String trimmers, also known as weed eaters, have been a predominant tool used for trimming lawns since they were introduced in the 1980s.
For me, feeding strings into the tool has always been a tiring job, and I wanted to use something else that will be equally effective. So, when I was wondering, “what I can use instead of weed eater string,” my son helped me find quite a few useful alternatives.
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Some of the quality alternatives to a weed eater string include:
A. Zip-Tie String Trimmer
It was the first thing that I tried when the string of my trimmer broke down, and I couldn't find a new one in the vicinity. Although it didn’t deliver the best results, it is worth trying, especially if you’re in a hurry.
To make a zip-tie string trimmer, you'll need two zip ties and a side cutter, and it will only take a few minutes of your time.
Step 1: Remove The Cap
The cap is typically found at the bottom of the string trimmer to protect the wire storage and it isn’t challenging to remove. Mine had an orange cap with two hooks protruding from it, and I had to push those out to remove the cap gently.
Step 2: Placing The First Zip-Tie
A string trimmer generally has grooves through which the string enters, and this is where you need to insert the zip-line. Put the zip tie around the center and start tying it lightly. You'll find a hole on the side where you insert the tie and make a tight knot to keep it in place.
Then, cut off the zip tie using a side cutter if it’s too long. A short zip tie helps run the string trimmer without much scraping against the sides.
Step 3: Repeat
Repeat the following step with another zip tie on the other side of the trimmer. And once it’s done properly, put the cap back on.
B. Plastic Blades
It’s not always viable to replace the strings in a weed eater with plastic blades, but in case of emergencies, there are two ways to do it. However, you must ensure that your trimmer is properly equipped to hold and work with a blade.
Method #1
In this method, separate the trimmer head and a section of the shaft and replace it with a plastic blade. If the shaft in your trimmer doesn’t come apart, unscrew the trimmer head and replace it with the blade.
As plastic blades require more power to work, you’ll need a gas-powered string trimmer for making a bladed trimmer. Many manufacturers also provide convertible string trimmers, which can be recognized by locking nut connections near the middle of the shaft.
Manufacturers often provide a plastic blade along in the package. But if your trimmer doesn't come with one, you can purchase one separately. And remember that it’s always better to use blades designed by the same manufacturer.
Loosen the nut to separate the shaft into two parts, push the blade into the shaft, and tighten it using a locking nut.
Method #2
If your trimmer shaft doesn’t separate, it’s still possible to convert it into a bladed trimmer. But the process is a bit complicated.
First, disable the motor by pulling the spark plug wire or power plug and remove the trimmer head. Keep the trimmer on a flat surface when you’re ready to start working. Inside the trimmer head, there is a small hole where you can insert a nail to keep the spindle from turning while unscrewing the trimmer head.
Once the trimmer head is separated, remove the shield plate and replace it with the plastic blade. Install any other parts that come along to stabilize it and put the trimmer head back.
Apart from that, brush-cutter trimmers or stringless trimmers are readily available on the market, where you don’t have to replace the string with a brush cutter. Replacing strings with brush cutters can be a challenging endeavor, and failing to do it properly can damage the trimmer and even cause injuries.