The fastest way to reload your Ryobi trimmer

Most Ryobi trimmers use a bump-feed head or an automatic feed head, and both reload the same way: you wind new line onto the spool, snap the spool back into the head, and you are done. The whole job takes five minutes. You do not need tools, and the line costs between $5 and $15 per spool depending on the model.

The exact steps depend on whether your trimmer has a fixed spool or a removable one. Fixed spools stay attached to the trimmer head; you wind the line in place. Removable spools pop out so you can wind the line at a table. Most newer Ryobi models use removable spools because they are faster and less fiddly.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryobi trimmers come with either a removable spool (which pops out) or a fixed spool (which stays on the trimmer), and the reload method is slightly different for each.
  • You need to know your trimmer's line diameter — usually 0.080 inch or 0.095 inch — because using the wrong size will jam the head or feed poorly.
  • Wind the line in the direction marked on the spool, usually counterclockwise, and leave about 6 inches of line loose so the feed mechanism can grab it.
  • If your trimmer has a bump-feed head, you tap the bottom on the ground to release more line as it wears; if it has automatic feed, the line advances on its own.

Find your trimmer model and line size

Open the manual or look at the spool itself. Ryobi prints the line diameter on the spool housing — it is usually 0.080 inch (thin, for light grass) or 0.095 inch (thicker, for weeds and light brush). Using the wrong size will cause the line to jam in the feed holes or not feed at all.

If you have lost the manual, search "Ryobi [your model number] manual" online. The model number is on a sticker on the trimmer body, usually near the motor or handle. Ryobi's website has PDFs for every model, and they list the correct line diameter in the parts section.

Remove the spool if yours is removable

Look at the trimmer head. If you see a large cap or button in the center, your spool is removable. Press or twist that cap counterclockwise (or follow the arrow marked on it) until it comes free. The spool will drop out into your hand.

If there is no removable cap and the head looks like one solid piece, your spool is fixed. Skip this step and go to "Wind the line on a fixed spool" below.

Wind the line on a removable spool

Lay the spool on a table with the line holes facing up. You will see two or three slots or holes around the edge — these are where the line anchors. Look for an arrow printed on the spool showing which direction to wind. Most Ryobi spools wind counterclockwise.

Cut a piece of line about 20 feet long. Insert one end into the anchor slot nearest you and push it in until it catches. Wind the line around the spool in the direction of the arrow, keeping it tight and laying it flat so the coils do not overlap. Stop when you have wound about 18 feet and the spool is nearly full.

Leave the last 6 inches of line loose. Insert the loose end into the second anchor slot on the opposite side of the spool. This loose end is what the feed mechanism will grab when you reassemble the head.

Wind the line on a fixed spool

If your spool does not come out, you will wind the line while it is still on the trimmer. Locate the two anchor slots on the spool head — they are usually small notches or holes on opposite sides. Look for a directional arrow on the head itself.

Cut a piece of line about 20 feet long. Insert one end into the first anchor slot and push it in firmly. Wind the line around the spool in the direction shown by the arrow, keeping the coils tight and flat. Wind until the spool is nearly full, then insert the loose end into the second anchor slot, leaving about 6 inches free.

Reinstall the spool and test the feed

If you removed the spool, align the two loose line ends with the feed holes in the trimmer head (usually two small openings on opposite sides). Slide the spool back into the head and twist the center cap clockwise until it is snug. Do not over-tighten — hand-tight is enough.

If your spool was fixed, you are already done. Tap the trimmer head gently on the ground. If you have a bump-feed head, this should release a small amount of line. If you have automatic feed, the line should advance on its own when you start the trimmer. Trim a few passes to see if the line feeds smoothly. If it jams or does not feed, the line may be wound in the wrong direction or the loose ends may not be seated in the feed holes correctly — unwind and try again.

Bump-feed versus automatic feed

A bump-feed head requires you to tap the bottom of the trimmer head on the ground while the engine is running. Each tap releases a measured amount of line. This gives you control over how much line you use, but you have to remember to bump it as the line wears.

An automatic feed head advances the line on its own as it wears, so you never have to tap. Ryobi calls this the "AutoFeed" system on some models. Automatic feed is more convenient but slightly more expensive to replace if the mechanism breaks. Both types reload the same way — the difference is only in how they dispense the line once it is loaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the line keeps jamming after I reload it?

The line is usually wound in the wrong direction or the loose ends are not seated in the feed holes. Unwind the spool completely and check the arrow on the spool or head — it should point the direction you wind. Rewind slowly and make sure the loose ends snap into the feed holes with a click before you reassemble.

Can I use a different line diameter than what the manual says?

No. Using a thicker line than specified will jam the feed mechanism. Using a thinner line will slip through the feed holes and not cut. Stick to the diameter printed on your spool or in the manual.

How often do I need to reload the spool?

It depends on how much you trim. Light residential use might need a reload every few weeks. Heavy use could need a reload every few days. You will know it is time when the line gets too short to cut grass effectively or when you have to bump the head very frequently.

Do I have to buy Ryobi brand line?

No. Any trimmer line of the correct diameter will work. Ryobi brand line is usually available at home centers and online, but generic line of the same thickness costs less and performs the same way.

What should I do with the old spool?

If it is removable, you can save it and rewind it later — spools are reusable. If you do not want to keep it, throw it in the trash. Do not burn it or leave it in the sun for long periods, as the plastic can warp.