A bidirectional trimmer head assembly and the method of configuring the trimmer head assembly. The trimmer head assembly has a housing that attaches to a string trimmer machine. A spool is provided inside the housing. The spool rotates about an axis of rotation. The spool can move longitudinally along the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. A ratcheting mechanism is provided between the trimmer head housing and the spool. When the spool is in one position, the ratcheting mechanism enables the spool to continuously rotate about the axis of rotation in the direction of or in the direction opposite that in which the trimmer head assembly spins to allow the spool to be fed out or dispensed regardless of the direction of rotation of the trimmer housing. The ratchet mechanism in a second postion prevents the spool from rotating relative to the housing.
