How to Replace the Reel and Line Assembly 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.

Eventually, the reel on your trimmer head will wear out (or run out of line). This reel and line assembly consists of a new reel (spool) that is pre-wrapped with trimmer line, making it an ideal solution for anybody seeking to avoid the hassle of wrapping new line onto an empty reel. Replacing the reel is very easy to do.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the reel and line assembly on a Ryobi trimmer.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE REEL [top] 1. Remove the reel and line assembly.

Unscrew (and remove) the bump head knob.

Remove the reel and line assembly.

  INSTALLING THE NEW REEL [top] 2. Install the reel and line assembly.

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

The new reel and line assembly is shipped with the two lines twisted together. Untwist the lines and clip them 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.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 3. 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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