How To Change A Straight Or Curved Trimmer Shaft

Is your weed eater shaft broken, worn out or you want to convert to a different type of shaft on your trimmer, watch this video to see how to replace or swap out a straight or curved shaft.
Common trimmer shaft problems are when the head breaks off or the flexible drive shaft wears out or in this case, we are going to replace the shaft in order to use a different type of line head. This repair is easy and fast.
In this video, Steve is using a Stihl FS 45 Grass Trimmer for this repair.
👍Please click the like button and tell me what you think of this video in the comments section below. 👇👇👇
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For more videos like this, check out:
👉Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Chainsaw ➜ • CORRECT WAY To Adjust ...
👉Hidden Adjusting Screws On Some Trimmers And Blowers ➜ • Hidden Carburetor Adju...
👉How To Do a Basic Tune Up on a Stihl WeedEater ➜ • How To Do a Basic Tune...
👉Adjust the Valves on a Stihl 4-Mix Trimmer or WeedEater ➜ • How to Adjust the Valv...
🔧WELCOME to the Steve’s Small Engine Saloon KZbin channel! Here you will find a vast library of easy do it yourself repair videos for all types of small engine equipment like chainsaws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, riding lawn mowers and so much more. I have been a small engine mechanic for over 30 years and my videos are absolutely loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to YOU. 🙂
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If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepairs #smallengine #repair #troubleshooting #howto #engine #howitworks #doityourself #lawnandgarden #weedeater #trimmer #trimmerrepair #weedeaterrepair #stihl

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

✅Click here for a new trimmer ➜ amzn.to/3UCyrMU For more videos like this, check out: 👉Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Chainsaw ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2e3Zn2lfL2Wfrs 👉Hidden Adjusting Screws On Some Trimmers And Blowers ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp3Wh5Z5md-UpaM 👉How To Do a Basic Tune Up on a Stihl WeedEater ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3zIdqyGh7aUgck 👉Adjust the Valves on a Stihl 4-Mix Trimmer or WeedEater ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHLcnX13mKtgn6M You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon

[@rickbrandon8218]

Do you still have the curved shaft you changed out on the stihl weed eater

[@landrmonty]

Not down in oz Steve 🤣

[@judithbeckelheimer5402]

Can Echo Chef fit on a Husqvarna motor

[@judithbeckelheimer5402]

Can a husqvarna engine on an echo shaft

[@frankstone3994]

It would be fun to spend a day with Steve. Smart guy!!!

[@thomaspepper2201]

Thanks, needed the locator bolt tip, could not get the head to seat up in to engine head, was also wondering on head placement on shaft. That bolt is the ticket for line-up and full motor head engagement. GOT-IT

[@DB-cx6cb]

The only channel to watch! Steve is absolutely the go to for information! ❤

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks!

[@stevenpressley5956]

Again, you are the man Steve. Saving people money....... BEER MONEY!!! THANKS ☺️

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@proc55]

Underrated comment

[@peterroberts5788]

After watching this video, it inspired me to try a little more mechanical know how to do what I did. I have a Troy Built interchangeable tool shaft line trimmer that is very hard to start. And a Ryobi that runs like a bat out of hell with a curved shaft. So with a little sawsall work, I was able to adapt the interchangeable tool shaft on to the Ryobi. Now it is a very useful machine. Thanks Steve, I have been learning a ton from you and now I've started a lone wolf lawn care company I'm working as hard keeping my equipment serviced at home as I do out on the road.

[@kevinhuggins3172]

That's awesome! I'm always replacing parts with "new used" ones and it works fine! Instead of throwing things away and buying a new weed eater retrofit it and make it work! I love it! Good job Steve for saving the man some money!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@558vulcanxh]

You are a star Steve, I bought an FS50 curved shaft thinking it would suit me better but it didn't ,Now , thanks, I know it will so I'll search around for the FS55 shaft .Much obliged Steve , Ian

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Win, win for you and the customer. But seriously that is a very useful tip for us viewers. Thank you and thumbs up!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@bobmorrison8687]

You fixed my curiosity....

[@joeritz8041]

Thank you! I bought a curve shaft stihl trimmer and I hate it! I asked the dealer if I could put a straight one on it, they said no! I am so glad you had this video on changing it out. I can’t wait to change mine. Thank you! Joe

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@grogershoward2376]

Thanks for your many videos. I have a Stihl KM 55 with 4 attachments (trimmer, edger, tree saw, hedge trimmer). I use it often, and your videos have enabled me to keep it in great shape for 20 years, repairing when necessary.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very nice!

[@marcoparedesperez9470]

Hi. Consutation. To a curved shaft of fs38 or fs45,can the fs55 reduction box be installed?

[@jormawails]

someone just gave me an fs45 and I had a straight shaft in the shed Your video made it eeeeeeeeasy Thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@eggbertfarnsworth5787]

A lot of curved shaft weed-eaters are sitting around with broken flex cables. I've always felt a straight shaft (with gears at the business end) lasts longer. So another PLUS for the job you did!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ...

[@tkskagen]

I sadly have a 2017 Troy Bilt (20cc?) Straight Shaft I purchased and LOVE. The Straight Shaft is great for reach, but for comfort I'd rather have a Curved Shaft! Plus it's REAL NICE that I was able to make a Carb Tuning Tool with a Watertight 12g Electrical Blade Connector... The Round End is "Just Tight Enough" to go over the Air/Fuel Adjustment Screws! And saved myself $20 from Amazon for a Kit Set! Still would have been nice to have, but Ingenuity is AWESOME! Thanks again Steve! Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Western Washington State

[@getyourkicksagain]

Sweet conversion! Those Stihls with the one piece engine/trigger assembly are super easy to change over. I just wanted to mention that the operator will now have to get used to the string head rotating the opposite way (not a big deal, really, but it can be awkward at first if you've used a curved shaft for some time). You just gotta keep in mind which way the rocks and twigs get launched! I converted my old Homelite curved shaft into a straight shaft brushcutter with handlebars and it was a much more complicated process (remote throttle and kill switch, custom throttle cable and harness mount). That said, I *DO NOT* miss the curved shaft at all. Having to be all hunched over was killing my back and having to fight against the twisting torque of the engine shaving "bald spots" all over the lawn? Hell no! A properly balanced brushcutter along with a well-adjusted harness is nearly effortless and can be guided with such a light touch it's crazy they still sell these curved nightmares! The curvies are cheaper, but you will pay for them in pain and frustration, especially if you're a taller person! Thanks for the video, Steve. Cheers!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on buddy! Great tips...

[@sjeverett75]

Good to know. I just bought the Sthil head that fit the curved fs45. Been on there 17yrs now.

[@raymondrobinson5251]

You're a shade tree guru! Love work around! There have been a couple of tricks you've shown in the past that I tried with great success! Drilling out the jet in the Briggs carburetor was my all-time favorite. Until your video! I was constantly cleaning out that jet! .01 made so much difference! It's unbelievable! Haven't messed with it since and runs great!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

That is awesome!

[@91steelblue]

Hey Steve. I have a Sthil straight shaft FS131R weed eater. Will the KOMBI blower head work on it? Thanks!

[@robertalleway9751]

Steve you're an absolute legend!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@robtemple3445]

Saved me money! So, I have a Husky 125L with a seized shaft (cable & guide insert melted together inside shaft housing). In the free section in our local Facebook Marketplace, I found a straight shaft Homelite trimmer. & thanks to your encouraging & informative video, I fixed my Husky! Only mod needed was to drill a small hole for the locating screw. Works great. Thanks Bro' !!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@macgregor6511]

I like it and I'm gonna change mine too from curve to a straight shaft. Thanks

[@jaroslawszewczyk7707]

simply and clearly good job

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@johnossendorf9979]

After 30 years of doing lawn maintenance, both professionally and for family and friends, l will only own a straight shaft . My Tanaka is the extra long model. I'm 5' 10" and when stood on end it towers above my head. It's great for getting under trees, bushes and cutting deep ditches and tall steep embankments. Not so great for small tight spaces, but I mostly do multiple acre lawns.

[@jonothanlaurie7844]

Had to hit that silver play button to watch this one....!!! Made a frankenweedeater after watching this.

[@TECHNOCHAD]

Steve, youve got a video upload for nearly EVERYTHING mate!!, You are an amazing man!!! Thanking you 👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@landrmonty]

Those quick load heads sre great

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@lukonium]

Thanks Steve - this is exactly what I was looking for! So pleased you shared this with us. Now just to find a FS-55 shaft!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@TheEden51]

i think you just saved my behind big time steve. where i'm from you can't find straight shaft trimmers from stihl or from husqvarna with ring handles (only bycicle style ones). so all i need to do now is buy a straight shaft replacement and stick it in my fs 38. thanks a lot !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jTempVids]

Very interesting. I had no idea that you could just swap them.

[@Mechanicturfgear]

Just got a straight shaft from a neighbouring course for my home bent shaft skipper that I dislike. Works great just have to unseize my ckutch from sitting in the shed. I’ll have to drill out the pilot hole for new . Different location Great idea I’m going to enjoy snipping again lol

[@neilstrausbaugh9426]

Hell yeah Steve! I was hooked when you gauged the job by how many beers it would take! Great video… can’t wait to do this this weekend. ✌️

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@davidgay7033]

I have one of these but I want to buy the fs 91r I from the Caribbean love this show . Keep safe ppl

[@w37320]

Cheers mate! I'm now on the hunt for an FS55

[@ChuckD59]

I went from a curved to straight shaft just watching! Steve, could you include how to lube a straight shaft some time (seriously)? The manual for my Husqvarna 128LD refers to it and it's not clear how. I've never done it but it looks like just dumping some 90# gear oil down it.

[@mercoid]

Hope Steve addresses this for you. I can say that I’ve taken mine apart and it had grease inside.

[@daveh1081]

That made me laugh out loud!

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@daveh1081 stihls are only ones that are inchangeable wich inbox stores cant wich stihls are smart and easy to swath from curve to straight

[@RandyWBrown]

LMAO

[@daviddaniken7248]

Not sure on Stihl, but on an Echo trimmer you take the motor off as shown in the video and then pull the drive shaft out of the tube. I have a helper hold most of the shaft while I smear grease along the entire shaft. Feed the shaft back in the tube making sure it seats in the cutting head. I turn it by hand to make sure it's in. Put the motor back on as shown in the video and you've grease the drive shaft on your trimmer.

[@danieleells1276]

Great information Steve ! Don't stop now !!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@williammorris7895]

Thanks bud! I came to see how a trimmer shaft connects to the motor - My fear was removing the motor and 50 million spring-loaded small parts dropping out. My Einhell split-shaft trimmer is bone dry, so I'm going to dab a bit of lithium grease on the shaft connections and also at the head. :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@joev3315]

Great tip , i did not know you could swap from one to another , have a Great Weekend Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jerrys576]

69$ for new shaft. $45 labor $193 for new SF 40 weed whacker. Thanks for the video.

[@markhyatt4598]

I made a seal fs38 using a Ryobi shaft interchangeable shaft into a compass system all I had to do is take a drill to

[@RBMawby]

Steve ROCKS! Crazy SIMPLE. Always learn something.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jessemixon3135]

Thank you Steve, I have a Stihl fs 48 curved shaft , maybe I could do what you did

[@joeritz8041]

Thank you for your quick response!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Any time!

[@1keykneedeep]

Thats freakn awesome Steve. I would have never even attempted this b4 the video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ....

[@rashpatel1760]

You should do a video of choosing the right gear head to the correct shaft for a strimmer as there is so many to choose from

[@camfromthedoo2376]

Hello from the top end of Australia . Another great video hardly had time to get a beer and you have finished 👍. I’ll just have to keep watching your videos so I can have more beer

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL! Right on Cam...

[@jjock3239]

Great video. It is quite a coincidence, because I just adapted a Shindaiwa trimmer head to my Stihl hedge trimmer. Works great! Bob

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ...

[@finbah5706]

awesome video. im hunting for a straight shaft right now to o exactly this. I was also having trouble putting my curved shaft body plastic together. but ahhhhhhhhhhhhh I see that middle screw is a locating screw!! bingo. Gonna try that NOW then see if it all snaps together easily. Still dont know how to fix the trigger and spring part though.

[@skeetcampbell5149]

Learn alot of useful info from your videos Steve. Thx for making me easy money. Keep up the good work. GOD BLESS

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ...

[@mikemasko1321]

another great video from a great guy thank,s steve , mike.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@heavysnow8616]

Perfect, I have an FS45 and like the straight shaft better also. I didn’t know what shaft would fit, now I’m all set. Will get parts and do the same conversion. This weed eater won’t die, guess I’ll keep her running in some new clothes. As always, great stuff Steve. Got some Coors Light waiting in the fridge......Take care

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Mike...

[@donaldyerdon7769]

Hi Steve, Would a straight shaft from a Stihl FS56 also work? Thanks

[@PS-user-bcad1951]

Good job! Worth the watch.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@mattgravely5741]

Thank you Steve you are the shit.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@powdermnky007]

Thanks! Buying you some beer!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Hey, that's awesome buddy! Thank You...

[@megawatt13]

Great tip Steve, thanks. And congratulations one the success of your channel.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@KingCharles52003]

Great Video. I installed one of those universal heads and it was a Echo Brand.. I use it on a Echo PAS 280 I didn't like the auto bump design. I use 150 line and it works great for PAS 280, I can get about 2 to 3 yards of use with the 2 piece of nylon string and I don't use the saftey gurd I use a full mesh face shield helps with air ventilation over the sold plastic face shield..

[@StihlnLogs]

Wish I had known that years ago. Keep coming with the great tips.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@romaldothomas8653]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@alfredbowmanjr.6389]

Found your channel by accident... and I subscribed. Great tutorials.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Al...

[@curtismairel2594]

Thanks that's cool and just want i needed to see know I can get back to work .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@leoramirez7583]

Awesome 👍 👍 you just upgraded that weedeater about 100$$

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on ....

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Thanks for sharing Steve 👍🇦🇺

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@andreamarin4296]

Thank you. Just subscribed!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome, thank you!

[@noggin50]

Hi Steve ,I had the same problem ,now because of this video, its solved many thanks ,Al, from over the pond ,UK

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Al...

[@zooknz1711]

Steve, it's gotta be a 2 beer job minimum. 1 beer for being clever and 1 beer for showing us. ;-)

[@peteh7185]

Great info about being able to swap bent for straight shaft. I’ll start looking 👍 I think your customer bought the wrong head…I have one of those heads that fitted perfectly onto my bent shaft fs45….called a Mowing Head - DuroCut - 5-2

[@raymondharper9935]

Thanks !!! I now know I will exchange the shaft I ruined. Thanks again !!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@howardkoster4026]

I didn't know that was possible! Great video Steve!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@howardkoster4026]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon you're most welcome...

[@waltergrady2501]

Good lesson learned thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@phillipneal6418]

Greatest web site ever period !!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@HuskyHB]

Straight shafts are the way to go we use them cutting grass everyday

[@savage601]

2 time in 2 days, you save my a**, it’s time for the beer for you mister steve!!! Thanks a lot!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@spicky2966]

This "Can be done" reach for the beer lol thanks super easy

[@zsozso411]

Half Bier job:) love that!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@wesmcghee77]

Hey Steve your awesome with that repair knowledge. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@concernedcitizen3651]

Great info....thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ausfoodgarden]

Nice one! You've got me thinking now whether it might be possible to use a different manufacturer's shaft on a motor. I've got this Multi-tool style unit but the motor is a gutless piece of cr@p . I have a couple of line trimmers that only get used if my main unit fails, so I might have to rip them apart and see if I can transplant one of the motors onto the multi-tool shaft. Great video Steve.

[@ausfoodgarden]

Oh btw by Multi-tool I meant similar to the Stihl Kombi system

[@treebutcher2000]

You saved me some time there, I always take everything apart to do that. Does this method never trap the wires to the switch?

[@hughbrackett343]

Yeah I'd have started with splitting the case, only to realize the shaft would pull out as Steve showed.

[@freezefoot]

Thank you for this video.Could you do a similar swap from a FS 40 to fs55 or is this specific to these two particular models?

[@dennisnarayan4914]

Amazing! You just gave me a great idea to do the same thing to my stihl fs38! Thank you Steve 👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Have fun!

[@jumboslice1514]

Would you know if I can change the curved shaft on my Stihl FS 50 ce to a straight shaft and if so where can I order a part. Thanks

[@stanblackburn700]

Exactly what I was looking to do. Now I just have to find a shaft.

[@CactusDubMusic]

Thanks buddy

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Happy to help

[@graylingdrummond9421]

Thanks that was too easy, what universe am I in lol lol

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Aaron-hi7if]

HELL OF A VIDEO BRO!!!!! Rock on............... peace and love brother

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@beepbeepcoyote]

Just finished mowing edging and blowing. My Stihl curved Shaft whipper also sucks. I have a Stihl blower also but I would like it to blow harder. Any suggestions? Great short clip on the conversion. Cheers from Australia.

[@robertjackson323]

Your humor is great

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@MrBrut33]

Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@davidcampbell9172]

Awesome. How do I put the end of my vs 40c back together???

[@agadozde]

GOOD ONE STEVOO

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@BrianMiller1973]

Very good to know. Thank you Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@doctormoreau9812]

This is awesome exactly what I need a video on swapping shafts. Steve had the best channel around

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@doctormoreau9812]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon No thank you bro your the awesomest

[@martymcgill1312]

Wow, that's too easy. Good instruction, my friend.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jrzuniga1410]

Man I like your work

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that

[@jrzuniga1410]

I learned from you videos

[@bertrandlussier8150]

Which straight shaft should i buy to fit on my stihl fs45 ?

[@diggerman190]

I've been doing it for years but from curve or straight to quick connect for the attachments great way to save money thanks steve 🍺

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@iTzAlPhABr0m30]

Thanks man. Got this down. Ha I have a craftsman engine I got for free and it works but no shaft came with it. Going to find one to slap in there now.

[@tonymmm2850]

You're a master thanks steve out

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Tony...

[@mikegalvin361]

Thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome

[@del-boysnostalgiatvads7416]

Wow brilliant video I’m gunna do this to mine thanks man! 👌

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Have fun!

[@r.l.gholson4118]

Dude, thank you Steve Wow that was cool man I had no idea

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@jglez4965]

Hi can you do that change to the echo too ???