How-To
How to Replace a RYOBI AC80RL3 / AC80RL1 Spool (Step by Step)
Swap the auto-feed spool on a RYOBI 40V RY402013 (and other AC80RL spool trimmers) the way RYOBI’s manual describes: tabs, the slot that holds the line, 6 in. of line and the click.
Published
RYOBI’s AC80RL1 (single) and AC80RL3 (3-pack) are pre-wound spools of .080” twisted line for its auto-feed trimmer heads. The trick with this head is the small slot on the spool’s top flange: the line end sits in it while you fit the spool, and you pull it free once the line is through the eyelet. The steps follow “Spool replacement” in the RYOBI RY402013 40V trimmer operator’s manual (page 10).
Exploded view Press “Next” to walk through the 7 steps.
Steps, as RYOBI writes them
- Remove the battery pack.
- Push in the tabs on the side of the spool retainer.
- Pull the spool retainer up to remove it.
- Remove the old spool.
- On the new spool, make sure the line is captured in the slot, and that the end of the line extends about 6 in. beyond the slot.
- Install the new spool so the line and slot align with the eyelet in the string head, then thread the line into the eyelet.
- Pull the line extending from the string head so it releases from the slot in the spool.
- Reinstall the retainer by depressing the tabs into the slots and pushing down until it clicks into place.
From the same manual: always remove the battery pack before cleaning or maintenance, and wear eye protection. This is an auto-feed head — RYOBI warns that bumping the head to advance line will damage the trimmer and void the warranty. The line feeds about 1/2 in. each time you release and press the trigger, until it reaches the cut-off blade on the guard — and that blade is sharp.
Line size and parts
The RY402013 manual allows 0.065 in. round or 0.080 in. twisted line, and lists these parts:
| Part | RYOBI number |
|---|---|
| Replacement spool | AC80RL1 |
| Replacement spool, 3-pack | AC80RL3 |
| Spool cap | AC14HCA |
RYOBI’s product pages and manuals name the AC80RL3 for the P20015, P20023 and RY402013, and the AC80RL1 also for the RY40210 and RY40201. For .065” RYOBI spools (AC14RSLA, AC14RL3A) see the spool finder.
One thing to check: the French and Spanish pages of the same RY402013 manual list the AC14RSLA (.065”) spool instead. If your old spool’s line looks thinner and round rather than twisted, compare before ordering.
Sources: RYOBI RY402013 40V Lawn Trimmer operator’s manual (11-11-22), “Spool replacement” and “Replacement parts”, p. 10, and line-feed notes, p. 9 (PDF via Home Depot); RYOBI product pages for the AC80RL3 and AC80RL1. Checked September 25, 2026.
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