Sorry this is too late to help you, but in case someone else is struggling with it, on my gas-powered Homelite to remove the spool, i do not have springtabs or arrows to guide me, just a knob on the spool. i must push the bump knob all the way in on the tension spring, and then turn it to the right (not counterclockwise as most online suggestions state) to loosen the assembly. It's a tough turn for me so i have to wear rubber dishgloves and summon all my inner primitive man-strength to get a good grip on it and turn it, and turn and turn and turn. It seems like it will never come off but eventually it slips off. Hope this helps someone.
Vicki, June 2010
