A Ryobi trimmer can has its string changed without any special tricks. Changing out the string is simply changing out the spool of line. You need a little bit of dexterity and patience, but you don’t need anything fancy to repair your busted line.
All you are doing is taking off the old line and winding it back onto the spool. Once you know how it works, it’s easy. Just be careful and follow directions closely so you do not mess up your trimmer.
Once you know how it works, its easy. Just be careful and don’t mess up your trimmer by not paying attention when following directions. Everyone dreads pulling that bird’s nest out of the head.
“Man, this is complicated,” they think to themselves. Nope, it’s simply nylon rope wrapped around a plastic disk. Typically the issue arise when you’re trying to force it and not familiarizing yourself with how to release it.
Step By Step Guide To Replacing Trimmer String
Understanding Ryobi Head Types
Ryobi makes their heads so there are tabs or locking pins holding them shut. Then you need to know how to release those pieces precisely. Yanking on it will break your line or bend the plastic around.
So use your brain, work with design of the tool. It goes faster after learning it than searching for eye protection. First determine what kind of trimmer head you have.
There are multiple kinds of Ryobi heads, each opened differently. For example some have a bump-feed system where you bump the end to advance more line. Those heads has a cover you need to remove.
Then there are other automatic heads that do not require bumping at all. This article is based off the manual bump-feed type heads used on both their electric and gas trimmers. With the automatic heads you pull line out instead of having to rewind a spool.
Safety Precautions Before Starting
Safety precautions is similar for any head style. Unplug or remove the battery if electric. If it runs on gas, remove the spark plug wire.
Moving parts can hurts you, so always make sure tool is unplugged and off. The head should have the release mechanism located somewhere on it. Most Ryobi trimmers will have two little plastic tabs on the side of the spool cover.
Removing the Old Spool and Line
Those are the locks. Push those two tabs outwards towards each other to release the lock. While you’re doing that hold onto the shaft of the trimmer with one hand.
With the other, use your thumb and forefinger and push on the tabs. Don’t try to pull too hard. If it doesn’t pop off then check for screws or retaining clips.
Sometimes they used a locking pin type system. Then you line up arrows on the spool with the arrows on the base. There’s usually a diagram on the head which helps.
What is printed there is usually right. Remove the cover. After removing the cover, you’ll notice the spool.
Many folks are intimidated by this component. It’s just nylon cord. Simply pull the entire spool away from the head.
Look for a center pin or clip that retains it. Oftentimes the spool rest on a central post in the head. The cover you just removed keeps it positioned.
Gently pry the retaining clip away if present. If there is a separate clip, you will need to pry it off gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail. Once the retaining clip has been removed, lift the spool out of the head base.
If the line is connected to the eyelets, cut it. There’s no reason to mess with untying the old line. Simply cut it, save some time and toss it in the trash.
Throw the old spool and line in the trash too. Having a clean work area makes following process easier.
Preparing the New Trimmer Line
Unspool the new trimmer line from the package and load onto the empty spool.
It should be.080 or.095 inch diameter nylon line. To ensure that you are using the proper size, refer to label on the head or the manual. If you use an incorrect size, you may do damage to your motor/engine.
Cut the line so that it is roughly six to eight feet in length. That’s plenty for most residential applications. Take the line you just cut and fold it in half (to form a loop).
Position the loop around the center notch on the spool. Press it into place to hold secure. Now you’ll notice that there are two identical strands dangling from the spool.
Winding the Line onto the Spool
Next, we need to wind the line. Look at the arrows printed on the spool. There will be one that says clockwise and another that says counter-clockwise.
Wind the line in the direction of the arrows. If you wind opposite the arrow, it will simply jam up. Try and wind each strand with the same amount of line.
Here is how to wind the line without tangling it. Hold the spool in your dominant hand and use your other hand to keep tension on the line as you wrap it. With your other hand, maintain tension on the line.
Now, wrap the line snugly into the grooves without letting it overlap itself. Overlapping will cause you problems when you try to feed line later. Wind each side until you have about six to ten inches of line left unwound.
Grab these loose lines with your fingers and insert them into small holes at the outside edge. The holes holds the line during the wrapping process. Without eyelets on the spool, the friction from the grooves holds the line in place.
Eyelets provide added security. Make sure both sides is wound properly. It’s easy to get this wrong.
If you do, the trimmer will not take line.
Reassembling the Trimmer Head
Install the loaded spool onto the trimmer base Place the spool back into the housing Check that the ends of the line are hanging out of the exit holes. These holes match up with the slots in the base.
If needed, rotate the spool so the line comes out easily. When the spool is properly seated slide the cover back onto the head. Match the tabs on the cover with the slots on the base.
Then push the cover down firmly. It will click when it is locked down. Tabs should be snugly lock.
Tug firmly on the head to make sure it’s sealed. If not, it could come off at high speed, very bad news! Pull line ends through exit holes in outer guard.
Leave about 4-6 inches of line hanging out on both sides. You are ready to start trimming.
Testing the Line Feed
Before operating the machine, test the line feed.
Grab each end and see if it is caught. It shouldn’t pull all the way out, but it will come out a bit. If the line pulls out too easy, it probably isn’t locked in place properly.
If it doesn’t budge, it could be jammed. Don’t begin using the trimmer until you get the line feeding properly. Running the trimmer with a jammed line can ruin the drive shaft.
Once the line is feeding correctly, reconnect the spark plug or battery as needed. Turn on the trimmer and let it idle. The line should turn freely.
If it does not, stop and fix it. Depending on your moddern model of Ryobi, you can bump the head to the ground. Or you have to pull the line out by hand.
Maintenance and Storage Tips
Line It’s not only about changing out your trimmer line, but also keeping it up to snuff. Don’t use a trimmer on something hard like a fence or a rock. That will eat through the line in no time.
Store the trimmer with a dry line, as moisture can cause the nylon to degrade over time. The water will break the nylon down. If the line keeps breaking, check the shaft and bushings.
A worn bushing can chew up a line. These are inexpensive to replace. They will add years to the trimmer.
Think about what kind of line you buy. Round line is good for mowing grass. Shaped or twisted works well on harder weeds.
Get what suits your purpose. Always clean and store your tools correctly. Clean the trimmer head of grass clippings, as they can hold moisture and cause it to rust.
Make sure your trimmer is stored in a dry location. Extra trimmer line should also be stored in a dry and cool area away from sunlight as this will cause the line to become brittle. By doing all of this you’ll be assured that your Ryobi trimmer won’t let you down.
Slow and steady wins the race. Read the instructions, take your time and do it right. You will no longer get stuck out on the lawn in the middle of nowhere.
The sense of accomplishment from a freshly edged yard makes it all worth it.