How to String a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater? WC2200 Stringing Steps

Introduction

The Craftsman WC2200 is a reliable, gas-powered string trimmer popular among homeowners for its durability and strong cutting power for residential lawns. Like all string trimmers, it relies on a rotating dual-line string to cut grass, weeds, and light brush, and that string will wear down, fray, or break over time with regular use. Many owners assume they need to take their trimmer to a repair shop or replace the entire head when the string wears out, but that’s not the case: learning how to string a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater? is a simple, 10-minute DIY task that saves you money on service fees and keeps your lawn care routine on track. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the restringing process, from the tools you’ll need to common mistakes to avoid, so you can tackle the job confidently even if you’ve never worked on a string trimmer before.

• Understanding Your Craftsman WC2200 Weed Eater
• Key Components of the WC2200 Trimmer Head
• Why the WC2200 Uses Dual-Line String
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need for String Replacement
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to String a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater?
• Preparing the Weed Eater for String Replacement
• Removing the Old Spool and String
• Loading New String Into the Spool
• Reinstalling the Spool and Testing
• Tips for Extending Your WC2200 String Life
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stringing Your WC2200
• Troubleshooting Common Post-Stringing Issues
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What size string does the Craftsman WC2200 use?
• Do I have to use OEM Craftsman string for my WC2200?
• How often should I replace the string on my WC2200?
• Why won’t my WC2200 string feed after I restrung it?
• Can I use square or twisted string on my WC2200?
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Craftsman WC2200 Weed Eater

Before you start restringing, it’s helpful to understand how your WC2200’s trimmer head works, so you can avoid common errors and ensure the new string feeds correctly. The WC2200 uses a bump-feed dual-line system, which releases more string each time you tap the bottom of the head on the ground while the trimmer is running.

Key Components of the WC2200 Trimmer Head

The trimmer head is the part of the WC2200 that holds the string and controls its feed. Its core components include:

• Spool: The circular plastic component that holds the wound string. The WC2200’s spool has two notches on its edges, one for each length of string, and small slots that align with the head’s feed mechanism.
• Spool cover: A plastic cover that snaps over the spool to keep it in place and protect the string from debris. It is secured by a large twist knob on the bottom of the head.
• Feed slots: Small openings in the bottom of the head that allow the string to pass through as it is released during use.
• Bump feed mechanism: A spring-loaded component inside the head that releases more string when the head is tapped on the ground.

Why the WC2200 Uses Dual-Line String

Unlike older single-line trimmers, the WC2200 is designed to use two parallel lines of string that rotate at high speed to cut vegetation. Dual-line string cuts more efficiently than single-line, as it covers a wider 17-inch cutting path and can tackle thicker, tougher weeds and light brush that would stall a single-line trimmer. The dual-line system also reduces the amount of string that wears down per use, extending the time between restringing jobs for average residential use.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need for String Replacement

Restringing your WC2200 requires very few supplies, most of which you may already have at home. You will need:

• Two 10-foot lengths of 0.080 inch diameter round dual-line trimmer string (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
• Wire cutters (to cut string to length and trim excess after installation)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp string edges)
• Safety glasses (to protect your eyes from debris)
• A small flathead screwdriver or toothpick (to clear debris from the head, if needed)

You will not need any power tools or specialized equipment for this job. Avoid using string that is not designed for dual-line trimmers, as it will not feed correctly through the WC2200’s mechanism.

When choosing replacement string, you have several options compatible with the WC2200. The table below compares the most common types to help you select the best option for your needs:

Note that twisted string is slightly thinner than the recommended 0.080″ size, so it will break more easily when cutting thick vegetation, but it is a good choice for precision trimming tasks where you don’t want to damage nearby plants. (See Also:Who Makes Weed Eater Trimmers)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to String a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater?

Restringing your WC2200 takes roughly 10 minutes for beginners, and you won’t need any specialized tools beyond basic supplies. Follow these steps carefully to avoid tangles, jams, or damage to your trimmer.

Preparing the Weed Eater for String Replacement

Before you touch the trimmer head, take these safety and preparation steps to make the process smooth:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire: Locate the spark plug on the side of the WC2200’s engine, grip the rubber boot on the end of the wire, and pull it straight off the plug. This prevents accidental starting while you work, which is a critical safety step to avoid injury.
2. Place the trimmer on a flat, stable surface: Lay it on its side with the trimmer head facing up, or prop it up on a workbench so the head is at a comfortable working height.
3. Wear protective gear: Put on work gloves to avoid cuts from sharp string edges, and safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris that may fall out of the spool.
4. Clear debris from the trimmer head: Use a small brush or rag to wipe away grass, dirt, and tangled string fragments from the head and spool area. This ensures the new string feeds smoothly once installed.

Removing the Old Spool and String

Once the trimmer is prepared, you can remove the worn-out spool:

5. Loosen the spool cover knob: The WC2200’s spool cover is held in place by a large plastic knob on the bottom of the trimmer head. Turn the knob counterclockwise (left) by hand until it spins freely.
6. Remove the spool cover: Pull the cover straight off the head. You may need to wiggle it slightly if it’s stuck due to built-up debris.
7. Pull out the old spool: Grasp the spool firmly and pull it straight out of the head. Note the direction the old string was wound: for the WC2200, string is always wound clockwise (to the right) when looking at the front of the spool. This is critical for proper feeding later.
8. Dispose of the old string: Cut any remaining string off the spool with wire cutters, and recycle or discard the old spool if it’s cracked or damaged.

Loading New String Into the Spool

If you’re reusing the existing spool (which is recommended unless it’s damaged), follow these steps to load the new string correctly:

9. Cut two 10-foot lengths of .080″ dual-line string: The WC2200 requires two equal lengths of string, one for each side of the spool. Use wire cutters to cut the string to the correct length to avoid waste.
10. Insert the first string into the spool slot: Align the end of one string with one of the small notches on the edge of the spool. Push the end of the string into the notch about 1 inch deep, so it stays in place while you wind.
11. Wind the first string clockwise: Rotate the spool clockwise (to the right) 8-10 times, keeping the string tight and evenly spaced across the spool. Do not cross the string over itself, as this will cause tangles and jams. Stop winding when there is about 6 inches of string left hanging out of the notch.
12. Repeat for the second string: Insert the end of the second string into the opposite notch on the spool, wind it clockwise 8-10 times, and leave 6 inches of string hanging out of the notch. Ensure both lengths of string are the same length to avoid uneven cutting.

Reinstalling the Spool and Testing

Once the spool is loaded, reinstall it and test the trimmer to make sure it works properly:

13. Align the spool with the head: Line up the two tabs on the edge of the spool with the slots inside the trimmer head. Push the spool straight into the head until it clicks into place. If it doesn’t click, rotate it slightly until the tabs align with the slots.
14. Replace the spool cover: Set the cover over the spool, aligning the holes in the cover with the tabs on the head. Turn the knob clockwise (right) by hand until it’s tight, but do not over-tighten, as this can crack the cover or prevent the spool from rotating freely.
15. Test the string feed: Reconnect the spark plug wire, start the trimmer, and let it run for 30 seconds. Tap the bottom of the trimmer head on the ground (the bump feed mechanism) to release more string. Check that both lines extend evenly to the correct length (the cutting width of the WC2200 is 17 inches, so the lines should extend to roughly that width when fully fed). If the string doesn’t feed, double-check that you wound it clockwise and that enough string is hanging out of the spool notches.
16. Trim excess string if needed: If the string extends too far, use wire cutters to trim it to the correct length, leaving about 1/2 inch longer than the cutting guard to ensure efficient cutting.

Tips for Extending Your WC2200 String Life

Proper maintenance and usage habits can drastically extend the life of your WC2200’s trimmer string, reducing how often you need to restring it. Follow these best practices to get the most out of your string:

• Wind the string tightly and evenly when loading: Loose, unevenly wound string tangles easily, leading to jams and premature breakage. Take the extra 30 seconds to wind it neatly to avoid headaches later.
• Use the correct string diameter: The WC2200 is designed for 0.080″ round dual-line string. Using thinner string will cause it to break frequently when cutting thick weeds, while thicker string will overload the engine, reduce cutting efficiency, and damage the trimmer’s feed mechanism.
• Avoid cutting near hard surfaces: Gravel, concrete, and rocks wear down string quickly, and can cause it to snap. Keep the trimmer head 2-3 inches above hard surfaces when working near them, and avoid using the trimmer to clear gravel or debris from driveways.
• Clean the trimmer head regularly: Grass, dirt, and sap build up on the spool and feed mechanism over time, causing the string to jam or feed unevenly. Wipe the head down with a damp rag after each use, and remove the spool every few restringing cycles to deep clean the head interior.
• Store extra string in a cool, dry place: UV light, moisture, and extreme temperatures degrade trimmer string over time, making it brittle and prone to breaking. Keep unused string in a sealed plastic bag in a garage or shed away from direct sunlight.
• Use the bump feed correctly: Only tap the head on the ground when you need more string, not repeatedly while cutting. Overusing the bump feed can cause the string to tangle or break unnecessarily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stringing Your WC2200

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes when restringing a string trimmer, leading to tangles, jams, or even damage to the tool. Avoid these common errors when learning how to string a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater?: (See Also:How To Add Line To Husqvarna Weed Eater)

• Winding the string counterclockwise: This is the most common mistake, and it will cause the string to tangle immediately when you start the trimmer. Always wind the string clockwise (to the right) when looking at the front of the spool, as this matches the direction of the trimmer head’s rotation and allows the string to feed smoothly.
• Using string that’s the wrong diameter: As mentioned earlier, the WC2200 requires 0.080″ diameter string. Using 0.065″ string will break too easily when cutting thick vegetation, while 0.095″ string is too thick to fit through the head’s feed slots and will jam the mechanism, potentially damaging the engine.
• Not leaving enough string hanging out of the spool notches: The 6 inches of string left hanging out of the notches is what feeds through the head when you bump it. If you wind the string all the way to the end of the spool with no overhang, the string won’t feed at all, and you’ll have to remove the spool and rewind it.
• Over-tightening the spool cover knob: The knob only needs to be snug enough to hold the cover in place. Over-tightening can crack the plastic cover, or put too much pressure on the spool, preventing it from rotating freely and causing the string to jam or break.
• Skipping the spark plug disconnect step: It only takes a second to pull the spark plug wire, but skipping it can lead to accidental starting if you bump the throttle while working. This can cause serious cuts or lacerations, so always disconnect the spark plug before touching the trimmer head.
• Crossing the string while winding: If the string crosses over itself on the spool, it will tangle when you try to feed it, leading to jams and frequent breakage. Wind the string in neat, even layers, keeping it taut as you go.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Stringing Issues

Even if you follow all the steps correctly, you may run into minor issues after restringing your WC2200. Most problems are easy to fix with a few quick checks. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

• String won’t feed when you bump the head: First, check that you wound the string clockwise. If that’s correct, make sure at least 6 inches of string is hanging out of each spool notch. If that’s also correct, remove the spool and check that the feed slots in the head are not clogged with grass or debris. Clear any blockages with a small screwdriver or toothpick, then reinstall the spool.
• String breaks constantly while cutting: This is usually caused by using the wrong diameter string, or cutting near hard surfaces. First, confirm you’re using 0.080″ string. If you are, avoid cutting near gravel or concrete, and make sure you’re not pressing the trimmer too hard against thick vegetation, which puts excess stress on the string.
• Trimmer head wobbles or vibrates excessively: This is almost always caused by a misaligned or unseated spool. Remove the spool cover, take out the spool, and reinsert it, making sure the tabs on the spool align fully with the slots in the head. Tighten the cover knob snugly, but not overly tight.
• String feeds too much or too little: If the string extends too far when you bump the head, trim it to the correct length (roughly 17 inches total cutting width). If it doesn’t extend at all, check that the string is wound tightly and that the feed mechanism is not jammed. You may also need to adjust the bump feed knob on the side of the head if your model has one, to control how much string is released per bump.
• Trimmer stalls when you engage the head: This is usually caused by using string that’s too thick, which puts extra load on the engine. Switch to 0.080″ string if you’re using a thicker size, and make sure the spool is not jammed, which can also put excess strain on the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size string does the Craftsman WC2200 use?

The Craftsman WC2200 is designed to use 0.080 inch (2.0 mm) diameter round dual-line string. You will need two 10-foot lengths of string per spool, for a total of 20 feet of string when restringing. Using any other diameter string can cause feeding issues, premature breakage, or damage to the trimmer’s engine and feed mechanism.

Do I have to use OEM Craftsman string for my WC2200?

No, you do not need to use official Craftsman-branded string for your WC2200. High-quality aftermarket 0.080″ round dual-line string from reputable brands works just as well for most residential use cases. The only requirement is that the string is the correct diameter and is designed for dual-line trimmers. Avoid cheap, low-quality generic string, as it is often brittle and breaks frequently, leading to more frequent restringing.

How often should I replace the string on my WC2200?

The frequency of string replacement depends on how often you use the trimmer and what conditions you use it in. For average residential use (trimming 1-2 times per week, cutting normal grass and weeds), you will need to restring the WC2200 every 1 to 2 months. You should also replace the string immediately if it is worn down to less than 3 inches in length, if it breaks constantly, or if it becomes frayed or damaged from hitting hard surfaces.

Why won’t my WC2200 string feed after I restrung it?

The most common causes of string feed issues after restringing are: winding the string counterclockwise (the correct direction is clockwise), not leaving at least 6 inches of string hanging out of each spool notch, the spool not being seated properly in the trimmer head, or debris clogging the feed slots in the head. To fix this, remove the spool, confirm the string is wound clockwise, ensure enough string overhangs the notches, clean out any debris from the head, and reinstall the spool securely. (See Also:What Ratio To Mix Weed Eater Gas)

Can I use square or twisted string on my WC2200?

Yes, you can use square or twisted 0.080″ string on your WC2200, as long as it is the correct diameter. Square string has sharp edges that cut through thick, tough weeds and brush more effectively than round string, making it a good choice for overgrown areas. Twisted string is more durable and resistant to breakage, making it ideal for frequent use or areas with lots of rocks and debris. Just be aware that square string may wear down the trimmer head’s feed slots slightly faster than round string over time.

Conclusion

Learning how to string a Craftsman Wc2200 Weed Eater? is a simple, cost-effective skill that every WC2200 owner should master. By following the clear, step-by-step guide outlined in this article, using the correct 0.080″ dual-line string, and avoiding common mistakes like winding the string counterclockwise or using the wrong diameter, you can restring your trimmer in 10 minutes or less without paying for professional service. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the trimmer head after each use and storing spare string properly, will extend the life of both your string and your WC2200, keeping it running smoothly for years of reliable lawn care. If you run into issues after restringing, refer to the troubleshooting section to resolve common problems quickly, and always prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug before working on the trimmer head. With these tips, you’ll never have to worry about a broken string derailing your lawn care routine again.