Re Spooling the Stihl FSE 60, FSE 71 & FSE81 Electric Strimmer with C 5-2 Autocut mowing head. ⛳

[@CoatsandGaiters]

If you click "SHOW MORE" in the description above your be able to see Links to the Tools 🔧🔨🔧 I use. Also Clickable Chapters📋 📙 throughout the video and other Links 🎬 that may be of interest. I've had a few viewers request where they can buy the tools they see in some of my videos but it's not very clear that the "SHOW MORE" tab has a lot of information in that may be of interest. Admittedly the amazon links are associated with me and I would earn a small commission which helps towards keeping the channel funded.

[@MissedApproachMagpie]

I actually love you. I’ve used this video countless times and now I believe I am a bird that’s ready to leave the nest, I have mastered my Stihl weedwacker thanks to you. May your head rest softly against your pillow for many moons to come

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Haha wow !!! What can I say to that? They are a nightmare aren't they to remember. Every model also different.

[@JM-jd7yp]

I have just got in from the garden with a line problem and this video clearly answered every problem I had. Thank you very much for taking the time to help others. Much appreciated and I wish you well

[@CoatsandGaiters]

That's great news and thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@alexandermayakovsky6550]

An excellent presentation. Very clear and helpful. I would underline the comment about making sure not to let the coiled spring get away from you. Without that spring, you cannot work. In my experience, the spring can jump away from the spool unit when you remove it and - wouldn't you know it - get hidden in grass or elsewhere. If you can't find the spring the best technique which I have used to find it is to look for something else. Usually, the cagey little spring will come back into view, seemingly on its own volition. Sort of. I am very enthusiastic about Stihl products. For some years I struggled with loading the line. I wish I had had this video back then. Great help. BTW, I live on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver Island. Thanks for the super-clear-and-logical video.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for such a lovely comment and the handy advice about the spring. This was one of my early videos I made for the channel.

[@californiandreamin]

Is there one or two springs involved? I took mine apart and ended up with two. I see where the larger one rests in the base but there is a skinnier one leftover not sure if it was already on the ground when it sprung apart when I unscrewed it or it it's somehow part of this machine

[@javiermontoya3827]

Thank you. I bought my stihl trimmer at a garage sale without instructions. This was very helpful.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

You're welcome!

[@tankdeezel76]

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!

[@2old4allthis]

I recently struggled to load string on my FSE 60, which I’ve had for 15-ish years. It would bind up in the middle of winding. Of all things, lubricating the two feed holes completely took care of it. I’m sure any lube would do, but I used Fluid Film, which is a lanolin-based spray lube. DO NOT, of course, use WD-40 (it’s not a lubricant)!

[@jonchilds1637]

Just successfully refilled my FSE60 - first time I've needed to and immediate success, entirely thanks to this video!!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

That's fantastic new Jon. So pleased it helped you. Happy strimming.

[@meihuaquanandflexenergetic281]

An outstanding video that is informative, concise and clear. We searched for a British english tutorial which tend to be far more to-the-point and free of unfocused blabber.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you so much for saying so. I do try to keep my focus on solving the issue for all of us.

[@rodbirch5876]

can’t believe that I’ve been doing this the hard way, trying to wind it around the spool and feed it through the holes in the head. Absolutely struggled with it. Then today I got mixed up with the order of things, most notably, the spring, and caught your video. This is a much easier way to do it! Thank you, thank you thank you!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Pleased the video helped.

[@tenterdenyoga]

You're a life-saver! I hadn't used my strimmer for a few years, and completely forgot how to re-spool the line. I tried for ages but nothing worked. Until I saw this video. Thank You 😀

[@CoatsandGaiters]

I had the exact same issue hence I made the video. They aren't that obvious are they.

[@tenterdenyoga]

@@CoatsandGaiters definitely not!

[@lorihowell5626]

Thanks to KZbinrs like you my son and I are able to do things that are typically a “man’s job”. Thanks for the info!! (My neighbors thank you too 😂)

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for such a kind comment. Makes it all worth while with such positive comments. Glad I helped.

[@pierredil6942]

Really clear instructions. I appreciated the yellow backdrop and attention to detail. Thank you.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you kindly for saying so.

[@marynagy8072]

Thank-you. The one step I couldn’t remember (or figure out, without your help) was the need of a wrench to loosen the top knob (cap).

[@CoatsandGaiters]

I think when we get these things new it's all clear and obvious but after a while and its all dirty, one just stares and thinks ....HOW? that's how I was, hence I thought I have to make this video even if just to remind me lol

[@tonysidhu3540]

Thank you, I was doing it all wrong. Now, I wait for snow to melt and spring to arrive. Cheers

[@CoatsandGaiters]

It's not easy and easily forgotten I found.

[@johnmumaw7738]

This was an excellent instruction video. Painting areas so the viewer can get a better view is both brilliant and thoughtful. Thank you for producing it!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the comment. I try my best to simplify things as it's easy if you know how but not when your learning.

[@randomstuffbyedwin1536]

Well done video. I have read a lot of reviews on how bad this trimmer is to re-string. After watching your video I'm not to concerned with buying one of these. My guess is that most people don't read the instructions or search YT for answers.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the comment Edwin, I love YT as someone out there normally has an answer to most problems. YT has solved many a car repair issue for me.

[@fancypaintjobs2192]

Just bought one of these at Goodwill for $7.99. It looks brand new. I bet the previous owners couldn't figure that crazy spooler out. I took it apart in the store and couldn't figure out how to get it back together. Watched your vid with the lined up arrows and I was good to go. Thanks!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thats great news for you and great news for me, that my video helped you. Take care and enjoy

[@joeglalor]

Great instructions from a bright and patient man. Much patience is required in working with the poorly-designed C 5-2 Autocut mowing head. Notice the tremendous amount of effort it takes when the new line is wound in. And there's not much to hold onto while you are winding it counter-clockwise. You'd think you're good to go after loading fresh line until it's used up, but no... it will very likely jam before it runs out. The line-holder contraption will need to be taken apart again, you'll likely need to discard the line that remains and start all over again. I regret buying this tool.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for your comment. These tools are sent to try us arn't they lol

[@farmerfarmerer3847]

This video is GOLD. Thanks!. One thing I picked up from Chickanic was this nylon line goes brittle over time if its old stock. So soak your stock in water. Before spooling and using.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the compliment and sound advice there.

[@HiVizCamo]

Thank you, very helpful! FSE60 in Canada here, Cheers!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for compliment.

[@jules5970]

Thanks

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Wow !! thank you Jules 🙏 that's really appreciated. Hope the video helped you.

[@stevelaporta5791]

bravo. this was a very thorough and patient presentation on what can be a frustrating task. thanks.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you Steve hope it helped.

[@DaveDenning1953]

I have an FSE 60 and have always re-spooled by removing the head assembly, winding the nylon on by hand, then fiddling about to stop it unwinding while fitting the head back together (even using the "line holders" in the head assembly)! I have become quite adept at it by now so it usually doesn't take me long - but I had no idea you could fill it with fresh nylon in situ!! I will definitely try this next time I need to re-spool. I do, however, use thicker 3mm nylon (also Stihl) as the thinner versions do not last more than a few minutes in the tough conditions here in Brazil, where I live. "Ah", you might say, "but the 3mm is too thick" - and you would be right! It fits easily through the holes in the outer edge of the spool, but is too thick to push into the inner ones, so I have to shave a bit off, much as you would sharpen a pencil by hand, to ensure it is "thin" enough to catch inside the spool, and that works for me very well, with the nylon lasting days rather than minutes! I usually put no more than 1 metre on a time. Very informative video - thank you!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the comment. Sounds like you know the tool pretty well. Thicker line probably makes some sense as it wont break so easily so you wouldn't need so much like you say. Might give it a try. Thank you.

[@eponymousIme]

Me too -- have been winding by hand --except I have never become adept at it. :-( I dread the re-spooling ritual (and forget how) every time. Ergo, my search for this video and my great relief and gratitude in finding it. Kinda sad that the users have to supply the useful information. I wonder if Stihl will ever watch this and get a hint that it needs to provide a similar tutorial.

[@cheeseclark]

Me too Dave, I even found a KZbin video that showed me how to do that, since I forgot how. When I ent to look at that video this season, instead I found Coats and Gaiters, what a relief.

[@familybikeride]

Brazil has tougher weeds then other parts of the world?

[@stickynutjuicemoved959]

Is there a reason why one couldn't use the soft grip pliers to thread the line initially? To get the full 2 meters of line in there?

[@CoatsandGaiters]

I think if you force it in it probably won’t unwind when you bump it as it might be jammed up tight.

[@bloodbrotherdan]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video; very helpful.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Pleased it helped

[@markv3559]

Blew my mind. Had no idea it was this easy!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Easy when we are shown.

[@Honeycombe88]

Great video! I couldn't take it apart (an old Stihl FS 60 that someone gave me). I found a tool similar to the one you used to force that cap to turn. It worked! I was able to take all that apart and clean & oil it. Thanks!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Haha great stuff, glad it helped you.

[@gardengeek3041]

Also have an the FSE 60, gifted to me, looking brand new ... Did not realize it is now 'vintage'. Lol

[@ЮлияК-ц3т]

I'm understand with only your exploration, many thanks

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Юлия К. Thank you for that. Glad I helped.

[@dare1317]

Хвала пуно...замало да поломим нешто покушавајући сам да наместим...још једном хвала на видеу

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you and pleased the video helped you.........."Thanks a lot...almost broke something trying to set it up myself...thanks again for the video"

[@martasagit29]

Excelente ♥️

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you

[@richardbeckwith4545]

Great video, explained clearly and in much detail 👌

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you, one of my early video's

[@gabioliveira2913]

Melhor vídeo sobre essa roçadeira, aprendi muito com você!! Muito obrigada!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for that and glad it helped you Gabi.

[@jamiemiller5616]

Excellent tutorial !!! Thank you Subscribed !!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you Jamie

[@lorena5646]

Excelente!! La mejor explicación, me fue de gran ayuda . Saludos desde Argentina 👋

[@CoatsandGaiters]

"Excellent!! The best explanation, it was a great help to me. Greetings from Argentina"...Thank you Lore Na 👌

[@Bleeoshzuan]

Great vid mate. Clear and concise. Cheers!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you

[@kirkpoore9871]

Good video, thanks. One thing to note is to cut the line with wire cutters and not scissors. Scissors will smear the end of the line so it won't fit into the spool capture hole.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for adding that. Very true.

[@gardengeek3041]

Might be the answer I need. Thanx

[@cwize]

I WISH I still had that old head design. The new design removes the knurling that allows you to grip and turn the heads. They ruined it. Also, the holes in the inner spool where the end of the string goes in are no longer on opposite sides of the spool, rather together. So you cannot load it from “the outside” as you have shown. It’s a stinking nightmare to try to reload.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

I find everything today gets 'improved' to the point of being worse than the original. Its like they have to change things for the sake of it.

[@debsash7179]

thanks so much, really helpful vid

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Pleased I could help. Thank you for the comment.

[@georger4840]

Hello The wheel won't rotate to feed the line when the nut is screwed on... Think I am doing something wrong but not sure what Any ideas / thoughts would be appreciated

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Sorry I can't remember it as it was a long time ago.

[@Dawiathor]

Thx from poland for this video!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the thank you

[@gardengeek3041]

But, ... what to do when the spool does NOT grab the new end of the green line. It used to work fine. Have taken it apart many times before, and understand the workings of the parts. Is there a certain angle?

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Sorry I no longer have the strimmer to look at.

[@idaattias9321]

Thank you, just what I needed!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

So pleased it helped and thank you for commenting.

[@neiltaylor4019]

Excellent video many thanks

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you Neil , hope it comes in handy for you. I know I need it lol. I've already forgotten how to do it.

[@eponymousIme]

Thank you so much for this. Wish it had been available sooner, but better late than never, eh? :-)

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you and glad its helped.

[@californiandreamin]

GREAT explanation! Very thorough and much appreciated. Have a question... What's that disc like thing on the end of the weedwacker? Is that for edging or something? Never seen that before.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you and yes I think its just a distance stop for edging or something.

[@FirstKelevra]

very nice explanation, thank you!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

That's great if it helped you. Thank you

[@MrLayziebone99]

well easy enough. thanks!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for saying so.

[@charlycostarica8738]

thanks man so good explained you saved me

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Good to hear it helped

[@empireofpeaches]

Thanks for your great video

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for watching.

[@Dave-nk6qz]

Excellent. Thank You

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for the comment

[@edmizzimizzi]

Great tutorial, thank you

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you

[@sonnygunz9207]

Thank you for this.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Glad it helped

[@cheeseclark]

Hello, thanks for putting us out of our misery, this worked very well. Did you ever get the bump feed forward to work?

[@CoatsandGaiters]

cheeseclark pleases it helped you. Is yours not bump feeding ?

[@cheeseclark]

@@CoatsandGaiters It never has...I think we are talking about the same thing, tapping the center to get more line out, right? I have opened the spool dealie up in the past to pull out more line. I thought you mentioned in the video that it was not working for you either. Anyway if you have clues to share about that, I would appreciate them. My FSE 60 may be too grassy at the moment to function properly.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

@@cheeseclark you are bumping while its spinning fast I presume? Does the centre cap spring in and out or is it stuck? Have you checked all the parts are there compared to my video? hope something here helps.

[@eponymousIme]

@@cheeseclark The bump feed has never worked for me. I just turn the trimmer upside down, press on the slotted cap while pulling out more line with my free hand. It's awkward to do solo, but it works.

[@jerryhealy3924]

Thankyou! Great Video

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you

[@pstutor1]

No matter what I do I cannot get the center button to stay in. Help!!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Sorry I no longer have the strimmer to look at anymore.

[@gardengeek3041]

I seem to have found a solution from one of the commentors, below. If the spool holes won't grab onto fresh cord feed, the ends might be smeared ... I sharpened the ends of the green cord with an exacto blade. The spool took them in as it was wound.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you for that info. Most helpful.

[@debbiekern2841]

I can't get the line to go on the spool. It just falls right out of the holes.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Sorry to hear that. I no longer have one so can't re look at it.

[@rod1148]

Sometimes this works well sometimes not. I've loaded string in as little as 5 min but other times it took 30 minutes and lots of frustration. I've found if the end of the sting is flattened just a little bit it will not fit into the holes. Or if the string is slightly curled at the end it tends not to go into the hole. Sometimes one string will feed while the other will not. I would appreciate any other tips anyone might have. The trimmer itself is powerful and does a good job but I would not buy another one.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Did you see the very end of my video at 9:45 in ? I added a very short bit off camera which backs you up.

[@shaunpaul6948]

Thanks done and done

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you

[@scrabbletp]

It would be nice if that f string would come out automatically as it says it should. I bang and I press in different ways and nothing happens the string is 2 mm out and won't come out though I can see it's much string inside so I got the brilliant idea to turn the cap or whatever and the f string went into the machine instead@!#@% I tried to get inside to fix it and I've searched on internet without finding the answer how to open it without result until now. Thank you so much you saved the life of the machine ❤

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Haha that made me laugh lol. I think the nylon can bed itself into the the spool and struggle to come out. My Honda does that and your running around whacking it up and down. Normally you can hear the tone change as the line get shorter and shorter. Thank you for the comment and laugh.

[@caroso.]

Thanks you.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Hope it helped

[@winstonmcharg5578]

Excellent and patient tutorial. A big help. Thank you

[@scrabbletp]

Thank you ❤

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Hope it helped

[@lvteachme973]

God.....thank you!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Haha Thank you

[@michelegirardi9813]

Si possono montare le lame?

[@CoatsandGaiters]

"Can the blades be mounted?". ...sorry but I don't know.

[@richard8031]

THANK YOU.!!!!

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Your welcome

[@maryperz-jones4528]

This tool, even using the correct spooling method [FSE60, now defunct] was an ABSOLUTE, CONFIRMED, DECLARED, AUTHENTICATED, CORROBORATED, VALIDATED, VERIFIED royal pain in the butt to spool a new piece of thread....so much so that in a moment of frustration took my grinder and chopped off this infernal machine in two: RIP. Now I'm looking for a simpler machine that my wife can easily spool a new thread without seeking my [useless] advice and guidance.......end of the story.

[@cameronlewis6706]

doesnt show how to replace the spool of cord it just throw it out of the machine

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Apologies if this one hasn't helped you. I no longer have it so cannot relook at it unfortunately.

[@laimiigaislietotaajs1282]

on fse 60 doesnt work

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Are you sure as some comments have said it worked on that model. Maybe they have changed it since this video.

[@clarkpalace]

Using this technique I seem to have destroyed my machine. Likethe channel author I too forget how to string the machine. Just winding in seemed like an easy idea But now myhead has fallen off the machine. Thats no good. Seems I broke the attachment to the head. WTF! I willnow hesitate to wind in the string I will return to wibd8ng by taking the thing out and winding it myself. This nonsense about turning the dial even when it gets tight, forget it. Thks for nothing

[@CoatsandGaiters]

@@clarkpalace these heads are always all different and never easy are they.

[@Tecnologhia1]

Sconsigliato.

[@jules5970]

Thanks

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Thank you so kindly Jules. 🙏