How To Rewind A Makita String Trimmer

Have you ever found yourself faced with a hefty lawn and a makita string trimmer with a worn-out line? Dismay not! This situation isn’t as daunting as you might imagine. The trick of rewinding a makita string trimmer lies in knowing the right technique and having a fair amount of patience.

The history of the makita string trimmer dates back to 1915, beginning with an electric motor sales and repairing business. Fast forward to the 21st century, it has become a globally recognized leader in power tool technology with an annual production of over 40 million units worldwide. To rewind the trimmer, firstly, we need to remove the head by unscrewing it. Next, we’ll take about 20 feet of new line, make a loop in the middle, and hook it within the central area of the head. After winding the line, reassemble the head back onto the trimmer, and it is ready once more to slice through the unruly grass! This relatable solution not only saves money but promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste.

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Mastering the Art of Makita String Trimmer Rewind

If you own a landscape business or love to work on your well-manicured lawns, you’ve probably dealt with a Makita string trimmer. Like every other valuable tool, sometimes there’s need for a reset. Understanding this fine equipment, a Makita string trimmer specifically, is one thing, but mastering the art of rewinding it takes the cake. Let’s dive in on how to rewind a Makita string trimmer.

Step 1: Safety First

Before attempting any step on how to rewind a Makita string trimmer, safety should never be compromised. Therefore, the first step involves switching off the trimmer to avoid any accidental startups. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to ensure there’s no power coming through to the motor.

Once you disengage the power, schedule your work in an area with ample light and solid surface. This will prevent any cases of lost small pieces throughout the process. Also, wearing protective gear including gloves and clear glasses is recommended to keep your hands and eyes safe from sharp components and debris.

Step 2: Removing the Spool

After the safety measures, the next step when figuring out how to rewind a Makita string trimmer requires removing the spool from the hub. The spool houses the trimmer line (string), which is what gets rewound. To do this, hold the outer trimmer head whilst turning the inner spool counterclockwise. It typically twists off quite easily.

Upon successful unhitching, carefully lift off the spool from the trimmer. Be sure to watch out for the spring in the center of the spool which can very easily spring out. You don’t want to lose this as your trimmer will not function correctly without it.

Step 3: Preparing the Trimming Line

Now, it’s time to prepare the string, which is essentially the trimming line. Cut off approximately 10 feet of line from the spool you’ve bought. Anyone may fall to the temptation of using the entire spool to avoid this process in the future, but it’s not advisable. Too much string would overfill the spool and likely to tangle, breaking off prematurely.

The 10-foot length works best. Once you’ve measured and cut it, fold the string in half, making a loop at one end. This halfway point creates the two lines that your Makita string trimmer uses to cut grass and weed.

Step 4: Winding the Trimming Line

After preparing the trimmer line, it’s time to wind it onto the spool. Find the two notches located on the center ring of the spool. They are on opposite sides of each other. Insert each end of the string into these notches, leaving the loop sticking out of the top of the spool.

Then, wind the string around the spool by following the directional arrows on the spool. Ensure you wind the string tightly and evenly, filling all the sections of the spool till you are left with 6 inches of line on each side. This remaining piece of string is what you will thread through the eyelets of the trimmer head in the next step.

Step 5: Reassembling the Trimmer

With your string properly wound around the spool, it’s time to reassemble your trimmer. First off, thread the ends of the string through the holes in the outer part of the trimmer head. Make sure the string passes through to the other side unobstructed.

Once done, you’ll need to replace the spool into the hub of the trimmer. Here, ensure that the loop of the spring fits over the drive shaft. Make sure you align the notches on the spool with the eyelets on the trimmer head. Push down and turn the spool clockwise to screw it back on.

You have successfully learned how to rewind a Makita string trimmer. In essence, consider your safety first before starting the procedure. In all instances, remember to disconnect the power source to prevent any accidental startups. Once your trimmer is rewound and reassembled, your Makita string trimmer is ready to get back to work battling that thick grass and weed in your yard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, handling a Makita string trimmer can be puzzling sometimes. One of the most frequently encountered issues is rewinding the string on the trimmer. To make it easier for you, here are some questions and answers to guide you through the process.

What are the initial steps I should take before rewinding my Makita string trimmer?

Before starting the rewinding process, it’s crucial to ensure the safety measures. Disconnect the spark plug to prevent any accidental startups. You should also inspect the trimmer for any signs of damage or wear that would require repair or replacement.

Then, you need to remove the head of the trimmer. Usually, this is accomplished by pressing in tabs or unscrewing a knob, depending on your specific Makita model. Once you have removed the head, you can remove the spool, which is where the string winds.

What type of string should I use when rewinding my Makita string trimmer?

The material and size of the string can significantly impact the performance of your Makita trimmer. It is advised to use a string that’s appropriate for your specific model and the type of vegetation you’ll be trimming.

Average trimmer string diameters range from .065-0.115 inches. Remember, the thicker the string, the tougher vegetation it can handle. However, using a thicker string than your trimmer’s capability might result in its premature wear and tear.

How much string do I need to rewind my Makita string trimmer?

The amount of string needed depends on the size of your trimmer spool. An average spool typically holds around 15-25 feet of line. It’s crucial not to overfill the spool, as this might cause it to jam or not feed the line properly during operation.

You can refer to your Makita string trimmer’s manual for precise information regarding the length of string recommended for your specific model. If you lost your manual, you can usually find this information online on the product description or manual pdf.

How should I wind the string on the spool of my Makita string trimmer?

Correctly winding the string is essential for optimal performance of your trimmer. To do this, locate the anchor hole on your spool and insert one end of the trimmer line into it. Next, wind the string around the spool in the direction indicated on the spool. Make sure to wind the string evenly and tightly to avoid any jams or tangles during use.

Avoid crossing the line over itself as this can cause issues in the feed during operation. Once you have wound the appropriate amount of string onto your spool, clip the string into the holding notch on the spool to secure it, leaving an ample length of line to extend out from the spool.

Do I need any special tools to rewind the string on my Makita string trimmer?

Generally, rewinding the string on your Makita trimmer doesn’t require any special tools. You will need the string, your trimmer, and your hands. The spool can usually be removed by hand or, in some cases, a flathead screwdriver might be needed if the cap is screwed on tightly.

Some people find it helpful to use a pair of clippers or safety scissors to cut the new string to the desired length before winding it onto the spool. We also recommend using gloves for safety reasons and to prevent any possible blisters while handling the string and spool.

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Final Words

So, rewinding your Makita string trimmer should now be an achievable task for you. Moving forward with this, bear in mind the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the string when rewinding it onto the spool to avoid tangling, and remember to securely reassemble your trimmer upon completion. This process ensures the efficient cutting of your trimmer and prolongs its lifespan.

Practice makes perfect, and over time, you will find that the rewinding process gets quicker and easier. Understanding your Makita string trimmer can save you significant time and money in the long run. So, don’t fret if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Just remember the key points we discussed, and you’ll become a pro in no time.