June 22

Why Won’t My Weed Eater String Advance

A stuck weed eater is a subject of annoyance for any gardener, which can be caused by many reasons. 

This happened to me a few months back, and I was left wondering “why won’t my weed eater string advance?” when my husband helped me out. And my weed eater was as good as new in quick time! So, I curated this guide to help people get their trimmers in working condition. 

Dive in! 

Reasons For A Stuck Weed Eater String And Troubleshooting Guide

A. Improper Winding

It might sound evident, but many people fail to wind the string properly around the trimmer head. The string needs to be tied in the direction of arrows, in a single straight line, and in case of any misalignment, it might jam while turning. Plus, winding it in a direction opposite to the arrows can render it completely ineffective. 

In this regard, here are a few tips are to be kept in mind: 

Tip #1

Insert the string head in the spool hole and wind it in the direction of the arrows. Wrap in straight and neat rows to avoid any blockage. When only a few inches of the string remains, snap it into the retainer to keep it in place. 

Tip #2

Some trimmer heads accept two trimmer lines of separate lengths, where each should be inserted into a separate spool hole. Winding two lengths involves holding and winding them together simultaneously, and making sure to avoid crossing one line over another. 

Tip #3

You should also ensure that the string is wound tightly enough to withstand the constant jerking of the trimmer while trimming weeds and does not loosen during the process. 

B. Short String

The string of a weed trimmer can get stuck if it's too short, as enough centrifugal force doesn’t act on it. It might happen if you aren’t tapping the trimmer head often enough or the string is sheared by any foreign object like a root or a piece of wire. 

If you’re running the weed eater with a string line that’s 50% less than the recommended length, it can cause the head to turn out very quickly. And continuing to work with it can even damage the trimmer head. 

Troubleshooting Tip

If you’re using a bump-feed weed eater trimmer, it’s essential to bump the head more often. Also, use the recommended string length when trimming, which you’ll find in the manufacturer’s instructions. 

C. Malfunctioning Spring

The spring in a weed eater trimmer retains the lid under pressure and gets back to its position after hitting, which allows the string to advance. However, it might fail and break down if entangled with foreign objects when cutting through weeds or grass. 

Troubleshooting Tip

Remove the cap and examine it to determine the condition of the spring and clean the housing. Get rid of any debris and clean the spring thoroughly to help it work effectively. In case of a broken spring, replace it with a new one. 

D. Incorrect String Size

Another possible cause of a stuck string is incorrect string size. Using a wider trimmer string prevents smooth string movement, and it may break if more pressure is applied. 

Furthermore, the engine would need to generate more power to keep the string moving, increasing noise and making it difficult for the spool to hold the string. And this can cause the engine to break down. 

Troubleshooting Tip

The length and width of a trimmer line depend on the kind of weed eater trimmer you’re using. As I've discussed earlier, using an incorrect-sized trimmer has its potential consequences, so don’t waste your time and money by guessing the string size. 

The manufacturer’s website often provides detailed instructions, and if you can’t find any, the customer service will help you. 

Final Words

It’s extremely important to be careful when purchasing a string trimmer, as it’s no secret that low quality units don’t work well in the long run. I’ve seen some of these in local hardware stores, and they are nothing more than a disappointment. 

When purchasing online, go through the user reviews on different websites, as they will provide you a good idea about the unit and the brand in general. And on that note, I will now wrap up. 

Goodbye! 


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