How to replace your STIHL trimmer head AND how to fix it if it is STUCK!

[@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

[@davecollins9974]

I like a video where the narrator knows what they are trying to explain. This one was certainly it. The lady knows what she is talking about. I learned a lot. We need more "down to earth" people like this one. The was far better than any service manual. I like her display of confidence in what she is showing. In short is was a dammed good vodeo!

[@larryniidji]

I am an old computer / network tech. I always showed customers ways to do things themselves so they could save money, time and maybe not need my services. I felt it was part of my responsibility to them as honest service. Yes! Many cannot, many will not but. Providing honest service will also get you more business it goes back to honesty and trust. I never advertised and was kept busy. Great videos and you deserve a great following.

[@eroomjennings]

I work on old engines donated to Habitat either on saws, weed eaters, blowers etc. Most as you know are disabled due to poor fuel maintenance. Your videos describe the WHY that other KZbinrs miss out explaining! Just keep doing what you do! Your most helpful!! Thanks!!!

[@tracypayne3580]

After watching a bunch of videos, I came across yours. You helped me fix my head from falling off. I had the plate upside down. Thank you so much. I subscribed and liked this video. Thank you for your time devoted to helping others.

[@deanhagerman6843]

At my shop every mechanic has a tool that we make for this problem, take a No Fix Stihl trimmer that the customer left behind and remove drive shaft, cut an 8 inch piece off it and weld a metal rod to the top to make a T-handle. We have them for Husqvarna trimmers as well. At least once a week we have a customer come in with the thrust plate on wrong.

[@thomasperina2990]

Bre you helped me out last year when brought up the grease port on the trimmer head. You will never find this maintenance item in any manual & never mentioned buy any small engine mechanic. THANK YOU THANK YOU, TMP from N.J.

[@JFearlessJourneys2112]

I modified a 1/4 inch extension to fit the cable drives in my trimmers, so far they all have been the same size regardless of the mfg. Love your videos, been doing small engine repair for 45 years and am still learning a lot from your channel!!!!!!!!!!

[@gcampbell83]

I am a HUGE fan of your channel. I have learned so much from your tutorials. Please do not stop sharing your expertise. Thank you for all you do. Chickanic will have 200,000 subs (maybe 250,000) before labor day. We all need your expertise on keeping our equipment going. God save the queen of small engines!

[@simontrangmar4537]

I have been watching many of you vids over the past few years - on small gennies, mowers, chainsaw and line trimmers. You (and Steve's Small Engine saloon) are my MUST WATCH before I look at any others. You have helped me enormously. In essence, you have given me the CONFIDENCE to at least TRY. Sometimes, I bail and go to my STIHL dealer but in MANY cases, I have had the satisfaction of doing it myself. Just to give you am idea of your global 'reach'.... I am in Australia (Adelaide). Huge kudos to you. REgards - Simon

[@Snitzel1000]

Thank you for this tip. I did exactly as you said, I put the round metal part on upside down and then couldn’t get the head off. Thank you for the “fix it”. All it took was a T-27 and a screw driver. Thanks again for your videos…

[@Raphael_NYC]

Thank you. The reason you have so many subscribers is your talent, experience and willingness to share. You are an amazing mentor. I have wanted to know how to fix my yard work machines for ever. Even the ones I don't fix, I now understand better. I love this channel.

[@Trakehner20]

Oh thank you so much, you're a Godsend!! You turned what I thought would be impossibly difficult thing to do, into an easy one! I have a Durocut 20-2 head to put on, because my old one ate the string. I had no idea how, neither did my husband, and you saved us from so much frustration. THe only tid-bit that may have been a hair easier, but not much problem, was at the end when showing the right way, I kinda forgot, and it didn't show real well, so I had to go to the beginning when you mentioned how not to do it. Just a little extra watching and studying, but not much trouble. You got the idea out real well so thank you!

[@scotthester1780]

I have a Stihl FS-85. It hadn’t started in 5 years but you encouraged me to fix it, the old carburetor is gunked up, and will rebuild it to have an extra. Thanks for great content. This time next year you may have 250,000 to 500,000 subscribers. I hope so. Congrats.

[@bryanphillips5426]

A very smart small engine mechanic that knows what she's doing. Thanks for teaching this old country boy a lot!

[@robertince9092]

Simple and straightforward and as a woman( traditionally as you know we are supposed to be rubbish as mechanics - or so men say) I find you plenty inspiring. Having made the simple mistake you illustrated in this video (I knew it felt wrong when I was doing it - should have trusted my instinct, huh?), I now feel ready to do the bigger disassembly and get into the gearbox. Life saver! Thanks.

[@Gemma-lg7lf]

This video may be two years old and my problem was an Echo srm225 with a stuck head. I couldn't get the gear to lock it just spun. Yes, I tried to use a pointy thingy to hold the gear in place and yes I was turning the head in the right direction, it would not unscrew. Well, Chickanic is absolutely correct about the basic design. Only difference is an Echo has 3 pressure screws to remove the whole trimmer end assembly from the shaft instead of Stihl's one. The shaft is square and the screwdriver was able to hold the gear tight so I could get a sure grip on the trimmer head and crank it loose. A big thank you, my weed eater is fixed!!!!!

[@Jim777ist]

Someone did this to mine (lol) and I ended up using the square tang of a file so I could remove the head. I just clamped the file to a 2x4 and the square end of the file fit nicely in the head and I was able to twist the head off easily. Love your videos!!

[@raynall3593]

I love to work on my own stuff when I can and your channel has taught me a lot. I have already used some to get my mowers working this year when they quit running last year. It actually did save me a lot of time and money and thanks to your channel, and yalls Q&A talks, it was not a bit frustrating.

[@erin23arnold]

About a month and a half ago you help me fix my echo weedeater and since then I have a been on your page whenever I need anything. I do landscaping mowing weeding on our 200 acre property pretty much by myself. We used to have a diesel mechanic and a couple other guys out in our shop that would help me out but now they’ve moved to another shop further away so I don’t have them anymore! So I’ve been trying to figure it out on my own. So keep up the videos they really have helped. It’s very empowering when you can figure something out for yourself (with your help) and fix it.

[@robinbigler225]

Thank you so much. Your video 's have helped me so much. I'm a widowed female that has to do much more stuff outside and many times you have helped me get my equipment to work for me. Many thanks.

[@rowdydog]

I'm certain you hear this, from us guys, a lot. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, ALL MY LIFE!! I have learned so much. Just think of all the mowers and string trimmers, that could have been saved, if I had found your youtube channel sooner. Thank you so much.

[@dplawson2366]

Hi there thank you for this video. I am part of a volunteer group here in the uk and we had the head come off one of our Stihl trimmers on Saturday. In haste we screwed the head on without looking for all of the parts! Resulting in a stuck head that would not spin. With the help of your video myself and another member of the group who had found the missing part took it to bits and sorted the problem!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you 👍👍

[@hipporage18]

Sincere thank you! I felt like I got in over my head switching from an electric trimmer to a STIHL FS70R. Your videos have been a godsend

[@karissamacgregor7449]

Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! Yes i put it on backwards just like you said cause i never even saw how it fit from it falling off so quick. Oh man just.... Thank you again. Words cannot express my sincere grattitude. In a world where everyone either never explains anything, or are outright rude and condescending, or the worse, string you along and then give false info, it was nice to just have someone show me the answer. Oh my lord i feel like crying. You have no idea how many things in my life feel unfixable because no one can just give me straight answers. Thank you.

[@courtneyroy270]

Just keep being you, will ensure your show, if that helps, I'm a big fan of Steve's small engine shop aswell, just U2 ❤

[@nostalgicgamer1363]

This was a frustration saver!!! I tried to put a max load on my husqvarna and it wouldn't spin and got stuck..I was about to throw the whole thing away. Thank you!!

[@davidkroeker4044]

Your Video has saved me from having to take my Stihl lawn trimmer to the shop because I put the wrong washer on when I changed out the blade to the spool. I just found your channel but I am already checking out other videos. Thank you so much

[@matthewwest2283]

What a superstar you are. I’m going to ask our king to make you a dame of the realm. You have saved me a whole afternoon of stress, so simple and clear, Westie

[@brenthicks7514]

This channel is excellent. I really enjoy watching your videos because I learn something every time I watch one.. it's common for me to watch one of your videos and it turns out to be about a piece of equipment I've owned or used for years. Thank you for the free tips and advice. "respect" Happy Mother's Day!

[@janerik1496]

Such a dork I am…… having struggle 2 days trying to replace the head of my stihl trimmer, took me less than a minute to learn the treads are Links.. how easy, well explained chickanic 👏👍😊

[@RoyLMata]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and extremely helpful explanation on how to repair a locked trimmer head. You turned my frown onto a smile. Keep up the good work and once again thank you very much.

[@martinprice6630]

Well I jammed my Stihl trimmer head and found this video. Many thanks - fixed in minutes. Thanks for not talking down to us guys😄

[@Mr.CoolWizard]

I forgot to put the flange on my Titan brush cutter today and couldn’t get the bump head off again. Until I watched this video! Thanks a million!!

[@bobbednarcik1850]

YOU are one of the Best, Down to earth channels on here. I love the fact that you give the little details about the repairs, and what pitfalls to look out for when we try the repairs. Keep up the Great Work, and BTW that Vette is Gorgeous.

[@eeezee4455]

Thank you!!! i made this mistake and you saved me a trip to the repairman. Ive never owned a trimmer and nobody explained this to me.

[@TT-dz8zf]

OMG you just saved me a lot of time. I was furious that the head on my Stihl got stuck and because I forgot to install the flange in between so the nail trick can’t hold it in place. Inserting the flat screw driver into the joint really held it from spinning for me. Thanks a lot!

[@kevinorr6880]

The Dad comment…super cool of you. As long as we are celebrating, let’s give props to whomever is doing the job.

[@tedcarson2971]

Thanks for all the advice and help. Whenever I'm "discombooberated" and for me .... that seems to be fairly often .... I know where to look! Thanks for sharing.

[@richardganz4306]

Just in the nick of time. Trimmer head on Stihl was unmovable and I couldn't find a hole. Removed the trimmer head as you described and discovered I hadn't even put the flange piece on, let alone backwards. And it was easily searchable.

[@gergemall]

You are a wonderful person and wise mechanic! Thank you for your help

[@dave434]

The FS250 is one step closer to being up and running once again after being saved from the trash! Thank You!!

[@coreyakers3435]

Thanks!!​ Learned something new! My dad installed it backwards and asked me to fix it. He was just going to cut his brand new $35 trimmer head in half to remove it.

[@aaronpowell4885]

Great tip👍 not sure about other stihl models but last month I bought a new fs 70 r and didn't realize till after I got it home, it doesn't have a greasing plug🤦‍♂️ guess in a year or two, I'll figure out if I can disassemble the gearbox to clean it out and re-grease. Welcome to our throw away society😥 Happy mother's day!!

[@danfrain1]

I have spent hours looking for the correct way to remove the thrust plate. I was given the trimmer by a neighbor who bought himself a new one. It needed work, so I put a few dollars into it, and I think it will last a long time. Of all the videos I watched, yours was the first to show me what I was supposed to see. It’s been neglected for a while, and was covered in dust and grass detritus. I didn’t find the hole to put the round steel dowel into until you showed me where to look. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thanks again!

[@sambiscits6711]

Not surprisingly, your KZbin channel is growing; I was trained as a mechanic on automobile-type horseless carriages. Hee Hee! And I find your videos interesting, and I learned things in it doesn't hurt that you're pleasing to the eye.

[@jimbrewer2893]

Another home run. I know for sure, not many people are aware of the grease hole. Thanks Bre!

[@kennethmiller7853]

I'm like...Greese hole? Oops. I've had this trimmer for 30+years! I can't believe it still works!

[@MrMrsregor]

@@kennethmiller7853yep, make sense why my gear head is now worn out

[@kirkbenefiel8920]

My family 56rc does not have a grease hole it is old. Guess I'll just grease it as I put it back together😂

[@gabrielrodda6896]

You're a legend for this video. Forgot to put the metal plate in before the trimmer attachment and got it jammed in there. This helped get it off and not have wasted £200 on the attachment 😂

[@MaxPayne-ft8st]

I wish I would've found your channel 4 years ago. I had to learn a few things the hard way when it comes to small engines and lawn mowers. However even though I'm 4 years into the dream without regrets; I still have the common sense that there will always be lessons that pop up whether new or forgotten. So you have yet another sub here. Definitely keep the content coming sister! You do awesome work

[@earladams869]

Really like what you do. Just wanted to mention something to you. I am a very new subscriber so I apologize if you have already told spoken about this. IF you go to fill up your gas can, car, truck or ANYTHING that requires gasoline and a tanker truck is making a delivery, LEAVE! As the delivery is being made, the gas goes into the underground tank, the gas goes into the dispenser and into your tank. As the gas is being delivered into the storage tank, it is also stirring up the sediment that has gathered and settled at the bottom of the storage tank. Dirt (sediment) etc. COULD lead to costly repairs. This info comes from me, I am a graduate of the Gilbarco school of gas & fuel pumps, storage tanks & red pump repair. P.S. I also am from Arkansas.

[@alanthomas2453]

Thank You for great instructions. Stihl, never has worked right, bought a aftermarket with easy wind setup.

[@ShaneHm2]

Thanks for this tip. At my work we run Stihl equipment and having the knowledge of if someone put it on backwards saves a trip to the mower shop :D

[@martinhare6499]

What a great Channel to go to when I'm struggling with a repair. Just put on the Shindaiwa speed feed 400 head. Yet again it reminds me that I need to watch your video first BEFORE I start the repair.

[@linang2211]

For the last 18 months I've not let the lawn crew edge or use a weed eater in my back yard. kzbin.infoUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG I didn't like the fact that they just kept cutting the edge of the lawn further and further from the rock lining the flower beds and leaving bare ground. And the grass was trimmed or scalped several feet around trees, etc. It was a constant battle with them so I told them to just mow and no trimming. I have Zoysia grass so it grows pretty slow. Obviously after a while it could use some trimming. I'm in my 80's so I can't do much of it myself.Finally I decided that if I could find a lightweight battery powered trimmer I might be able to do some light trimming. I decided to buy the LST201 20V trimmer. And it works great for my needs. I have back yard with about 150' of flower beds and several trees to be trimmed. I can lightly trim the whole yard with a single charge! The grass I trimmed was only a few inches high but the trimmer was more powerful than I expected.

[@dennisjoiner3717]

The ACE Hardware I used to work at sells 12" sections of square Key stock. If it would be metric like I'm sure it is, buy a 3" long Metric Key that fits the square hole and hold it with a wrench. If you use the 12" length you can bend a 90 on it and have another tool for the collection.

[@davidcharles3131]

I think I used an old 1/4 inch socket extension and then my ratchet. I think it was a little loose but worked better for me than a screw driver, not enough hands.

[@jenette16]

Was just given a stihl trimmer. Head is binding and growling. Off to swap out the head, and grease it. Thank you for your help

[@kurtwiebell883]

I made this mistake yesterday when I went out for the first cut of the Spring. This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@JohnSmith-vk6ky]

I looked for a long time to find out how to replace this. Your video had it replaced in 5 minutes. Thankyou

[@markhookom5371]

There are a lot of people out there doing these kinds of videos. You are by far my favorite!

[@daveanderson4670]

No thanks to me needed. All the thanks are to you for all the help you give!

[@danielhunter5]

Thank you for making this video. I have a Stihl straight shaft trimmer which has the metal 3 blade cutting attachment on it. It has been decades since I have used the nylon line. So!!! thinking that I knew what I was doing I removed the metal cutting blade with everything falling off of the end of the shaft (my first red flag) and me still thinking that I knew what I was doing proceeded to install the plastic line trimmer head....Got it nice and tight (2nd red flag but too late), started up the unit and discovered that yep I was completely wrong and now despite my best efforts the head of this trimmer is firmly STUCK and I mean STUCK, nothing moves. So fighting back panic and seeing $$$$ being needlessly spent I turned on youtube and tuned into you're channed. I paid much closeer attention this time to you're tutorial. Found me a slot screw driver that fit perfectly and yippee I was thrilled to have that head come off just like you said. I learned a very valuable lesson Bre. Thank you so much!

[@steverush3132]

Your explanation saved my butt. The hole to stop the head from spinning was for dummies 101. Thanks

[@davidholland6061]

Iv learned a lot. You are thorough when explaining. You don't skip steps believing I should just know. Thank you for explaining every small step you take time to tell me. I also believe that you understand that I am the student and don't expect me to know and make me feel stupid for not knowing.

[@joshuapetertaylor]

Thank You! After hours of searching- I finally the info I was looking for! Clear- straightforward- and great.

[@michaelreed2895]

Best thing I did today was to find your video!!! I was just getting ready to drive my Stihl trimmer to the shop. Now I'm headed for my tool box.😊

[@johnallen9593]

Thank you young lady you're a life saver the head on my trimmer came off I found the parts and you guest it I put the washer on backwards not knowing of course thanks to you I jammed the gear box as you recommended and wahla up and running.

[@danielrobert7181]

That “grease the gears” reminder sure will save time, money and lots of frustration. Stay safe and be merry !

[@markbay6442]

Great video!! Went and bought a new one just all because i put the plate on backwards. That locked the head up in return burned the clutch slap up. If i would have this video i would have saved $400. Thank you for a very informal video.

[@Reno-pz3kt]

It is easy to subscribe to your channel because you are not just amazing at what you do, but you can explain things that a child would understand . Here in The Bahamas you would make a good living . You have saved me a lot of money. May THE FATHER BLESS you and your family forever.

[@norme7102]

The growth of your channel is all due to the excellent content. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@audwinjones9079]

I appreciate your expertise and have a STHIL weed trimmer that is giving me fits. after burning through the original trimmer line, I replaced the head with a new one but am still having no luck with the trimmer. I’ll use it for 5-10 feet and the line stops being fed and I have to take it apart every 20 feet to resting it, only to have the same issue… Very frustrating!!!

[@chrishorbatt3504]

Im guessing the first time someone came in with that plate upside down it took awhile to come up with that screwdriver tip! Really enjoy your videos, real world repairs!

[@Chickanic]

I actually keep a small piece of an old pole saw shaft with a perfect square arbor on it. It comes in handy!

[@weshouldallbenicer]

Hey, I'm just another idiot who did it wrong, but you're an amazing teacher who helped me out! Thanks!!

[@weehawker1]

Thank you for this video! I forgot the metal ring when I put on my trimmer head and could not get it back off! This video saved the day.

[@mudcitizen]

The solution to the problem that occurs about 3 minutes in saved me the time, expense, and embarrassment of a trip to the local repair shop 1,000,000 thanks

[@qualitysteamcarpetcleaning1710]

Thanks. I also forgot to put the plate on. Lol Couldn't figure how to loosen the head out. Glad I'm not the only one that did this.

[@rickthelian2215]

Thank you Bree, I didn’t know about turning whilst greasing.😀🇦🇺

[@jeffpeters1014]

All us diyers appreciate your tutorials, sometimes we need a little/a lot help!

[@cayr7745]

Huge thank you! Keep up the good work. It helps so much to see the steps to get it done correctly.

[@jamesbrannon9594]

I have a Kohler 7000 series engine it struggles to turn over and other times it runs good. Are the valves adjuseable

[@jrmm329]

​@jamesbrannon9594 drain oil put some diesel fuel in. Take spark plug out and turn over a few times ( make sure you pull spark plug) then drain and put new oil in it. Mine did the same . Also the battery can be the reason it struggles to turn over and then sometime runs fine

[@JessicaMiller-m9l]

Thanks for this video! Saved me lots of time. I was guilty of putting the metal plate upside down so it wouldn't spin!

[@delseckora5327]

Happy Mother's Day Bre!!!!! You be rockin that tank top..lol. Congratulations on 94.5k. Keep up the great work.

[@GlennLRiggs]

Mam...!!!! you are awesome...I just bought a new Stihl FS55 and wanted to confirm I put it on correctly...and WAMO....I found you...many many thanks...you are great wish you all the best of luck...an American living in Germany....

[@andyflannigan6432]

Cant tell you how much i have grown to love this channel!

[@gregmaxfield4405]

94.6k end of May target of 100k in sight. So awesome. Love your work ! 🙂🚜🐻 Bear Queensland Oztralia

[@jdclay1547]

@Chickanic great videos and have a great mother's day. A head to head comparison between an Echo 3020 and a Stihl 131along with opinions on standard 2 stroke vs 4 mix would be interesting, at least from my point of view.

[@rossrossier935]

Happy Mother's day! And Thanx for all you do!👍

[@johnschumacher3618]

Love this channel learn new stuff every time . Thanks

[@scarsstitches6387]

Show us how front wheel assist works and what goes wrong most often please. I've been doing my own personal mechanicing for 50 + years. Love the no nonsense way you explain what you're doing! It's easy to tell that you're a pro ! Keep it up girl you're doing GREAT !

[@aturner2080]

i enjoy watching your videos Bre. They are informative and you have such a pretty smile.

[@64dougee]

There is nothing more satisfying than correct head!

[@lisapogwizd4529]

I can't tell you how much your videos mean to me. I am 3 1/2 years a widow and am on my own now for yard work etc. Your videos are easy to understand and right on point so even a dummy like myself can understand lol. Keep it up! :-)

[@bluetrue6062]

You are 303K viewers now because you rock! Thanks for the info on this and everything else.😊

[@davidgates1122]

Thanks. I needed to put a forestry blade on, and I would never have figured this out. I found the rod that came with my trimmer (I have a bunch in the back of my toolbox from various trimmers I have owned, I just had to figure out which was the right one), but I had to unclog the hole with a pick.

[@henrytupper6959]

Hi Chickanic, thanks for all the videos. I bought a speed feed 400 for my greenworks pro 60 volt and had to take the whole head apart to unscrew the original head. Can not use the sp400 because the gears will be left exposed to dirt. So am still rewinding and dealing with poor feeding . I do clean at each rewind and spray with silicone to help keep it free.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

100K subscribers in a year! Wow, congratulations! Glad to be one of them.

[@DamianWigle]

Happy mothers day to you as well and you do more then enough for us with everything you teach us thank you 😁 just keep up the great work and amazing videos. much love from Ontario Canada

[@jeffr2855]

Well, shoot! I wish I had found this earlier this year. I had a Stihl polyhead that I did something similar but didn't know how to get the head back off. Took it into the local tractor/small equipment place and they said there was no way to get the head off again except by cutting it off. Which I did. Long story short it just cost me a new polyhead but if I had tried this it might have been saved. Oh, well, thanks for making the video. Now I'll know where to go for advice on small equipment.

[@Capybara145]

I had no idea how to replace the trimmer head.your video was a lifesaver

[@georgecypher4568]

Congrats on where you have gotten so fast , Remember not to change anything cause obviously , IT WORKS ! I am a Auto Tech and have been for over 25 years , I find it very interesting on what you know and how knowledgeable you really are. I would think you are like most of us and are amazed by how things tick and are not afraid to tackle any job dropped into there lap. So just remember to keep being you and you will be just fine and sooner than you think you will be on your way to 200K. Thanx for the good content Chick ! You Rock !

[@Skitsocat]

Very thankful for your help with putting a speed feed head on my Stihl line trimmer, but one thing was the space was not needed. I have a Kombi unit and my trimmer did not have the raised center area. Maybe weird but I'm looking forward to using it today.