You might be interested in learning how to restring a Troy Bilt weed eater if you’ve recently purchased one or need to perform seasonal maintenance on your existing model.
Fortunately, changing the line on these weed eaters is much easier than with other designs, especially if you’ve never changed the string on your tools before.
How to Restring a Troy Bilt Weed Eater
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to breathe new life into your weed eater in a matter of minutes.
Step 1: Analyze the Bump Head
Before you start to change the string on your weed eater, you’ll first want to determine which bump head you have installed on the device.
Troy Bilt has two to choose from: the SpeedSpool 2 and Click ‘n Trim.
The steps you’ll go through to replace the line are the same for both heads.
However, the amount of string that you will need to use will differ, as well as the alignment.
Step 2: Preparing the Weed Eater
Considering you’ll be working with the most dangerous part of the tool, the last thing you’ll want is for it to start accidentally.
Hence, it is highly recommended that you disconnect the spark plug to help avoid any accidents.
Once this is complete, you can move onto the next step.
Step 3: Cutting Line
Now that you have an idea of the type of bump head you have installed on your weed eater, note that you’ll need 20 feet of 0.095 line for the Click ‘n Trim head or 10 feet of string for the SpeedSpool 2.
Make sure you measure out the appropriate length and set it aside without any kinks and coils for the next step.
Step 4: Feeding the String
Before you begin inserting the string into the spool, you’ll want to turn the knob on the Click ‘n Trim head so that the arrows are correctly aligned.
For the SpeedSpool 2 head, you’ll want to turn the knob so that the arrows are aligned with the holes on the outside of the outer spool.
Once everything has been aligned, you can feed one end of the line through the input eyelet and continue to push the wire through the spool until it emerges from the other end.
You’ll then want to continue pulling on the string until there is an equal amount of material on either side of the spool.
It’s essential you now turn the knob on the weed eater clockwise so that there are about five inches of string remaining on either side of the head.
At this point, you have effortlessly changed the string in your weed eater.
How to Make Weed Eater String Last Longer
The most annoying part of owning a weed eater is knowing you’ll have to restring the tool at the end of every season, if not before then.
Fortunately, most manufacturers have developed rather user-friendly designs, but maintenance still takes time away from your productivity.
By knowing how to make your weed eater string last longer, you can limit the amount of time and money you spend on maintaining one of the essential parts of your yard tool.
Improve Your Technique
The overall best way to make your weed eater string last longer is to improve your technique when working on your yard.
Over time, you’re likely to determine which methods are most comfortable for you, but keeping these tips in mind can help you to preserve the string material.
1. Keep the string parallel.
When you’re holding your weed eater, make sure you are keeping the string parallel to the ground.
This will help to make sure you’re not hitting any rocks or hard debris with the plastic of the string.
2. Listen to sound changes.
You would be surprised to learn that your weed eater will tell you when it’s time for a new string.
It will sound different while running, which can help you to stop yourself from changing the line too early.
3. Practice string feeding.
It can be tempting to want to feed a new string often, especially when you’re first starting.
However, you’ll want to make sure you have about five inches of line available for efficient cutting.
Consider Spool Size
Different types of trimmers are going to hold different amounts of string, depending on the spool size they are manufactured with.
If you know you’re the type of person who goes through a lot of string, you’re going to want to opt for a tool that has a more considerable spool length, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket.
The larger your spool is, the more line you’ll be able to carry without the fear of running out halfway through your project.
Also, you’ll only need restring the weed eater less often.
String Type and Size
Much like some fishing line, the string that you use in your weed eater will have a lot to do with its performance.
Certain types of strings are recommended for certain types of vegetation.
When you start to look for a new line, you’ll find they’re typically available in three general sizes: lightweight to medium (0.050 to 0.08 inches), medium to heavy (0.08 to 0.105 inches), and heavy-duty (0.105 inches and up).
If you know you’re going to be tackling incredibly thick brush, you might even want to consider investing in a metal cutting head instead of some string.
You can be sure that this won’t wear away as quickly.
There are also different types of shapes that the string comes in, which can offer different levels of durability.
Most often, the instruction manual for your weed eater will explain what type of string is recommended.
For example, Tyson Bilt weed eaters recommend using a round line, as it feeds smoothly through the head.
A few other examples of string shapes include twisted, diamond, and multi-sided.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to restring a Troy Bilt weed eater is probably much more comfortable than you had anticipated, even if it’s your first time maintaining your device.
By following the simple steps above, you can have a brand-new line installed within a matter of minutes.