How To Remove The Head Of A Ryobi Trimmer (Do This!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team
Ryobi trimmers are affordable, durable, and easy to use, but it can be tricky to remove the head when you need to. It only takes a few minutes to remove the head from a Ryobi trimmer if you unscrew the bump knob and remove the inner string reel. Whether it be identifying the parts or safely removing them, let’s take a look at how you can remove the head from a Ryobi trimmer.

Proper lawn maintenance often requires using a variety of tools. A lawnmower on its own may not be enough to keep your yard well-manicured. For many homeowners, the usage of a tool such as a string trimmer is also necessary.

Similar to other types of gardening tools though, string trimmers are prone to having mechanical issues. Some of their components may act up from time to time and you’ll have to provide a quick and proper fix. For instance, there are times when you’ll need to remove the head of your trimmer to fix the problem.

Begin the process of removing the head by unscrewing the bump knob and then take out the inner string reel too. Jostle the cutting head free by moving it a bit and pulling it up. Keep jostling the cutting head of the Ryobi trimmer until it slips off the hex nut.

Knowing how to remove the head of a Ryobi string trimmer is an important part of maintaining it correctly. Learn how to perform that task properly along with other important maintenance procedures related to string trimmers by reading on.

Why Are String Trimmers Important?

String trimmers aren’t typically the first tools homeowners think of when coming up with essential gardening equipment. However, you’ll quickly find that they can be highly useful tools to have around the home.

The best way to summarize the importance of string trimmers is that they cover for the shortcomings of lawnmowers. String trimmers excel at cutting the blades of grass growing near fences, houses, and trees. Use them to make more precise cuts around your lawn.

String trimmers will help you finally do away with uneven lawns. It’s an additional tool to maintain, but the effort will be more than worth it considering what you’re getting.

How to Remove a Ryobi String Trimmer’s Head

The cutting head of a Ryobi trimmer is not impervious to damage, and replacing it will become necessary at some point. Use the trimmer over the wrong surface and the cutting head could wind up sustaining some serious damage. Gradual wear and tear from trimming grass can also do quite a number on the cutting head.

The good news is that removing the cutting head of your Ryobi trimmer is a fairly simple task. Check out the steps below to complete the task properly.

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear

The string trimmer should pose no threat to you while it’s turned off, but being careful is never a bad idea. Put on some thick gloves while handling the trimmer and some goggles would be nice too.

Step 2: Position the String Trimmer Properly

Flip the string trimmer over so that you have easier access to the cutting head. You can also stand the trimmer straight up or rest it on a table to make removing the cutting head easier.

Step 3: Unscrew the Bump Knob

Look for the bump knob on your string trimmer. The bump knob resembles a big bottle cap. Once you find the bump knob, go ahead and remove it.

You can try to unscrew the bump knob. Try to unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise with your hand. If that doesn’t do the trick, consider using some pliers to grip the bump knob better then turn it again.

Step 4: Take Out the Inner String Reel

You should now be able to see inside the cutting head of your string trimmer. In there, you’ll find the inner string reel. Remove the inner string reel in order to expose a larger section of the engine shaft.

Step 5: Remove the Cutting Head

Grab hold of the trimmer’s shaft now and then use your other hand to grasp the cutting head. Proceed to jostle the cutting head in place to loosen it up. If jostling isn’t enough, you can also try pulling up the cutting head.

Eventually, you’ll see that the cutting head is coming loose from the hex nut it was resting on. Just keep jostling and pulling on the cutting head until it’s completely removed from the trimmer.

Why Is the Cutting Head of the Ryobi String Trimmer Not Spinning?

The cutting head of a Ryobi string trimmer sustaining damage and performing poorly as a result is not surprising. That kind of thing tends to happen with tools that are used a lot.

However, you should know that the cutting head may also experience other kinds of issues. One common issue that pops up is the cutting head not spinning. Listed below are some of the common explanations for the cutting head not spinning and the possible fixes you can try.

The Driveshaft Is Busted

The driveshaft is an essential part of the string trimmer because it’s responsible for keeping the cutting head engaged. If something’s wrong with the drive shaft, the cutting head on your trimmer won’t be able to do its job.

Sadly, you don’t have a lot of options if the drive shaft is the problematic component of your string trimmer. The best thing you can do is replace the drive shaft so the cutting head can be engaged again.

The Clutch Is Worn Down

Moving down from the driveshaft, you’ll find the clutch. The clutch also has an important role to play as it’s responsible for engaging the drive shaft.

You have a few options to consider as you’re trying to fix the busted clutch. One option is to clean out the clutch assembly first and see how that works. The other option is to replace the clutch itself.

The Threads Are Stripped

Are the driveshaft and clutch of your string trimmer intact but the cutting head is still not spinning? Then it’s possible that the issue is related to the threads designed to hold the cutting head. To be more specific, those threads may now be stripped.

Repairing that kind of damage will cost you as you’ll need to replace the driveshaft and cutting head. You could also look into purchasing a new string trimmer if you have the money to spare.

What Are Other Common Problems That Can Affect a String Trimmer?

The problems that can affect your string trimmer go beyond the cutting head. A clogged air filter can prevent your string trimmer from working as intended. You may also not be using the choke properly and that could cause the trimmer to stall.

It’s also possible that the string you’re using for your trimmer is not the right size. A string that’s too big for the trimmer can cause problems for the engine. Replace it with one that fits your trimmer better to keep your engine in better shape moving forward.

More often than not, however, the issues affecting your string trimmer are likely related to fuel. The problem may be due to an imbalanced air to fuel ratio inside the engine. You’ll have to adjust the carburetor of your string trimmer to resolve that matter.

The issue could also be something as simple as fuel quality. Contaminated or old fuel is not going to work well inside your string trimmer. Replace the fuel inside the string trimmer right away so it can start working like normal again.


Related Questions

How Do You Maintain a String Trimmer?

The essential steps of string trimmer maintenance will vary depending on what kind of model you have. One common maintenance task you have to complete is replacing the trimmer line. Look at the manual for your string trimmer and follow the instructions included there to replace the line with no problem.Cleaning is another maintenance step that you must perform regularly regardless of what kind of string trimmer you have. Once again, the manual of your string trimmer will give you the instructions for cleaning the tool correctly.Now, if you have a gas-powered string trimmer at home, there are additional things you’ll need to do. You’ll have to regularly check the oil, the spark plug, the air filter, and the idle speed. Using only the right fuel inside your string trimmer is also important so take note of what the manufacturers recommend.


How Do You Store a String Trimmer?

Safely storing a string trimmer requires finding the right spot for it. You want to store it in a place where oil leaks or open flames are not present. Preferably, the place should also be well-ventilated to allow the fumes from the string trimmer to escape.You should allow the string trimmer to cool down before you place it in storage. Cleaning it up is a smart move as well. If you know you won’t be using the trimmer for a while, run the fuel dry before storing it.


Should You Choose an Electric or Gas-Powered String Trimmer?

Homeowners shopping for a new string trimmer will have to choose between electric or gas-powered options. Both options bring their own advantages to the table. Gas-powered trimmers may suit you better if you have a big yard and need more power. They can also run longer.On the other hand, electric trimmers are easier to maintain and operate. They also don’t produce the kind of mess that the gas-powered trimmers often do.

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Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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