How to String a Murray Weed Eater? Quick Stringing Tips

Introduction

Murray weed eaters are a top choice for homeowners and professional landscapers alike, known for their durability, consistent performance, and easy maintenance. When your trimmer line wears down, frays, or breaks, you don’t need to rush out to buy a pre-loaded replacement spool or replace the entire tool. Learning how to string a Murray weed eater is a simple, cost-effective skill that takes 10 to 15 minutes for most models, no special tools or technical expertise required. Proper restringing not only saves you money on replacement parts but also ensures your weed eater runs efficiently, delivers clean cuts, and avoids unnecessary strain on the motor. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from identifying your trimmer head type to troubleshooting common post-stringing issues, plus pro tips to extend the life of your line and avoid costly mistakes.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Your Murray Weed Eater
• Types of Murray Trimmer Heads
• Correct Trimmer Line Size for Murray Models
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing a Murray Weed Eater
• Preparing the Weed Eater for Restringing
• Removing the Old Spool and Line
• Loading the New Trimmer Line
• Reassembling the Trimmer Head
• Testing the Newly Strung Weeder
• Quick Stringing Tips for Longer Line Life
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing
• Comparison of Murray Trimmer Line Types
• Troubleshooting Common Post-Stringing Issues
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How often should I string my Murray weed eater?
• Can I use any trimmer line on my Murray?
• Why does my line keep breaking after restringing?
• Do I need to wear gloves when restringing?
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Murray Weed Eater

Murray produces a wide range of weed eaters for both residential and commercial use, and while the core restringing process is consistent across most models, the exact steps will vary slightly depending on your trimmer head design. The first step to mastering how to string a Murray weed eater is identifying what type of head your model uses, as this will determine how you load the line and secure the spool. Most Murray models fall into one of three trimmer head categories, each with its own advantages and loading requirements.

Types of Murray Trimmer Heads

Bump feed heads are the most common on residential Murray weed eaters, designed for maximum convenience. These heads have an automatic feed mechanism that releases a new section of line when you tap the bottom of the head on the ground while the tool is running, so you never have to stop work to adjust the line length. Fixed line heads, often found on older or heavy-duty commercial Murray models, do not have an automatic feed function. Instead, the line is pre-cut to a set length and secured to the spool, requiring you to replace the entire spool when the line wears out. Dual line heads hold two separate strands of trimmer line, which cuts through vegetation twice as fast as single-line heads, making them ideal for thick weeds, overgrown grass, and commercial landscaping jobs. The loading process for dual line heads is slightly more involved to avoid tangles, but the core steps remain the same as single-line models.

Correct Trimmer Line Size for Murray Models

Using the wrong trimmer line size is one of the most common causes of poor performance, frequent line breakage, and even motor damage. Most Murray weed eaters are designed to use either .080-inch or .095-inch round trimmer line, with .080″ best for light grass and residential use, and .095″ for thicker weeds, brush, and commercial use. Some heavy-duty Murray models support larger line sizes up to .120″, but you should always confirm the correct size for your specific model before purchasing replacement line. The correct line size is listed in your owner’s manual, or printed on the side of your existing spool if you still have it attached to your weed eater. Using line that is too thick will overload the motor, cause overheating, and damage the trimmer head, while line that is too thin will break frequently and deliver poor cutting performance.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

One of the best parts of restringing a Murray weed eater is that you don’t need any specialized tools to get the job done. Most of the items you’ll need are already in a standard household toolbox, and the entire process requires no more than 15 minutes of your time. Here is what you will need:

• Replacement trimmer line: Cut to the correct size and type for your Murray model, as outlined in the previous section.
• Flathead screwdriver: Required for Murray models that have a screw securing the spool in place (most models released before 2018 have this feature; newer models have tool-less spool releases that do not require a screwdriver).
• Work gloves: Trimmer line has sharp edges that can easily cut your hands, especially when pulling it tight or cutting it to size. Gloves also protect your hands from sharp plastic edges on the trimmer head.
• Clean cloth: Used to wipe away grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the trimmer head before and after restringing, which prevents jams and ensures the spool seats correctly.
• Line cutter or heavy-duty scissors: For cutting trimmer line to the correct length. Standard household scissors work for .080″ line, but thicker .095″ or serrated line may require a line cutter or utility knife.

If you have a newer Murray model with a tool-less spool release, you can skip the flathead screwdriver entirely, as the spool will pop out with a simple twist of the release knob. For extra convenience, you can also keep a small brush on hand to clean debris out of the trimmer head housing while you work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing a Murray Weed Eater

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, follow these step-by-step instructions to restring your Murray weed eater correctly. The process is the same for gas, electric, and battery-powered models, with only minor differences for safety steps related to your power source.

Preparing the Weed Eater for Restringing

Safety is the first priority when working on any power tool, and restringing your weed eater is no exception. Follow these preparation steps before touching the trimmer head:

1. Disconnect the power source: For gas-powered Murray models, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental startup. For electric or battery-powered models, unplug the tool from the outlet or remove the battery pack entirely. Never skip this step, as an accidentally activated weed eater can cause serious injury.
2. Place the weed eater on a flat, stable work surface, such as a workbench or table, with the trimmer head facing up for easy access.
3. Wipe away any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the trimmer head and spool housing with a clean cloth. This makes it easier to access the spool release mechanism and prevents debris from getting inside the head during restringing.

For gas-powered models, make sure the engine is completely cool before disconnecting the spark plug wire to avoid burns from hot engine components. For battery-powered models, store the removed battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight while you work. (See Also:How To Put Weed Eater Line On)

Removing the Old Spool and Line

Once the weed eater is prepared, you can remove the old, worn-out spool and line:

1. Locate the spool release mechanism on the bottom of the trimmer head. For most Murray models, this is a plastic knob that twists counterclockwise to release the spool. For older models, there may be a small screw holding the spool in place.
2. If your model has a screw, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and remove it. Set the screw aside in a safe place so you don’t lose it during reassembly.
3. Pull the old spool straight out of the trimmer head housing. If the spool is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side while pulling to loosen any debris or tangled line that may be holding it in place. Do not force the spool with excessive pressure, as this can crack the plastic head housing.
4. Remove any remaining old line from the spool, and discard it. Take note of how the old spool is oriented inside the head, including the direction the line was wrapped, so you can reinstall the new spool correctly.

Loading the New Trimmer Line

This is the most critical step in the process, and the exact steps will vary slightly depending on your trimmer head type. Follow the instructions for your specific head design:

For Bump Feed and Dual Line Heads

1. Cut two equal lengths of trimmer line, usually 10 to 15 feet each (check your owner’s manual for the exact recommended length for your model). For dual line heads, ensure the two strands are exactly the same length to avoid uneven feeding.
2. Find the center notch on the new spool, and insert the midpoint of the two line strands into the notch.
3. Wrap each strand around the spool in opposite directions: one clockwise, one counterclockwise. This prevents the lines from tangling when you bump the head to feed new line.
4. Keep the line tight and even as you wrap it around the spool, leaving 4 to 6 inches of line sticking out of each side of the spool. Tuck the loose ends of the line into the small retention notches on the edge of the spool to hold them in place while you reassemble the head.

For Fixed Line Heads

1. Cut a single length of trimmer line to match the length of the pre-cut lines on the old spool (usually 10 to 12 feet).
2. Insert one end of the line into the notch on the spool, then wrap it tightly around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrow printed on the spool (almost always clockwise for Murray models).
3. Tuck the loose end of the line into the retention notch on the edge of the spool to hold it in place. Do not overfill the spool; leave a small gap between the top layer of line and the edge of the spool to allow for smooth feeding.

Reassembling the Trimmer Head

Once the new line is loaded onto the spool, you can reassemble the trimmer head:

1. Align the spool with the slots in the trimmer head housing, making sure the loose ends of the line are sticking out through the cutting head openings. If the line ends are tucked inside the head, pull them out gently so they are visible.
2. Push the spool firmly into the head housing until it clicks or seats fully. Give the spool a gentle tug to confirm it is locked in place and does not move.
3. If your model has a screw securing the spool, tighten it back in place with a flathead screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screw, as this can strip the plastic threads on the spool or head housing.
4. For models with a locking knob, twist the knob clockwise until it is tight to secure the spool in place.

Testing the Newly Strung Weeder

Before taking your weed eater out to the yard, test it to make sure the line feeds correctly and cuts properly:

1. Reconnect the spark plug wire (for gas models) or reinsert the battery pack (for electric/battery models).
2. Turn on the weed eater on a low speed setting first, to avoid sudden movement if there is an issue with the line.
3. For bump feed models, tap the bottom of the head gently on the ground while the tool is running to test the feed mechanism. A new section of line should extend automatically. For fixed line models, check that the line extends fully when you use the trimmer.
4. Trim a small patch of grass or weeds to test cutting performance. If the line cuts cleanly and feeds properly, your weed eater is ready to use.
5. If the line does not feed, breaks during testing, or the weed eater stalls, turn off the tool immediately, disconnect the power source, and check that the spool is seated correctly, the line is not tangled, and you used the correct line size for your model.

Quick Stringing Tips for Longer Line Life

Restringing your Murray weed eater correctly is only half the battle—following these quick tips will help your line last longer and reduce how often you need to restring:

• Always use the exact line size recommended for your Murray model, as larger line puts unnecessary strain on the motor and wears out faster.
• Do not overfill the spool; leave a small gap between the top layer of line and the edge of the spool to allow for smooth, tangle-free feeding.
• Store extra trimmer line in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as UV exposure makes line brittle and prone to breaking.
• Keep the line tight and even when wrapping it around the spool, as loose wraps cause tangles and uneven feeding.
• For bump feed models, tap the head gently on the ground rather than slamming it, which can damage the feed mechanism over time.
• Clean the trimmer head and spool every time you restring to remove built-up grass and debris that can cause jams and poor feeding.
• If you store your weed eater for long periods during the winter, remove the line from the spool before storing to prevent it from becoming misshapen or brittle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing

Even experienced users can make these common mistakes when restringing a Murray weed eater, leading to poor performance, frequent line breakage, and even tool damage. Avoid these pitfalls to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Skipping the safety step of disconnecting power: This is the most dangerous mistake you can make. An accidentally activated weed eater can cause serious lacerations or other injuries. Always disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery pack before working on the trimmer head.
2. Using the wrong line size: As mentioned earlier, using line that is too thick or too thin will cause poor performance, frequent breakage, and potential motor damage. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct size.
3. Wrapping line in the wrong direction: This is the most common cause of tangles and feeding issues. For bump feed and dual line heads, wrap the two strands in opposite directions. For fixed line heads, always wrap the line in the direction of the arrow printed on the spool.
4. Overfilling the spool: Excess line will bunch up inside the trimmer head, causing jams, poor feeding, and uneven cuts. Leave a small gap between the line and the edge of the spool when loading.
5. Forgetting to tuck line ends into retention notches: If you don’t secure the loose ends of the line in the notches on the spool edge, the line will unravel inside the head when you use the tool, requiring you to restring it again.
6. Pulling the line too tight when loading: Excessive tension can stretch the line, making it brittle and prone to breaking during use. Keep the tension firm but not tight when wrapping the line around the spool.

Comparison of Murray Trimmer Line Types

Choosing the right trimmer line for your Murray weed eater is just as important as loading it correctly. Different line types are designed for different use cases, and selecting the right one will improve cutting performance and extend the life of both the line and your tool. Below is a comparison of the most common trimmer line types compatible with Murray models: (See Also:How To Put Line On A Weed Eater)

For most residential users, .080″ round line is sufficient for weekly grass trimming. If you regularly cut thick weeds or have a large yard, .095″ round or square line is a better choice for durability and performance. For overgrown areas with woody brush, serrated line will get the job done faster and with less frequent breakage.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Stringing Issues

Even if you follow all the steps correctly, you may run into minor issues after restringing your Murray weed eater. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

1. Line won’t feed: First, check that the spool is seated correctly in the head housing and that the line ends are sticking out of the cutting head openings. For bump feed models, clean the feed mechanism with a small brush to remove built-up grass or debris that may be jamming it. If the problem persists, you may have loaded the line in the wrong direction, or used line that is too thick for your model.
2. Line breaks frequently: This is usually caused by using the wrong line size, overfilling the spool, wrapping the line too tightly, or using old, brittle line that has been exposed to UV light. Double-check that you used the correct line size, loaded the spool correctly, and replaced any old, worn line.
3. Line unravels inside the head: This happens when you forget to tuck the loose ends of the line into the retention notches on the spool before reassembling the head. Turn off the tool, disconnect power, remove the spool, and secure the line ends in the notches before reinstalling the spool.
4. Weed eater stalls when cutting: This is often caused by using line that is too thick for your model, which overloads the motor. Replace the line with the correct size for your Murray weed eater, and make sure the line is not dull (for serrated line, you can sharpen it with a file to improve performance).
5. Excessive vibration during use: This is usually a sign that the spool is not seated correctly, or that the line is wrapped unevenly around the spool. Turn off the tool, disconnect power, remove the spool, and check that the line is wrapped evenly and the spool is seated properly in the head housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I string my Murray weed eater?

The frequency of restringing depends on how often you use the tool and the type of vegetation you are cutting. For light residential use (1 to 2 times per week, cutting only grass), you will need to restring every 2 to 4 weeks. For heavier use (cutting thick weeds, brush, or edging along concrete), you may need to restring every 1 to 2 weeks. You will know it is time to restring when the line is worn down to less than 2 inches, when it breaks frequently during use, or when it no longer extends when you tap the head (for bump feed models). Regular cleaning of the trimmer head after each use will also help extend the life of your line and reduce how often you need to restring.

Can I use any trimmer line on my Murray?

No, you should always use the trimmer line size and type recommended for your specific Murray model. Using line that is too thick can overload the motor, cause overheating, and damage the trimmer head. Using line that is too thin will break frequently and deliver poor cutting performance. The correct line size is listed in your owner’s manual, or printed on the side of your existing spool if you still have it attached. Using non-recommended line may also void your Murray tool’s warranty, so it is always best to stick to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Why does my line keep breaking after restringing?

There are several common reasons for frequent line breakage after restringing: 1) You are using the wrong line size for your model. 2) You overfilled the spool, causing the line to bunch up and break. 3) You wrapped the line too tightly around the spool, putting excess strain on it. 4) The line is old or has been exposed to UV light, making it brittle. 5) You are hitting rocks, concrete, or other hard objects while trimming, which will break even new line. To fix this issue, double-check that you used the correct line size, loaded the spool correctly, replaced old line with fresh stock, and avoid trimming near hard surfaces. (See Also:What Gas Does Husqvarna Weed Eater Use)

Do I need to wear gloves when restringing?

Yes, we strongly recommend wearing work gloves when restringing your Murray weed eater. Trimmer line has sharp edges that can easily cut your hands, especially when pulling it tight or cutting it to size. Gloves also protect your hands from sharp plastic edges on the trimmer head or spool, and from any debris or grass clippings that may be stuck in the head housing. It is a small, simple precaution that prevents painful cuts and injuries, and takes almost no extra time during the restringing process.

Conclusion

Mastering how to string a Murray weed eater is a simple, practical skill that every Murray owner should learn. Not only does it save you money on replacement spools and unnecessary tool purchases, but it also ensures your weed eater runs at peak performance, delivers clean, consistent cuts, and lasts for years with proper maintenance. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, using the correct line size for your model, and avoiding the common mistakes we covered, you can restring your tool in minutes with no hassle. Remember to always disconnect the power source before working on the trimmer head, follow the quick tips to extend the life of your line, and address any post-stringing issues promptly to avoid further damage. The next time your trimmer line wears out, you won’t need to spend extra time or money on a replacement—you can handle the restringing yourself with confidence, and get back to tackling your yard work in no time.