How to Replace a Gas Trimmer Line
- 1). Disengage the ignition switch so it is in the "Off" setting. Let the trimmer sit on the ground for five minutes so it can cool off and you won't burn yourself.
- 2). Set the trimmer in an area that will be comfortable for you to work on the head. Grab the shaft and steady it into the crook of your arm. Fold your arm around the shaft.
- 3). Steady the rotating head attachment with one hand while you remove the cover with the other. On most trimmers, the cover can be removed by unscrewing the center knob. On other trimmers, you may need to push the tabs along the outer wall in while lifting off the cover.
- 4). Draw the cover, line spool and spring out of the base of the head carefully because the spring can still come loose and cause injury. Separate the line spool from the spring.
- 5). Draw out the appropriate length of line from the main roll. Cut the required length of line. Lengths can range widely on homeowner models, from 10 to more than 40 feet, so check with your operator's manual for the correct amount.
- 6). Fold or cut your line in half with scissors depending on how you will attach it to the line spool. Some trimmers may have a notch in the middle of the spool where you can loop the bent line to secure it to the spool. Other models may use eyelets, so cut the line in half and thread about an inch into the hole to anchor it to the line spool.
- 7). Spin the line around the spool following the directional arrow that's usually on the topside of most line spools. Hold the line tight while you form parallel rows to prevent line jams. Leave about 6 inches unwound.
- 8). Stick the remaining ends into the two slots on the upper flange of the spool to hold them in place while you push the spool back into the head.
- 9). Place the spring down into the trimmer head. Push the line spool on top of the spring. Push the line ends through the two holes on the outer rim of the head. Push the line spool down all the way into the head.
- 10
Hold the line spool down while securing the cover. Turn the knob or push the cover down until the tabs lock in place.
