How to Replace the Inner Reel on a Bolens String Trimmer

The inner reel is the spool that the trimmer line is wrapped around. It has a series of tabs on top that -- along with the outer spool -- allow the trimmer head to feed out more line when it is tapped to the ground. Common problems with the inner reel are wear to the control tabs. This can cause the trimmer head to feed no line, or to feed line uncontrollably. The spool divider (which separates the two pieces of trimmer line) can also wear out. This can cause the line to jam and/or not feed consistently.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE INNER REEL   1. Remove the inner reel.

a. Unscrew and remove the bump head knob.

b. Remove the inner reel from the outer spool.

c. Remove excess line from the inner reel (for use on the new reel).

INSTALLING THE NEW INNER REEL

  2. Install the trimmer line.

a. Insert one end of the trimmer line into one of the holes on the new inner reel. (There are two holes: one on each side of the spool divider.)

b. Wrap the trimmer line around the new inner reel in the direction indicated by the arrow on the back of the reel.

c. Secure the trimmer line in one of the retaining notches on the new reel.

d. Repeat this step to install the second trimmer line onto the new inner reel.

  3. Install the new inner reel.

a. Thread the ends of the trimmer line through the eyelets on the outer spool (one line through each eyelet).

b. Install the inner reel onto the spindle assembly (within the outer spool).

c. Pull the trimmer lines to disengage them from the retaining notches on the inner reel.

d. Secure the inner reel with the bump knob.