Best Practices for Longer Line Life

Proper maintenance and usage habits will extend the life of your trimmer line and reduce the frequency of restringing. Follow these tips to get the most out of your WS2200 and its cutting line:

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE): Safety glasses and work gloves are non-negotiable when handling trimmer line or working with the trimmer head. Trimmer line is sharp enough to cause deep cuts or eye injuries, so never skip PPE even for quick restringing jobs.
• Store line in a cool, dry place: Exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will degrade nylon line over time, making it brittle and prone to breaking. Keep unused line in its original packaging in a garage or shed away from direct sun.
• Avoid cutting near hard surfaces: Cutting line against rocks, concrete, tree trunks, or fence posts will wear down the line quickly and cause it to break. Keep the trimmer head 1–2 inches above hard surfaces when cutting near them to extend line life.
• Don’t overfill the spools: It can be tempting to add extra line to the spools to reduce the number of times you have to restring, but overfilling will cause the line to bunch up and tangle inside the head, leading to jams and inconsistent feeding. Stick to the 10–12 foot length per spool recommended for the WS2200.
• Clean the trimmer head after each use: Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can build up inside the head and cause corrosion or jams over time. Wipe the head down with a clean rag after each use to keep it in good working order.
• Use the correct line diameter: As mentioned earlier, the WS2200 is designed for 0.080″ line. Using thinner line will cause it to slip in the spools, while thicker line will jam the head and put excess strain on the engine, reducing its lifespan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing

Even experienced WS2200 owners make mistakes when restringing their trimmer, leading to tangles, broken line, or even damage to the trimmer. Avoid these common errors to make the restringing process as smooth as possible: (See Also:How To Reload A Weed Eater Spool)

• Skipping spark plug disconnection: This is the most dangerous mistake you can make. Failing to disconnect the spark plug wire can cause the trimmer to start accidentally while you’re working on the head, leading to serious lacerations or amputations. Always disconnect the spark plug first, before touching any part of the trimmer head.
• Wrapping the line in the wrong direction: The spools on the WS2200 are designed to release line in a specific direction when you bump the head. Wrapping the line in the opposite direction will cause it to tangle and not feed properly. Always check the arrow printed on the top of the spool and wrap the line in that direction.
• Using the wrong line diameter: As noted earlier, only 0.080″ line is compatible with the WS2200. Using 0.095″ line will jam the head, while 0.065″ line will slip and feed inconsistently. Always check the line diameter before purchasing replacement line.
• Overlooking tangled line tails: After loading the line, make sure the 6-inch tails are aligned with the exit slots on the head cover. If the tails are tucked under the spool or pointing the wrong direction, the line will not feed when you bump the head, and you’ll have to disassemble the head again to fix the issue.
• Skipping the test after reassembly: Always test the line feed before using the trimmer for a full job. If the line doesn’t extend properly when you bump the head, you can fix the issue immediately instead of noticing halfway through a yard work session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Trimmer Line Does the Craftsman WS2200 Use?

The vast majority of Craftsman WS2200 weed eaters are designed to use 0.080-inch (2mm) diameter trimmer line. A small number of older models produced before 2010 may be rated for 0.095″ line, so check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Using the incorrect line diameter will cause jams, inconsistent feeding, and excess strain on the engine, so always confirm the correct size before purchasing replacement line.

How Often Should I Restring My Craftsman WS2200?

Restringing frequency depends on how often you use the trimmer and the type of vegetation you cut. For light residential use (1–2 hours per week, cutting only grass), you will need to restring every 2–3 months. For heavier use, such as cutting thick weeds, brush, or using the trimmer 3 or more hours per week, you may need to restring every 2–4 weeks. If you notice the line feeding inconsistently, breaking frequently, or not extending fully when you bump the head, it’s time to replace it regardless of how long it’s been since your last restringing.

Why Does My Trimmer Line Keep Breaking After Restringing?

Frequent line breakage after restringing is almost always caused by one of four issues: using the wrong line diameter, wrapping the line too tightly around the spool (creating weak spots), cutting near hard surfaces like rocks or concrete, or a damaged warped spool that causes the line to catch as it feeds. Inspect your spools for cracks or warping if you experience frequent breakage, and replace them if needed. You should also avoid using cheap, low-quality line, as it is often made of brittle nylon that breaks easily even when loaded correctly.

Can I Use Aftermarket Trimmer Line in the WS2200?

Yes, you can use high-quality aftermarket trimmer line in the WS2200 as long as it is 0.080″ in diameter. Avoid cheap, unbranded aftermarket line, as it is often made of low-grade nylon that breaks easily and can damage the spool or head. Stick to reputable brands that offer warranties for their trimmer line to ensure consistent performance and longevity.

How Much Trimmer Line Do I Need to Load at Once?

The WS2200’s dual spools each hold approximately 10–12 feet of 0.080″ line, for a total of 20–24 feet of line loaded at once. Loading more than this will cause the line to bunch up and tangle inside the head, while loading less will mean you have to restring more frequently. Measure your line before cutting to ensure you get the correct length for each spool, and avoid overfilling the spools to prevent tangles. (See Also:How To Restring A Murray Weed Eater)

Conclusion

Learning how to restring a Craftsman Ws2200 Weed Eater? is a simple, valuable skill that will save you time and money on professional maintenance while keeping your trimmer performing at its best. The process only requires a few basic tools and can be completed in 10–15 minutes, even for first-time users. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, using the correct 0.080″ trimmer line, and avoiding common mistakes like skipping spark plug disconnection or wrapping the line in the wrong direction, you can restring your WS2200 quickly and safely every time. Remember to follow the best practices for line care to extend the life of your line and reduce the frequency of restringing, and always test the feed after reassembly to ensure the line is working properly. With proper maintenance, your Craftsman WS2200 will remain a reliable tool for all your yard care needs for years to come.