Reloading my Ego string trimmer used to feel complicated. I remember the first time I tried. I had the new line in one hand and the trimmer head in the other. I thought, “How hard can this be?” But after a few tangled attempts, I realized there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to do it.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by this job, you’re not alone. I’ve made every mistake possible, and I want to save you the same trouble. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about reloading an Ego string trimmer.
I’ll share simple steps, tips from real use, and even a few tricks that make the whole process faster. Whether you’re new to yard work or just want to reload your Ego trimmer with less hassle, this is for you.
Understanding The Ego String Trimmer
Before we jump into the steps, it helps to know how the Ego string trimmer works. Most Ego trimmers use a bump-feed head. This means you “bump” the head on the ground to advance more string as you work. The string (or line) is what actually cuts the grass and weeds.
Ego trimmers are famous for their Powerload heads. This system makes reloading much easier than old trimmers. Instead of winding the line by hand, you just feed it through and press a button. But even with Powerload, you need to know the basics.
I’ve used both regular and Powerload heads. Both types need the right line size (usually 0. 095-inch diameter) and the right reloading steps. Using the wrong line or rushing the process can cause jams, poor cutting, or even damage.
What You Need Before Reloading
You don’t need many tools to reload an Ego string trimmer. Still, it’s best to prepare everything first. Here’s what I always have on hand:
- Replacement trimmer line (0.095-inch is standard for Ego, but check your model)
- Gloves (to protect your hands from sharp edges)
- Clean cloth (to wipe off any dirt)
- Scissors or wire cutters (to trim the line to the right length)
Using the wrong line size is a mistake I made once. I tried a thicker line, thinking it would cut better. Instead, it jammed the head and made a mess. Always check your trimmer’s manual for the recommended size.
Step-by-step: Reloading Ego String Trimmer Line
Here’s how I reload my Ego string trimmer, based on real experience. I’ll cover both the classic bump-feed head and the newer Powerload head.
Reloading The Classic Bump-feed Head
1. Turn Off And Unplug
Safety first. I always remove the battery before starting. This stops any chance of the trimmer turning on by mistake.
2. Remove The Cap
Press the two tabs on the head and lift off the cap. Sometimes dirt makes this tricky. If it sticks, a gentle wiggle does the trick.
3. Clean The Inside
I use a cloth to wipe out any grass, dirt, or old bits of line. A clean head reloads better.
4. Cut The New Line
For most Ego trimmers, I cut about 13–16 feet of line. Too much line can jam the spool, too little means you’ll reload more often.
5. Find The Arrow Or Guide
Inside the spool, you’ll see arrows showing which way to wind. Following the arrows matters. Once, I wound backward and the line wouldn’t feed.
6. Wind The Line
Insert one end of the line into the anchor hole. Wind the line evenly, with each wrap next to the last. Don’t cross over. I keep the line tight as I go.
7. Snap The Line Into The Slots
When done, snap the loose ends into the holding slots. This keeps the line from unraveling when you put the spool back.
8. Replace The Spool And Cap
Feed the line ends through the eyelets on the trimmer head. Pop the spool in and snap the cap back on.
9. Reinstall The Battery And Test
Put the battery back in. Give the line a bump on the ground and check if it feeds smoothly.
Reloading The Powerload Head
The Ego Powerload system is a game-changer. If you have this head, reloading is even easier.
1. Turn Off And Unplug
Again, remove the battery. Never skip this step.
2. Cut The Line
I cut about 16 feet of line. Ego says up to 16 feet works best for Powerload heads.
3. Feed The Line Through
Find the two eyelets on the trimmer head. Push one end of the line into one eyelet, and feed it straight through to the other side. Pull until both sides are even.
4. Start Powerload
Hold both ends and press the Powerload button. The head will wind the line for you. Keep holding the ends so they don’t tangle.
5. Stop With 6 Inches Showing
I stop winding when there’s about six inches of line sticking out each side. This is the perfect length for starting work.
6. Check The Feed
Bump the head on the ground to make sure the line feeds out correctly.
I’ve done both types many times. The first few tries can be awkward, but it gets much easier. I suggest practicing with the trimmer off until you’re confident.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Reloading the trimmer line seems simple, but small mistakes can cause big problems. Here are errors I’ve made and how you can avoid them.
1. Winding In The Wrong Direction
If you wind against the arrows, the line won’t feed. Always check the arrow guide.
2. Overfilling The Spool
Too much line jams the head. Stick to 13–16 feet, or whatever your manual suggests.
3. Crossing The Line
The line should lay flat and even. Crossing causes tangles and jams.
4. Using Old Or Brittle Line
I once used line left in my garage for years. It broke every few feet. Fresh line works better and lasts longer.
5. Not Cleaning The Head
Grass and dirt build up fast. A dirty head makes reloading harder. I wipe mine every time.
6. Forgetting To Test
Always test the line before you start trimming. It’s easier to fix issues now than halfway through your yard.
How The Ego Powerload System Compares
I’ve used other brands, but the Ego Powerload is the fastest I’ve tried. Here’s a quick look at how it compares to other systems:
| Trimmer Type | Reload Time | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ego Powerload | Under 1 minute | Very easy |
| Traditional Bump-Feed | 3–5 minutes | Moderate |
| Manual Wind | 5–10 minutes | Hard |
The Powerload system is worth it if you reload often or want to avoid frustration. It’s a big reason I recommend Ego trimmers to friends.
Picking The Right Trimmer Line
Not all line is equal. I learned this the hard way when a cheap brand broke every few minutes. Here’s what I look for:
- Diameter: Ego recommends 0.095-inch for most models. Thicker line can jam, thinner line wears out fast.
- Shape: Round line is most common. Twisted or star-shaped lines cut better but may be louder.
- Quality: Use fresh, high-quality line. Old line dries out and breaks.
Here’s a side-by-side look at different line types:
| Line Type | Cutting Power | Noise Level | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Medium | Low | High |
| Twisted | High | Medium | High |
| Star | Very High | High | Medium |
I stick with round or twisted lines for my Ego. They balance durability and performance.
Practical Tips For First-time Reloaders
Reloading the trimmer line gets easier with practice. Here are a few things I wish I knew when I started:
- Lay out your tools and line before starting. This saves time.
- Work in a clean area. It’s easy to drop small parts in the grass.
- Wear gloves. The line can be sharp.
- If you get stuck, check YouTube. I watched the Ego official video the first time. It helped a lot.
- Replace the line before it runs out. Waiting until the line is gone means you’ll reload in the middle of a job.
One thing many people miss: when you reload, make sure the line is pulled tight and flat. Loose wraps make the line feed badly. Also, if you use your trimmer a lot, keep extra line handy. Running out mid-job is a pain.
How Often Should You Reload?
How often you reload depends on your yard size and how much you trim. For my average suburban yard, I reload about once every three weeks during summer. If you hit fences, rocks, or thick weeds, the line wears out faster.
If you notice the trimmer isn’t cutting well, or the line is short, it’s time to reload. Don’t wait until it’s completely gone, or you might have to stop in the middle of trimming.
Safety Reminders
Reloading the Ego string trimmer is safe if you take a few precautions:
- Always remove the battery first. This stops accidental starting.
- Wear gloves. Trimmer line can cut skin.
- Check for damage. If the head or spool is cracked, replace it before reloading.
- Keep kids and pets away while you work.
I once forgot to remove the battery and bumped the trigger. Thankfully, nothing happened, but I learned to always double-check.
Troubleshooting Reloading Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how I fix common issues:
- Line won’t feed: Make sure you wound in the right direction and didn’t overfill.
- Line jams: Open the head, unwind, and reload carefully.
- Line breaks often: Use fresh, quality line and trim at lower speed near hard objects.
- Head won’t snap closed: Check for dirt or tangled line.
If you’re still stuck, the Ego website and manuals have great guides. Or reach out to their support team. I found their help useful when I was learning.
For more details, check the official Ego support page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Line Should I Cut For My Ego String Trimmer?
Most Ego trimmers use 13–16 feet of line. Powerload heads work best with up to 16 feet. Check your manual for your specific model.
Can I Use A Different Brand Of Trimmer Line?
Yes, but make sure it’s the right diameter and shape. Avoid cheap, brittle line. Ego recommends 0. 095-inch for best results.
Why Does My Line Keep Breaking?
Brittle or old line breaks easily. Also, hitting rocks, fences, or thick weeds at high speed can snap the line. Use fresh, quality line and avoid hard objects.
How Do I Know If I Wound The Line Correctly?
The line should feed out when you bump the head. If it doesn’t, check that you wound in the direction of the arrows, and that the line is flat and tight.
Is The Ego Powerload System Worth It?
In my experience, yes! It saves time and is much less frustrating than manual winding. If you reload often, it’s a great feature.
Reloading your Ego string trimmer doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little practice and the right steps, you’ll be back to trimming in minutes. I hope my experiences help you avoid common mistakes and keep your yard looking sharp.
Happy trimming!
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