How to String Black and Decker Weed Eater? Easy DIY Tutorial

Introduction

If you’ve ever been mid-yard work, only to have your weed eater line snap halfway through edging the driveway, you know how frustrating that can be. Many Black & Decker weed eater owners assume a broken line means they need to buy a whole new trimmer, but that’s almost never the case. Learning How to String Black and Decker Weed Eater? is a simple, 10-minute DIY skill that will save you dozens of dollars a year on replacement parts and professional repairs. Even if you’ve never handled a power tool before, this step-by-step guide will walk you through every part of the process, from gathering supplies to troubleshooting common issues after restringing. We’ll cover all three main Black & Decker weed eater types—gas-powered, corded electric, and cordless battery—so you’ll have all the information you need no matter what model you own.

• Why Does Your Black and Decker Weed Eater Line Break So Often?
• What You’ll Need Before You Start
• Safety First: Precautions to Take Before Handling Your Weed Eater
• How to Identify Your Black and Decker Weed Eater Model Type
• Step-by-Step: How to String a Basic Black and Decker Gas Weed Eater
• Step-by-Step: How to String a Black and Decker Electric Corded Weed Eater
• Step-by-Step: How to String a Black and Decker Cordless Battery Weed Eater
• How to Adjust Line Length After Restringing for Optimal Performance
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stringing Your Weed Eater
• Tips to Extend the Life of Your Weed Eater Line
• When to Replace Your Weed Eater Head Instead of Just Restringing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why Does Your Black and Decker Weed Eater Line Break So Often?

Before you dive into restringing, it’s helpful to understand why your line keeps snapping in the first place. Addressing the root cause will help you avoid repeated breakages after you finish the job. The most common reasons include:

• Impact with hard surfaces: Hitting rocks, concrete curbs, tree roots, or patio stones is the number one cause of line breakage. Even small pebbles can nick the line, creating weak spots that snap under tension.
• Incorrect line size: Using a line that’s too thick for your trimmer’s head will put extra strain on the motor and the line itself, leading to frequent breaks. A line that’s too thin will wear out faster and can get tangled in the spool.
• Overfilling the spool: It’s tempting to cram as much line as possible into the spool to avoid restringing for as long as possible, but overfilled spools cause the line to tangle and jam, leading to sudden snaps.
• Winding the line incorrectly: If you wind the line in the wrong direction, it won’t feed properly when the trimmer is running, causing it to bunch up and break.
• Old, brittle line: Even if you store your replacement line properly, it will degrade over time. Line that’s been sitting in a garage for more than a year will become stiff and prone to breaking, even under normal use.

Once you fix these underlying issues, you’ll notice far fewer breakages between restringing sessions.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

One of the best parts of restringing a Black & Decker weed eater is that you almost never need special, expensive tools. Most of the supplies you’ll need are either included with your trimmer or are easy to find at any hardware store. Here’s a full list of what to gather before you begin:

• Replacement weed eater line (make sure it matches the diameter recommended for your model—most Black & Decker trimmers use 0.065” or 0.080” line, but check your manual to be sure)
• Sharp scissors or utility knife (for cutting line to the correct length)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp line edges and any rough parts of the trimmer head)
• Safety glasses (to protect your eyes from flying debris or snapped line)
• A clean, flat workspace (a workbench or even a clean driveway will work)
• Your trimmer’s user manual (if you can’t find it, most Black & Decker manuals are available for free on the company’s website)

To help you prepare, here’s a quick comparison of the three main Black & Decker weed eater models and their unique restringing requirements:

No matter which model you own, the process is straightforward once you have the right supplies on hand.

Safety First: Precautions to Take Before Handling Your Weed Eater

Weed eaters are powerful tools, and even a simple restringing job comes with small risks if you don’t take basic safety precautions. Follow these steps before you touch any parts of your trimmer to avoid injury:

• Disconnect all power sources: For gas models, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. For corded electric models, unplug the trimmer from the wall outlet. For cordless models, remove the battery pack completely. Never skip this step, even if you think the trimmer is off.
• Wear protective gear: Always wear safety glasses and work gloves. Weed eater line is sharp, and small pieces of debris can fly up while you’re working, especially if you’re removing an old, tangled spool.
• Work in a well-ventilated area: If you’re working on a gas-powered model, avoid working in an enclosed space like a garage with the door closed, as gas fumes can build up and be hazardous.
• Place the trimmer on a stable surface: Set the trimmer head-side up on a flat workbench or the ground so it doesn’t tip over while you’re working. If you’re working on the ground, lay down a tarp or old towel to catch any small parts that might fall.
• Keep children and pets away: Even when the trimmer is disconnected, small parts like spools and line pieces can be choking hazards for young kids or pets.

These precautions only take a minute to follow, but they will keep you safe while you work.

How to Identify Your Black and Decker Weed Eater Model Type

Black & Decker makes three main categories of weed eaters, and the restringing process varies slightly depending on which type you own. If you’re not sure what model you have, here’s how to tell:

• Gas-powered models: These have a small gas tank, a pull-start cord, and a muffler on the side of the engine. They’re the most powerful Black & Decker trimmers, designed for large yards with thick weeds and overgrown grass. Model numbers usually start with “GH” or “GT”.
• Corded electric models: These have a long power cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet, and no gas tank or battery compartment. They’re lightweight and low-maintenance, ideal for small to medium yards. Model numbers usually start with “LE” or “GH” (corded variants).
• Cordless battery models: These have a removable battery pack that slides into the handle or body of the trimmer, and no power cord. They’re the most portable option, great for yards without easy access to outlets. Model numbers usually start with “LST” or “GKC”.

If you still can’t identify your model, check the label on the side of the trimmer body or the bottom of the head—all Black & Decker models have a printed model number and serial number on one of these labels. You can also look up your model on the Black & Decker website to find the correct replacement line size and restringing instructions specific to your unit.

Step-by-Step: How to String a Basic Black and Decker Gas Weed Eater

Gas-powered Black & Decker weed eaters are the most durable option for heavy-duty use, but they do require a few extra safety steps during restringing. Follow these steps to restring your gas model correctly:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire: Locate the spark plug on the side of the engine (it’s covered by a rubber boot). Pull the rubber boot straight off the spark plug to disable the engine completely. This prevents the trimmer from accidentally starting while you’re working.
2. Lay the trimmer flat: Set the trimmer on a stable surface with the head facing up. If your model has a shoulder strap, remove it first to make it easier to handle.
3. Remove the spool cover: Most Black & Decker gas trimmers have a spool cover that twists counterclockwise to unlock, or has a small latch that you press to release. Turn the cover gently until it comes loose, then set it aside.
4. Remove the old spool: Pull the empty spool straight out of the head. If it’s stuck, twist it gently clockwise or counterclockwise to loosen it. Take note of how the old line was wound and which direction the spool rotated, so you can replicate it with the new line.
5. Cut the new line to length: Most Black & Decker gas trimmer spools hold 10-12 feet of line. Cut your replacement line to this length using scissors or a utility knife. Make sure the cut ends are clean and straight, not jagged, to avoid tangles.
6. Wind the new line onto the spool: Thread one end of the line through the small hole in the center of the spool (this hole is designed to hold the line in place while you wind). Wind the line around the spool in the same direction the old line was wound—almost always clockwise for Black & Decker gas models, but double-check your manual if you’re unsure. Wind the line tightly and evenly, making sure it doesn’t overlap or bunch up. Leave about 6 inches of line sticking out of the center hole when you’re done.
7. Secure the line ends: Tuck the 6-inch end of the line into the small notch on the edge of the spool to hold it in place. If your spool has two holes, repeat the process with the second end of the line, winding it in the same direction and leaving a 6-inch tail.
8. Reinstall the spool: Slide the wound spool back into the trimmer head, making sure it seats fully in the grooves. Don’t force it—if it’s stuck, twist it gently to align the tabs.
9. Reattach the spool cover: Line up the tabs on the cover with the slots in the head, then twist the cover clockwise until it locks into place. You should hear a small click when it’s secure.
10. Reconnect the spark plug wire: Push the rubber boot back onto the spark plug until it clicks into place.
11. Test the trimmer: Start the gas engine (follow the starting instructions in your manual) and let it run for a few seconds. The line should feed out automatically when you press the trimmer head against the ground. If it doesn’t feed, double-check that you wound the line in the correct direction and that the spool is seated properly.

That’s all it takes to restring a Black & Decker gas weed eater! You’ll be back to trimming your yard in no time.

Step-by-Step: How to String a Black and Decker Electric Corded Weed Eater

Corded electric Black & Decker weed eaters are lightweight and low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for small yards. Restringing them is even simpler than gas models, since you don’t have to deal with a spark plug or engine. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the trimmer: Pull the power cord out of the wall outlet to completely disconnect power. Never restring a corded trimmer while it’s plugged in.
2. Lay the trimmer flat: Set the trimmer head-side up on a stable surface. Most corded Black & Decker trimmers have a lightweight plastic body, so they’re easy to handle.
3. Remove the spool cover: Like gas models, most corded Black & Decker trimmers have a twist-off spool cover. Turn it counterclockwise until it releases, then set it aside. Some models have a small release button on the side of the head—press that first if your model has one.
4. Remove the old spool: Pull the empty spool straight out of the head. If it’s stuck, twist it gently to loosen it. Again, take note of the direction the old line was wound so you can replicate it.
5. Cut the new line to length: Most corded Black & Decker trimmers use 0.065” line, and the spool holds 10-12 feet of line. Cut your replacement line to the correct length, making sure the ends are straight and clean.
6. Wind the new line onto the spool: Thread one end of the line through the center hole of the spool, then wind it tightly and evenly in the same direction as the old line (almost always clockwise for corded models). Leave about 6 inches of line sticking out of the center hole when you’re done. If your model uses two lines, repeat the process for the second line, making sure both tails are the same length.
7. Secure the line ends: Tuck the line tails into the notches on the edge of the spool to hold them in place while you reinstall the spool.
8. Reinstall the spool and cover: Slide the wound spool back into the head until it seats fully, then line up the spool cover and twist it clockwise until it locks. You should feel it click into place.
9. Test the trimmer: Plug the trimmer back into the outlet, turn it on, and press the head against the ground to test the line feed. The line should extend automatically to the correct length (usually 6-8 inches past the head guard). If it doesn’t feed, check that you wound the line in the correct direction and that the spool is seated properly.

Restringing a corded Black & Decker weed eater is one of the easiest DIY power tool tasks you can do, and it takes less than 10 minutes for most people.

Step-by-Step: How to String a Black and Decker Cordless Battery Weed Eater

Cordless Black & Decker weed eaters are the most portable option, perfect for yards without easy access to outdoor outlets or for tackling hard-to-reach areas. Restringing them is almost identical to corded models, with one key extra step: removing the battery pack first. Follow these steps to restring your cordless model, and you’ll master How to String Black and Decker Weed Eater? for any model you own:

1. Remove the battery pack: Locate the battery release button on the handle or body of the trimmer (it’s usually a small button with a battery icon). Press the button and slide the battery pack out of its compartment. Set it aside in a safe, dry place. Never restring a cordless trimmer while the battery is installed, as it could accidentally turn on.
2. Lay the trimmer flat: Set the trimmer head-side up on a stable surface. Cordless models are very lightweight, so they’re easy to maneuver while you work.
3. Remove the spool cover: Twist the spool cover counterclockwise to unlock it, or press the release button if your model has one. Set the cover aside.
4. Remove the old spool: Pull the empty spool straight out of the head. If it’s stuck, twist it gently to loosen it. Note the winding direction of the old line for reference.
5. Cut the new line to length: Check your manual to confirm the correct line size for your model—most cordless Black & Decker trimmers use either 0.065” or 0.080” line, and the spool holds 10-12 feet of line. Cut the line to the correct length, with clean, straight ends.
6. Wind the new line onto the spool: Thread one end of the line through the center hole of the spool, then wind it tightly and evenly in the same direction as the old line (usually clockwise). Leave about 6 inches of line sticking out of the center hole. If your model uses two lines, repeat the process for the second line, making sure both tails are equal length.
7. Secure the line ends: Tuck the line tails into the notches on the edge of the spool to hold them in place.
8. Reinstall the spool and cover: Slide the wound spool back into the head until it clicks into place, then twist the spool cover clockwise until it locks.
9. Test the trimmer: Slide the battery pack back into the trimmer until it clicks into place. Turn the trimmer on and press the head against the ground to test the line feed. The line should extend automatically to the correct length. If it doesn’t feed, double-check the winding direction and spool seating.

Restringing a cordless Black & Decker weed eater is just as easy as the corded model, and you can do it anywhere without needing access to an outlet.

How to Adjust Line Length After Restringing for Optimal Performance

After you restring your weed eater, you may notice that the line is either too long or too short for optimal performance. The ideal line length for most Black & Decker trimmers is 6-8 inches past the edge of the head guard—any longer and the line will put extra strain on the motor, any shorter and you’ll have to trim more slowly to get the same results. Here’s how to adjust the line length:

• For models with a line bump knob: Most Black & Decker trimmers have a small bump knob on the bottom of the head. While the trimmer is running, tap the bump knob gently against the ground. Each tap will release about 1 inch of line. Keep tapping until the line is the correct length.
• For models with an automatic feed system: Some newer Black & Decker models have an automatic feed system that releases line as needed when you press the head against the ground. If the line is too long, you can trim it to the correct length with scissors while the trimmer is off. If it’s too short, tap the bump knob a few times to release more line.
• If the line won’t feed: If you tap the bump knob and no line comes out, turn the trimmer off and disconnect the power. Remove the spool cover and check that the line is wound correctly and that there are no tangles. If the line is wound in the wrong direction, you’ll need to remove the spool and rewind it correctly.

Adjusting the line length only takes a minute, but it will make a big difference in how well your trimmer performs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stringing Your Weed Eater

Even though restringing a Black & Decker weed eater is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to tangles, breakages, or poor performance. Avoid these errors to make the process as smooth as possible:

• Winding the line in the wrong direction: This is the most common mistake new DIYers make. If you wind the line in the opposite direction of the trimmer head’s rotation, the line will bunch up and jam when you use the trimmer, leading to frequent breaks. Always wind the line in the same direction the head rotates (almost always clockwise for Black & Decker models, but check your manual if you’re unsure).
• Overfilling the spool: Cramming too much line into the spool will cause it to tangle and jam, leading to broken line and poor performance. Stick to the recommended line length for your model (usually 10-12 feet) and don’t force extra line into the spool.
• Using the wrong line size: Using a line that’s too thick or too thin for your trimmer will cause poor performance and frequent breakages. Always check your manual for the recommended line diameter before buying replacement line.
• Leaving the line tails uneven: If you’re using a dual-line model, make sure both line tails are the same length. Uneven tails will cause the trimmer to vibrate excessively and can lead to breakage.
• Forgetting to lock the spool in place: If the spool isn’t seated fully in the head, it will move around while the trimmer is running, causing the line to tangle and break. Make sure the spool clicks into place before reattaching the cover.
• Not disconnecting power first: Skipping the step of disconnecting the spark plug, unplugging the trimmer, or removing the battery can lead to accidental starting, which can cause serious injury. Always disconnect power before you start working.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that your restringing job lasts as long as possible and that your trimmer performs at its best.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Weed Eater Line

Now that you know How to String Black and Decker Weed Eater? correctly, you’ll want to make that new line last as long as possible. Follow these tips to extend the life of your line between restringing sessions:

• Avoid hard surfaces: Try to avoid hitting rocks, concrete, tree roots, and other hard surfaces with your trimmer line. If you need to edge along a sidewalk, use the edge guard on your trimmer to protect the line from direct impact with the concrete.
• Use the correct line size: As mentioned earlier, using the right line size for your model will reduce strain on the line and prevent unnecessary breakage.
• Don’t overfill the spool: Stick to the recommended line length for your model to avoid tangles and jams that can cause the line to break.
• Store replacement line properly: Keep your spare line in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Heat and UV light will degrade the line over time, making it brittle and prone to breaking.
• Clean the trimmer head regularly: Grass, weeds, and debris can build up in the trimmer head, causing the line to jam and break. After each use, wipe down the head with a dry cloth to remove any built-up debris.
• Don’t force the trimmer through thick weeds: If you’re trimming thick, overgrown weeds, go slow and make multiple passes instead of forcing the trimmer through the vegetation. Forcing the trimmer puts extra strain on the line and can cause it to snap.

With these tips, you can expect your new line to last 2-3 months with regular use, instead of just a few weeks.

When to Replace Your Weed Eater Head Instead of Just Restringing

While restringing is almost always the first step when your line breaks, there are some cases where replacing the entire trimmer head is a better option. Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace your head instead of just restringing:

• Cracked or broken spool: If the spool itself is cracked or broken, restringing won’t fix the problem, as the line won’t stay in place. Replacement spools are available for most Black & Decker models for $10-$15, which is much cheaper than replacing the entire trimmer.
• Broken feed mechanism: If the mechanism that feeds the line out when you tap the bump knob is broken, restringing won’t help. You’ll need to replace the entire head if the feed mechanism is damaged.
• Stripped threads on the head: If the threads where the spool cover attaches are stripped, the cover won’t stay in place, and the spool will move around while you’re using the trimmer. This is a sign that the head is worn out and needs to be replaced.
• Excessive vibration: If your trimmer vibrates excessively even after restringing and making sure the spool is seated properly, the head may be damaged or out of balance. Replacing the head will fix this issue.
• Old, outdated model: If your Black & Decker weed eater is more than 7-10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new trimmer instead of replacing parts. Newer models are more efficient, lighter, and have better line feed systems, so you’ll save money on gas or electricity in the long run.

Replacement heads for Black & Decker weed eaters are widely available at hardware stores and online, and they usually cost between $20 and $40, which is still much cheaper than buying a whole new trimmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I restring my Black and Decker weed eater?

This depends on how often you use your trimmer and what you’re cutting. For light use (trimming small lawns once a week), you’ll need to restring every 2-3 months. For heavy use (trimming thick weeds and large yards 2-3 times a week), you may need to restring every 2-4 weeks. If you notice the line is getting short, breaking frequently, or not feeding properly, it’s time to restring.

Can I use any replacement line for my Black and Decker weed eater?

No, you should always use the line size recommended for your specific model. Using a line that’s too thick can damage the trimmer’s motor and spool, while a line that’s too thin will wear out quickly and break often. Check your user manual or the label on the side of your trimmer to find the correct line size. Most Black & Decker trimmers use 0.065” or 0.080” round line, but some heavy-duty gas models use 0.095” line.

Why is my line not feeding after I restring it?

This is one of the most common issues after restringing. First, check that you wound the line in the correct direction (the same direction the head rotates). Next, make sure the spool is seated fully in the head and that the spool cover is locked in place. If you’re using a bump-feed model, make sure the bump knob is working properly—if it’s stuck, you may need to clean out any debris around it. If none of these fixes work, the feed mechanism may be broken, and you may need to replace the head.

Conclusion

Learning How to String Black and Decker Weed Eater? is one of the easiest and most cost-effective DIY skills you can learn as a homeowner. Instead of spending $50 or more on a professional repair or a whole new trimmer, you can restring your weed eater in 10-15 minutes with just a few basic supplies. Whether you own a gas-powered, corded electric, or cordless battery model, the process is straightforward once you follow the steps in this guide and take basic safety precautions.

The next time your line breaks mid-trim, don’t panic—just grab your replacement line and follow these steps, and you’ll be back to maintaining your yard in no time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to restring your trimmer in 5 minutes flat, and you’ll save hundreds of dollars over the life of your weed eater on replacement parts and repairs.