Install a Simpler Weed Trimmer Head

Replace the trimmer head

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Photo 1: Remove trimmer head

Remove the spool of line from the trimmer housing. The most common method is to push in, twist and pull off the spool. If your trimmer head differs, follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the old head. The head is attached to the trimmer with a retaining nut or bolt. Ratchet it free and pull it off (some nuts and bolts will be reverse-threaded).

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Photo 2: Slide on the new head

Slip the large fender washer over the threaded shaft and the new trimmer head over the washer. Slide the triangular adapter piece onto the shaft and align with the triangular recess in the trimmer head.

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Photo 3: Fasten the head

Slide the small fender washer over the triangular adapter piece, attach the retaining nut and tighten it securely.

If you've ever struggled to replace or pull out a string trimmer line, you'll love this fix! The frustrating old trimmer head can be replaced with an easy-loading version (adapter required for some models). Echo Inc. (echo-usa.com) produces a universal trimmer head with a string-loading system so simple your kindergartner could figure it out. Short pieces of string line are pushed into the trimmer head, and a locking system catches the line like a fish on a hook. To change the line, simply pull it through the cutter head and push in a new piece.

Remove the old trimmer head as shown in Photo 1. Mounting procedures vary slightly, depending on the brand of trimmer you own, so consult the manual before attaching the new head. Photos 2 and 3 show how to mount the replacement head on machines with threaded shafts. Before mounting the new head, determine which triangular adapter piece and retaining nut fit the threaded shaft.