Trimmers lines are an essential component of any trimmer that uses them to cut grass and weeds. If your Ryobi trimmer is in need of a new line, don’t worry – it’s a quick and easy process to replace it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to add trimmer line to your Ryobi trimmer, so you can get back to trimming your lawn in no time.
Locate the bump head on your Ryobi trimmer. The bump head is the part of the trimmer that the line is fed through. It is usually located at the bottom of the trimmer, just above the cutting blade. To open the bump head, press the button on the side of the head and pull it open. Next, you will need to remove the old line from the bump head. To do this, simply pull the line out of the head until it is completely removed.
Now, you are ready to insert the new line into the bump head. Take the new line and insert it into the hole in the side of the bump head. Make sure that the line is inserted all the way into the hole, until it is flush with the edge of the head. Once the line is inserted, you will need to wind it around the spool inside the bump head. To do this, simply turn the spool clockwise until the line is wound around it several times. Finally, close the bump head by pressing the button on the side of the head and pushing it closed. Your Ryobi trimmer is now ready to use.
Selecting the Correct Trimmer Line
Choosing the right trimmer line is crucial for the efficient performance and longevity of your Ryobi trimmer. Consider the following factors:
Line Thickness: Thickness is measured in millimeters (mm). Thicker lines (over 2.0 mm) provide more durability for heavy-duty applications, while thinner lines (1.5-2.0 mm) offer improved flexibility and reduced drag.
Line Shape: Various line shapes impact performance. Round lines provide a clean cut with less resistance, while square lines offer greater durability and can handle tougher vegetation.
Line Material:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Nylon | Common and economical, provides a balance of durability and flexibility. |
| Copolymer | Stronger than nylon, provides improved durability and cutting efficiency. |
| Fluorocarbon | Exceptionally strong and durable, can withstand heavy use and abrasive environments. |
| Plastic | Designed for light-duty applications, often used for small trimmers or edging. |
Line Length: The length of the trimmer line depends on the size of the trimmer head and the desired cut width. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate line length.
Preparing the Trimmer Head
Before adding new trimmer line to your Ryobi trimmer, it’s essential to prepare the trimmer head to ensure proper installation.
Steps for Preparing the Trimmer Head
- Disconnect the Trimmer: Unplug the electric trimmer or turn off the gas engine for safety.
- Remove the Trimmer Head Guard: Remove the screw or latch that secures the trimmer head guard in place. Lift the guard off the trimmer head.
- Clean the Trimmer Head: Use a brush or compressed air to remove any dirt or debris accumulated on the trimmer head. This ensures optimal line feeding and cutting performance.
- Identify the Line Reload Direction: Locate the arrows or indicators on the trimmer head that indicate the direction of line reloading. This will help you insert the new line correctly.
- Mark the Center Point: Using a marker or pen, make a mark on the center of the trimmer head. This will help you align the new line evenly.
- Remove the Old Trimmer Line: If there is any old trimmer line left, remove it from the trimmer head and discard it.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| Safety Glasses |
| Brush or Compressed Air |
| Screwdriver or Wrench |
| Marker or Pen |
Measuring and Cutting the Trimmer Line
The trimmer line is the flexible, nylon filament that does the actual cutting of grass and weeds. It comes in various diameters and lengths, so it’s important to choose the right size and type for your trimmer. Once you have the right trimmer line, you’ll need to measure and cut it to the correct length before inserting it into your trimmer.
Measuring the Trimmer Line
To determine how much trimmer line you need, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific trimmer model. Typically, most string trimmers use between 15 and 20 feet of line. To measure it accurately:
Cutting the Trimmer Line
Once you’ve measured the trimmer line, it’s time to cut it. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a line cutter specifically designed for cutting trimmer line. To make a clean, precise cut:
Additional Tips
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- If the trimmer line is old or badly damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Use the recommended diameter and type of trimmer line for your specific trimmer model.
- Store the trimmer line in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming brittle.
Loading the Trimmer Line
1. Power Down and Disconnect Trimmer
Before handling the trimmer line, ensure that the trimmer is powered down and disconnected from the power source to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Trimmer Head
Identify the trimmer head, which is typically located at the end of the trimmer shaft. The trimmer head houses the trimmer line and may have a cover or cap that needs to be removed.
3. Remove the Trimmer Head Cover
If the trimmer head has a cover or cap, press the release button or turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it and expose the trimmer line spool.
4. Insert the Trimmer Line
The trimmer line may be pre-wound on a spool or come in a long coil. If using a pre-wound spool, simply place it inside the trimmer head spool and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If using a long coil, follow these steps:
- Use a high-quality trimmer line that is the correct diameter for your trimmer.
- Wind the line tightly onto the spool, but not so tightly that it binds.
- Avoid crossing the line over itself when winding it onto the spool.
- Use high-quality trimmer line.
- Wind the line correctly onto the spool.
- Avoid hitting hard objects with the trimmer head.
- Trim grass at the proper height.
- Clean the trimmer head regularly.
- Clean the spool with a rag or brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Insert the end of the line into the hole in the spool.
- Wrap the line around the spool in a clockwise direction.
- Keep the line taut as you wrap it around the spool.
- Once the spool is full, cut the line and secure the end with a knot.
- Remove the spool: Unscrew the spool retaining nut and remove the spool from the trimmer head.
- Determine the line length: Measure the distance from the spool to the outer edge of the cutter blade and multiply by 2. This will give you the required line length for each side.
- Wind the line: Pass the line through the hole located on the side of the spool. Hold the other end of the line taut and wind it around the spool in a clockwise direction, keeping the line even.
- Secure the line: When the spool is full, pass the remaining line through the smaller hole near the center of the spool. Tighten the trimmer’s retaining nut to secure the spool.
- Trim the excess: Use a sharp knife or pliers to trim any excess line extending beyond the cutter blade.
- Ryobi trimmer
- Trimmer line
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
- Stop the trimmer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Remove the trimmer head from the trimmer shaft.
- Cut a piece of trimmer line to the desired length.
- Thread the trimmer line through the hole in the trimmer head.
- Wind the trimmer line around the spool in the trimmer head.
- Reattach the trimmer head to the trimmer shaft.
- Connect the trimmer to the power source and start the trimmer.
- Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
- Stop the trimmer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Remove the trimmer head from the trimmer shaft.
- Cut a piece of trimmer line to the desired length.
- Thread the trimmer line through the hole in the trimmer head.
- Wind the trimmer line around the spool in the trimmer head.
- Reattach the trimmer head to the trimmer shaft.
- Connect the trimmer to the power source and start the trimmer.
- Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
- Stop the trimmer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Remove the trimmer head from the trimmer shaft.
- Cut a piece of trimmer line to the desired length.
- Thread the trimmer line through the hole in the trimmer head.
- Wind the trimmer line around the spool in the trimmer head.
- Reattach the trimmer head to the trimmer shaft.
- Connect the trimmer to the power source and start the trimmer.
- Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
- Stop the trimmer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Remove the trimmer head from the trimmer shaft.
- Cut a piece of trimmer line to the desired length.
- Thread the trimmer line through the hole in the trimmer head.
- Wind the trimmer line around the spool in the trimmer head.
- Reattach the trimmer head to the trimmer shaft.
- Connect the trimmer to the power source and start the trimmer.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut a length of line approximately 18-24 feet long. |
| 2 | Fold the line in half and create a small loop at the folded end. |
| 3 | Insert the looped end into either of the two slots on the trimmer head spool. |
| 4 | Pull the line through the slot and wind it around the spool in a clockwise direction. |
| 5 | Keep winding the line until the spool is full or you reach the desired length. |
| 6 | Cut the excess line and secure the end of the line to the hook or catch on the trimmer head. |
Winding the Trimmer Line
1. Unplug the trimmer from the power source.
2. Locate the cap on the trimmer head and remove it.
3. Remove the empty spool from the trimmer head.
4. Wind the new trimmer line onto the spool according to the directions on the spool. Be sure to wind the line in the same direction as the arrows on the spool.
5. When the spool is full, insert it back into the trimmer head and replace the cap. Be sure to align the holes in the spool with the holes in the trimmer head, and then ensure that the trimmer line is fed through the holes in the trimmer head.
**Here are some tips for winding the trimmer line:**
| Diameter | Length |
| .065 inches | 18 feet |
| .080 inches | 15 feet |
| .095 inches | 12 feet |
Securing the Trimmer Line
6. Wrapping the Trimmer Line Around Spindle
Carefully wrap the trimmer line around the spindle, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and free of any overlapping. Each loop should pass through the designated hole in the spindle, creating a precise and secure hold. Pay close attention to the direction of winding; follow the arrows or markings on the spindle to prevent any tangles or improper line feed during operation.
Once the trimmer line is securely wrapped around the spindle, check the length to ensure it reaches approximately 6-12 inches beyond the cutting blade. If the line is too long, it may whip excessively, causing discomfort or potential hazards. If it’s too short, it may not reach the cutting area effectively.
To prevent the trimmer line from unraveling, use a special line lock or create a small knot at the end of each line. This additional step ensures that the line stays securely in place during operation, reducing the risk of it coming loose and causing any accidents.
Starting the Trimmer and Testing the Line
Once you’ve got the trimmer line installed, it’s time to start the trimmer and test it. Here’s how:
Step 7: Starting the Trimmer
To start the Ryobi trimmer, follow these steps:
1. Ensure safety: Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
2. Connect the power source: Plug the trimmer into an outlet or insert the battery if it’s cordless.
3. Hold the trimmer securely: Grip the handles firmly with both hands.
4. Start the trimmer: Throttle the trigger on the handle to start the engine or turn on the switch for electric models.
Step 8: Testing the Line
Once the trimmer is running, test the line by trimming a small area of grass. Here’s how:
1. Adjust the height: Set the height of the trimmer to match the desired length of the grass.
2. Trim the grass: Move the trimmer head back and forth over the grass, slightly angling the head.
3. Observe the line: Watch as the line spins and cuts the grass. If the line is properly installed, it should extend slightly beyond the trimmer head and cut cleanly.
Troubleshooting Line Breakage
If your trimmer line breaks frequently, it could be due to a number of issues. Here are some common causes and solutions:
1. Incorrect Line Type: Ensure you’re using the correct trimmer line diameter and material for your model.
2. Misaligned Line: Check if the line is correctly inserted and aligned in the trimmer head.
3. Damaged Spool: Inspect the trimmer spool for cracks or deformation that may cause line tangles.
4. Worn Line Feeder: Over time, the line feeder can wear out and fail to advance the line properly.
5. Clogged Line Feed Hole: Debris can accumulate in the line feed hole, preventing the line from advancing.
6. Bent or Pinched Line: If the line is bent or pinched, it may break easily.
7. Excess Line: Avoid overfilling the trimmer head with line, as this can result in tangles and breakage.
8. Extended Line Length: The longer the line extends beyond the trimmer head, the more prone it is to breakage. Limit the length to the recommended specified in your operator’s manual. Here’s a table summarizing the possible causes and solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Line used is too thin or thick | Ensure you’re using the correct diameter of line specified for your trimmer model. |
| Line not correctly aligned in the trimmer head | Refer to your operator’s manual for the correct line installation procedure. |
| Damaged trimmer spool | Inspect the spool for cracks or deformation and replace if necessary. |
| Worn line feeder | Contact a Ryobi service center to have the line feeder replaced. |
| Clogged line feed hole | Clear any debris from the line feed hole using a small wire or brush. |
| Bent or pinched line | Inspect the line and straighten or replace any damaged sections. |
| Excess line in the trimmer head | Remove excess line from the trimmer head to prevent tangles and breakage. |
| Line length extended too far | Limit the line length to the recommended specified in the operator’s manual. |
Extending the Life of Trimmer Line
There are several ways to extend the life of your trimmer line, including:
Wind the Line Correctly Onto the Spool
Incorrectly winding the line onto the spool can cause the line to break prematurely. To wind the line correctly, follow these steps:
| Incorrect Winding | Correct Winding |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Maintaining the Trimmer Head for Optimal Performance
10. Winding New Trimmer Line on the Spool
To ensure continuous trimming performance, replacing the trimmer line on the spool is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide for winding new line:
–
–
–
–
–
How To Add Trimmer Line To Ryobi
Adding trimmer line to a Ryobi trimmer is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, you will need to gather the following materials:
Once you have gathered your materials, you can follow these steps to add trimmer line to your Ryobi trimmer:
People Also Ask
How do you change the string trimmer to Ryobi?
To change the string trimmer to Ryobi, you will need to follow these steps:
How do you replace a trimmer line on a Ryobi weed eater?
To replace a trimmer line on a Ryobi weed eater, you will need to follow these steps:
How do you put a string on a Ryobi electric trimmer?
To put a string on a Ryobi electric trimmer, you will need to follow these steps:
