How to Replace the Lever on a Black & Decker String Trimmer

Does the trimmer line feed out of your trimmer uncontrollably? If so, you probably need a new lever. Your trimmer is equipped with an auto-feed spool. It works off centrifugal force, and automatically feeds out more line as the line wears away. Over time, the lever can become worn. Eventually, it won't stop the line from feeding out, creating a mess of line around the trimmer head.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE LEVER   1. Remove the spool.

a. Depress the plastic tabs on (both) sides of the cover.

b. Pull the cover away from the trimmer head.

c. Remove the spool from the trimmer head.

  2. Remove the lever.

a. Insert a flat-head screwdriver through one of the eyelets on the trimmer head.

b. Slide the screwdriver under the lever.

c. Twist the screwdriver slightly to disengage the lever from the trimmer head.

INSTALLING THE NEW LEVER

  3. Install the lever.

a. Align the opening on the new lever with the mounting post on the trimmer head. (The metal tab on the lever should be facing away from the trimmer head).

b. Press the new lever firmly onto the post. (The lever should snap into place.)

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the spool.

a. Thread the end of the trimmer line through the eyelet in the trimmer head (from inside to outside).

b. Install the spool onto the trimmer head.

c. Rotate the spool (slowly) until the tab on the lever engages the slot on the underside of the spool.

  5. Reinstall the cover.

a. Align the locking tabs on the cover with the openings on the sides of the trimmer head.

b. Press the cover firmly onto the trimmer head (until the tabs engage the slots).