Got Weeds?
Written: Mar 30 '07 (Updated Mar 30 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive and lightweight.
Cons: You need a long extension cord.
The Bottom Line: For an inexpensive trimmer that will last and last, this one is for you!
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| rbinck's Full Review: Black & Decker 12" Automatic Feed Trimmer / Grass ... |
Introduction
When we moved into our new house, after the grass and weeds started growing in the backyard, they finally got up to the height that they needed cutting. The stuff, due to my neglect and ok laziness, had gotten about a foot high. I knew a lawn mower wouldn't do it so I bought one of these trimmers. My thought was it would be a cheap way to get the yard cut and I fully expected it to be fried by the time I finished the project. Well it fooled me. After a couple of years it is still going strong.
Assembly
The unit comes mostly assembled, but the trim filament guard needs to be attached to the body. Then there is the wire trim guide that is intended to keep the unit away from the ground at the proper trim distance. I found this to be more trouble than it is worth because the guide kept getting knocked off. Finally I just took it off. I use a little more filament, but much less hassles.
Operation
Basically like all of this style trimmers, the unit uses heavy gage mono filament line, sort of like fishing line. There is about 6 inches of line that extends out from a spool that is turned at a high speed. This line literally "whacks" the plants in two. Hence, This style of trimmer is also called a weed whacker. To cause the filament spool to feed a bit more filament as it wears, the spool is sharply rapped on the ground or sidewalk or whatever while the unit is running and about 2 inches of filament will be fed automatically out of the spool.
Changing The Spool
To change the spool all that is required is to depress two tabs and lift the empty spool out of the carrier. I recommend doing this carefully so as not to loose the spring that is under the spool. To replace the new spool it just a matter of snapping the new spool in place. Sometimes the spool will need to be removed to re-feed the filament should the filament break right at the point of exit from the carrier. This sometimes happens, but not often.
Other Nice Features
In the handle where the cord attaches there is a cord loop that allows you to attach the cord in such a manner that it can not be pulled out easily. Nothing worse than to be working along and have a cord fall out. Also there is a button on the main housing where the stem attaches that allows you to flip the handle 180 degrees for edging or fence trimming. Very handy.
Conclusion
All in all this has been a very handy tool for my modest backyard. Fortunately for me the homeowners association takes care of the front and side yard. I eventually got a lawnmower for the grass and now use the trimmer for just trimming.
"See my review of the mower at: Lawn Care On A Budget"
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rbinck
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Member: Richard Binckley
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Retired A/V professional, likes Hawaii and Classic Cars
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