Craftsman WS210 17 in 25.4 cc 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer MECH-LINE-FEED Error Fix: Trimmer Line Will Not Advance or Feeds Continuously

Error code MECH-LINE-FEED on the Craftsman WS210 17 in 25.4 cc 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer means: Trimmer Line Will Not Advance or Feeds Continuously. The bump-feed trimmer line does not advance when the trimmer head is tapped on the ground, or the line feeds out continuously and breaks off. The Craftsman WS210 uses a bump-feed head where tapping the head on the ground releases more line. Problems: (1) Line fused/melted together on the spool — heat from cutting causes the nylon line to partially melt and fuse to itself on the spool. This is the most common line feed issue. To fix: remove the spool, unwind the line, and re-wind it neatly in even layers. Use fresh line — old line becomes brittle and fuses more easily. (2) Wrong line diameter — using line that is too thick for the head causes jamming. Check the owner manual for the correct line diameter (typically 0.080" or 0.095"). (3) Bump knob worn — the spring-loaded bump mechanism wears out. Replace the bump knob assembly. (4) Spool wound incorrectly — line must be wound in the direction indicated by the arrows on the spool. Winding backwards prevents feed. (5) Spring broken or missing — the spring inside the trimmer head that applies tension to the spool may be broken. Replace. (6) Debris in head — grass, dirt, and debris pack inside the trimmer head. Disassemble, clean thoroughly, and reassemble.

The most successful fix is "Disassemble and Replace Bump Knob Spring or Assembly" (medium difficulty, ~30 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $10-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

This error is rated low severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Disassemble and Replace Bump Knob Spring or Assembly") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 30 minutes. Tools needed: Flathead screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers.

DIY cost: $10-$20. Professional repair typically costs $100-$140. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

The Craftsman WS210 17 in 25.4 cc 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer has 5 other known error codes, including: MECH-DIES-THROTTLE (Engine Stalls at Full Throttle or When Cutting), MECH-OVERHEATING (Engine Overheating — Loss of Power and Potential Seizure), MECH-PULL-CORD (Pull Cord Breaks or Will Not Retract), MECH-VIBRATION (Excessive Vibration — Uncomfortable to Operate), MECH-WONT-START (Trimmer Engine Will Not Start).