Call it a weed whacker, a weed eater, or a goat-on-a-stick, it's all the same: a yard trimmer. They are increasingly popular, especially with people who live in and daily battle nature. The better models require little maintenance, but the smaller ones can be sufficiently frustrating to make you trade them in for a scythe—almost. Here's how the Fix-It Club takes care of them.
A yard trimmer is an electric- or gas engine-powered tool for cutting weeds and for trimming and edging grass. Yard trimmers come in a variety of sizes, designs, and power systems. String trimmers cut through vegetation with a short, rapidly spinning length of thick monofilament line. Heavy-duty trimmers use rotating plastic or metal blades. Power is provided by electrical cords, electric batteries, or small gas engines. The more power, the more it can cut.
To access trimmer components:
- Remove all housing screws and place them in a container for easier reinstallation.
- Dismantle the housing, making sure you don't lose any parts.
- Remove the trigger and other internal parts to check for wear and replace as needed. Heavy-duty trimmers will include a filter and other components.
To install monofilament line:
- Press the locking tab on the side of the spool as you rotate the locking ring in the direction of marking arrows.
- Remove the locking ring and inspect it, replacing it if damaged.
- Remove the automatic-feed (or tap) button and inspect it for cracks or other damage, replacing as needed. Clean debris from around the button.
- Remove the spool and slide it from the hub. Be careful because some models include a spring underneath that can fly off and easily get lost.
- Wind new monofilament line on to the old spool or replace with a prewound spool. If your yard trimmer has blades instead, check them for damage and replace as needed.
- Insert the end of the line through the spool hole and wind the line in the direction of the arrow.
- Reinstall the spool and test the unit.
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