One of the most common maintenance tasks you’ll encounter is restringing the trimmer. Fortunately, this is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this post, we will walk you through the process step by step. Let’s jump in.

How to Restring a Kobalt Weed Trimmer
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Replacement Trimmer Line: Make sure it’s the right diameter for your model (most Kobalt models use 0.080-inch or 0.095-inch lines).
- Scissors or a Utility Knife: To cut the trimmer line.
- Gloves (optional): For a better grip and protection from sharp edges.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start, ensure the weed trimmer is turned off and disconnected from any power source. If you’re using a cordless Kobalt trimmer, remove the battery. This prevents accidental starts while you’re working on the trimmer.
Step 2: Remove the Spool Cap
The spool cap is located at the base of the trimmer head. To remove it, press the release tabs on both sides of the cap, and it should pop right off. If the cap is stiff, use a little extra force, but don’t yank it too hard to avoid damaging the plastic.
Step 3: Take Out the Old Line
With the spool cap removed, you’ll see the old trimmer line wrapped around the spool. Pull out any remaining pieces of the old line. If the line is tangled, use scissors or a utility knife to cut and remove the tangled portions. Clean out any debris or grass clippings from the spool area as well.
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Step 4: Measure and Cut the New Line
Next, you’ll need to measure and cut a suitable length of new trimmer line. For most Kobalt models, a length of about 10 to 15 feet is sufficient, but check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct length for your particular trimmer. Once measured, use your scissors or knife to cut the line cleanly.
Step 5: Winding the Line onto the Spool
Here’s where some attention to detail is needed. Most Kobalt weed trimmers feature a dual-line system, meaning you’ll need to wind two separate lines onto the spool.
- Locate the anchor holes: On the spool, you’ll find two small anchor holes or slots. Insert one end of the first line into one of these holes, and pull it through to secure it.
- Wind the line: Begin wrapping the line around the spool, following the directional arrows indicated on the spool (usually clockwise). Be sure to wrap it neatly in rows without crossing the lines over each other. This ensures a smooth feed when you start trimming.
- Repeat for the second line: If your trimmer uses a dual-line system, repeat the process with the second line, anchoring it in the second hole on the spool and winding it in the same direction.
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Step 6: Secure the Line in Place
Once both lines are wound onto the spool, leave about 6 inches of line extending from each side. These are the cutting lines that will extend out of the trimmer head when you operate the trimmer. Secure the lines in the notches on the edge of the spool to prevent them from unraveling before reassembling.
Step 7: Reinstall the Spool
Carefully place the wound spool back into the trimmer head, making sure the lines are still secured in their notches. Line up the spool with the trimmer head and push it down into place. The lines should extend through the holes on either side of the trimmer head.
Step 8: Snap the Cap Back On
With the spool in place, take the spool cap and snap it back onto the trimmer head by aligning it with the tabs and pressing down until you hear it click. Ensure the cap is secured tightly.
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Step 9: Extend the Line
Once the cap is back on, pull gently on both ends of the trimmer line to release them from the notches on the spool. The lines should now extend out of the trimmer head evenly. If they’re not extending equally, open the cap again and adjust the lines before snapping the cap back on.
Step 10: Test the Trimmer
With the spool reassembled, it’s time to test your work. Reattach the battery or reconnect your power source, and turn the trimmer on. The line should automatically feed out to the correct length once you start trimming. If the line seems too short, bump the trimmer head on the ground a couple of times to advance more line.
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Tips for a Smooth Restringing Process
- Always use the correct line size: Kobalt trimmers are designed to work with specific line diameters. Using a line that’s too thick or too thin can affect performance and may even damage the trimmer. Refer to your trimmer’s manual for the recommended line size.
- Wrap the line evenly: Uneven or overlapping lines can cause jams when trimming. Take your time when winding the line to ensure it lays flat and doesn’t overlap excessively.
- Replace the line regularly: Over time, the trimmer line wears down, especially if you’re working around hard surfaces like fences or sidewalks. Keep an eye on the line’s length and replace it when it gets too short.
- Use high-quality trimmer line: Opt for a durable, high-quality trimmer line. It may cost a bit more, but it will last longer and perform better, saving you time in the long run.
Troubleshooting Common Restring Issues
1. Line Not Advancing
If the trimmer line isn’t feeding out properly, there could be a few reasons for this:
- Spool may be jammed: Open the cap and check for any tangled line or debris inside the spool.
- Line may be too short: If the line is cut too short, it might not be able to advance. Pull out some extra lines manually and restart the trimmer.
- Cap not secured: Ensure the spool cap is clicked in place properly. If it’s loose, the line may not feed correctly.
2. Uneven Line Length
Sometimes, one side of the line might be longer than the other. If this happens:
- Open the spool cap and check that both lines are wound evenly.
- Make sure both lines are pulled out to equal lengths before snapping the cap back on.
3. Trimmer Line Breaking Too Quickly
If the line breaks frequently, it could be due to:
- Low-quality line: Try upgrading to a more durable line that’s designed for tougher conditions.
- Obstacles: Avoid trimming too close to hard surfaces like rocks or metal fences, as these can cause the line to snap quickly.
FAQ
How to restring a Kobalt string trimmer?
- Turn off the trimmer and remove the battery or unplug it.
- Remove the spool cap by pressing the release tabs on either side.
- Remove any old line from the spool.
- Cut about 10-15 feet of replacement trimmer line, depending on the model.
- Insert the end of the line into the anchor hole in the spool and wind it evenly, following the directional arrows.
- Leave about 6 inches of line extending out on each side, and secure the line in the spool’s notches.
- Reinstall the spool into the trimmer head, snap the cap back in place, and test the trimmer.
How do you put string on a weed trimmer?
- Power off the trimmer and remove the battery if it’s cordless.
- Remove the spool cap to access the old trimmer line.
- Pull out any old line and clean the spool.
- Measure and cut the appropriate length of new line (typically 10-15 feet).
- Insert the end of the line into the anchor hole on the spool and wind it tightly, following the arrow directions on the spool.
- Secure the line in the notches and leave about 6 inches of line extending on both sides.
- Reassemble the spool and cap into the trimmer head, ensuring the line extends through the eyelets.
How to install cutting line on Kobalt 80V trimmer?
- Make sure the trimmer is powered off and remove the battery.
- Press the release tabs to remove the spool cap.
- Cut about 15 feet of 0.080-inch or 0.095-inch trimmer line.
- Insert the line into the anchor hole of the spool and wind the line in the direction indicated on the spool.
- Secure the line ends in the notches, leaving about 6 inches extending from each side.
- Reinstall the spool into the trimmer head and snap the cap back in place.
- Pull the line out of the notches and test the trimmer for proper line feed.
How do you replace a weed wacker trimmer line?
- Turn off the weed wacker and unplug or remove the battery.
- Remove the spool cap by pressing the side tabs.
- Clear out the old line and clean the spool.
- Cut the proper length of new trimmer line, typically around 10-15 feet.
- Insert one end of the line into the anchor hole and wind it neatly around the spool in the indicated direction.
- Leave about 6 inches of line extending out and secure the line in the spool notches.
- Replace the spool and cap, pulling the lines through the eyelets, and test it to ensure proper feeding.
How do you remove the head from a Kobalt string trimmer?
- Make sure the trimmer is powered off and remove the battery.
- Look for a small hole on the trimmer shaft near the head—this is the locking hole.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the hole to lock the shaft.
- While holding the shaft still, twist the trimmer head counterclockwise to unscrew it from the shaft.
- Once loose, you can lift off the trimmer head for maintenance or replacement.
How do you refill a string trimmer?
- Power off the trimmer and disconnect the battery or unplug it.
- Open the trimmer head by pressing the release tabs on the spool cap.
- Remove any remaining line from the spool and clean it if needed.
- Cut a new length of line (10-15 feet) and insert one end into the anchor hole on the spool.
- Wind the line according to the directional arrows marked on the spool.
- Leave around 6 inches of line on both sides and secure it in the notches.
- Replace the spool into the trimmer head, snap the cap back on, and pull the line through the eyelets before testing the trimmer.
Final Word
Restringing your Kobalt weed trimmer is a quick and easy task once you get the hang of it. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your trimmer in top shape and ready for action whenever your yard needs attention.