How Do I Reload a Stihl String Trimmer?

Shut off the engine and pull off the black rubber spark plug boot.

Lay the trimmer on its back with the cutting head facing up.

Press down on the spool with your left hand and rotate the cutting head cap counterclockwise. Remove the cap and put it on one side.

Remove the spool from the mowing head and strip out any remaining nylon line. Leave the compression spring over the shaft below the spool.

Cut two 10-foot lengths of green-coded 0.08-inch-diameter nylon line from its reel with a utility knife.

Insert 3 inches of line into the holes in the upper and lower pulley grooves in the spool.

Bend the ends of the lines backward over the holes to form a hook. Wind the lines tightly around their respective pulley grooves in a counterclockwise direction, so that the lines are wrapped over the hooked ends. Slip each line into their respective notches on either side of the spool.

Thread the ends of the lines through the opposing holes in the outer sleeve. Check to see that the compression spring is still in place. Slide the spool onto the drive shaft and push it down until it snaps into position.

Replace the spool cap and thread it clockwise onto the shaft until it is finger tight. Pull the ends of the line out as far as the stops on the mowing head. Replace the spark plug boot, re-start the engine and continue trimming your lawn.