Handheld string trimmers are great for eating through weeds, cleaning up grass or clearing overgrown vegetation around trees, but the string trimmer line will eventually wear away and must be refilled. The process of refilling string trimmer line can differ greatly by model. But the more often you trim, the more often you’ll need to replace and refill the line.
Remember, before trimming or performing any maintenance on your trimmer, including replacing the line, be sure to read your operator’s manual, and wear the appropriate safety gear, which includes goggles, leg protection and closed-toe shoes. Also ensure the trimmer is completely powered down before servicing.
You may need a few basic tools, such as pliers and wire snippers, to make the process easier. You can also watch an instructional video on changing trimmer line for three different models of Troy-Bilt® trimmers on the Troy-Bilt YouTube channel.
When It’s Time to Reload String Trimmer Line
Whether your string trimmer head type is a fixed head or a bump head, significant differences to consider are how much line the trimmer holds and also how the line is reloaded into the cutting head.
Before you head to the store or purchase online, take note of your trimmer’s make and model to help ensure you select the correct line size. Most gas-powered Troy-Bilt trimmers use cutting line with a diameter of .095 inch.
Pre-cut line, for use only on fixed-line cutting head models, makes it easier to keep extra line on hand as you work throughout the yard.
How to Load a Fixed-Line Trimmer Head
Before you get started, push out the remaining pieces of line from the trimmer head and discard. Then, use a clean cloth to remove debris from the surface of the cutting head.
People often wonder how long trimmer line should be. If you did not purchase your string trimmer line pre-cut, then unspool about 18 inches, the approximate length used by Troy-Bilt fixed-line string trimmer models. Keep in mind that it’s critical to cut the line at a pointed angle, which will help to push the line through its path.
To load a string trimmer head, take both ends of the line and feed it through the open slots. This process may give a little resistance, but simply pull until the line is tight and even on both ends. If one end is longer than the other, then push the longer end back through the cutting head partway and pull the shorter end out. Repeat until both ends are of equal length.
While fixed-line heads are generally simple to change, they will require frequent changing, since the line will wear down as the trimmer is used.
How to Replace Line on Bump Head Trimmer Models
Known to cause the most confusion when changing the line, traditional bump heads have a bump piece that is bumped or tapped on the ground to replenish line as the trimmer is used. However, doing this also uses up the line until it eventually must be refilled.
To refill the line on Troy-Bilt bump head models, unscrew the bump head and pull it open in order to remove the cartridge, clear the old line, and refill with the appropriate length of new line.
Refer to your operator’s manual for detailed instructions on these steps, as well as guidance for inspecting the inner reel or cartridge and winding a bump head trimmer line onto the inner reel. Reloading instructions will differ slightly depending on whether you use single or split replacement line, and also whether your trimmer has a single inner reel or a divided inner reel.
A step-up feature offered on some Troy-Bilt trimmers is the Click N Trim® cutting head, a bump-style trimmer head offering an easy reloading process. With this cutting head, trimming line can be released from the cutting head without stopping the engine. To release more line, lightly tap the bump knob on bare ground or hard soil (but not in tall grass).
Each time the bump knob is tapped, about 1 inch of trimming line will be released. A blade in the cutting head shield will cut the line to the proper length if any excess line is released.
To refill the string trimmer line, use only the type of line specified and follow the instructions listed in your operator’s manual. For some Click N Trim models, you may be able to clear old line, then rethread and refill the line without having to open the bump head: Simply line up markings on the bump head with line feed holes, then feed a supply of new line into the holes on both sides and wind the bump knob to take up the line internally. Refer to your operator’s manual and watch Troy-Bilt’s instructional video for complete details.
