1. Did you double check the direction you added the line on the spool?

2. Did you test to see if the bumping was releasing by pulling the line (by hand) as you bump to see if a bump would release line? It might be time for some WD-40 here or there.

thanks loger! for question 1: yes, amazingly, I did have it going the right way. I am not being sarcastic, but I had to get a small magnifier (with my glasses still on) and get right up under the bench light. but yes, it was the right way. number2: no, I could not get it to work manually either. when you say here or there, can I assume that everywhere would ok too? anything that looks like it may move? what about the single string idea? should I abandon that? it's supposed to be a dual line machine

hey loger, how's it going? I tried everything and nothing works. so I must be doing something wrong. so......maybe I'll take my chances on a new one. have no idea what to buy. any suggestions? thanks!

Bill

would something like this work with an old machine like a ryobi 130r?

http://www.amazon.com/Tanaka-32308-Brainer-Straight-Trimmers

This post was edited by bilmo on Wed, May 8, 13 at 21:35

sorry. maybe this will work

Here is a link that might be useful: no brainer spool for string trimmer