The warm sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your lawn is calling out for a good mow. But wait, there’s a problem: your lawn mower’s string is worn out! Before you head to the store for a replacement, consider the possibility of simply restringing your existing trimmer head. It’s a surprisingly easy and cost-effective solution that can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the steps, from identifying your trimmer head type to safely installing new line.
A Quick Overview
Stringing a lawn mower involves replacing the worn-out line in the trimmer head with a new one. The process varies depending on the specific type of trimmer head you have. Most common types include:
- Automatic Feed Heads: These heads automatically dispense line as needed.
- Bump Heads: These heads require you to “bump” the head on the ground to feed out more line.
- Semi-Automatic Heads: These heads have a button or lever you press to release more line.
This guide will focus on the most common types of heads: automatic feed and bump heads.
Identifying Your Trimmer Head
Before you can string your lawnmower, you need to know what kind of head you have. This will determine the specific steps you need to take:
1. Automatic Feed Heads
Automatic feed heads are designed for convenience. They have a spool that holds the line and a mechanism that automatically feeds out new line as needed. You can usually identify these heads by their distinctive design, often with a circular or rectangular opening where the line is fed out.
2. Bump Heads
Bump heads are another popular type. They have a spool that holds the line and a mechanism that allows you to feed out more line by bumping the head on the ground. These heads typically have a visible spool with a small opening where the line is fed out.
3. Semi-Automatic Heads
Semi-automatic heads offer a compromise between automatic feed and bump heads. They have a spool that holds the line, but you need to press a button or lever to feed out more line. These heads usually have a button or lever on the side of the head.
Gathering Your Supplies
Once you’ve identified your trimmer head type, it’s time to gather your supplies. You’ll need:
- New trimmer line: Choose a line that’s compatible with your trimmer head and the type of cutting you’ll be doing. Look for line that matches the recommended diameter and type for your mower.
- A pair of pliers or wire cutters: These will help you cut the line to the correct length.
- A small screwdriver: You may need this to access the line spool in some trimmer heads.
Stringing a Bump Head Trimmer
1. Remove the Old Line
- Locate the line feed button: Most bump heads have a line feed button located on the side of the head.
- Press the button and pull out the remaining line: This will remove the old line from the spool.
2. Install the New Line
- Thread the new line through the holes: Each bump head has two holes on the side where the line feeds out. Thread one end of the new line through one hole and the other end through the other hole.
- Wind the line around the spool: Starting with the end that’s already threaded, wind the new line around the spool in a clockwise direction.
- Keep winding until the spool is full: You should leave a small amount of line sticking out from the spool (about 1/4 inch).
3. Secure the Line
- Trim the excess line: Cut the line sticking out from the spool to about 1/4 inch.
- Secure the line ends: Use pliers to bend the line ends to prevent them from coming loose.
4. Test the Line
- Bump the head on the ground: This should feed out some new line.
- Check for proper feeding: Make sure the line is feeding out smoothly and that the ends are secure.
Stringing an Automatic Feed Head Trimmer
1. Remove the Old Line
- Locate the access cover: Automatic feed heads have a cover that allows you to access the line spool. This cover is typically located on the bottom or side of the head.
- Remove the cover: You may need a screwdriver to remove the cover, depending on the head’s design.
- Remove the old line: Pull out the old line from the spool.
2. Install the New Line
- Thread the new line through the spool: Automatic feed heads have a spool with a hole or slot for the line. Thread the new line through this hole or slot.
- Wind the line around the spool: Wind the new line around the spool in a clockwise direction. You’ll need to keep winding the line until the spool is full.
- Cut the line: Cut the line to the correct length, leaving a small amount of line sticking out from the spool.
- Replace the access cover: Make sure the cover is securely fastened.
3. Test the Line
- Turn on the trimmer: The trimmer should automatically feed out line as needed.
- Check for proper feeding: Make sure the line is feeding out smoothly and that the ends are secure.
Tips for Stringing Your Lawn Mower
Here are some additional tips to make the process easier and ensure you have a well-stringed lawn mower:
- Use the correct type of line: Always use the type of line recommended by the manufacturer of your lawn mower. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your trimmer head.
- Cut the line to the correct length: Too much line can cause tangling, while too little line will result in poor cutting performance. Most trimmer heads will have a guide for the correct line length.
- Be careful when using tools: When using pliers or wire cutters, always be careful to avoid pinching your fingers.
- Clean your trimmer head regularly: Dust, dirt, and debris can build up in your trimmer head, causing problems with line feeding and performance. Clean your trimmer head regularly with a brush or compressed air.
- Store your trimmer properly: When not in use, store your trimmer in a dry, clean place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some common problems you might encounter when restringing your lawn mower, along with solutions:
- The line won’t feed out: This could be due to a clogged line feed mechanism, a tangled line, or a broken line feed spring. Clean the line feed mechanism, untangle the line, or replace the spring as needed.
- The line keeps breaking: This could be due to using the wrong type of line, using line that is too thick, or having a worn-out line feed mechanism. Use the correct type of line, ensure the line is not too thick for your trimmer head, or replace the line feed mechanism as needed.
- The line won’t stay in the spool: This could be due to a loose line spool, a worn-out spool, or a damaged line feed mechanism. Tighten the spool, replace the spool, or replace the line feed mechanism as needed.
Conclusion
Stringing your lawn mower can be a quick and easy task, allowing you to save money and extend the life of your equipment. By following these steps, you can confidently restring your trimmer head and get back to mowing your lawn in no time. Remember to use the right type of line, keep your trimmer head clean, and store it properly to ensure it’s always ready for action.
FAQs
What type of string is best for my lawn mower?
The best type of string for your lawn mower will depend on the specific model and the type of grass you are mowing. Generally, square or round string is good for most lawns. However, if you have a thick, tough type of grass, you may want to use a thicker string that is designed for heavier use. Additionally, there are specialty strings made for certain types of grasses, such as bamboo or weed strings.
Always refer to your lawn mower’s manual for recommendations on string type and thickness.
How do I know when to replace my lawn mower string?
You will need to replace your lawn mower string when it becomes worn down or broken. This can happen gradually over time due to wear and tear, or it can happen suddenly if the string hits something hard, like a rock or a curb.
If you notice that your lawn mower is not cutting as well as it used to, or if you hear a rattling noise coming from the mower, it’s likely time to replace the string.
How do I remove the old string from my lawn mower?
To remove the old string, you will need to access the string head. This is typically done by releasing a small cover or button on the head. Once the cover is removed, you can use a screwdriver or other tool to unscrew the spool.
Once the spool is removed, you can gently pull the old string out of the head.
How do I load the new string onto the spool?
Loading the new string onto the spool will vary depending on the type of spool your lawn mower has.
Typically, you will need to wind the string around the spool, ensuring that it is wound in the correct direction. Some spools have a small notch or groove where you should start winding the string.
How do I cut the string to the correct length?
The length you need to cut your string will depend on your lawn mower model.
Typically, you’ll want to cut the string a little bit longer than the width of the mowing head. This will ensure that the string has enough length to reach the ground and cut the grass effectively.
How do I install the new string into the lawn mower head?
Once you have loaded the new string onto the spool, you can install the spool back into the mowing head.
This process usually involves lining up the spool with the slots in the mowing head and pushing it in place. Make sure the spool is fully seated before you tighten the cover or button.
What should I do if my string keeps breaking?
If your string keeps breaking, there could be a few reasons for this.
The string may be too thin or too short, or it could be getting caught on something inside the mowing head. You may also need to sharpen the blade or clean out any debris from the mowing head.
If you’re not sure what the problem is, it’s always best to consult your lawn mower’s manual or contact a professional for help.