Stihl FS 44 weedeater/trimmer and I can't get the head off to repair/replace broken plastic pieces. The line spool is off but I need to remove the head itself and I can't find the manual

I use an EGO 56 volt battery trimmer and did this the other day. I lost one end of the line inside after trimming along a brick wall. Under the spool they where two plastic tabs. I pressed them in and the top popped off. I removed the line and put the top back on and added new line as per instructions.

https://www.google.com/search?q=battery+powered+Stihl+weed+eater+remove+spool+top

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If its the auto feed style head, you need to push the two tabs in on the black feed head, the outer ring should then just pull off, exposing the bumper feed cap/spool.

Take a large adjustable wrench and grip the bump head (black plastic) at the same time use your other hand to hold the line spool (orange plastic) rotate the the wrench in a counter clockwise direction slowly and carefully to ensure you are not applying force in any other plane than parallel to the spool or you may damage the bump head threads just until it breaks free. Remove the rest of the way by hand. This happens to me from time to time. If you care you can put a small amount of graphite on the bumphead threads to allow it to come off with hand pressure.

You line up the head with "arrows" by turning the plastic bump knob on extreme bottom. When arrows line up with the head then you insert your line through the slots "OR" you insert the line in one side and it comes out the other side. Then you have to push pressure DOWN ******* the bump head while twisting the bump head clockwise to "pull in" the string until there's only about six inches left remaining on the "shortest" piece hanging out the side. use scissors to make the lines equal in size before staring the trimmer. Hope this helps.

You can remove the spool by pulling firmly on the tapper button to remove it. The spool will then be exposed and can be replaced. reinstall the button by snapping back into place.

There should be a half sphere-like object on the bottom of the spool where the line goes. Twist counter clock-wise to remove.

If it is a duel line trimmer then:

Cut two separate pieces of string, about 7 ft. each.

Stick the end of the line in the hole on the inside of spool.

Wind clockwise onto spool, putting the line that is closest to the ground on first.

Once you have winded this piece on, lock the last 4 inches of line through the slits on spool.

Repeat process for second piece of line, locking the last 4 inches in slot opposite the other locked in piece.

Put the spool on the trimmer, feeding the end of lines through either hole on trimmer.

Before you push the spool all the way on, pull the strings out of the locked position.

If it is a single line trimmer: Then just wind a single piece of string clockwise onto spool. This may need to be longer than 7ft.

Jim

There is a hole beside the angle gearbox, stick an awl or small screwdriver into it & turn the head until it 'locks'. Then rotate the head clockwise until it comes off.

Maybe you can lock up the motor and just remove the whole string head as a complete assembly...Try taking the spark plug out of the engine...turn the engine over till the piston is near bottom of the cylinder, then insert a length of clean pull rope or curtain cord or even nylon rope into cylinder..then when your turn the spool or string head the engine piston will come up and compress the material inside...effectively locking up the motor to allow removal of the spool.

If it is a duel line trimmer then:

Cut two separate pieces of string, about 7 ft. each.

Stick the end of the line in the hole on the inside of spool.

Wind clockwise onto spool, putting the line that is closest to the ground on first.

Once you have winded this piece on, lock the last 4 inches of line through the slits on spool.

Repeat process for second piece of line, locking the last 4 inches in slot opposite the other locked in piece.

Put the spool on the trimmer, feeding the end of lines through either hole on trimmer.

Before you push the spool all the way on, pull the strings out of the locked position.

If it is a single line trimmer: Then just wind a single piece of string clockwise onto spool. This may need to be longer than 7ft.

If you need more help, let me know.

Jim