In an embodiment, at least one pair cleats is provided. The two cleats of each pair are symmetrically arranged about a passageway for trimmer line. The two cleats of each pair allow trimmer line to be inserted through an entrance port with relatively little (if any) hindrance. However, the cleats grip the trimmer line preventing the trimmer line from being removed via the entrance port when the trimmer line is pulled from the entrance port (e.g., during use).In an embodiment, a trimmer head is provided with an exit port on the top of the trimmer head, which is for removing trimmer line by pulling the trimmer line through the exit port. The trimmer head uses a fixed length of trimmer line, which may be loaded with new trimmer line by inserting the trimmer line into an entrance port until one end of the trimmer line reaches the exit port.