How to Rewind a Craftsman Weed Eater? Easy Rewind Tutorial

Introduction

You’re halfway through edging your lawn, and your Craftsman weed eater suddenly spits out its last bit of trimmer string. You don’t have a spare pre-wound spool on hand, and a trip to the hardware store feels like a waste of time and money. The good news? If you’re wondering how to rewind a Craftsman weed eater? It’s a simple, 10-minute task that saves you cash and gets you back to yard work fast.

Craftsman is one of the most popular weed eater brands on the market, known for its durable, reliable models, but even the best weed eaters need regular maintenance to keep performing at their best. Rewinding the trimmer string is one of the most basic and frequent maintenance tasks you’ll need to do, and it’s far easier than most people assume. Most Craftsman models are designed for easy at-home rewinding, no special skills required, and this guide will walk you through every step, from gathering supplies to troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned yard work pro, this tutorial will help you master the process quickly.

• What You’ll Need Before Rewinding
• How Craftsman Weed Eater String Systems Work
• Step-by-Step Guide to Rewinding a Craftsman Weed Eater
• Single-Line vs. Dual-Line Craftsman Spools: What’s the Difference?
• Pro Tips and Best Practices for Smooth Rewinding
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rewinding
• Troubleshooting Common Post-Rewind Issues
• When to Replace Your Entire Spool Instead of Rewinding
• Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Weed Eater’s Lifespan
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need Before Rewinding

Before you start the rewinding process, gather all your supplies so you don’t have to pause mid-task to look for tools. Having everything on hand will make the process go smoothly and quickly. You’ll only need a few basic items, most of which you likely already have around the house.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready before you begin:

• Replacement trimmer string: Make sure to get the correct gauge (thickness) and length for your specific Craftsman model. Most models use .080” or .095” round or serrated string.
• Small flathead screwdriver or spool release tool: This helps you remove the spool from the trimmer head and release the string anchor if it’s stuck.
• Wire cutters: For trimming excess string after rewinding.
• Clean rag: To wipe away grass clippings and debris from the spool and trimmer head.
• Work gloves (optional): Trimmer string edges are sharp, so gloves will protect your hands while you work.

Choosing the Right Replacement String

Not all trimmer string is created equal, and using the wrong type for your Craftsman weed eater can cause poor performance, frequent breakage, or even damage to the engine. The two most common string types are round and serrated:

• Round string: Smooth, uniform thickness, best for light-duty use around flower beds, sidewalks, and thin weeds. It’s less durable than serrated string but produces a cleaner cut for delicate landscaping.
• Serrated (or multi-sided) string: Has sharp, angled edges that cut through thick, tough vegetation more efficiently. It’s best for heavy-duty use, overgrown grass, and dense weeds, but it wears out faster than round string.

Check your Craftsman user manual for the exact string gauge recommended for your model. Using string that’s too thick will put extra strain on the engine, while string that’s too thin will break too quickly and won’t cut effectively.

How Craftsman Weed Eater String Systems Work

Understanding how your Craftsman’s string system works will make the rewinding process make more sense, and help you troubleshoot issues if they come up later. Most Craftsman weed eaters use one of two feed systems: centrifugal feed or bump feed.

With centrifugal feed, the string extends automatically when you accelerate the throttle: the spinning head creates centrifugal force that pushes the string out to its full cutting length. With bump feed models, you can also tap the bottom of the trimmer head on the ground to release more string manually when it wears down. Both systems rely on a spool of string wound inside the trimmer head, which feeds out through a small eyelet on the side of the head.

Eventually, all the string on the spool is used up, and you’ll need to rewind it with fresh string to keep cutting. Craftsman uses two main spool designs: fixed spools, which require you to remove the entire trimmer head from the weed eater to access the spool, and bump-and-go spools, which are easier to access and often don’t require full head removal for rewinding. Most modern Craftsman models use the bump-and-go design for convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rewinding a Craftsman Weed Eater

Follow these simple steps to rewind your Craftsman weed eater quickly and correctly. The entire process takes 5-10 minutes for most models.

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire for safety: Locate the spark plug on the side of your weed eater’s engine. Pull the rubber boot off the spark plug to disconnect the wire. This critical safety step prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you’re working on the trimmer head, which could cause serious injury.
2. Remove the trimmer head from the weed eater: Most Craftsman models use a retaining nut to hold the trimmer head in place. Use a wrench or your hand (if the nut is hand-tightened) to turn the nut counterclockwise until it’s loose. Once the nut is removed, pull the trimmer head straight off the driveshaft. If your model uses a twist-lock mechanism, turn the head counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull it off.
3. Empty and clean the spool: Tip the spool upside down and shake out any remaining small pieces of old string. Use your clean rag to wipe away grass clippings, dirt, and debris stuck to the spool or inside the trimmer head. A clean spool prevents new string from jamming or slipping during use.
4. Locate the string anchor point: Every Craftsman spool has a small notch, hole, or metal tab on one side that acts as an anchor for the end of the string. This keeps the string from slipping out while you wind it and operate the weed eater. If you can’t find the anchor point, check your user manual for your specific model.
5. Secure the string to the anchor point: Cut your replacement string to the correct length for your model, then tie a tight double knot at one end. Thread the knotted end through the anchor point, then pull it firmly so the knot sits flush against the spool. Give the string a gentle tug to confirm it’s secure and won’t slip out.
6. Wind the string around the spool: Look for a small arrow printed on the side of the spool – this indicates the correct winding direction, which is almost always clockwise for Craftsman models. Wind the string around the spool evenly and tightly, overlapping each layer slightly to avoid gaps. Don’t pull the string so tight that it stretches or breaks, but make sure there are no loose loops. Stop winding when you’re about 1/4 inch from the edge of the spool, leaving 6-8 inches of free string at the end.
7. Thread the string through the trimmer head eyelet: Thread the free end of the string through the small eyelet on the side of the trimmer head. Make sure the string sits in the shallow groove cut into the side of the head – this groove guides the string as it feeds out, preventing it from getting caught on the head. If you have a dual-line spool, repeat this process for the second string, threading it through the second eyelet on the opposite side of the head.
8. Reassemble and test the weed eater: Line up the tabs on the bottom of the trimmer head with the slots on the driveshaft, then push the head on firmly. Hand-tighten the retaining nut clockwise until it’s snug, then give it an extra 1/4 turn with a wrench if needed to secure it. Reconnect the spark plug wire by pushing the rubber boot back onto the spark plug. Pull the free end of the string firmly 2-3 times to test the feed mechanism: the string should release a small amount with each pull. Trim any excess string with wire cutters, leaving 1-2 inches sticking out past the eyelet. Your weed eater is now ready to use.

Single-Line vs. Dual-Line Craftsman Spools: What’s the Difference?

Craftsman weed eaters come with either single-line or dual-line spools, and the rewinding process varies slightly depending on which type you have. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the right spool for your needs and rewind it correctly.

Single-line spools use one continuous piece of string wound around a central core. They’re simpler to rewind, ideal for beginners, and work well for light-duty tasks like edging sidewalks and trimming around flower beds. Dual-line spools use two separate pieces of string, each wound on opposite sides of the spool. They cut faster and handle thick, overgrown vegetation more effectively, but require a bit more care to wind correctly to avoid tangling.

Below is a comparison of the two spool types to help you decide which is best for your yard work needs:

Pro Tips and Best Practices for Smooth Rewinding

These expert tips will help you rewind your Craftsman weed eater faster, avoid common issues, and extend the life of your trimmer head and spool:

• Always wind the string tightly and evenly around the spool. Loose winding causes jams and uneven string feed, which can damage the weed eater’s engine over time.
• Mark your replacement string with a permanent marker before cutting it to the recommended length for your model (usually 10-15 feet for single-line, 5-7 feet per line for dual-line). This prevents waste and ensures you have enough string to work with.
• Wipe down the spool and trimmer head with a clean rag before rewinding to remove grass clippings, dirt, and old string fragments. Debris can cause the string to jam or slip off the spool during use.
• If your Craftsman weed eater has a bump feed mechanism, test the feed after rewinding by gently tapping the head on the ground. The string should release 2-3 inches with each tap. If it doesn’t, check that the string is seated correctly in the eyelet and anchor point.
• Keep a spare pre-wound spool on hand for busy yard work seasons. Rewinding takes only a few minutes, but having a backup ensures you don’t have to pause mid-task if your string breaks unexpectedly.
• Wear work gloves while rewinding to avoid cuts from sharp trimmer string edges.
• If your string keeps slipping out of the anchor point, apply a small drop of clear nail polish to the knot before threading it into the anchor. This will hold it in place without making it impossible to remove later if you need to rewind again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rewinding

Even experienced DIYers make these common mistakes when rewinding their Craftsman weed eater. Avoid them to save time and prevent damage to your tool:

• Winding the string in the wrong direction: Almost all Craftsman spools have a small arrow printed on the side indicating the correct winding direction (usually clockwise). Winding backwards causes the string to tangle and jam the feed mechanism. If you accidentally wind it wrong, unwind the string and start over following the arrow.
• Overfilling the spool: It’s tempting to pack as much string as possible onto the spool to reduce how often you have to rewind, but overfilling causes the string to overlap and tangle. Leave a small gap between the wound string and the edge of the spool to allow smooth feed.
• Using the wrong string gauge: Thicker string than recommended for your model puts extra strain on the engine, while thinner string wears out too quickly and can break mid-use. Check your Craftsman user manual for the exact gauge required for your specific model.
• Skipping the safety step of disconnecting the spark plug: Even if you think the weed eater is off, an accidental bump of the throttle can start the engine while you’re working on the head, leading to serious injury. Always disconnect the spark plug wire first.
• Not securing the knot at the anchor point: A loose knot will slip out of the anchor notch while you’re using the weed eater, causing the entire spool of string to come loose. Tie a tight double knot and pull it firmly into the anchor point before winding.
• Cutting the string too short after rewinding: Leaving less than 1 inch of string past the eyelet means the string will run out almost immediately when you start using the weed eater. Always leave 1-2 inches of excess string after rewinding, and trim it to the correct length after testing the feed.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Rewind Issues

Even if you follow all the steps correctly, you may run into small issues after rewinding your Craftsman weed eater. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

• String won’t feed when you tap the head: First, check that the free end of the string is threaded correctly through the eyelet on the trimmer head. If it’s sitting outside the groove, it won’t feed. Next, make sure the string is wound tightly enough – loose winding can cause the string to slip when you tap the head. If the problem persists, check that the bump feed mechanism isn’t jammed with grass or debris.
• String keeps breaking mid-use: This is usually caused by using the wrong string gauge, winding the string too tightly (which puts extra tension on it), or hitting rocks or concrete while trimming. Switch to the correct gauge for your model, wind the string with moderate tension, and avoid trimming near hard surfaces.
• String feeds out too much or too little with each tap: Adjust the length of the free end of the string. If it’s too long, cut off 1-2 inches; if it’s too short, leave a little more excess. You can also adjust the bump feed mechanism on some Craftsman models to control how much string releases per tap.
• String tangles inside the spool: This happens if you wound the string loosely or in the wrong direction. Unwind the string, discard any tangled portions, and rewind it tightly following the direction arrow on the spool.
• String feeds out continuously even when you’re not tapping the head: This is usually caused by a broken bump feed mechanism or a string that’s too long. First, trim the string to the correct length (1-2 inches past the eyelet). If the problem persists, you may need to replace the bump feed mechanism inside the trimmer head, which is an inexpensive part available at most hardware stores.

When to Replace Your Entire Spool Instead of Rewinding

Rewinding your trimmer string is a great way to save money and reduce waste, but sometimes the spool itself is too damaged to reuse. Here are the signs that you need to replace the entire spool instead of rewinding it:

• Cracks or breaks in the spool plastic
• Bent or damaged eyelet on the trimmer head
• Worn or stripped threads on the retaining nut
• A spool that won’t stay seated properly on the driveshaft

Replacement spools for Craftsman weed eaters are inexpensive, usually costing between $5 and $15, and are available at most local hardware stores, big-box retailers, and online. Make sure to buy a spool that matches your specific Craftsman model number to ensure a perfect fit. Replacing a damaged spool is just as easy as rewinding it: simply remove the old spool from the trimmer head, slide the new one on, and rewind it with fresh string following the steps in this guide.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Weed Eater’s Lifespan

Rewinding your string regularly is just one part of keeping your Craftsman weed eater in good working order. Follow these simple maintenance tips to extend the life of your tool and keep it running smoothly for years:

• Clean the trimmer head and spool after every 2-3 uses to remove grass clippings and dirt that can cause corrosion or jamming.
• Store your weed eater in a dry, sheltered location when not in use to prevent rust on the spool and head components.
• Inspect the string and spool before each use for signs of wear or damage. Replace damaged string immediately to avoid breakage mid-task.
• Sharpen the blade on your Craftsman weed eater (if it has a blade attachment for thicker vegetation) every 5-10 uses to maintain cutting performance and reduce strain on the engine.
• Change the engine oil and air filter regularly according to the user manual to keep the engine running smoothly, which reduces wear on the trimmer head and spool mechanism.
• At the start of each mowing season, inspect the driveshaft and trimmer head for signs of wear or damage. If the driveshaft is bent or the head is cracked, replace the parts before use to avoid further damage to the weed eater.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to rewind my Craftsman weed eater?

The frequency depends on how often you use the weed eater and the thickness of the vegetation you’re trimming. For light, occasional use (once a week or less), you’ll likely need to rewind every 2-3 uses. For heavy, regular use (multiple times a week or trimming thick overgrown grass), you may need to rewind after every 1-2 uses. Always keep an eye on the length of the string: when it’s less than 2 inches long, it’s time to rewind.

Can I use aftermarket trimmer string instead of Craftsman-branded string?

Yes, as long as the aftermarket string matches the gauge and length specifications for your specific Craftsman model. Many third-party trimmer strings are high-quality and work just as well as branded options, often at a lower cost. Just avoid cheap, low-quality string that breaks easily or wears out too quickly.

Why is my string jamming even after rewinding correctly?

Jamming is usually caused by one of three issues: 1) The string is wound too loosely, causing it to tangle inside the spool. 2) There is debris (grass, dirt) stuck in the trimmer head or feed mechanism. 3) You’re using string that’s too thick for your model. Clean the head and spool, rewind the string tightly, and confirm you’re using the correct gauge to fix the issue.

How much replacement string do I need for a rewind?

For single-line spools, you’ll need 10-15 feet of string, depending on your model. For dual-line spools, you’ll need 5-7 feet of string per line, so 10-14 feet total. It’s always a good idea to buy a little extra to account for mistakes or trimming excess after rewinding.

Can I rewind a Craftsman bump-feed spool the same way as a fixed spool?

Yes, the rewinding process is nearly identical for both bump-feed and fixed spools. The only difference is that bump-feed spools usually have a small bump knob on the bottom of the head that you can press to test the string feed after rewinding. Follow the same step-by-step process, and test the bump mechanism to ensure the string feeds correctly.

Conclusion

Learning how to rewind a Craftsman weed eater? It’s a simple, cost-effective skill that every Craftsman owner should know. It takes just a few minutes, requires minimal supplies, and saves you the hassle of running to the store for pre-wound spools every time your string runs out. By following the step-by-step guide in this tutorial, using the right string and tools, and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your weed eater running smoothly all season long.

Whether you’re maintaining a small urban lawn or a large rural property, mastering this basic maintenance task will make your yard work faster, easier, and more affordable. The next time your string runs out mid-trim, you’ll be able to rewind your Craftsman weed eater in minutes and get back to finishing the job.