Will not release string brand new reel - Zebco 202 Slingshot Rod and Reel Combo

the string on the spool can become entangled and not release when required
if pressing the centre knob and pulling the string at the same time doesn
t get more string out the it will be in the spool
if the problem persists ,take it back for a warranty check as the button may not be releasing on tapping.

Look at the hub and see if you can find some TABS on the side, most have 2 plastic tab locks and need to be pressed inwards. Once the tabs are pressed in, the bottom hub should release giving you access to reel to replace the nylon string, hope this helps?

Remove screws holding front and back plastic casing. Remove trimmer shaft with casing. Watch out for spring when you remove the string reel. Best thing is to push the knot out of handel and either cut it or untie it to release all tension on the spring before removing the string reel. The rest is kind of learn as you go.

For your machine, make sure you are using the Manufacturer's recommended trimmer line. For your model, they recommend using Echo brand .080" Cross Fire diameter line. You also need to insure that when you load the spool with the line, that it is loaded (in the right direction) so it can feed properly.

The line on my new 26cc Homelite would also feed out by itself. That started me thinking the line was wound backwards. I wrapped the line in the opposite direction as was shown on the bump feed reel and now the dang thing works although the bump feed needs to be "bumped" pretty hard to work. Is it possible that the reel was manufactured with the (string direction) arrows pointing the wrong direction? The new 26cc unit is also underpowered compared to my older 25cc trimmer.

The line needs to installed on the reel as it is on the new spool when purchased. Also check spool drag. If it is a spinning reel it is important to install the string correctly and use a quality brand of string.

there are two ways to install the string..the cool way is without pulling the inner reel off the trimmer..just leave it in place..cut (2) approx.two arms length (thats spreading your arms out like airplane wings) of .095 string..now, align the arrow of the inner reel (it turns counter clock-wise..the arrow points outward) with the arrow on the outer spool (pointing inward)..holding the spool and reel together so the inner reel doesnt move, push one of the cut strings through the eyehole in the side of the outer spool, and it should come up to the right, through a slot next to a small round hole the diameter of the string..if it doesnt, it just missed the exit (as i call it)..pull out and try again..let about an inch come thru..now take that end of the string and push the line into the little round hole until it stops, which should be about a little more than 1/8 of an inch..hold it in while pulling the excess line outside the spool to keep it in place..now do the same with the other string for the other side..once you have both lines in place, turn the inner reel counter clock-wise to draw in both lines through the eyeholes of the outer spool..you may or may not get all of the line to wind in..not a problem..you will still have enough to do what you need to do..just cut off the rest..one problem you may or may not have that i do most of the tyme is that it gets hard to turn the inner reel..one solution is to bump the top of the 'bump knob' with your fist, then pull both strings at the same tyme, then continue to turn..this method is quicker and easier than the second way of having the inner reel out and trying to wind both lines at the same tyme and trying to place the reel back in the spool..hope this works for you...

put spool of string on a pencil and have someone hold it, now snake the string through the eyes of the pole and attach it to the reel, on the small shaft in the middle, then just reel your pole in untill you reach YOUR limit of string..

Your instruction supplied with your trimmer gives you the information you need. It will recommend which size string to use. Both reels should use the same string.

To install string in the Ryobi you do not have to disassemble anything: Line up the two arrows on the inner and outer reel, remove any excess string, cut two pieces of string about 10 feet, feed line in the side holes, secure line in hole where it comes out the bottom (it only takes about 1/4in. to do so), pull strings tight, then turn the inner reel counter clockwise to wind it. If it sticks a little just pull line a little.
To remove the inner spool in order to remove line that has broken inside, to clean the mechanism, or to perform other maintenance, grasp the outer reel and unscrew the bump knob counter-clockwise. Mine is often very tight and requires pliers to get enough leverage. While you are in there, clean the inner reel and the inside of the outer reel to improve feed performance. The shaft rarely needs cleaning. Do not lubricate. After re-installing the reel, add string (0.080") as described above.