Bump feed madness

[Coldicote]

I bought a new bump feed strimmer and spent Easter trying to sort out my garden. I'm so mad with the strimmer I intend to take it back to the shop where I bought it and dump it there in disgust. Yes I have read the instructions, but if the nylon cord breaks too short and doesn't show at the spool assembly then it won't bump feed. Take the assembly off to try and fix it and two wound coils of line spring undone. Try to re-wind them and notches that might hold the lines temporarily simply don't. Is anyone else having these problems, or or able to suggest one that works satisfactorily?

[Clanad]

Funny you should mention that. About a week ago, I exchanged messages on here with another contributor about the problems he was having with a Black and Decker model (can't remember the model number). He wound up (no pun intended) taking it back and telling the shop where to put it (it didn't sound like that where to put it wasn't going to be the display shelf either).
Any way, I've had a gas powered Stihl unit here in the U.S. for some time that I had considerable difficulty with as you mention, the string feed. The unit was dependable otherwise so I spent about $12 (USD of course) and bought an exchange head that uses three nylon blades. They still wear down but last considerably longer than even a spool of string and only takes a minute or so to change worn blades...Seen here:
http://www.cmdproducts.com/Grass%20Gator%20360 0.html

Be sure not to hit your toe with them, however... bye-bye toe!


Looks like this:

[nonomaybe]

I did the same, Oregon a disc head with just two strips of plastic(?) about 9" long which, as required, you replace by pushing in new ones. They are very sturdy and last quite a while.the important thing is not to keep hitting objects that are tougher than your line. there are different thicknesses so rather than rush back with the machine you should try a heavier gauge cord and practice your steering !! I do at the beginning of each season,

[Coldicote]

Thanks Clanad and Nonomaybe. A neighbour of mine is having the same problem. If you do happen to break a nylon cord too short, it's ridiculous trying to hold a double reel of springy cords in position and re-assemble the **** thing. Plastic cutters sound a better idea.

[buildersmate]

Mine kept breaking so I now tried a grade of plastic wire one size larger than the machine came with. They are all colour-coded. Seemed to work OK.

[danchip]

i think ever single strimmer has a problem with feeding itself!

i got annoyed with mine so i took it apart and put a small washer undernearth the spool casing, this seems to have solved the problem, its amazing how such a small thing has sorted it and yet the manufacturers haven't discovered this

[woofgang]

yup, had as cheap (electric with a cable) bump feed one that ended up in the shed...dumped that and years later (well they had to have improved didn't they?) bought a petrol flymo one. Used it once...used up a whole,year's worth of bad language on it, DH bless him tried to sort it out and failed heroically...after 5 years living in the garage, we trashed it this spring....wish I had returned oit to the shop immediately!

[Coldicote]

Interesting to hear that others have had strimmer problems - just a small consolation to know that I am not alone! Thanks for the suggestions. Not sure how the addition of a washer actually did the trick but worth a try and plastic wire seems a good idea.

[Matheous]

I had so many I gave up and bought a long handled scissor cutter by Wilkinson with 10 year warranty- I haven't sworn since!!

[Coldicote]

Designers and manufacturers have a long way to go to produce a strimmer that is easy to use and works well. The only consolation is that I'm not alone with the problem and have also bought a long handled scissor cutter