Is your EGO string trimmer sputtering to a halt, leaving those pesky weeds victorious? You’re not alone. The most common reason for a string trimmer to lose its cutting power isn’t a faulty engine, but rather a simple issue: running out of trimmer line. Knowing how to properly reload your EGO string trimmer is a fundamental skill for any homeowner who wants to maintain a pristine yard.
Don’t let a depleted spool of line sideline your yard work. This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of loading new trimmer line into your EGO string trimmer, ensuring you get back to taming your lawn with confidence and efficiency. We’ll cover everything from identifying the right line to the final click that secures your spool.
How to Load a Ego String Trimmer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your EGO string trimmer fed with fresh line is crucial for maintaining its performance and ensuring your yard stays impeccably manicured. While EGO string trimmers are known for their user-friendly design, the process of reloading the trimmer head might seem a little daunting at first. Fear not! We’re here to demystify the process. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this essential maintenance task like a pro.
Understanding Your Ego String Trimmer Head
Before we dive into the loading process, it’s important to understand the basic components of your EGO string trimmer head. Most EGO models utilize a “Rapid Reload” head, designed for quick and easy line replacement. The key parts you’ll interact with are:
- The Trimmer Head Shell: This is the main housing of the spool assembly.
- The Spool: This is where the trimmer line is wound. It often has a central hole and notches or guides.
- The Feed Eyelets (or Holes): These are the openings where the trimmer line exits the spool and head.
- The “Click” Mechanisms: These are often tabs or buttons that help you align and secure the two halves of the trimmer head.
What Kind of Trimmer Line Should You Use?
The type of trimmer line you use can significantly impact your EGO string trimmer’s performance and longevity. EGO recommends specific types of line for their trimmers. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact specifications. However, generally speaking, you’ll want to consider:
- Line Diameter: This is the thickness of the line. Common diameters for residential trimmers are .065″, .080″, and .095″. Using a line that is too thick can put excessive strain on your trimmer’s motor, while a line that is too thin might break too easily. For most EGO models, .080″ is a good starting point.
- Line Shape: Trimmer line comes in various shapes, including round, twisted, square, and star-shaped. While round line is standard, twisted or shaped lines can offer improved cutting performance and durability, especially against tougher weeds.
- Line Material: Most trimmer lines are made from nylon or a nylon composite. Higher-quality lines are more resistant to breaking and fraying.
Tip: It’s often best to purchase pre-wound spools specifically designed for your EGO model if available. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures compatibility.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Load a Ego String Trimmer
Now, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps carefully to reload your EGO string trimmer head. We’ll assume you have a standard EGO Rapid Reload head.
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Safety First: Disconnect the Power Source
Before you do anything else, ensure your string trimmer is completely powered off and the battery is removed. This is a critical safety step to prevent accidental activation while you’re working with the trimmer head.
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Remove the Trimmer Head (if Necessary)
Some EGO models allow you to reload the head while it’s attached to the trimmer shaft. However, for easier access and to ensure proper winding, many users prefer to remove the head. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific procedure for your model. Typically, this might involve unscrewing the head from the shaft or releasing a locking mechanism. (See Also: how to clean trimmer blades)
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Access the Spool
Locate the “click” points or seam on your trimmer head. These are usually indicated by arrows or small notches. You’ll need to align these points to release the head. Many EGO heads have a button or tab that you press while twisting the two halves of the head in opposite directions. You might hear a click as it releases. If it’s a screw-on cap, simply unscrew it.
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Remove the Old Spool and Debris
Once the trimmer head is open, carefully lift out the old spool. This is a good opportunity to clean out any tangled line, grass clippings, or dirt from the head assembly. Use a brush or a damp cloth for this. Check the feed eyelets for any blockages.
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Prepare Your New Trimmer Line
You have two main options here: using a pre-wound replacement spool or winding your own line. We’ll cover both.
Option a: Using a Pre-Wound Replacement Spool
If you purchased a pre-wound spool, simply take it out of its packaging. Ensure it’s the correct diameter and type for your EGO trimmer.
Option B: Winding Your Own Trimmer Line
This is a more economical option and gives you more control over the line. You’ll need a length of bulk trimmer line (ensure it’s the correct diameter and material, usually around 15-25 feet, depending on your spool capacity).
Step 5.1: Cut the Line
Cut a length of trimmer line. The exact length depends on your spool’s capacity and your trimmer model, but a good starting point is around 20 feet. You can always trim excess later.
Step 5.2: Find the Center and Wind (See Also: how to reload ego string trimmer)
Locate the approximate center of your cut line. You’ll want to wind the line onto the spool so that you have two equal lengths extending from the center. This ensures even feeding.
Step 5.3: Secure One End
Insert one end of the line into one of the notches or a designated starting point on the spool. Many spools have a small slot or hook to secure the end of the line while you begin winding.
Step 5.4: Wind Tightly and Evenly
Begin winding the line onto the spool. Wind in the direction indicated by any arrows on the spool or within the trimmer head assembly. It’s crucial to wind the line tightly and evenly. Avoid overlapping the line, as this can cause it to tangle and jam. If you have two equal lengths, wind one length on one side of the spool and the other length on the opposite side, following the spool’s guides.
Step 5.5: Secure the Second End
Once you’ve wound the line, secure the second end into the other notch or designated slot on the spool. This prevents the line from unraveling.
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Install the Spool Back Into the Trimmer Head
Carefully place the newly wound spool (or the pre-wound spool) back into the trimmer head housing. Ensure the line is properly seated in any guides or channels. Make sure the two ends of the line are positioned to feed through the eyelets of the trimmer head. (See Also: how to use a beard trimmer)
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Reassemble the Trimmer Head
Align the two halves of the trimmer head. Look for the alignment marks or arrows you noted earlier. Push the two halves together and twist them in the opposite direction you used to separate them. You should hear a satisfying “click” when it’s properly secured. If your head has a screw-on cap, simply screw it back on tightly.
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Thread the Line Through the Eyelets
This is a crucial step that many overlook. After reassembling the head, you need to ensure the ends of the trimmer line are protruding through the feed eyelets. If they aren’t, gently pull on the line ends or use a small tool to guide them through. You want about 4-6 inches of line sticking out from each eyelet.
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Reinstall the Trimmer Head (if Removed)
If you removed the trimmer head, reattach it to the trimmer shaft according to your owner’s manual. Ensure it’s securely fastened.
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Test the Line Feed
Before you start trimming, it’s a good idea to test the line feed. Reinsert the battery. Turn the trimmer on briefly and engage the trigger. The line should spin. Most EGO models have an automatic bump-feed mechanism. You might need to tap the trimmer head gently on the ground while the trimmer is running at a moderate speed to advance the line. You should see more line extend. If it doesn’t, you may need to disassemble and recheck your winding or line threading.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Line breaks frequently | Line is too thin, line is old/brittle, hitting hard objects | Use recommended diameter line, use fresh line, avoid hard surfaces |
| Line won’t feed | Line tangled on spool, line jammed in eyelets, incorrect winding | Disassemble and re-wind, clear eyelets, ensure tight and even winding |
| Trimmer head won’t reassemble | Spool not seated correctly, debris in head, wrong spool | Reseat spool, clean head, verify correct spool |
| Trimmer vibrates excessively | Line is unevenly wound, line is unbalanced | Re-wind spool carefully, ensure even distribution of line |
Tips for Efficient Line Winding
- Use the Right Tool: A pair of sharp cutters (like wire cutters or scissors) will make cutting the line clean and easy.
- Keep it Taut: Always wind the line with consistent tension. Loose winding leads to tangles.
- Follow the Direction: Pay attention to any arrows on the spool or within the trimmer head that indicate the correct winding direction.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might seem like more line is better, overfilling the spool can cause jamming. Stick to the capacity recommended by your EGO manual.
- Store Line Properly: Keep bulk trimmer line in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent it from becoming brittle.
When to Consider a New Trimmer Head
While reloading is a routine task, sometimes the trimmer head itself can become worn or damaged. If you notice significant wear on the eyelets, cracks in the housing, or if the head consistently jams despite proper line loading, it might be time to consider replacing the entire trimmer head. This is usually a straightforward replacement process, often involving unscrewing the old head and screwing on a new one.
Regularly inspecting your trimmer head for damage or excessive wear will help you identify when a replacement is necessary, ensuring your EGO string trimmer always operates at its best.
Conclusion
Reloading your EGO string trimmer is a simple yet essential skill for any homeowner. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly and efficiently replenish your trimmer line, ensuring your yard work is never interrupted by a depleted spool. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct line, and wind it tightly and evenly for optimal performance. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at keeping your EGO string trimmer ready for action.
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