Black and decker weed eater finally died, what should I get next?

[MerlinsBeard]

So I have an old Black and Decker GH1000 that finally kicked the bucket. I’m really fond of it for the feature that rotates the shaft so the head is vertical for edging without having to hold the weed eater at an awkward angle. Of course the cord made things a little cumbersome. I’m in the market for a new weed eater, probably battery powered. I have a Honda gas mower and prefer gas powered for the mower, and I use Dewalt tools and batteries, but Dewalt weed eater doesn’t seem like it has the rotating shaft feature. I could go for the Dewalt blower though.

Any one have a brand they like with a weed eater with rotating shaft. I’m willing to use a separate battery type from Dewalt.

 

[Old tool guy]

I bought a cordless Makita about 3 yrs ago against my biases, i liked corded and gas. But i really like the makita, well built, easy to use, easy to rotate the entire tool for vertical use.

 

[whateg01]

Ego!

 

[Gmonkee]

All my current model corded and 20V max B+D trimmers allow the rotation of the head.

Not too expensive either.
I prefer the battery version even if it isn't super powerful. Trimming around plants and walls is very precise.
The big downside Is a 20 minute battèy life. I have plenty of spares.

 

[eviltwin]

I had 2 dewalt cordless in an row and switched to EGO after both dewalts ate the bearings in the head. Really like the EGO.

 

[readhead]

I have run a Ryobi 40 volt trimmer for the last six years and it has been flawless.

 

[Mike65]

I love our Ryobi weed trimmer.

 

[Tchicken]

I had a Stihl gasser for a couple decades, it was getting cranky and keeping 2 stroke fuel around was getting old so I bought the EGO. It is much heavier than the Stihl on the downside, and the batteries are expensive. This will be its second season, I still haven't thrown out the Stihl but it doesn't get much use. So the jury's still out

 

[larry4406]

I bought a cordless Makita about 3 yrs ago against my biases, i liked corded and gas. But i really like the makita, well built, easy to use, easy to rotate the entire tool for vertical use.

My wife has the 36V Makita and loves it. She wanted one, I bought her Makita as that is the tool platform I have. Also bought her the 36V Makita blower and 36V Makita chainsaw.

 

[Notgrownup]

I just got a deal on a Ryobi 40v blower and trimmer combo for $135 , I really bought it for the blower, the trimmer is ok but single string, it’s just ok . I wish it was double string. It woks fine for light work but for heavy ditch cleaning it struggles.
I have a Echo gas trimmer and it rocks.

 

[CraigStu]

I have this corded Toro.

| Toro

www.toro.com

First one lasted about 6-7 years. My current one is maybe 3 yrs old. Cord is a bit of a pain but it is super cheap and light weight. When I did a quick look for this one I considered battery but the prices are just too crazy for me. And I think I would need 2 batteries so a way < $100 Toro was my choice. I use a 100ft cord and wrap it up on this (< 2 minutes) when done.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-ft-16-3-Extension-Cord-Storage-Reel-FSCR02/324298961

 

[djbmw]

So I have an old Black and Decker GH1000 that finally kicked the bucket. I’m really fond of it for the feature that rotates the shaft so the head is vertical for edging without having to hold the weed eater at an awkward angle. Of course the cord made things a little cumbersome. I’m in the market for a new weed eater, probably battery powered. I have a Honda gas mower and prefer gas powered for the mower, and I use Dewalt tools and batteries, but Dewalt weed eater doesn’t seem like it has the rotating shaft feature. I could go for the Dewalt blower though.

Any one have a brand they like with a weed eater with rotating shaft. I’m willing to use a separate battery type from Dewalt.

Why not just fix it?
There are full diagrams available online and my money is that the brushes are either worn out/glazed/stuck,.. or you have a switch issue.

Put a multimeter on the switch and wiring to the motor to ensure you have power. If you do, but its not spinning, check the brushes. A replacement set is less than $20 shipped.

Or... is the problem that the shaft is binding?

 

[Shiftless]

My wife has the 36V Makita and loves it

Also bought her the 36V Makita blower and 36V Makita chainsaw.

I bet I am not the only GJ guy who envies a fellow member whose wife loves getting serious power tools as gifts.

 

[Cougar]

I've had good luck with the 40-volt Kobalt trimmer.
Mine doesn't rotate but they have a model that does.

 

[larry4406]

I bet I am not the only GJ guy who envies a fellow member whose wife loves getting serious power tools as gifts.

And she bought herself a Ferris zeroturn mower since the Husky tractor mower was too slow!

 

[Shiftless]

And she bought herself a Ferris zeroturn mower since the Husky tractor mower was too slow!

Do whatever it takes to hold on to that woman,

 

[Tchicken]

Why not just fix it?
There are full diagrams available online and my money is that the brushes are either worn out/glazed/stuck,.. or you have a switch issue.

Put a multimeter on the switch and wiring to the motor to ensure you have power. If you do, but its not spinning, check the brushes. A replacement set is less than $20 shipped.

Or... is the problem that the shaft is binding?

This makes the most sense if OP is happy with the function of something repairable

 

[MerlinsBeard]

Why not just fix it?
There are full diagrams available online and my money is that the brushes are either worn out/glazed/stuck,.. or you have a switch issue.

Put a multimeter on the switch and wiring to the motor to ensure you have power. If you do, but its not spinning, check the brushes. A replacement set is less than $20 shipped.

Or... is the problem that the shaft is binding?

I could try to fix it. The motor still works but the head just stopped spinning. The weed eater is at least 15 years old, and my issue is whether this is the start of a parade of issues, and with family I’m kind of strapped for time. I’m not in a rush to get rid of it, but I need something to cover me while I figure out what to do.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've had a Ryobi 18v for at least 6 or 7 years, it blows through batteries, maybe 10-15 minutes for a 4ah but otherwise no complaints. They make a couple different models but mine has a rotating head for cutting or edging.

If you are going to be buying into a new battery platform Ryobi offers a large variety in their 18v line, including many yard tools.


I actually really like the Bauer 20v tools from HF. In many cases feel like they are at least equal to Ryobi, but that does not carry over to yard tools. Ryobi offers a better variety of yard tools, and with string trimmers specifically I think Ryobi's options are much better.

 

[BurtEggley]

I have a Toro cordless. The plastic head cannot be rebuilt if it breaks or is damaged. Been there. Lowe's sells the same one under the Kobalt name too only it is blue. Toro also makes a one with a metal head that can be rebuilt.

 

[Aaron_W]

I could try to fix it. The motor still works but the head just stopped spinning. The weed eater is at least 15 years old, and my issue is whether this is the start of a parade of issues, and with family I’m kind of strapped for time. I’m not in a rush to get rid of it, but I need something to cover me while I figure out what to do.

Do they offer a replacement head, spindle whatever you call the part with the string that spins around?

With Ryobi I bought a new one for around $30. I just needed the part that fits the string, but it came with new parts for everything that attaches to the shaft.

 

[BurtEggley]

Do they offer a replacement head, spindle whatever you call the part with the string that spins around?

With Ryobi I bought a new one for around $30. I just needed the part that fits the string, but it came with new parts for everything that attaches to the shaft.

I think the one with the metal head has a better selection of parts. The plastic head on only has the cover and spool available. I hit a small post once with the original one I purchased when it was about a week old. The line wrapped around the metal post and damaged the head. I was going to replace the part but none of it comes apart or is replaceable. So Toro warranteed it. The warrantee is not that long so I was lucky. If it happened again I'd have to replace the unit minus the battery. That is when i discovered that the Kobalt head and spool fit this unit. I just would not buy the plastic head unit one again. Threading on new line is a pain too, compared to the self threading models.

 

[Pitalplace]

My tools are Milwaukee so the best option for me was a Milwaukee. Great machine and it uses my same batteries.

 

[R07AG]

My tools are Milwaukee so the best option for me was a Milwaukee. Great machine and it uses my same batteries.

Same here.

I've been happy with the power head and like that it can be swap shafts to be an edger, broom, polesaw, etc.

 

[r00a005]

I could try to fix it. The motor still works but the head just stopped spinning. The weed eater is at least 15 years old, and my issue is whether this is the start of a parade of issues, and with family I’m kind of strapped for time. I’m not in a rush to get rid of it, but I need something to cover me while I figure out what to do.

I wore out a couple of the B&D ones, and had another replaced under warranty. I would buy one again for the same reason you like it.

 

[Etchase]

Craftsman makes a couple versions. I’ve had good luck with their outdoor tools.

 

[Higgy1300]

i went with Milwaukee, they have been real good. batteries all fit the drill, blower, weed eater has edger attachment

 

[Hooked]

And she bought herself a Ferris zeroturn mower since the Husky tractor mower was too slow!

Isn't it great having a wife who loves working outdoors. Mine shops for tools better than I do.

 

[danfromsyr]

dunno know why just thought of this thread when I saw this short.

 

[aggie113]

I had a perfectly good gas weedeater and went electric because of the hassle of gas/oil mixing. Ryobi was my pick but only because I already had a few of those products. Also got the chainsaw add-on for it to take out small/medium branches around the yard.

 

[dura eagle]

My friend has an Ego and I liked it so much that I bought one, I can’t believe I spent 300 bux on a trimmer.
it sure works good and push a button and the line self loads. The best part is the string self feeds the correct length automatically, I have no idea how that works but it works well.

 

[Gmonkee]

dunno know why just thought of this thread when I saw this short.

I just taught my son how to service his trimmer and lube all the parts.

He has a cheaper 25cc with a split shaft adapted to a geared head.
The curved shaft part is a spare now.
Hint, Stihl to CM to off brands, they all fit.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

How much do you use it? If you use it a lot then maybe a gas trimmer makes sense. If you have a relatively short run time to get done what you need to do, the cordless would be hard to beat. I used a Stihl FS 76 for about 15 years, then bought a Stihl 4 stroke FS 131R (I think). Last year I bought a DeWalt cordless 60 volt, because I also have a DeWalt air compressor that uses 60 volt batteries. It works fine but I prefer to use the Gas Stihl. The reason being that I tend to use it for maybe 45 minutes to an hour and running on gas it just keeps going. For a minor trim job the Battery DeWalt always starts, but then again so does my Stihl.

 

[paulsomlo]

Makita XRU23

 

[MT800]

I have a 4 stroke Husquvarna that has served me well. 2-4 pumps on the fuel bulb, choke on, short pull, starts on next
long pull. No fuel mixing, change oil yearly. Enough power that I chop weeds in the alley. Good machine.

 

[wolfhawk73]

I know you asked about convertible trimmers for edging, but here's what I've done, because I don't know when to hush. I bought a Milwaukee trimmer (Quik Lok system) 3 years ago and haven't looked back. It's light enough that holding it at an awkward angle for edging along flower beds and other areas where a bladed edger isn't practical is now second-nature. The bladed edger attachment is a beast and makes quick work of my small driveway and my mother's 150' driveway with a 50'x70' parking pad. For trimming, edging, and blowing off the driveway, I can use one 8.0 Ah battery at her house and easily one battery at mine. The other attachments I've collected over the past three years have been amazing as well: pole saw with extension, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, and bed redefiner.

 

[Skellyii]

So I have an old Black and Decker GH1000 that finally kicked the bucket. I’m really fond of it for the feature that rotates the shaft so the head is vertical for edging without having to hold the weed eater at an awkward angle. Of course the cord made things a little cumbersome. I’m in the market for a new weed eater, probably battery powered. I have a Honda gas mower and prefer gas powered for the mower, and I use Dewalt tools and batteries, but Dewalt weed eater doesn’t seem like it has the rotating shaft feature. I could go for the Dewalt blower though.

Any one have a brand they like with a weed eater with rotating shaft. I’m willing to use a separate battery type from Dewalt.

Why not another B & D?

I used the BD battery trimmers for well over 20 years, like yourself I liked the way the head easily rotated on the shaft.

After the last BD one finally died, I started using Ryobi, mainly because I got a couple of them for free, and I already had lots of Ryobi batteries.

While the Ryobi's are OK, the BD was lighter, and a little easier to use.

 

[afinepoint]

EGO multi head.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Choose your favorite battery platform and go with that. I've had the original Milwaukee string trimmer since 2017, still running strong. Two years ago I added one of the QuikLok with a string trimmer head as well as the articulating hedge trimmer head. Looking at the pole saw and bristle broom attachments as well. I can trim the entire 3-acre yard on a 12ah battery, even the 9ah if it's pretty light.

If you have a smaller yard, the Ryobi lines would likely suffice for much less money.

 

[Firebrick43]

So I have an old Black and Decker GH1000 that finally kicked the bucket. I’m really fond of it for the feature that rotates the shaft so the head is vertical for edging without having to hold the weed eater at an awkward angle. Of course the cord made things a little cumbersome. I’m in the market for a new weed eater, probably battery powered. I have a Honda gas mower and prefer gas powered for the mower, and I use Dewalt tools and batteries, but Dewalt weed eater doesn’t seem like it has the rotating shaft feature. I could go for the Dewalt blower though.

Any one have a brand they like with a weed eater with rotating shaft. I’m willing to use a separate battery type from Dewalt.

A standard straight shaft trimmer doesn't need a rotating shaft? If you want battery powered then the M18 Fuel or dewalt 20max and 60flex volt trimmers you just roll the trimmer over as the head sets behind where your hand is. Makes for a much better balanced and longer reach machine to boot