When I first bought my Black and Decker string trimmer, I thought yard work would be a breeze. The tool felt solid in my hands, the motor was strong, and everything seemed easy. But after only a few uses, I ran into a common problem: the string trimmer line would not feed. If you’ve ever stood in your yard, tapping the trimmer head in frustration, you know exactly how annoying this can be. Today, I want to share my real-life experience with this issue, what I learned, and how I finally got my trimmer working perfectly again.
Why String Trimmer Line Stops Feeding
At first, I thought maybe I was just unlucky. But after talking to friends and reading many forums, I realized this is a very common problem. When the trimmer line doesn’t feed, it makes the job harder and can even damage the tool. Here’s what I discovered about why this happens.
Old Or Low-quality Line
One of my first mistakes was using cheap line from a discount store. The line kept breaking or sticking inside the spool. I learned that old line gets brittle, especially if it sits in a garage for too long. Good quality, fresh line made a big difference.
Incorrect Line Winding
I used to rush through refilling the spool. Sometimes, I wound the line too tight or overlapped it. This caused the line to jam inside the trimmer head. The line must be wound evenly, not too tight, and in the right direction.
Dirty Or Damaged Spool
After a few months, grass, dirt, and small stones can get inside the trimmer head. I once found a tiny pebble lodged near the spring. This can block the line from moving. Also, if the spool is cracked or warped, it won’t spin smoothly.
Wrong Line Size
Black and Decker trimmers need a specific line size. I once bought a thicker line, thinking it would last longer. But it wouldn’t feed at all. The right line size for most models is 0. 065 inches. Too thick or too thin, and you’ll have problems.
Worn Bump Knob Or Spring
Many Black and Decker trimmers use a bump feed system. You tap the head on the ground, and more line should come out. If the bump knob or the spring is worn, the line won’t feed. I had to replace my spring after two years.
How I Fixed My String Trimmer Line Feed
Let me walk you through the steps I took to fix my trimmer. These steps work for most Black and Decker models, but always check your user manual for details.
1. Unplug Or Remove The Battery
Safety first. I always make sure the trimmer is off and unplugged, or the battery is out, before doing any work.
2. Open The Trimmer Head
Most Black and Decker trimmers have a cap you can twist off by hand. I set the cap and spool aside on a clean towel.
3. Check The Line
I look for knots, tangles, or places where the line overlaps. If the line is brittle or broken, I throw it out and use new line.
4. Clean The Spool And Head
A small brush or even an old toothbrush works well to clean out dirt and grass. I check for cracks or damage on the spool.
5. Wind The Line Correctly
Here’s where I used to go wrong. I take my time winding the line, making sure it’s flat and not overlapping. I follow the arrows on the spool that show the winding direction.
6. Thread The Line Through The Eyelets
I pull a few inches of line through the holes before snapping the spool back in place. This helps the line feed smoothly when I start the trimmer.
7. Reassemble And Test
I put everything back together, making sure the cap clicks into place. Then I plug the trimmer in or insert the battery and test the feed by gently bumping the head on the ground.
Table: Common Causes And Fixes
Here’s a quick look at the most common problems I faced and how I fixed them.
| Problem | Possible Cause | How I Fixed It |
|---|---|---|
| Line not feeding | Line wound too tight | Rewound line evenly and loosely |
| Line jams | Dirt or debris in spool | Cleaned spool with brush |
| Line breaks often | Old, brittle line | Replaced with fresh line |
| Line does not advance | Worn bump knob/spring | Replaced bump knob and spring |
Pro Tips That Made A Difference
Over time, I picked up a few tricks that made my Black and Decker trimmer much easier to use. These are things I wish someone had told me when I started.
Soak New Trimmer Line
A friend who works in landscaping told me to soak new line in water for 24 hours before using it. This keeps the line flexible and reduces breakage. I tried it, and the line fed much better.
Use The Right Technique
I used to bump the trimmer head too hard. Now, I use gentle taps on a flat surface. This is enough to feed the line without damaging the bump knob.
Avoid Heavy Weeds
Thick, woody weeds can break the line or jam the spool. I learned to use the trimmer only for grass and light weeds. For heavy weeds, I use garden shears first.
Replace Parts Before They Fail
After a season or two, the bump knob and spring can wear out. I now keep spare parts on hand, so I’m never stuck in the middle of a job.
Table: Recommended Trimmer Line Sizes
Getting the right line size is key. Here are the line sizes that worked best for my Black and Decker string trimmer.
| Model | Line Size (inches) | Line Type |
|---|---|---|
| GH3000 | 0.080 | Round or twisted |
| LST136 | 0.065 | Round only |
| ST8600 | 0.065 | Round only |
| All Others (most) | 0.065 | Round only |
Mistakes I Made (so You Don’t Have To)
Let me be honest—I made a lot of mistakes when I started. Here are some common errors and how you can avoid them.
- Using the wrong line size: I thought a thicker line would be better, but it just jammed the trimmer.
- Overfilling the spool: More line is not better. If you put too much line, it won’t feed.
- Ignoring worn parts: I waited too long to replace the bump knob and spring. This led to more problems.
- Not cleaning the trimmer head: Dirt and grass build up quickly and cause jams.
- Forgetting to unplug: Once, I almost cut myself because I forgot to remove the battery before fixing the line.
When To Buy A New Spool Or Head
Sometimes, even with the best care, things wear out. Here’s when I know it’s time to replace the spool or the trimmer head.
- Cracked spool: A small crack can cause the line to snag and break.
- Worn eyelets: If the holes where the line comes out are worn or sharp, they can cut the line.
- Loose or broken cap: If the cap doesn’t click in securely, the line won’t feed.
I like to use original Black and Decker parts. They fit best and last longer, in my experience. You can find official parts and diagrams on the Black and Decker support site.
Table: Signs You Need Replacement Parts
Here’s a quick summary based on my experience.
| Part | Sign of Wear | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Spool | Cracks, warping | Line jams or breaks |
| Bump knob | Worn down, won’t spring back | Line will not feed |
| Spring | No tension | Line doesn’t advance |
| Cap | Loose, cracked | Spool falls out or line feeds poorly |
Tips For Keeping Your Trimmer Working Smoothly
After a few years of trial and error, I settled on a simple routine that keeps my Black and Decker string trimmer working great.
- Store the trimmer indoors, away from sun and rain.
- Only use fresh, high-quality line.
- Clean the trimmer head after every use.
- Replace worn parts before they break.
- Don’t force the trimmer through thick weeds.
These simple habits saved me a lot of time and frustration.
Real-world Example
One Saturday, I was halfway through edging my lawn when the line stopped feeding again. I was tired and tempted to keep fighting with it. But I took a break, cleaned the head, rewound the line, and replaced a worn bump knob.
After that, the trimmer worked better than ever. That small fix saved me hours over the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Won’t My Black And Decker String Trimmer Line Advance When I Tap It?
Usually, this means the line is tangled, the spool is too full, or the bump knob is worn out. Try removing the spool, rewinding the line, and checking the bump knob and spring for wear.
What Size Trimmer Line Should I Use?
Most Black and Decker string trimmers use 0.065-inch round line. Check your user manual or the label on your trimmer to be sure. Using the wrong size can cause jams.
How Often Should I Replace The Trimmer Line?
It depends on how much you use your trimmer. I replace my line every few weeks during summer or whenever it becomes brittle or breaks often.
Can I Use Any Brand Of Trimmer Line?
You can use other brands, but I’ve found that Black and Decker branded line works best. Some cheap lines break or jam more easily.
What Should I Do If The Trimmer Line Keeps Breaking?
Check if the line is old or dry. Soak new line in water before use. Also, avoid hitting hard surfaces and trim only grass or soft weeds.
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I hope my story helps you avoid the same headaches I faced with my Black and Decker string trimmer. With a few simple fixes and regular care, your trimmer can work like new for years. If you run into trouble, don’t give up—just try these steps, and you’ll be back to smooth, easy yard work in no time.
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