Introduction
Weed eaters are one of the most versatile tools for residential and commercial yard maintenance, making quick work of overgrown grass, weeds, and edge trimming. Double spool, also called twin spool, weed eaters are a popular choice for their dual cutting lines that deliver faster, more efficient cutting than single spool models. But when the trimmer line wears out or breaks, you don’t need to pay for expensive professional repairs or buy a new tool. Learning How to Restring a Double Spool Weed Eater? is a simple, 10 to 15 minute skill that saves you money and minimizes downtime from yard work. This comprehensive tutorial walks you through every step of the process, from gathering materials to testing your newly strung trimmer, with tips to avoid common mistakes and extend the life of your line.
- What Is a Double Spool Weed Eater?
- How a Twin Spool System Works
- Signs You Need to Restring Your Weed Eater
- Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Preparing Your Weed Eater for Restringing
- Step-by-Step Restringing Process
- Testing and Adjusting the New Line
- Twin Spool vs. Single Spool Comparison
- Pro Tips for Longer Line Life
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is a Double Spool Weed Eater?
If you’re researching How to Restring a Double Spool Weed Eater?, it helps to first understand what sets these models apart from standard single spool trimmers. A double spool weed eater is a type of string trimmer that uses two separate, independently wound spools of trimmer line inside the cutting head. Each spool feeds one line, so you have two cutting edges working simultaneously to slice through vegetation. This design is ideal for larger yards, overgrown lots, or tough, thick weeds that a single line would struggle to cut through. They are also referred to as twin spool weed eaters, which is why this guide is also labeled a Twin Spool Tutorial for users who search for that common term. Unlike single spool models that only hold one length of line, double spool trimmers require you to maintain two separate lines, but the restringing process is straightforward once you learn the steps.
How a Twin Spool System Works
The twin spool system is housed in the bottom of the weed eater’s cutting head, with each spool sitting in its own dedicated slot. Each spool has a small exit hole at the bottom of the head, with a tiny tab or notch that holds the end of the trimmer line in place. When the trimmer is running, centrifugal force pushes the line out through the exit hole to the preset cutting length. As the line wears down from contact with rocks, pavement, or thick vegetation, more line automatically feeds out from the spool to maintain the cutting length. Many models include an adjustable dial on the head that lets you customize the cutting length based on your needs. The two lines work together to cut through vegetation faster than a single line, reducing the time you spend on yard work and minimizing the number of passes you need to make over thick weeds.
Signs You Need to Restring Your Weed Eater
Knowing when to restring your trimmer prevents damage to the motor and ensures consistent cutting performance. Watch for these common signs that it’s time to replace your line:
- The trimmer line is frayed, split, or worn down to less than 2 to 3 inches in length
- Your trimmer leaves uncut patches of grass or weeds, even when the line is fully extended
- The line breaks frequently during normal use, even when cutting soft vegetation
- The line does not feed out automatically when you tap the trimmer head on the ground
- The spool is completely empty of line
Ignoring these signs can cause serious damage to your weed eater’s motor. Running a trimmer with no line or broken line puts extra strain on the engine, which can lead to costly repairs or even total motor failure. Restringing as soon as you notice wear will keep your trimmer running smoothly and extend its overall lifespan.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you start the restringing process, gather all the necessary tools and materials to avoid interruptions. Most of these items are included with your weed eater at purchase, but you may need to buy replacement trimmer line separately.
- Replacement trimmer line (correct diameter for your model, usually .080 or .095 inches for most residential double spool trimmers)
- Scissors or dedicated line trimmer cutting tool
- Small flathead screwdriver (for prying off the spool cover)
- Clean rag or soft brush (for removing debris from the spool housing)
- Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp line edges)
- Owner’s manual (for model-specific instructions, if available)
Preparing Your Weed Eater for Restringing
Proper preparation is the first step to a safe, successful restringing job. Start by disconnecting the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental startup. This is the most important safety step, and you should never skip it, even if you think the trimmer is turned off. Next, lay the weed eater on a flat, stable surface with the spool head facing up. Use your rag or brush to remove any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from around the spool cover to keep debris out of the internal components. If your spool cover is held on with screws, use the flathead screwdriver to remove them and set them aside in a safe spot where they won’t get lost. If the cover is a snap-on design, gently pry it off with the screwdriver, being careful not to crack the plastic. Once the cover is removed, you’ll have full access to the two spools inside the head.
Step-by-Step Restringing Process
This step-by-step guide works for nearly all major brands of double spool weed eaters, including Stihl, Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Ryobi. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific quirks if you run into issues.
- Remove the old spools from the trimmer head: Gently pull each spool straight out of its housing. If a spool is stuck, wiggle it slightly to loosen it, but never force it, as this can break the spool or the housing. Remove any remaining bits of old line from the spools and the housing.
- Clean the spool housing and spools: Use your rag or brush to remove all grass, dirt, and debris from the inside of the spool housing and the surface of the spools. Buildup of debris can cause the line to jam or feed improperly, so this step ensures smooth operation after restringing.
- Measure and cut the new trimmer line: Most double spool trimmers require 10 to 15 feet of line per spool, but check your owner’s manual for the exact length. Cut two equal lengths of line with your scissors or line cutter, wearing gloves to avoid cuts from the sharp line edges.
- Wind the line onto the first spool: Insert one end of the line into the small hole or slot on the side of the first spool. Wind the line tightly around the spool in the direction marked on the spool (almost always clockwise for most models) for 8 to 10 inches, then tuck the loose end into the notch on the spool to secure it. Do not overfill the spool, as excess line causes jams.
- Wind the line onto the second spool: Repeat the same process with the second length of line and second spool, ensuring both spools have equal amounts of line for balanced cutting performance.
- Insert the spools back into the trimmer head: Align each spool with its corresponding housing, making sure the line tabs face outward through the feed holes in the bottom of the trimmer head. Push each spool firmly into place until it clicks or is fully seated. Misaligned spools will prevent the line from feeding properly.
- Replace the spool cover: If you removed screws, tighten them back in place. For snap-on covers, press firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure the cover is secure to prevent it from falling off during use.
Testing and Adjusting the New Line
After you’ve replaced the spools and cover, reconnect the spark plug wire. Start the weed eater and let it idle for 30 seconds. Tap the trimmer head lightly on the ground two to three times to test the automatic line feed mechanism. Both lines should extend to the standard 6 to 8 inch cutting length for most residential models. If lines do not extend, turn off the trimmer, disconnect the spark plug again, and confirm the spools are fully seated and line tabs align with the feed holes. If lines are too long, use the length adjustment dial on your model (if equipped) or trim the excess with scissors. Run the trimmer for a minute to ensure even cutting and no jams.
Twin Spool vs. Single Spool Comparison
Many homeowners wonder if a double spool weed eater is worth the slightly more complex restringing process. This comparison table highlights the key differences between twin spool and single spool models to help you decide which is right for your needs:
| Feature | Twin Spool (Double Spool) Weed Eater | Single Spool Weed Eater |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Speed | Faster, two cutting edges for thick vegetation | Slower, one cutting edge best for light grass |
| Line Capacity | Two spools hold more total line, less frequent reloading | One spool holds less line, needs more frequent restringing |
| Ease of Restringing | Slightly more complex, requires winding two spools correctly | Simpler, only one spool to wind |
| Ideal Use Case | Large yards, overgrown areas, thick weeds and brush | Small yards, regular lawn maintenance, light trimming |
| Cost | Typically more expensive upfront, uses more line per restring | Less expensive upfront, uses less line per restring |
For users with large properties or heavy trimming needs, the extra cutting power and longer run time of a twin spool model far outweigh the slightly more involved restringing process.
Pro Tips for Longer Line Life
Follow these best practices to extend the life of your trimmer line and reduce how often you need to restring your weed eater:
- Use the correct line diameter for your model: Check your owner’s manual for the recommended line size. Using a thicker line than recommended can strain the motor, while thinner line will break more easily.
- Don’t overfill the spools: Leave a small gap between the wound line and the edge of the spool to prevent jams and line overlap.
- Wind the line tightly and evenly: Loose, uneven winding causes the line to tangle and jam during use. Keep tension on the line as you wind to ensure a tight, neat coil.
- Store extra line in a cool, dry place: Exposure to sunlight and moisture makes trimmer line brittle and more likely to break.
- Avoid cutting near hard surfaces: Pavement, rocks, and concrete wear down trimmer line much faster than grass and soft vegetation.
- Tap the head gently when feeding line: Tapping too hard can damage the spool mechanism and cause line to feed out too much at once.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced DIYers make these common errors when restringing a double spool weed eater. Avoid them to ensure smooth, trouble-free operation:
- Winding the line in the wrong direction: Most spools require clockwise winding, but some models use counter-clockwise. Check the markings on your spool or owner’s manual before winding. If you wind the line the wrong way, it will not feed out automatically and will tangle constantly.
- Forgetting to disconnect the spark plug: This is a major safety hazard that can lead to accidental startup and serious injury. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before working on the trimmer head.
- Using the wrong line size: Using line that’s too thick or too thin will cause poor performance and frequent breakage. Always use the size recommended by the manufacturer.
- Overfilling the spool: Excess line will bunch up inside the spool housing, causing jams and preventing the line from feeding out. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between the top of the wound line and the edge of the spool.
- Misaligning the line tabs when inserting the spool: The small tab at the end of the wound line must be seated in the notch on the spool, and the spool must be aligned so the line feeds out through the correct hole in the trimmer head. If the spool is inserted incorrectly, the line will not feed at all.
- Skipping the cleaning step: Debris inside the spool housing can cause the line to jam and damage the spool mechanism. Always clean the housing thoroughly before inserting new spools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I restring a double spool weed eater?
The frequency depends on how often you use the trimmer and the type of vegetation you cut. For light residential use (trimming grass once a week), you’ll need to restring every 2 to 3 months. If you cut thick weeds, brush, or use the trimmer frequently, you may need to restring every 4 to 6 weeks. Inspect your line before each use to check for wear and fraying.
Can I use any trimmer line for my double spool weed eater?
No, you should always use the line diameter and type recommended by your trimmer’s manufacturer. Most residential double spool trimmers use .080 or .095 inch round line, but some heavy-duty models require .105 inch line or even square/star-shaped line for better cutting power. Using the wrong line can damage your trimmer’s motor and cause poor performance.
Why does my line keep breaking after restringing?
There are several common causes: you used the wrong line size for your model, you overfilled the spool causing the line to bunch up, you wound the line too loosely leading to tangles, you’re cutting near hard surfaces like pavement, or the line is old and brittle. Check each of these factors to troubleshoot the issue.
Do I need to replace the spools themselves?
Most of the time, you only need to replace the trimmer line, not the spools. The plastic spools are designed to last for years with proper care. However, if the spool is cracked, broken, or the line tabs are worn down, you will need to replace the entire spool. Replacement spools are available at most hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive.
Can I restring a double spool weed eater without removing the head?
Some models allow you to restring without removing the entire trimmer head, but most double spool models require you to remove the spool cover and take out the spools to access the line. Check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Even if you don’t remove the head, you still need to disconnect the spark plug first for safety.
How do I know which direction to wind the line?
The correct winding direction is almost always marked on the spool itself, with an arrow indicating clockwise or counter-clockwise. If there are no markings, check your owner’s manual. As a general rule, most trimmers use clockwise winding, but it’s always best to confirm for your specific model to avoid tangles and feeding issues.
Conclusion
Learning How to Restring a Double Spool Weed Eater? is a simple, cost-effective maintenance skill that every weed eater owner should know. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes and requires only basic tools, saving you the cost of professional repairs and downtime from a broken trimmer. By following the step-by-step guide in this tutorial, using the right materials, and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your twin spool weed eater running smoothly for years. Remember to always prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug before working on your trimmer, and follow the pro tips to extend the life of your trimmer line. With regular maintenance, your double spool weed eater will be ready to tackle even the toughest yard work whenever you need it.