DIY basics: intro to string trimmers. Weed wacker without string

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DIY basics: intro to string trimmers

A string trimmer is an essential and versatile piece of lawn maintenance equipment that helps give your yard a clean, professionally landscaped look in a short amount of time.

Once you master the basics, you’ll find your grass trimmer to be both easy to use and indispensable.

Before you start yard care

Wearing the right protective gear and following the safety precautions that come with your equipment is vital when you use any kind of string trimmer or edger. Wearing appropriate clothing will help keep you safe and comfortable.

First, whenever you use your weed trimmer, always wear close-toed shoes or sneakers, long pants, and safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

Second, follow all safety instructions described in your user manual, such as attaching the debris guard at the base of your trimmer.

Choosing a string trimmer – key features

When you select a string trimmer for your landscaping needs, there are a few key variables to consider. The first is line type. Most string trimmers come with a single line that feeds from a spool. Its whipping motion provides crisp cutting action to trim grass and weeds. Single-line trimmers like the BLACKDECKER 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger make it easy to wind a new line and are typically the simplest trimmers to maintain. Dual-line grass trimmers have two lines spinning from the spool, requiring a little extra effort to wind. But they offer faster cutting than a single-line trimmer and can cut more easily through tough overgrowth.

Another feature to consider is line thickness. String trimmers are designed to accommodate line ranging from.065mm (as on the 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger) to.08mm.

The thicker the line, the tougher the cutting job it can handle. If you are simply trimming and edging your lawn most of the time, a thinner line will usually meet your needs.

For comfort, weed trimmers typically feature adjustable handle positions and a tool-free telescoping arm you can set the right height.

Finally, lawn trimmers like our 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger offer two-speed control, providing extra power when you need it or normal power to maximize runtime.

Lawn care from trimming to edging and back

Many yard trimmers are dual-purpose, including the 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger. It can be used to trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, or anywhere your mower can’t reach, and it can also be used to create a nice crisp edge along beds, sidewalks, or patios.

These combination trimmers/edgers let you easily flip the cutting head from a horizontal position to vertical for wheeled edging. then back again. Converting back and forth between trimming and edging takes just seconds, and you’ll appreciate the convenience of having both capabilities in your hand at all times. Plus, a 2in1 design saves storage space and the expense of a second piece of outdoor equipment.

Cordless string trimmer or corded?

Whether you choose a cordless, battery-powered string trimmer or a corded trimmer you plug into an electric outlet generally depends on where you want to use your trimmer. These different types of trimmers offer trade-offs in terms of reach, runtime, and maneuverability.

Close to home, a corded trimmer like the 7.5 Amp 14 in. Trimmer/Edger will give you unlimited runtime.

If you want the freedom to work anywhere, consider a cordless trimmer such as the BLACKDECKER 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger. It enables you to work farther from home without being limited by the length of your power cord. Plus, it comes with two Lithium-Ion batteries, so you can keep a fresh battery charging while you work.

How your line feeds

As you use your trimmer/edger around the yard, the tip of the string gradually wears down, so additional string is periodically fed to keep the line at the right cutting length. Different trimmers feed the string in different ways, so you have options to suit your preference.

With bump-feed trimmers, you have to tap the bottom of the trimmer on the ground to release more line as needed. These are older feed designs and can be a little tricky to operate.

EASYFEED trimmers offer a more convenient feeding mechanism that lets you decide how much string you want released and then feed extra line with the push of a button.

Auto-feed trimmers like the BLACKDECKER 7.5 Amp 14 in. Trimmer/Edger feature the AFS Automatic Feed System They automatically sense when the line needs to be fed and do it all for you to provide uninterrupted operation.

String trimmers: your go-to tool for a great-looking yard

Choose the features that meet your needs and yard. Gear up for safety. Adjust the handle and string, and you’re ready to go with one of the most versatile and useful tools you can own for yard maintenance. Your weed trimmer/edger keeps overgrowth at bay, lets you get an even and polished look on your entire lawn, and gives you those clean edges that are the key to a well-manicured yard.

Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. The nominal voltage is 18.

Weed wacker without string

Please check out our compatibility list for this product found HERE.

The EDGIT PRO /strong> is a trimming edging guide for straight shaft trimmers. It indicates where the trimmer’s string is cutting and holds the trimmer’s spinning string in the groove. The EDGIT PRO s 14” disk rolls down the edge like a measuring wheel guiding the string as it cuts a half-inch wide groove. The EDGIT PRO /strong> allows a trimmer operator to produce perfect vertical edges on mulch beds, curbs and sidewalks. as fast as he can walk. It stays on the trimmer all the time.

If you use your trimmers to edge you know how difficult it is to get operators to produce straight, vertical edges at any reasonable rate. The EDGIT PRO /strong> solves this problem. Now anyone can produce perfect vertical edges with their trimmers as fast they can walk.

When used for trimming it stands the grass up as it’s being cut while at the same time helping the operator hold the trimmer level. This allows operators to mow with their trimmers. It prevents string breakage against chain link fences and is great for cutting under the fence. The EDGIT PRO /strong> make your string cut through weeds like a blade while preventing debris from wrapping around the head. The EDGIT PRO /strong> is also a superior debris shield for the operator and reduces the chances of broken Windows.

Hack a String Trimmer. this rips stuff up

Blade edgers require you to cover the property twice, once to trim, then to edge. This is called “backtracking”. The EDGIT PRO /strong> allows operators to trim and edge as one process thus covering the property only once. Your edges will be more distinctive and last longer between mowings.

While trimming, the cutting is taking place below the EDGIT PRO /strong> ‘s disk. This reduces the debris thrown at the operator’s face while also reducing broken Windows and other collateral property damage. During the edging process, the EDGIT PRO /strong> also acts as a barrier between the operator and the debris production.

Try training operators to use trimmers left-handed as illustrated. Notice that his arms are straight down in front of him and he’s walking straight ahead. This is, by far, a more productive, as well as safer method of using a trimmer.

Gas Weed Eater Won’t Start? Try This

Weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer – no matter what you call it, here’s how to get it running again.

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No matter what you call it – weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer – chances are at some point it won’t start. Few things are more annoying than destroying your shoulder trying to start a gas weed eater when there’s work to do.

Fortunately, gas weed-eater engines are pretty simple, so most DIYers with a few tools and some basic know-how can troubleshoot a stubborn trimmer and get it running.

) Check The Gasoline

Gasoline can break down in as little as 30 days, especially today’s ethanol-containing gas.

Homeowners sometimes stash their string trimmer in the garage at season’s end without stabilizing the gas. Oxygen has all winter to break down and ruin the gasoline, leaving you with a trimmer that won’t start in the spring.

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If your trimmer falls into this category, empty the old gas from the fuel tank and replace it with fresh fuel.

If your weed eater won’t start, trying removing the air filter and spraying carburetor cleaner into the intake.

) Clean The Carburetor

Once gas breaks down, varnish, gums and other debris can form inside the carburetor and clog the tiny fuel passages. This prevents fuel from reaching the combustion chamber and igniting, leaving you to struggle with a trimmer that won’t start.

Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the intake. Let it sit for several minutes to help loosen and dissolve varnish. Replace the filter and try starting the trimmer.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, consider disassembling the carburetor to give it a more thorough cleaning.

Beware, however – taking apart a carburetor marks a point-of-no-return, of sorts. Understanding how the delicate gaskets, tiny screws and needle valves go back together can be a challenge, even on a relatively simple string-trimmer carburetor. Take pictures with your phone throughout the process to help reassembly. Clean all the openings and passages with carburetor cleaner.

If you’re reluctant to take apart the carb, visit the servicing dealer.

Remove the spark plug and use light sandpaper to clean electrode deposits to help fix a gas trimmer that won’t start.

How to Use a String Trimmer, Run a Weed Eater/ Weed Wacker Better!

) Clean/Replace Spark Plug

Oil deposits and carbon can foul the spark plug in a two-stroke engine if a low-quality oil is used. Deposits on the electrode prevent the plug from firing properly, which can reduce performance or prevent the engine from running altogether.

Plugs are inexpensive, so replace it if it’s fouled. If you don’t have a new plug available, clean the deposits from the electrode with light-duty sandpaper and check the gap. Consult the owner’s manual for the correct gap size.

If you know the spark plug is good, but the engine still doesn’t produce spark, the coil is likely to blame and requires replacement.

Direct compressed air from the inside of the air filter toward the outside to remove debris that may be restricting airflow.

) Clean/Replace Air Filter

A clogged air filter prevents the engine from receiving sufficient air to operate properly.

Before removing the air filter, brush away loose debris from around the filter cover and filter element. Tap rigid filters on a tabletop or the palm of your hand to dislodge any dirt or debris. Compressed air also works well. Make sure you direct air through the filter from the inside to avoid lodging debris deeper in the filter.

Avoid washing paper filters as this can collapse their micro-fine structure. Foam filters, however, can easily be washed using mild detergent and warm water.

As with the spark plug, however, replacement is often the best practice, especially if the filter is excessively dirty.

A spark-arrestor screen clogged with deposits can choke off airflow enough to prevent the trimmer from starting.

) Clean The Spark-Arrestor Screen

On many trimmers, a small screen covers the exhaust outlet and prevents sparks from exiting the muffler and potentially starting a fire.

As with plug fouling, too much oil in the gasoline, inferior oil and continued low-rpm operation can plug the screen with carbon deposits. This prevents exhaust-gas flow, which leads to power loss. In extreme cases, heavy deposits choke airflow enough to leave you with a weed eater that won’t start.

To fix the problem, remove the spark-arrestor screen and spray it with a heavy-duty cleaner, like AMSOIL Power Foam to soften the deposits before cleaning the screen with an abrasive pad. Reinstall the screen and test the trimmer.

Replace the screen altogether if it’s excessively plugged with carbon.

How to Restring a Weed Whacker in 4 Simple Steps

Use this step-by-step guide to properly replace the line on your weed trimmer.

Whether your garden is neat and tidy or a little on the wild side, weed trimmers can be very useful tools when vegetation becomes overgrown or appears where you don’t want it. Most models will need the line replaced once in a while, so knowing how to restring your weed whacker correctly and efficiently is key. A new weed trimmer will probably come pre-strung with string and ready to go. If it comes without string, however, you can purchase pre-strung spools for it. (It’s also a good idea to have an extra pre-strung spool ready for use in case you run out of string in the middle of a landscaping project.)

So what do you do if your weed trimmer comes without string or you’ve run out of string during a job? How exactly do you restring it? Just follow these simple steps to get back to whipping your yard into shape.

Step 1: Remove Existing Spool

Whether you’re starting with a pre-strung spool or you’re going to restring your existing spool, you will first need to remove it from the motor housing. There are multiple ways in which your model of trimmer might have the trimmer head or spool attached, but most will have two tabs that can be pushed simultaneously. Some commercial models, however, will have screws that need to be removed with a screwdriver.

Step 2: Cut String to Size

Before restringing a new line onto the spool, you will need to determine the proper length of string and how many pieces to cut. The amount needed will vary depending on the model of weed whacker you have. Smaller units will require less while larger units will more often require more. The amount of string can run anywhere from 8 feet to 25 feet, so it is best to know ahead of time how much line to pre-cut. Some weed trimmers will have one string while others will have two.

Step 3: Wrap the Line Around the Spool

With the spool removed and string cut to size, the next step is to begin wrapping the string onto the spool. The spool will have one or two holes in which to insert the end of the string or strings and hold it in place. The spool will indicate which way to begin wrapping the string–usually an arrow. In the direction indicated, begin tightly wrapping the string around the spool. If your trimmer has two strings, wrap both at the same time while being careful to keep each in its individual valley without crossing over. Wrapping the string neatly in the spool will ensure that it easily feeds through the proper mechanism. Some spools will have additional notches to hold the string in place until affixing to the weed trimmer.

Step 4: Attach Spool to Trimmer

Finally, secure the spool back onto the trimmer head and slip the string through the guide holes in the unit. You can allow for about 5 inches of string to pull through to begin, but initial length isn’t especially important as it will adjust when the trimmer is turned on and tapped against the ground. Any excess line will be cut off.

Inevitably, there will be some variation between makes and models of weed trimmers. That’s why it’s very important to read the user’s manual before operating a new piece of equipment. As there are many types of weed trimmers, there are also many types of string to choose from as well. Choosing the correct gauge will enable the trimmer to function properly and extend not only the life of the line, but the trimmer as well. As with any garden tool or machinery, always follow safety precautions and double-check your work.