Easy Fix for Walmart Weed Eater Head: Unlock & Modify for Effortless Turning

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Is your Walmart weed eater head giving you a frustrating workout instead of effortlessly trimming your lawn? That stubborn, stiff turning mechanism is a common complaint, leaving many feeling defeated before they even begin. The good news is that you don't need to be a mechanic or shell out money for a replacement to solve this problem. Many Walmart weed eater heads suffer from a simple design flaw that can be easily rectified with a few quick modifications. This often overlooked issue translates to significant time saved and reduced strain on your wrists and arms.

Forget wrestling with your weed eater – this guide provides a simple and effective solution to unlock and modify your head for effortless turning. We'll walk you through a straightforward process requiring minimal tools, ensuring you can get back to landscaping efficiently and painlessly. Ready to experience the difference? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and reclaim the smooth operation your weed eater deserves.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Metal file (or Emory board/nail file/sandpaper)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect the weed eater from the power source (gas or battery) before attempting any repairs or modifications.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, to prevent injuries from flying debris or sharp parts.
  • If you are uncomfortable performing any of these steps, consult a professional repair shop or refer to your weed eater's manual.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Disassembly

    • Remove the battery from your weed eater.
    Remove the battery from your weed eater.
    Prepare for Disassembly

  2. Unlock the Weed Eater Head

    • Insert the flathead screwdriver into the outer groove where the lock symbol is located. Orient the head upside down.
    • Turn the head counterclockwise (as you look at it). The screwdriver will hit the weed eater body, preventing the bottom from spinning.
    • Hold the screwdriver in place with your feet and twist the top part of the head with both hands to open it.
    Hold the screwdriver in place with your feet and twist the top part of the head with both hands to open it.Hold the screwdriver in place with your feet and twist the top part of the head with both hands to open it.Hold the screwdriver in place with your feet and twist the top part of the head with both hands to open it.
    Unlock the Weed Eater Head

  3. Identify Modification Points

    • Locate the tabs with grooves on both sides of the head (where the lock symbols are).
    Locate the tabs with grooves on both sides of the head (where the lock symbols are).
    Identify Modification Points

  4. Modify the Locking Tabs

    • Use the flathead screwdriver to gently bend down the tab in the outer section that's blocking one of the grooves.
    • Repeat step 6 on the other side.
    Repeat step 6 on the other side.Repeat step 6 on the other side.
    Modify the Locking Tabs

  5. Smooth the Grooves

    • Use a metal file to lightly scrape and round the edges of the exposed grooves. Be gentle, as this is plastic.
    Use a metal file to lightly scrape and round the edges of the exposed grooves. Be gentle, as this is plastic.
    Smooth the Grooves

  6. Test and Refine the Modification

    • Test the head. If it's too loose, repeat step 8 to remove a little more material until it turns easily by hand, but still stays locked.
    Test the head. If it's too loose, repeat step 8 to remove a little more material until it turns easily by hand, but still stays locked.
    Test and Refine the Modification

Read more: Fast & Easy Guitar Stringing: The Winder Method

Tips

  • Take a little bit off at a time with the file and test frequently.
  • Use the spring to help keep the head tighter once you’ve achieved easy turning by hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stripped or Damaged Screws

Reason: Over-tightening or using the wrong tool can strip the screws holding the weed eater head in place, preventing it from turning.
Solution: Replace stripped screws with new ones of the correct size and use the appropriate screwdriver to avoid further damage.

2. Incorrect Head Alignment

Reason: Improperly aligning the weed eater head with the drive shaft can cause binding and make it difficult to turn.
Solution: Ensure the head is properly seated and aligned with the drive shaft before tightening.

FAQs

My Walmart weed eater head still feels stiff after following the steps. What could be wrong?
Several things could cause this. First, ensure you've completely removed any built-up debris or hardened grease from the head's moving parts. Second, double-check that the modification you made (e.g., loosening a screw or adjusting a spring) hasn't been overdone; it needs to be free-moving, but not so loose that it feels unstable. If the problem persists after carefully reviewing each step, the internal gears or bearings might be worn down and require replacement.