The fastest way to reload your Ryobi trimmer

Most Ryobi string trimmers use a bump-feed head, which means you load the line by hand, tap the head on the ground to advance it, and replace it when it runs out. The whole job takes about five minutes and requires no tools beyond the trimmer line itself.

The process is the same across most Ryobi models — including the 40V cordless trimmers and the gas-powered versions. You'll remove the spool, wind new line onto it, and snap it back in place. The only variation is whether your trimmer has a fixed spool or a removable one, and you'll know which you have the moment you look at the head.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryobi bump-feed heads come off by twisting the cap counterclockwise by hand — no wrench needed.
  • Wind the line in the direction marked on the spool, usually indicated by an arrow, and leave about 6 inches of line sticking out on each side.
  • Use .080-inch or .095-inch diameter line depending on your trimmer model; check the spool or manual to confirm which one yours takes.
  • If the spool won't come off, you may have a fixed head that requires you to feed line through a hole instead of removing the entire spool.

What you need before you start

Buy replacement trimmer line that matches your Ryobi model's diameter. Most Ryobi cordless trimmers use .080-inch line, while some gas models and heavy-duty versions use .095-inch. The easiest way to confirm is to look at the spool itself — it usually has the size printed on it — or check your trimmer's manual.

You can buy Ryobi brand line or any universal trimmer line in the correct diameter. A standard spool of line costs between $5 and $15 and will reload your trimmer many times over. You do not need any tools; your hands are enough.

How to remove the trimmer head

Unplug the trimmer or remove the battery so it cannot start while you work. Locate the cap on top of the trimmer head — it's the round plastic piece in the center. Grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise by hand. It will come loose after a few turns.

Once the cap is off, the spool will either lift straight out or stay attached to the head. If it lifts out, set it on a clean surface. If it stays attached, you have a fixed spool, and you'll feed line through the holes in the head instead of removing it (see the section below for that method).

Winding line onto a removable spool

Look at the spool for an arrow or the words "wind this way." That arrow shows you the direction to wind. Insert one end of the trimmer line into the slot or notch at the edge of the spool — there's usually a small opening designed to catch the line. Wind the line tightly around the spool in the direction the arrow points, keeping tension as you go so the line sits flat and doesn't bunch up.

Stop when you have about 6 inches of line left unwound. This tail will stick out of the spool and feed into the trimmer head. If you wind too much line onto the spool, it won't fit back into the head; if you wind too little, you'll run out of line too quickly.

Once the spool is wound, insert the loose end of the line into the slot on the opposite side of the spool — most Ryobi spools have two slots, one for each line end. This keeps the line from unwinding while you reinstall the spool.

Reinstalling the spool and cap

Lower the wound spool back into the trimmer head, making sure the line ends are pointing outward toward the cutting head. The spool should sit flat and spin freely. Screw the cap back on by turning it clockwise by hand until it's snug — do not over-tighten, as you can crack the plastic.

Once the cap is tight, pull each line end so it extends about 4 to 6 inches from the trimmer head. This is the cutting length. If the line is too short, tap the trimmer head gently on the ground while the trimmer is running (after you've plugged it back in or reinserted the battery) — the bump-feed mechanism will advance the line automatically.

Loading line into a fixed spool head

If your spool doesn't come out, you have a fixed head. Look for two holes or slots on the sides of the head — these are where the line feeds through. Cut a length of trimmer line about 20 feet long and fold it in half to find the midpoint.

Insert the folded midpoint into one hole so the loop sticks out slightly. Pull both ends of the line so they're even, then feed one end into the other hole. You should now have two line ends of equal length sticking out of the head. Pull them to your desired cutting length — usually 4 to 6 inches — and you're done.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is winding the line in the wrong direction. If you wind against the arrow, the line will unwind as soon as you start the trimmer. Always check the arrow before you wind, and if you're unsure, wind a small amount first, reinstall the spool, and test it — you can always rewind if it's wrong.

Another mistake is leaving too much line on the spool. If the spool won't fit back into the head or the cap won't close, you've wound too much. Unwind some line and try again. It's better to reload twice than to force the cap and crack it.

Finally, don't forget to pull the line ends out after you reinstall the spool. If the line is still tucked into the slots, it won't cut, and you'll think the trimmer is broken when it's just not loaded correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to replace the trimmer line?

It depends on how much you use the trimmer and what you're cutting. Thick weeds and hitting rocks or pavement will wear the line faster. Most people reload every few weeks during mowing season. You'll know it's time when the line gets noticeably shorter or stops cutting cleanly.

Can I use a different brand of trimmer line in my Ryobi?

Yes. Any universal trimmer line in the correct diameter (.080 or .095 inch) will work in a Ryobi trimmer. You don't have to buy Ryobi brand line, though it's available if you prefer it.

What if the cap won't unscrew?

Try wrapping a rubber band around the cap for better grip, then turn counterclockwise. If it's still stuck, let the trimmer sit for a few minutes — sometimes plastic caps stick when they're warm. Never use a wrench or pliers, as you'll crack the plastic.

How much line should stick out of the trimmer head?

Aim for 4 to 6 inches on each side. This is long enough to cut effectively but short enough that it won't wrap around obstacles. If you want a longer cutting width, you can pull more line out, but it will wear faster.

Can I wind the line by hand or do I need a tool?

You can wind by hand. It's slower than using a power drill with a spool adapter, but it works fine and gives you better control. Just keep tension on the line as you wind so it sits flat on the spool.