Weed Wacker(R) Modification

This is such a simple modification to a Weed Wacker(R) that it might not be considered a homemade tool.

My problem was that the automatic line feeds on both of my Weed Wackers don't work well. They either don't feed out enough line or the feed it all out. My solution is detailed in

http://rick.sparber.org/stm.pdf

and entails removing the bobbin and cover. Then I take a length of heavier line and tie two knots in it. Fish it through the holes and I'm done.

The heavier line means it lasts longer. To replace the line, I just pull on the old line from the center and it comes out. Thread in a new one which takes a few seconds.

Rick

Thanks Rick! I've added your String Trimmer Modification to our Miscellaneous category, as well as to your builder page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="/string-trimmer-modification"><img src="/uploads/47424/string-trimmer-modification.jpeg" alt="String Trimmer Modification" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="/string-trimmer-modification">String Trimmer Modification</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Rick+Sparber">Rick Sparber</a></span> </div> <div class="tags"> tags: <a href="/tag/lawn-tool">lawn tool</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Rick,
Great idea. I have a property on several aces in a hillside area prone to wildfires and we must clear brush every year. In fact, my next door neighbor's house burnt totally to the ground in November 2008 because of one of these wildfires that had 60 MPH wind gusts. I have two heavy duty brush cutters with autofeed string feeders that rarely fail to feed (I do buy new spool feeders each year because the old ones wear out and that helps) but I go through 1000+ feet of trimmer string each year. I think your idea would save me the cost of the trimmer string and will try this idea next spring. Thanks for the idea. Paul

WOW Great Idea Rick now I know what to get every one for Christmas. :O)

Thanks for the tip Rick.

Al

Yes, simplest tricks are the better.
I have the same concern with auto feed, I don't have the same consumption level as Paul, but every time I have purchased auto-feed heads, it ended up working poorly as well (it seems that age, more than real wear affect them, or lack of cleaning up between sessions), and I don't like buying and rebuying expensive things that don't work well enough for my case.
Your trick is really faster than the pre cut version I use now.
I have a question, is there a chance that the center area that is left without any cover finishes grabbed by any shrub and could be pulled out before is is worn ?

I will try that repurposing one of that old heads I don't use any longer.
Thanks !

Good tip, Rick! Practical advice as always.

This thread has been moved to the Must Read subforum. Congrats (and thanks) to Rick for making such a valuable contribution!