Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
A string trimmer is an excellent way to maintain and care for your lawn. Trimmer lines can be quite complicated components when it comes to replacing them. You would learn more about this in this article. If you’ve ever had a hard time replacing the trimmer line of your garden trimmer, then you’re not. It can get quite confusing and tasking. Replacing the trimmer line is very time-consuming, but with the right techniques, you’d be able to save up some extra time.
Making use of a standard bump-head string trimmer is a good way to maintain your yard or lawn. Check what is a string trimmer. The trimmer operates by ejecting plastic string out of a cutting head that trims weed, tall grass, and so on. Although there is no tool that can point out a specific time that a trimmer should be replaced, it is quite easy to know that it needs replacement. For example, once you notice that it is not working as effectively as it should, and it takes more time to trim, then it’s most likely time to change the trimmer line. The longer the line, the faster your trimmer can trim weed, but when the line reduces, the speed of your trimmer does too. An alternative way to know when to replace your trimmer line is if you notice a piece of trimmer line protruding on the base of your trimmer.
Whether you own a gas-powered trimmer or an electric trimmer, the primary maintenance you’ll have to do is to replace the trimmer’s line. Instead of replacing the trimmer line only when the spool has deteriorated, you can also replace the line at the beginning of every season, considering that your old line may get worn out and become brittle over the winter.
Various brands of lawnmowers may come with specific instructions on how to replace the particular trimmer line. But many spool replacements follow the same patterns. Some trimmers require more attention than others but the necessary steps are in sync.
HOW TO REPLACE A TRIMMER LINE
Here are steps to follow when you want to replace a trimmer line;
CHOOSE YOUR LINE – Choose your line based on what your trimmer’s user manual advises. Suppose you overload your trimmer with a line that is too thick, It’ll bog down the motor. Your line’s diameter should be based on the size of your engine and what your tool able to handle, but that doesn’t mean you have no other options. There are different styles of trimmer lines that are specifically used for the job at hand. Check best trimmer lines. Apart from the jagged line for heavy weeds, you can also use; multiple-sided line, braided line, regular round line, and so on.
REMOVE THE HEAD OF THE STRING TRIMMER
The first step is to remove the spool. Trimmer head spools can be disassembled in different ways, so it is crucial that you pay attention to that. Most trimmer heads are disassembled by merely unscrewing the knob located around its arbor bolt. Some other trimmer spools may use different twisting styles or ‘press tab’ for disassembly.
INSERT THE TRIMMER LINE AND WIND IT
Trimmer heads that are single line have only one passage in their spindle for roping line. The passage consists of a hole that helps to keep the line in place as you tie it around the spool. Place one end of the trimmer line into the hole. It may be helpful to bend a small portion of the cutting line at an angle before inserting it into the starter hole, depending on the trimmer head. Also, ensure that the replacement line matches the diameter specification of the trimmer head before you begin. Once the line is inserted correctly in the hole, then you’re ready to wind it. Double line trimmer heads have two channels for winding line, with each channel having its starter hole. For a dual-line trimmer head, you perform the same steps but for both holes this time.
Make sure you stick to the instruction of the arrow that is placed on the top of the wheel, then roll the line of the trimmer circling the spool tightly. When its remaining 6 inches of the string, push the ends into the holding slots marked ‘0.95’.
FINESSE THE LINE ONTO THE REEL
Maneuver the line around the spool using the spool’s buttons. When you start operating it, there’s a risk of it getting tangled. Now, seal the spool so that you can insert the line against itself and not over it. The arrows’ position on every trimmer top may be different but is usually close to the outer part of the reel.
Ensure that you apply enough pressure to keep it packed uniformly. Also, Ensure that you don’t leave too much space. Once you’ve unrolled up to 6 inches, press the strings into the bonding spots.
REMOVE THE SPRING AND FEED THE LINE
Insert the spring back into the shaft the same way it was before you removed it. Ensure that you hold it down to prevent it from falling out. Next, find the holes on the spring head. Keep the string in place with one hand and use the other hand to push the strings through the channels. Pull them steadily into place, and keep holding the spring while you move on to the next step.
CLOSE THE HEAD TIGHT
Put the reel back into its former placing on the shaft. Now, line the holding spots on the reel with the channels/holes you find on the head. The reel should be held down firmly. Flatten the spring, and return the bump to the tip of the trimmer’s head. Next up, screw the bump back on to the trimmer head.
PULL THE LINE OUT
Don’t drag it too hard. Pull the lines easily while making sure that they are not stuck in any holding slots. When the line is in its right place, then you’re all set. Start it up and spin it a few times to ensure that it’s set in place, then you’re free to use it.
It is also essential to understand the different diameters of lines available. Understanding this may seem pretty confusing, but you can break it up into ranges based on the thickness of the weed that they are capable of trimming.
For example, small lighter weeds can be easily trimmed using a trimmer line that measures around 0.80 and 0.60 inches in diameter. In comparison, medium weeds can be trimmed using a line that measures between 0.80 and 0.110 inches in diameter. On the other hand, any line with a diameter that is higher than 0.115 inches is suitable for large and thick weeds.
If you’re doing some home maintenance like clearing up the weeds on your front lawn or driveway, then a line with a diameter that measures around 0.60 – 0.80 inches is best for you. If your home has a substantial sized garden or thicker weed, then a line of medium size that measures between 0.80 and 0.110 inches is your go-to.
CONCLUSION
A string trimmer is a versatile tool and can be easily maintained with regular maintenance, like replacing your trimmer line periodically. It also has a vast number of styles and sizes available, so you can choose the line that is perfect for the job you want to carry out.