Ryobi trimmers use a two-line spool system that you load by hand, then snap into place

Ryobi string trimmers come with a removable spool that holds the cutting line. To replace the line, you unscrew the spool from the trimmer head, remove the old line, wind new line onto the spool by hand, and snap it back in. The whole job takes about five minutes once you have the right line diameter — usually 0.080 inches for most Ryobi models, though some use 0.065 inches.

The spool itself does not wear out. You keep the same spool and straightforward reload it with fresh line each time the old line breaks or wears down. Ryobi sells replacement line spools pre-wound if you want to swap rather than wind, but hand-loading costs less and works just as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryobi trimmers use a removable spool that you unscrew from the trimmer head by turning it counterclockwise by hand.
  • Most Ryobi models take 0.080-inch line, but check your manual or the spool itself to confirm the diameter before buying replacement line.
  • Wind the line onto the spool in the direction marked by the arrow on the spool, leaving about 6 inches of line free on each side to feed out.
  • Snap the spool back onto the trimmer head, pull the free line ends to extend them, and the trimmer is ready to cut.

What you need before you start

Buy replacement line that matches your trimmer model. Ryobi sells line in spools at hardware stores and online, usually labeled by diameter — 0.065 inch, 0.080 inch, or 0.095 inch. Check the spool on your trimmer or your manual to find the right size. Using the wrong diameter can cause the line to jam or feed poorly.

You do not need tools. The spool unscrews by hand. Have a flat work surface ready so you can lay out the spool and line without losing small parts. A pair of scissors or a utility knife helps cut the line cleanly, but is not required.

How to unscrew and remove the old spool

Unplug the trimmer or remove the battery. Locate the spool on the bottom of the trimmer head — it is the round plastic piece that holds the line. Grip the spool with your fingers and turn it counterclockwise until it comes free. Some Ryobi models have a small notch or flat spot on the spool to help you grip it.

Once the spool is off, pull out any remaining line. If the line is tangled or stuck, gently work it free with your fingers. Wipe the spool clean with a dry cloth to remove grass and dirt. Check the spool for cracks or damage. If the spool is cracked, you will need to buy a replacement spool rather than just new line.

Winding new line onto the spool

Look at the spool and find the arrow printed on it. This arrow shows the direction you must wind the line. Cut a length of line about 20 feet long from the spool you bought. Insert one end of the line into the small notch or slot at the edge of the spool — this is the starting point.

Wind the line tightly around the spool in the direction the arrow points. Keep the line flat and even as you wind so it does not bunch up or overlap. Wind until you have about 6 inches of line left free. Tuck the end of the line into the notch or slot on the opposite side of the spool to hold it in place. Repeat this process for the second line chamber on the other side of the spool.

Some Ryobi spools have two separate chambers, one on each side. If yours does, wind both chambers the same way — follow the arrow on each side, and leave 6 inches free on each end. If your spool has only one chamber, wind it once and you are done.

Reinstalling the spool on the trimmer head

Hold the spool so the line ends are pointing down toward the ground. Align the spool with the trimmer head and push it straight up onto the shaft. Turn the spool clockwise by hand until it is tight. Do not over-tighten — stop when you feel resistance.

Pull gently on each free line end to extend it out of the spool. The line should feed out smoothly. If it does not move, the spool may not be seated correctly. Remove it and try again, making sure the spool is pushed all the way onto the shaft before turning it clockwise.

Feeding out the line and testing

Once the spool is installed, pull each line end until about 4 to 6 inches of line extends beyond the spool. Some Ryobi trimmers have a small bump or guide on the trimmer head that cuts the line to the right length automatically. If yours does, pull the line until it touches the bump, then let go. The excess line will snap off.

Plug in the trimmer or install the battery. Hold the trimmer away from your body and turn it on briefly. The line should spin smoothly without wobbling or catching. If the line does not feed out or the spool does not spin, turn off the trimmer and check that the spool is seated correctly on the shaft.

When to replace the line versus the spool

Replace the line when it breaks, wears down to a stub, or becomes frayed. You can reload the same spool many times — Ryobi spools are designed to last the life of the trimmer. Replace the spool only if it cracks, if the notches that hold the line become stripped or damaged, or if the spool no longer screws onto the trimmer head tightly.

A cracked spool will leak line and cause feeding problems. A stripped notch will not hold the line in place during winding. If either happens, buy a replacement spool from Ryobi or a hardware store. Pre-wound spools cost more but save you the time of hand-loading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size line does my Ryobi trimmer use?

Most Ryobi string trimmers use 0.080-inch line, but some models use 0.065 inch or 0.095 inch. Check the spool itself — the diameter is usually printed on the plastic. You can also check your trimmer manual or the Ryobi website by entering your model number.

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

Yes. Any line of the correct diameter works in a Ryobi spool. You do not have to buy Ryobi brand. Hardware stores sell generic line in the same sizes. Buy by diameter, not by brand, and you will have no problems.

How often do I need to replace the line?

It depends on how often you trim and what you cut. Light residential use might need new line every few months. Heavy use or cutting thick weeds can wear line down in weeks. You will know it is time when the line breaks, becomes too short to cut, or starts to fray at the tips.

What if the line will not feed out of the spool?

Make sure the spool is screwed on tightly and seated all the way onto the shaft. Check that the line is not tangled inside the spool. If the line is wound too loosely, it may not feed. Unwind and rewind it more tightly, leaving 6 inches free on each end.

Do I need to buy a new spool or can I keep reloading the same one?

Keep reloading the same spool. Ryobi spools are reusable and designed to last for years. You only need to buy a new spool if it cracks or the notches wear out. Most people replace the line dozens of times before the spool itself needs replacing.