How To Restring A Stihl Weed Eater * bigfinish.com

Gathering Essential Tools and Materials

Before you embark on the task of restringing your Stihl Weed Eater, it’s imperative to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Required Tools:

Safety Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp line and metal edges by wearing sturdy gloves made of leather or a durable synthetic material.
Needle-Nose Pliers: These precision pliers will allow you to easily remove the old line and guide the new line through the trimmer head.
Screwdriver: Depending on the model of your weed eater, you may need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to open the trimmer head and access the line.
Hex Key or Allen Wrench: Some weed eaters require the use of a hex key or Allen wrench to remove the trimmer head.
Weed Eater Line: Select the appropriate diameter and shape of line recommended for your particular Stihl weed eater model.
Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris during the restringing process.

Optional Tools:

Trimmer Head Winder: This tool can be helpful for quickly and evenly winding the line onto the trimmer head.
Trimmer Line Cutter: A dedicated trimmer line cutter will ensure a clean and precise cut of the line.
Line Marker: A line marker tool can assist in measuring and marking the correct length of line to wind onto the trimmer head.

Preparing the Weed Eater for Restringing

Before you begin restringing, it’s important to properly prepare your Weed Eater. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful restringing process:

1. Safety Measures

Unplug the Weed Eater from the power source to prevent accidental startup. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from debris while handling the line.

2. Remove the Old Line and Spool

Step 1: Remove the Head Cover

Locate the head cover on the Weed Eater and twist it counterclockwise to remove it. The cover may be secured by plastic tabs or a nut.

Step 2: Access the Spool

Once the cover is removed, you will see the spool, which holds the trimmer line. Determine the method for removing the spool based on your Weed Eater model:

Weed Eater Model Type	Spool Removal Method
Split Spool	Pull the two halves of the spool apart to remove it.
Single-Piece Spool	Use a flathead screwdriver to press down on the tabs and lift the spool out.

Step 3: Remove the Old Line

Unwind the old trimmer line from the spool by hand. If the line is stuck, use a pair of pliers to carefully remove it.

Step 4: Clean the Spool and Head

Use a brush or compressed air to remove any debris or dirt from the spool and the inside of the head.

Removing the Old String and Spool

To begin the restringing process, you’ll need to remove the old string and spool. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do that:

1. Safety First

Before starting any work on your Stihl weed eater, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. It’s also crucial to ensure that the weed eater is disconnected from the power source and has cooled down.

2. Locate the Spool Housing

The spool housing is typically located at the bottom of the weed eater, beneath the cutting head. Look for a cylindrical or oval-shaped housing with a cover or cap.

3. Removing the Spool

The spool removal method can vary slightly depending on your Stihl model. Here are some common approaches:

Method	Instructions
Push Button	Press a release button on the spool housing to eject the spool.
Screw Cap	Unscrew the cap covering the spool housing and pull out the spool.
Latch or Tab	Locate a latch or tab on the housing and release it to unlock and remove the spool.

Once you’ve successfully removed the spool, you can proceed to detach the old string by carefully unwinding it from the spool.

Inserting the New String into the Head

To insert the new string into the line trimmer head, follow these detailed steps:

1. Remove the Old String

* Unplug the trimmer from the power source.
* Press the release button to open the trimmer head.
* Remove the spent string from the head.

2. Unwind the New String

* Measure and cut two equal lengths of string, each approximately 20-25 feet long.
* Unwind a small amount of string from the spool.

3. Insert the String into the Inlet Holes

* Locate the two inlet holes on the trimmer head.
* Feed one end of the string into each hole, guiding it through the small tube inside.

4. Wrap the String Around the Spool

* Wind the string around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrows on the head.
* Make sure to keep the string taut and secure.

5. Adjust the String Length

* After winding the string around the spool, pull both ends of the string through the outlet holes.
* Leave an equal length of string protruding from each hole.
* Adjust the length by pulling on the strings and cutting off any excess to your desired length.

6. Secure the String

* Tie a small knot at the end of each string.
* Insert the knotted ends back into the outlet holes.
* Press the release button to close the trimmer head.

Adjusting the String Length

Once the string has been replaced, it’s important to adjust the length to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Insert the String:

Hold the trimmer upright with the engine facing away from you. Insert the ends of the string into the designated holes on the trimmer head.

2. Pull the String Out:

Pull the string out by a few inches, leaving some slack for adjustment.

3. Align the String:

Align the string evenly around the perimeter of the trimmer head.

4. Adjust the Length:

Start the trimmer and gradually feed out more string as it starts to trim. Observe the cutting performance and adjust the length accordingly.

5. Secure the String:

Once the desired length is achieved, hold the string in place with the trimmer head. Press the button or lever to lock the string.

6. Fine-Tuning the Length:

For optimal cutting efficiency, fine-tune the string length by following these steps:

Length	Function
10-15 inches	Suitable for trimming light grass and weeds.
15-20 inches	Recommended for trimming moderate grass density.
20+ inches	Ideal for heavy-duty trimming and clearing thick weeds.

Adjust the length as needed to achieve the desired cutting performance and avoid excessive vibration or string breakage.

Installing the New Spool and Head

Step 1: Remove Old Spool

Locate the release button on the trimmer head. Press the button and pull the old spool out.

Step 2: Unwind String from New Spool

Unwind about 3 feet of line from the new spool. Leave a short tail at the end of the line.

Step 3: Insert New Spool

Insert the new spool into the trimmer head, ensuring the line is aligned with the guide holes.

Step 4: Wind the Line onto the Spool

Wind the line onto the spool manually, keeping it taut. Fill the spool until it is approximately 80% full.

Step 5: Guide the Line Through the Head

Insert the end of the line into the guide hole in the trimmer head and pull it through.

Step 6: Secure the Line

Trim the excess line and wrap it around the hook on the trimmer head. Push the hook down to secure the line.

Step 7: Double-Check Alignment and Tension

Check that the line is properly aligned with the cutting blade and that it is wound tightly on the spool. If necessary, adjust the tension by winding more line onto the spool or loosening the hook slightly.

Step 8: Reinstall the Head

Place the trimmer head back onto the trimmer shaft and align the tabs. Push down firmly to lock the head in place.

Installing the New String

Now that you have wound the new string onto the spool, it’s time to install it on the trimmer. First, locate the two holes in the trimmer head. The holes are typically located on the side of the head and are designed to accommodate the ends of the string.

Insert the ends of the string into the holes and pull them through until about 6 inches of string extends beyond the head. You may need to use a pair of pliers to pull the string through if it is tight. Once the string is in place, use a pair of scissors to cut the ends to an even length.

Testing the New String

Before you start trimming, it’s important to test the new string to make sure it is working properly. To do this, start the trimmer and hold it up in the air. The string should extend out from the head and spin at a high speed. If the string is not spinning, or if it is spinning erratically, there may be a problem with the trimmer. Stop the trimmer and check the string for any kinks or knots. If there are any kinks or knots, remove them and restart the trimmer.

Once the string is spinning properly, you can start trimming. Be sure to keep the trimmer level to the ground and to avoid hitting any hard objects with the string. If the string breaks, simply stop the trimmer and restart it. The new string will automatically feed out from the spool.

Troubleshooting Tips
If the string breaks frequently, it may be because the spool is not wound properly. Rewind the spool and try again.
If the string is not spinning, it may be because the string is too thick or too thin. Use the correct size of string for your trimmer.
If the string is spinning erratically, it may be because the trimmer head is not aligned properly. Adjust the trimmer head and try again.

Step 1: Remove the Old String

Unplug the weed eater and remove the old string by pulling it out of the trimmer head.

Step 2: Insert the New String

Cut two equal lengths of new string and insert one end of each string into the opposite holes in the trimmer head.

Step 3: Wind the Strings

Wind the strings around the spool in the direction indicated by the arrows on the head. Ensure the strings are taut but not too tight.

Step 4: Cut the Strings

Once the strings are wound, cut them to the desired length.

Step 5: Install the Trimmer Head

Replace the trimmer head on the weed eater and tighten it securely.

Step 6: Test the Weed Eater

Plug in the weed eater and test it to ensure the new string is feeding properly and trimming effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Restringing Issues

String Not Feeding Properly

Ensure the strings are inserted into the correct holes in the trimmer head and are wound in the correct direction. Check if the spool is damaged or obstructed.

String Breaks Too Easily

Use high-quality string that is designed for your specific weed eater model. Check for sharp edges or debris that may be cutting the string.

String Does Not Cut Effectively

Ensure the strings are long enough and are wound tightly enough. Check the blade or trimmer head for damage or wear. Consider using a different type of string or adjusting the angle of the trimmer.

Common Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
String not feeding properly	Incorrect installation, damaged spool	Check installation, inspect spool
String breaks too easily	Low-quality string, sharp edges	Use high-quality string, remove obstacles
String does not cut effectively	Insufficient length, loose string, damaged blade	Adjust length, tighten string, inspect blade

Tips for Extending String Life

Conserving string length enables you to minimize replacements and optimize the performance of your Stihl weed eater. Here are some valuable tips to maximize string life:

1. Use Quality String

Invest in durable, high-quality string to withstand wear and tear. Look for strings with a thicker diameter or those reinforced with materials like nylon or aluminum.

2. Adjust Line Length Properly

Set the string length to the recommended specifications for your specific weed eater model. Excessively long or short strings can cause premature breakage.

3. Sharp Blade

Ensure the blade is sharp and free of debris. A dull blade can cause the string to fray and break more easily.

4. Avoid Overcrowing

Prevent the string from becoming tangled or overloaded. Remove any excess grass or weeds that may get caught around the string.

5. Proper Technique

Operate the weed eater at a slight angle and avoid cutting very close to the ground. This reduces the risk of the string bouncing off hard surfaces and breaking.

6. Clean Debris

Regularly clean grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the weed eater housing and spool to prevent the string from becoming clogged or weighed down.

7. Avoid Obstacles

Keep the string away from trees, fences, and other obstacles to prevent it from being cut or damaged.

8. Inspect String Regularly

Periodically check the string for signs of wear or damage. Replace the string promptly if it becomes excessively frayed, twisted, or broken.

9. Store Properly

When not in use, store the weed eater with the string retracted to prevent it from becoming tangled or damaged.

10. Consider String Trimmer Line Data

Line Type	Diameter (mm)	Length (m)
Round	2.4	15
Round	2.7	15
Round	3.0	15
Square	2.4	15
Square	2.7	15
Square	3.0	15