A handheld work apparatus includes a fuel tank (8), into which a flexible fuel line (9) projects. A suction head (12, 46, 56, 66) is arranged at the free end (45) of the fuel line (9). The suction head is connected via the fuel line (9) to a fuel supply device (10) of an internal combustion engine (5) of the work apparatus. The suction head (12, 46, 56, 66) has at least, one weight member (16, 17, 47, 57, 67). The weight member (16, 47, 57, 67) is formed at least partially as a magnet to achieve good cleaning of the fuel without a substantial increase in the weight of the work apparatus.