Recommend me a strimmer that actually works
Discussion
I have a Flymo 650e strimmer, and it’s absolutely useless.
A few weeks ago I tried to replace the line reel, and the machine either fails to feed the line (so you get five minutes’ work done before you realise it simply isn’t cutting any more), or it tries to feed the entire reel in about half a second, resulting in a tangled mess.
I’ve just tried again, and got the same result. I’m using genuine (expensive) Flymo reels, and following YouTube videos precisely for replacing the reel.
So, please can somebody recommend a strimmer that operates horizontally and vertically, that actually works as intended? Preferably electric, corded. Cordless ones are rather pricey.
I’ve had enough with this machine. It’ll be going to the tip.
Many thanks.
A few weeks ago I tried to replace the line reel, and the machine either fails to feed the line (so you get five minutes’ work done before you realise it simply isn’t cutting any more), or it tries to feed the entire reel in about half a second, resulting in a tangled mess.
I’ve just tried again, and got the same result. I’m using genuine (expensive) Flymo reels, and following YouTube videos precisely for replacing the reel.
So, please can somebody recommend a strimmer that operates horizontally and vertically, that actually works as intended? Preferably electric, corded. Cordless ones are rather pricey.
I’ve had enough with this machine. It’ll be going to the tip.
Many thanks.
Enough talk of all this crappy electric stuff! Why do you think decent cars are petrol powered and not electric?! 
Get a 50cc strimmer with both line and brush cutter and you wont look back. I have a Qualcast one and have had it over ten years now. Try to use E5 petrol though as E10 can perish the fuel lines.
Get a 50cc strimmer with both line and brush cutter and you wont look back. I have a Qualcast one and have had it over ten years now. Try to use E5 petrol though as E10 can perish the fuel lines.
wolfracesonic said:
Look into Oregon Jet Fit strimmer heads and consign nylon line tangles to the bin.
Can you get those that retrofit to the strimmer I’ve got?As far as I can see those are for petrol strimmers. I don’t want to go to the expense of a petrol strimmer - it’s only for occasional use for doing the lawn edges.
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
Can you get those that retrofit to the strimmer I’ve got?
As far as I can see those are for petrol strimmers. I don’t want to go to the expense of a petrol strimmer - it’s only for occasional use for doing the lawn edges.
That's all I really use mine for , can't beat the smell of 2 stroke.As far as I can see those are for petrol strimmers. I don’t want to go to the expense of a petrol strimmer - it’s only for occasional use for doing the lawn edges.
Get some pushbike gear change cable and wind the drum with that.
Make sure its not going to auto feed and it lasts for ages.
But, wear some eye protection and thick leather boots !
Does turn into more of a brush than a wire but it does work.
BUT, it will take your toes off.
Make sure its not going to auto feed and it lasts for ages.
But, wear some eye protection and thick leather boots !
Does turn into more of a brush than a wire but it does work.
BUT, it will take your toes off.
Edited by Gary C on Sunday 4th June 15:04
996Keef said:
A lot of strimmers use this sort of blade
Way better than the tangle. And pack of 150 spares is a tenner
I’d need something that can trim grass up to the foot of a brick wall, and I also have brick edging to the grass, which I’d need to trim.Way better than the tangle. And pack of 150 spares is a tenner
Don’t those plastic blades simply break as soon as they touch anything solid?
ETA: Ah, wait, I think I get it… is the blade free to pivot, rather than being fixed, so it simply gets knocked out of the way as it hits brick etc?
Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Sunday 4th June 15:06
Get this Bosch AFS 23-37 950w 230v
https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-afs-23-37-950w-23...
Has both very thick line and a three pronged steel blade. Ok its electric with a cable but lethal, if you hit a brick it will just about take you off your feet. Recommended that you do down strokes in dense bush etc where you cant see what's underneath. Makes mince meet of the thickest brambles.,
The chord is only a single length but about 3mm thick so can do heavy duty cutting upto fence boards/walls etc.
Ok didn't see bit about for lawn edges only never had a problem with older Bosch for light duty work but like all things that work really well no longer available.
Which current best but edger is a Black and Decker BCSTA5362L1
£170 Only for people with more money than sense IMO
https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-afs-23-37-950w-23...
Has both very thick line and a three pronged steel blade. Ok its electric with a cable but lethal, if you hit a brick it will just about take you off your feet. Recommended that you do down strokes in dense bush etc where you cant see what's underneath. Makes mince meet of the thickest brambles.,
The chord is only a single length but about 3mm thick so can do heavy duty cutting upto fence boards/walls etc.
Ok didn't see bit about for lawn edges only never had a problem with older Bosch for light duty work but like all things that work really well no longer available.
Which current best but edger is a Black and Decker BCSTA5362L1
£170 Only for people with more money than sense IMO
Edited by twokcc on Sunday 4th June 16:47
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
I’d need something that can trim grass up to the foot of a brick wall, and I also have brick edging to the grass, which I’d need to trim.
Don’t those plastic blades simply break as soon as they touch anything solid?
ETA: Ah, wait, I think I get it… is the blade free to pivot, rather than being fixed, so it simply gets knocked out of the way as it hits brick etc?
Yeah they either swivel or they break and fly off. Either way you just clip it back on and carry on. Works for me. Wouldn't fancy using a steel cable. Take your shin to the bone if you slip or lose a toe haDon’t those plastic blades simply break as soon as they touch anything solid?
ETA: Ah, wait, I think I get it… is the blade free to pivot, rather than being fixed, so it simply gets knocked out of the way as it hits brick etc?
Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Sunday 4th June 15:06
I went with 18v DeWalt strimmer last year, incl battery. DeWalt had a campaign at the time so I got a free drill too. It was great in the town house with 50m2 of lawn to edge. The battery has been surprisingly good around the new 3000m2 lawn with green house etc. It's not great at edging but its passable.
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
wolfracesonic said:
Look into Oregon Jet Fit strimmer heads and consign nylon line tangles to the bin.
Can you get those that retrofit to the strimmer I’ve got?As far as I can see those are for petrol strimmers. I don’t want to go to the expense of a petrol strimmer - it’s only for occasional use for doing the lawn edges.
O have the 2 line head on my Makita cordless strimmer and it's superb. No more banging the head to feed line, no more walking back to the shed to sort out the empty reel or tangle!! Just pop a couple of pre-cut lengths of Jet Fit in your pocket and crack on.
Edit: Will it fit? Depends on the arbor/spindle diameter but the kit does come with several sizes to fit most.
Edited by dickymint on Sunday 4th June 18:43
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff