How to Replace the C-Clip on a Ryobi Trimmer

String trimmer out of whack? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a legendary landscaper or a weekend weed whacker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The c-clip is part of the trimmer head assembly. Its purpose is to secure the plunger to the spindle. The c-clip typically only needs to be replaced as part of a more complex repair procedure. Replacing the clip is very easy to do.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the c-clip on a Ryobi trimmer.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE C-CLIP [top] 1. Remove the reel and line assembly.

Unscrew (and remove) the bump head knob.

Remove the reel and line assembly.

  2. Remove the C-Clip.

Depress the plunger slightly, and use a pick or small screwdriver to disengage (and remove) the C-clip from the shaft.

  INSTALLING THE NEW C-CLIP [top] 3. Install the C-Clip.

Depress the plunger against the slider until the groove for the C-clip becomes visible on the metal shaft.

Use long-nosed pliers to install the C-clip into the groove on the metal shaft (and secure the plunger).

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 4. Reinstall the reel and line assembly.

Note that the reel assembly contains an assortment of slots (clips) for holding the line in place. The V-shaped clips are designed to hold line in place for longer periods of time (such as storing pre-wound reels). The L-shaped clips are designed to temporarily hold the line in place for installation of the reel assembly.

Rewind the spool until approximately 6 inches of line remains exposed for each of the two lanes. Clip the exposed line into the L-shaped slots on each side of the reel.

Thread the lines through the metal eyelets on the spool (one line per eyelet). The lines should pass from the inside of the spool to the outside.

Install the reel assembly onto the shaft.

Once the reel is seated within the outer spool, gently tug on the two lines to free them from the temporary clips.

  5. Reinstall the bump head knob assembly.

Install the bump head knob assembly onto the shaft.

Compress the spring while rotating the bump head knob until the internal threads engage.

Continue rotating the bump head knob until the assembly is hand-tight.

You don't have to leverage your savings to level your lawns. As you just learned, repairing your own equipment is easy when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you restore trimmer functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off of future repairs, wherever you may find them.

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