How to Restring a String Trimmer (Bump Feed and Speed Feed)
Out of line mid-edge? Here's how to reload a string trimmer head, from winding a classic bump-feed spool to the quick through-the-hole method, and how to stop the line from welding together.
Running out of string halfway through edging is a rite of passage. The good news: reloading most trimmer heads takes five minutes once you know which kind you have.
Safety first: stop the engine and pull the spark plug wire, unplug a corded trimmer or remove the battery before you touch the head.
Step 1: Get the right line
Check your manual or the trimmer head for the line diameter, usually 0.065, 0.080 or 0.095 inch. Too thick and it won’t feed or can bog the motor; too thin and it breaks constantly. Round line is all-purpose; twisted or shaped line cuts thick weeds better.
Step 2: Figure out which head you have
- Bump feed with a removable spool: you take the spool out and wind line on it. The most common style.
- Speed feed (through-the-hole): you line up arrows, push line straight through the head and twist a knob to wind it. No disassembly. Ego’s Rapid Reload and Echo’s Speed-Feed heads work this way, and several other brands offer similar heads.
- Fixed line: you insert precut pieces. Common on some battery trimmers.
Restringing a bump feed spool
- Remove the cap. Press the tabs on the side of the head, or unscrew the bump knob, and lift off the cover.
- Pull out the spool and remove any old line.
- Cut new line. Usually 10 to 20 feet, depending on the spool. Your manual will say.
- Find the center notch. Most dual-line spools have a slot in the middle divider. Fold the line in half and hook the middle in that slot.
- Wind in the direction of the arrow on the spool. Keep the line tight and the two halves in their own channels, without crossing.
- Clip the ends into the notches on the edge of the spool, leaving 5 or 6 inches free.
- Thread the ends through the eyelets on the head.
- Put the spool back, pull the ends to release them from the notches, and snap the cover on.
Single-line spools work the same way, just with one line anchored in a hole.
Restringing a speed feed head
- Line up the arrows or marks on the head with the eyelets.
- Push the line straight through until the same length sticks out each side.
- Turn the knob in the direction marked to wind the line in.
- Stop with about 5 to 6 inches out on each side.
Tips to stop line problems
- Soak your line. Some pros soak line in water before use, saying it keeps the nylon more flexible and less likely to snap. It’s cheap to try.
- Don’t overfill. An overfull spool jams.
- Wind tight and neat. Loose, crossed line welds together from heat and won’t feed.
- Bump on soft ground, not concrete, to feed line.
- Store line out of the sun. UV makes it brittle.
If the line won’t feed
- It’s welded together inside. Take the spool out, unwind, and rewind neatly.
- The line is too thick for the head.
- The eyelets are worn or the spring is missing. Replace the head or parts.
- The line broke inside the head. Rewind.
FAQ
How much line goes on a trimmer spool? Usually 10 to 20 feet. Check the manual; overfilling causes jams.
Which way do I wind the line? Follow the arrow on the spool or head. Winding backward stops it from feeding.
Can I use thicker line for tough weeds? Only up to the maximum your trimmer allows. Thicker line puts more strain on the motor.
Clearing heavier growth? See the best hedge trimmers for thick branches.