How to Fix a Weedeater's Stuck Rope

Weedeaters are often used for lawn edging.

Weedeaters use a length of poly rope or string to cut weeds and grass. The string is attached to a rotor, which spins at high speed. The cutting rope or string in your Weedeater can become jammed for a variety of reasons. The line may jam if it is tangled on the internal spool, if a kink or knot exists, or if dirt has clogged the release hole. Loosely wrapped string and the use of string which is too thick or too thin for your trimmer can also cause jams.

Instructions

1. Turn your Weedeater over so the bottom of the cutting head is facing upward. Locate the spool cap at the center of the underside of the cutting head.

2. Grab the spool cap with your hand and turn it in a counterclockwise direction until it loosens enough to remove. Locate the cutting string spool, directly beneath the spool cap. Unwind all of the string until the spool is left empty.

3. Reset the string by winding it onto the spool slowly and carefully. Keep as much tension on the string as you can as you wind it, and do not overlap or cross prior string rows as you wind.

4. Clean out any dirt or debris which has gathered in the string release hole so a clear path exists. Slip the loose end of the string through the feeder hole in the side of the spool housing. There should be no obstructions, twists or kinks in the line. Release sufficient line through the hole to operate the Weedeater normally.

5. Replace the spool cap by turning it in a clockwise direction until firmly tightened. Plug in your Weedeater and test the cutter head.

Tips & Warnings

• Trimmers are now available with string replacement, rather than string feed systems. When the string breaks, you insert a new piece without taking it from a spring-loaded reservoir. This eliminates jams and has a faster turnaround time, but it does require you to keep extra strings nearby at all times.

• Always make sure that your Weedeater is unplugged before attempting adjustments or repairs.

References

• This Old House: Choosing and Using Strimmers
• Instruction Sheets: Weedeater FL25 Instruction Manual
• Instruction Sheets: Weedeater MiniTrim Auto Instruction Manual
• Popular Mechanics: The Fastest (and Toughest) String Trimmers on the Market Read more: The Fastest (and Toughest) String Trimmers on the Market - Popular Mechanics