How To Use A Weed Eater
Weed eaters are the perfect tool for cutting grass, weeds, or other low underbrush from around objects, or for use on terrain that cannot be accessed by lawnmowers.
While the line, or string, in a weed eater can last for many projects, repeated use will eventually cause the reserve in the spool to wear down. At this point, the line must be replaced.
We at Northside Tool Rental want to show you that threading and using a weed eater isn’t as difficult as you might think!
How to Thread a Weed Eater
Some models have pre-strung spools that you just need to pop in, and you’re good to go. However, most models require you to add new string. Some weed eaters operate with one string, while others work with two. You’ll first need to determine which type you are using.
Models With One String
We’ll start by looking at weed eaters that only require one string.
- Remove the spool from the trimmer head. Depending on the model, you may need to press in tabs to lift out the cap, or unscrew the head and remove the spool.
- Cut a length of string between 15 – 25 feet long. This will vary depending on how much line your spool can hold.
- There will be a hole in the empty spool. You’ll want to put about half an inch of the end of the string in the hole. Make sure to follow the directional arrow marked on the spool.
- Wind the line from one side to the other carefully, and in layers. Otherwise you run the risk of the line tangling while in use. Leave about 6 inches loose at the end.
- Clip the end of the line in the marked notch on your spool. This will prevent your line from unwinding while you are putting the newly-wound spool back into the trimmer head.
- Place the spool back into the trimmer head and lock into place. Release the line from the notches and thread the loose end through the eyelet or line exit hole in the trimmer head.
- Double check to make sure your spool and trimmer head are securely fastened before using. You are now ready to use your weed eater!
Models with Two Strings
The steps for rethreading a model with two strings are very similar to models with one string. The difference is that the spool is split in half, and the threads will be wound in opposite directions.
- Remove the spool from the trimmer head.
- Cut a length of string between 15 – 25 feet long, depending on how much each half of the spool can hold.
- Treat each half of the spool like they are their own separate entities. Each side will have holes and notches for their own strings. It is very important that you follow the directional arrows marked in each half. Thread the first string into the hole at the bottom of the spool, and wind from side to side in layers. Repeat with the other side. Leave about 6 inches of line loose on each side of the spool.
- Clip the loose ends into their notches on the spool. Replace the spool into the trimmer and lock into place. Release the lines from their notches and thread the loose ends through the line exit hole.
- Make sure that your spool and trimmer head are securely locked. You are now ready to use your weed eater!
Starting a Weed Eater
This brings us to how to start your weed eater. Our standard model is gas powered.
Watch our informational video:
You can also find instructions below.
- Familiarize yourself with the parts of the weed eater: fuel tank and gas cap, pull chord and handle for starting, primer bulb, and choke.
- Press the primer bulb until fuel fills the bubble. Then, turn the choke position down, and pull the chord. Once the engine turns over and is running, you can turn the choke off.
- The trigger on the handle is the throttle, and this is what you will use to adjust the speed and intensity of the weed eater.
- Turn the weed eater off by pressing the slider near the trigger.
We hope you’ve found this guide and our informational video helpful in learning how to use a weed eater. As you can see, threading and using a weed eater isn’t too difficult. Rent your weed eater from Northside Tool Rental!