Here is the link to the owners manual for the EL8/EL9/EL10 in pdf format.
http://www.poulanpro.com/poulanpro/viewProductDetails.do?productID=188&DealerModelID=null
Page 5 says this:
"Remove the spool by firmly pulling on the tap button."
Need Assistance? Call: 1-800-554-6723
Weedeater EL9
November 2007