How to put line in your Universal Speed Feed or Stihl trimmer head

If you found this video helpful, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Hopefully, I can save you time, money and frustration in the future! Thanks for checking out Chickanic!
Run out of line? NO WORRIES! Sometimes it is not easy to remember how to do something when you only do it a few times a year. This video will show you how to install trimmer line in the 400/450 Universal Speed Feed or Stihl Autocut 25-2 heads. Fits Echo, Shindaiwa, Stihl and Husqvarna Trimmers.
Looking for your own Universal Speed Feed head for any Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna or Shindaiwa?
Find it fast here! I highly recommend buying OEM!
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Looking for a replacement head for your Stihl Trimmer? Here you go!
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@nighttrainist]

Thank you for that tip! I bought a Stihl about a year ago, and have loved everything about it, EXCEPT refilling the lines. I was fighting it, one line at a time. I'm not the brightest light in the harbor, I guess.

[@Chickanic]

You can get a speed feed to go on your Stihl you just need to get the one with adaptors so you can change out the arbor that screws on the shaft.

[@revbikerbigd8664]

@@Chickanic I got one for f130 but the string never comes out when I tap it on the ground, what am I doing wrong, I tried everything to make it work. Speed feed head!

[@pracakosaipilarka4301]

@@revbikerbigd8664 you should have buy a Stihl (speed feed) head. They have one olso.

[@shawndubay4050]

The Stihl 26-2 autocut head should fix that. I run those on all my pro series trimmers and haven't given me a single problem since. I bought them quite a while back to replace the 25-2. Will never go back to a take apart head. Buy a 26-2 autocut head and you will see the difference in simplicity and reliability. Can't beat it.

[@kikupub71]

I will never go back to the old style bump heads. Echo made me a believer!

[@wallebo]

I took your recommendation and purchased an Echo Speed Feed 400 and it works beautifully. I wish that I would have made the purchase long ago but thought that all trimmer heads were a hassle and I just had to live with the hassle. Not so. The videos that you produce are well appreciated. Kudos are in order and you should be proud of all that you do.

[@robbailey1237]

I came across this video by accident. I have been using the Echo trimmer for 10 years and I have always looked through the opening to be sure that the spool and ports were in alignment. I had a forehead slapping moment when you showed the arrows to help align everything. I guess that shows reading the manual might be beneficial. lol. Thanks for the beneficial tip! P.S. I always keep a spare roll of trimmer line in my pocket when I am trimming. Easy to install on the fly.

[@Pez2176]

I found your channel today and so glad I did. I do the yard work so I can certainly appreciate how very helpful all of your videos are. Thanks!

[@tommylambert8027]

Old Shindaiwa best all-around trimmer

[@1Whitetail]

Boy oh boy , wish your shop was in Eastern Ky.

[@1982MCI]

You wouldn’t happen to have a Milwaukee battery operated trimmer you could demonstrate the line refill process on do ya by chance?? I know it’s doubtful since those won’t come into your shop but doesn’t hurt to ask. I fought with mine for over an hour yesterday and just can not get it figured out. It came from the factory loaded backwards and had just been a flipping nightmare, but other than that it’s been a nice trimmer. I’ve got a husky 128 also but I’m a disabled vet that has my right scapula fused to my spine and starting any small engine has gotten harder and harder every year so I’m trying to go either electric start or battery opp on everything possible. Thank you for all your help and tips n tricks!! Your a godsend young lady!!

[@johnwashingtoncountyor4954]

I just learned a better/faster way to re-line my Stihl trimmer head. Thank you.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

Thank you, appriciate this tutorial, many of us havn't a clue how to put line on these heads. Cheers chickanic!

[@Chickanic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gordonhenderson1965]

I've found that taking the string out of the exaggerated large packaging and then re-wrapping it tightly on a much smaller stick, and then putting in a jar of boiling water before storing it makes the line way easier to wrap in a trimmer spool. It's less likely to violently unwind if your grip slips.

[@ac7fd]

I have an Echo with the Speed Feed head and the Stihl. I know how to wind them quick and will still replace the Stihl Head with a Quickfeed. It’s so Easy and 5x faster.

[@georgemyers6518]

I never knew about that way of winding a dual line. I always did it the hard way.2seperate lines one at a time. You unlocked the mystery. However I now use an echo speed feed head. I sure wish I knew about winding a regular dual line head like you did here in the video. It would have saved me a lot of aggravation in the past. Please keep the videos coming

[@TheSandwichMonster]

STIHL makes an easy spool head for straight shafts as well and their new design is better than their older one. Very quick and efficient. Also yeah I've never seen someone follow the recommendations on the standard spool as it works just as efficiently if you don't. Just more work if you do.

[@franktouchatout5853]

It is sooooo easy to understand your explanations! ALWAYS very clear! Specialy for someone whose native language is french! 😁 I've been watching a lot of your videos since I "discovered" you. You're the best! Keep "videoing" 😂 Have a great day! Oh, by the way, I own a stihl fs38... I beleive I can't change the head on it, can I?

[@Chickanic]

Thanks! No, I believe the 38 is a curved shaft, right? You can't change the head on those.

[@frankgiroux]

@@Chickanic It is effectively a curved shaft. It is not a tool I use often. But it's a pain in the *** to wind the "rop" into the head, because I don't remember how to do that each time 😅😅😅 ( bad side of getting older...) 🤣 Thanks for your answer. Have a nice day!

[@brian_2040]

16 dislikes???? U people must just hate yard work. DON'T take it out on this lady she's helping y'all.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Darlin'! It is funny, because my husband and I wonder sometimes about it. I just have the feeling that they must be so unhappy with themselves that they want to direct it at others. I feel sorry for them.

[@brian_2040]

@@Chickanic I see that type of people daily. I sell parts for a tractor dealer. Nothing surprises me anymore. The things that some people do will make you feel smarter than Albert Einstein 😂.

[@catchup4430]

This is an old video but I’d like to tell everybody I’ll find it I’ve learned about these bump heads on weedeaters I’ll take a three-quarter inch quarter inch bolts drilled dead center on the bumpy it so the boat will be riding on the ground and not the head itself and it makes the head lice twice as long Grace and peace

[@chrisr6206]

What about using line that has metal in the center of it? Also, my line tends to BIND on itself.....am I putting too much line in? Thanks

[@hphillips7425]

I done things a little different. I removed the head off the stihl trimmer and installed a speedfeed. The next one will be an echo.

[@tonybone132]

Welp I’ve been doing my stihl trimmer wrong 😑 Thanks so much

[@Chickanic]

You’re welcome 😊

[@BackOutside]

someone get this godess back on youtube

[@bntaft5133]

Thank you

[@CravingSimplicity]

I have a stihl. After about 2 ft of releasing string, it crosses itself up inside the spool and won’t feed any more. Maybe I’m winding it wrong?

[@Chickanic]

How old is your trimmer line. It actually dries up and goes bad after awhile. This will make it stick to itself when it heats up in the head. Also I stick with round line, because I have that same problem with the line that has edges or ribs.

[@CravingSimplicity]

@@Chickanic it was new when I was using it. I switched to the tri-blade nylon blade head

[@kimlau6662]

unfortunate I cannot get my stihl FS38 line right NEVER

[@Colin56ish]

The type of cord used seems to be critical.

[@scottwilcox6741]

Great teacher and smoking hot 😁

[@deannadler9917]

Through that junk away and get an ECHO

[@jeromehiggins3001]

It sure is funny how I have to watch a KZbin tutorial on filling up the auto-feed line on my Stihl trimmer head. It makes me wonder what the person was thinking that wrote the worthless instruction that came with it!

[@MML996]

Best video, and she didn't take 5 minutes explaining what a trimmer was first. Gets right down to business. Fantastic, thank you.

[@Chickanic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brian_2040]

ML sometimes it needs to be explained for the ones of us that don't already know everything about yard products.

[@peacefrog0521]

Actually I was curious about what type of line you’re using. I thought it was Echo Crossfire but I put my glasses on and I see it’s different.

[@mikeh.4645]

After watching your video recommending the shindaiwa 400 speed feed trimmer head, I ordered one and couldn't wait to install it on my Stihl F56. We'll, I made two mistakes.....I didn't recall that you demo's the installation and thought "instructions? I don't need no stinking instructions!" Well after messing w it for 30 minutes, I finally got it installed. And of coarse i didn't have a clue adding line, so after 2 minutes, I gave up, came inside and searched your video from FOUR YRS ago so now I'm an expert! 😅 Even though i can fix moatly anything, im clueless when it comes to small engine stuff. Keep the videos coming because you know what you're doing, know how to present to wannabe small engine mechanics like me and you're much prettier than the other guys on YT! 👍

[@jimlelan4906]

Thanks! I never thought about using a single ‘loop’ of line to fill both slots at the same time on my stihl trimmer!

[@Tarkus_]

Great video! Been using those Stihl heads for years and always did it one line at a time. Your method looks so much easier, and makes it easy to get the two lines roughly the same length. Can't wait to try it out!

[@scottchadbourne4759]

Hopefully, you will persevere and continue making these videos. Excellent, excellent presentation and teaching ability.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

Best title for this video: "Why everyone should be using the SpeedFeed 400/450" That other head I didn't even bothering remembering the name of, is just straight "hassle."

[@SoleEpiphany]

Straight to the point and no bull, keep up the awesome content.

[@lucdelhaize4029]

Damn, I learn new stuff every time I check out these vids!

[@baldeagle242]

Love your channel! We need more videos. 😁

[@georgefrench6713]

Your instructions for the speed line are way better than the manufacturer. Thanks

[@rojohe]

I’ve been using these trimmer heads for awhile and can confirm that these are the best trimmer heads I’ve ever used; fast and simple.

[@upnorthvlogs]

Nice to see a woman doing this stuff for a change proves don’t need a man for everything

[@carlwheeler3403]

Yea...but can she untangle a chainsaw chain. LOL

[@elmerfudd7674]

Can she write her name in the snow??

[@qob13]

Will the Shindawa work on a curved shaft Stihl FS45. Some reviews on Amazon say ‘No’. If not what would you recommend. Thanks….. love your videos. Denise

[@hogman2524]

You are a talented girl, very few men even come close to your knowledge and ability to show others your craft!!

[@chriswenglikowski6562]

So what model speed feed head do I need for a Sthil FSA57?. You have great videos. Thank You.

[@craighellberg4366]

Help please. I want to purchase a new line trimmer. I currently have the Ryobi two-stroke 25cc. I am considering the Stihl FS56 RCE and the Echo SRM225. Also, is there a big difference between a 21.1cc engine and a 25.4cc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[@gladyshughes8497]

It costs a little more to have a pre-spooled line, but when you're in the middle of a trimming job kzbin.infoUgkx429xwEjNPnwzQohFrURRyKF51YfOD_Du , it is so nice to just pop out the old one and pop in a new one. Love Black & Decker tools. Especially the 20-volt battery operated ones. And, as usual, it came on time. Thanks Amazon!

[@cuttnhorse2013]

Thank you for your videos. I have a FS40C Stihl weed eater. Will the speed feed work on it with a curved shaft. It appears that the only wat it would work is to use the clear plastic,with the black insert. But I would have to remove the blade shaft from stihl, and replace it with the small double black thread that would be the new shaft for the FS40C? I stopped before I messed up anything! Any help would be appreciated, Ronnie, East Tennessee

[@b.walker5955]

I use the speed feed. I find when it throws the last bit of the line out...it is ALREADY in position to accept the line. Many times your head is covered in grass and you can't see the arrows. I simply hold the head up to see light through the hole. If I don't, I turn it until I see light. Then you know it is open to accept the line. QUESTION: there has been times where the string gets tangled and stuck the only way to unstick it is to disassemble the spool and manually unwind the string. If you are fast enough you catch it before the spring ejects the spool. If not it will land on the ground and you must put it back, BUT WHICH side goes in first? If you put it in wrong the line will come unraveled. Drives me bonkers. Is there any way to decipher which top or bottom of the reel goes in first? THANKS!

[@TheGreasyShopRag]

I recently discovered your channel and am enjoying the content. I like the ease of the Speed Feed head and have shown a lot of people how to rewind it. The one thing I do different is to hold the head (eyelets and string) while turning the top cap. This prevents all that string from getting tangled up around your arm.

[@donelmore2540]

Can you add those heads to a WORX 40V string trimmer? WORX doesn’t know, but doesn’t think so.

[@mrdeanv4414]

My Stihl FS 91 keeps bogging down and I raise the trimmer head up in the air and it speeds back up....

[@Jimleben]

there is no way a Stihl trimmer head is that easy.All these years and I never knew it was tjhat easy!

[@lawrencemay8671]

I prefer the larger on, just because you get about 8-10 more feet of line and usually last beyond a tank of gas. This also signals for me to take a break. So I take ten with a gas fill up and when the line runs out.

[@chan108dra]

wow you are the best ---make it easy -great tutorial by far -Best thank you ---appreciate .

[@shortfuse43]

Sorta late to the party here....I have an Echo trimmer with the Speed Feed Head. Threading the line through the holes to the other side is a piece of cake IF the line end is STRAIGHT. When you take line off the line spool and cut it to length, it always has a curve to it. That curve makes it a bear to thread the line straight through. I have to work to straighten about 6" or more of the inserted end to get it to go straight through the drum.

[@judge058]

The Speed Feed head is great but my problem is straightening the first 6-8 inches of line to get it to slide all the way through the head. Any suggestions?

[@jasonmartin6147]

So we brought the first one that allows you to ratchet in in automatically but when I get near the end and then start using the machine it bumps the rest of the line back into the head and I have to stop and pull the head off and get the line out and refeed the line again,am I doing something wrong. Must be the only man in existence who doesn’t know how to work this stuff properly.

[@aikirunner]

What size line should we use on the Stihl trimmer? Do you recommend round (smooth) or edged line?

[@patklemmensen1694]

easy to understand, but no mention of why the Stihl unit was removed from the machine, or how to reattach it...

[@Lisa-vl9vy]

Thank you, your videos are such a help to me.

[@flashgo2]

i feel like an idiot. had an echo for near 2 years now with that head and it came with it. wish it came with instructions on that speed feed.

[@davidphillips2259]

Looking lovely today might be the hair xxxxx

[@popcorngJG]

On the speed feed, you twist the part with the arrow, not the head

[@SeeMooreVids]

Thank you. You helped me again. 🤗

[@soulassassin2494]

Hey Chickanic, Are you going to do any cold start videos?

[@kirkdietz6910]

Thankyou dear much better than how i have done it

[@saywhen1976]

Finally🎉 Chicanic Is Amazing 👏

[@jstpsgthru]

My Shindaiwa is like the speed head 400/450. It is still sometimes an adventure with everything lined up, because the line is curved. It looked like you cheated; that line was too straight as you pushed it through. Guiding it in with the tip on the bottom and gingerly straightening the line as it is fed usually works withing a couple of tries. It is still my preferred trimmer head. I've had my Shindaiwa trimmer for 16 years, now.

[@blaws6684]

I have the newer stihl version that is a simple pass thru now

[@ILOVEMACHINES225]

thank you bre

[@PapaMav]

You look so much younger here...

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 250

[@dineshsorate7948]

Very good thank you

[@gergemall]

Wow , after 3 decades

[@ismaeldelgadillo2828]

I love to speed feed head

[@MTHomestead]

Still watching

[@Chickanic]

Thank you so much!

[@randysoong6129]

Thank you!

[@MrJeffers06]

Awesome!

[@gazzareece7082]

Hate to say it but I call BS on the 400 head, I have a new Echo, everytime it runs out the string breaks off inside, then the string never goes through without popping the head apart to get old string out and thread the new through the head. Have yet to be able to just string it.

[@Chickanic]

Sorry you are having a bad experience. If your string is that brittle, it can break at the eyelits, then it is too old. You can either rejuvenate it by soaking it overnight in water or try some new line.

[@dave1135]

I have a mower service shop, and I put a speedfeed head on my personal trimmer. I don't know how I lived without it. I make up precut 12 foot sections of line and carry it with me in a fannypack. If I run out if line I just grab a section, pull it thru, wind it up, and I'm back to trimming in a minute or 2

[@thomasroche164]

Couple years trying to get this down..A big thank you!!👍

[@Chickanic]

Glad I could help!

[@daveshack298]

I have a slightly different head on my Stihl. EVERY time it's out of line, I have to dig out the manual, because I can't remember how to get the dang head apart and which way the line has to be wrapped! Never again! The NEXT time it runs out of line, the whole head is coming off, to be replaced by a Speed Feed head that I picked up this spring.

[@shaneheim8500]

does ecko work on kawasaki trimmer cant get answer from anyone yet

[@dudekanic]

Works on: KAWASAKI : KBL23A, KBL26A, KBL27B, KBL34A, KGT, KGT27B, KGT35A, KTF27A Might need the kit and not just the head.

[@shawndubay4050]

Howdy. Very good video. Hey have you had the chance to work with the new stihl 26-2 autocut head?? Absolutely awesome. Functions flawlessly and reloading is a breeze. I have them on my FS-250R and KM-94R. Went on with zero problems. I swapped the stihl nut inside the third new 26-2 autocut head for a husqvarna compatible nut and now my husqvarna 525L also is running a 26-2 on it. All three runs great and have perfect balance all through the rpm range. Smooth as silk and tough as nails.

[@blackscotydog]

Thanks Chick...I installed a speed feed 400 on my OLD...Robin and WOW..Now I can install new line in less time than it took to advance in old head....

[@danielhunter5]

I was contemplating purchasing a new trimmer until I saw this video. Thank you very much for the simple explanation. It was excellent. I went out to the garage and located the head for my STIHL weed trimmer. I took the head apart after watching youre video and stuck the spool and line into a bucket of water to rejuvinate the line. The last time I used this spool was probably 20+ years ago. I will give it a go this spring. I subscribed to youre channel after watching the interview between you, Donyboy73 and Steve. All 3 of these youtube channels have been fantastic. I have learned a lot. Thank you very much.

[@sherryleeperdue9576]

Great!! I emailed Echo to ask if their speed feed head would fit my curved shaft Stihl trimmer and their reply was, no. It has different gears or something . So, are they telling me the truth or why wouldn't the head fit if it's universal? Thank you. I have the STIHL MODEL FS40CE EASY2START CURVED SHAFT. Please reply. Thank you

[@Chickanic]

Many of the curved shaft trimmers including Stihl do not have a flat base on the bottom for universal heads to fit so you have to buy their head. This does fit the straight shaft Stihl trimmers though.

[@sherryleeperdue9576]

@@Chickanic Thank you so much for replying. I appreciate it.

[@5025rock]

Enjoy your channel for clear explanations and excellent audio/video that provides a great visual “how to” matching your description. As many times as I have added line to the Stihl, I still picked up an improved technique from this vid.

[@paulfoster451]

Another excellent video, thanks. Question please - I normally use a Stihl autocut but tried a speedcut recently and ended up switching back because the speedcut wasted so much line - the yard was littered with cut lengths of line and I was having to fill it up frequently. Is there a way to regulate the feed?

[@johnenglish929]

Very helpful video - thank you. I only recently heard about speed feeds I was thinking of changing the head on my Stihl and will go ahead after this - I hate changing line ! I also have a Ryobi and am looking to change the head on that too. They recommend their RAC115 (well, they would, wouldn’t they !). Has anyone tried that ? I’m not sure whether to go for that or the Echo so any comments would be welcome.

[@sf44t1]

I am a new fan of Chickanic and now a subscriber! Speedfeed should hire her to make training videos for their product. Well done!

[@ColinWatters]

Just ditched my Ryobi head for an Echo 400. Way way easier to load. Wish I had discovered it sooner. Note: There are two versions of the Echo. The "Universal" version comes with adaptors to fit various strimmers. The standard model doesn't.

[@wallyjohnson6249]

Very good video,I always forget ..This is why I saved it on my phone..plus I get to see this pretty lady every 3 weeks or so. :)

[@davidturner7575]

Your channel is amazing, I have learned more about the tools I use in a few videos than I have in the last 20 years. Keep up the great work!!

[@jwalach1650]

This is probably the most frustrating thing about all yardwork, says Da Bear. Everything is going good, weeds are getting cut, still going good and boom! Da Bear can't get Da string feed to come out because Da Bear had it in wrong in the first place. Your videos are awesome. Da Bear gave his Stihl weed eater to his brother. Had difficulty just with the weed eater in general. One trouble was it was too touchy on the choke and it was super loud and vibrated Da Bear to no end. Da Bear felt like a cartoon character and swear the neighbors could see the vibrating lines above as you see on cartoon characters. Brother fixed it, and do get mechanical help from him, but he does less showing and explaining. You do a great job of explaining. Plus you are easier to listen to then Da Bear's brother. You are like a dream.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

Yes, you can beat it! EGO's battery-powered string trimmer is even easier. Nothing to line up, just put about 16 ft of string into one of the holes on the trimmer head. Then pull them so that an equal length of line is on each side. Then put in the battery and push the button near the trimmer head. Release the button when the string is completely wound.

[@barrywaite8060]

Hi chick I've just bought the echo long reach pole with the hedge cutter fitment but I also need the chainsaw head but I'm stuggling 2 find one can u please help

[@chrishunter1555]

Love your videos. I've learned so much. Thank you

[@davidwarland2680]

geez Chick, you make the stihl trimmer feed look easy, been doing a long time now, same as you an all well till getting it back in lol, top vid as always.

[@randydeskins9359]

I have the second trimmer head and I always pull out about 12-14 foot of line and cut it in the middle. When I wind both lines it doesn’t get tangled up near as bad.

[@mrmichaeltscott]

Why do curve shaft turn the other way from a straight shaft?