After a year of the line feed not working… I figured it out and fixed it. This two guy’s videos helped me understand how it works, so THANK YOU! Everything in the housing was cleaned, the lever was there and working properly. Turns out the entire problem was the cheap knockoff replacement spools I got on Amazon. The spool, once down in position on the lever, needs to rotate easily on its shaft. The “bargain” version was just a little sticky… just enough to keep the line feed from working. But after buying a real B & D brand spool today, the line feed worked like new. Yes, the name brand costs more. Still- the knockoff was no bargain. It works great with the right parts.
I too fell for the bargain price replacement spools on Amazon, and it didn't take long to see how stiff these replacement spools fit so tight there is no way the line can advance with these spools. Returned them and ordered the Craftsman OEM replacements.
Thank you, four years later! I have a newer model, but your video had enough information for me figure out why the edger was still knocking down weeds but why debris was suddenly spraying everywhere. Thanks to your video, I knew what to look for, and I was lucky to find the little plastic piece that had fallen out since they don't come in the refill kits! Eight extra springs for no reason, but no extra plastic do-hickeys!
I wanted to ensure I was fitting everything correctly & had some idea how it worked. I always used to ask my Dad - he got me my B&D strimmer - but sadly he's no longer with us. Your tuition was great, I'm all ready to continue with the work tomorrow. Thank you so very much. Even as we get older, a girl still likes to get some good advice just like her Dad always gave. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊
The best explanation of this mechanism! I am ashamed to admit but I didn’t know about it at all! I used it successfully for the first time thanks to you! Kudos for taking time to post the video. Btw I must say black and decker guy who invented this mechanism is simply genius!!
Great info on that pivot pin. the trimmer spool cap fell off and when I put it back together it kept feeding string. After reading your post I went back and found the pivot pin in the the grass.
I have a B&D 20V trimmer with the 12" mower base. Thanks for the info regarding not feeding trim line. My issue is when the batteries get weak the trim line can go to an almost continual feed. I have cleaned the debris in under the head, but watching what you showed me gave me a clear picture of this mechanism and exactly how it functions. Ok I wound the trim line backwards and it worked. Had to stop every 10 minutes or so to manually let out trim line and it seemed the battery lasted a bit longer too. Saving my empty trim wire spools and getting trim line for them. Now if they made a bump head for this trimmer that would be the fix.
Mine loooked clear and moved just fine. I was about to get mad at this video for not going further in depth, but then I blew into it, put the line back in and everything works fine now. You may want to put a caveat that obstructions may not be seen or completely prohibit the movement Edit: nvm. Still doing it. I hate this thing.
I have my BD AFS for at least 3 years and it never 🤔 has let more line out. Two summers ago I purchased and installed a new mechanism and it still doesn't 🤧work. I can only get more line by taking off the cap, lifting out the spool and turning it manually. Talk about 🥵 frustration. Now I'll take another look at it after seeing this video and getting original BD replacement spool coming later this week. I need some 🤞good luck. Thank you Bassocantor. PS: I just looked for the "mystery spring" as per your recommendation, I don't have one!!!! I hope I can find one on-line that I can order. I am guessing it didn't have one when I bought it at my local hardware store. Thank you again Bassocantor again. 😀
Thanks so much for showing what the pivoting mechanism is supposed to look like. That shiny piece that stops the spool from turning was broken off, and none of the other tutorials showed how the mechanism works.
I couldn't figure out why my weed eater kept letting out the string. You fixed my problem. That part that you're talking about in this video is missing from my weed wacker haha. Thanks for the help. My shins also thank you.
IF you would like to enhances this explanation, then consider this - - For some time now, for many of us, the line spool is not advancing freely around the center post. If the spool is difficult to snap over the post, the post will heat up when running and seize onto the spool, causing lack of line feed. Either some WD40 or a bit of sanding of the post, so the spool slips more freely onto it, solves this problem. Therefore the problem appears to be two fold and each should be checked. Bob s - Cleveland
I think this is the answer. I use a genuine Black and Decker spool each time and still had auto-feed failing with new spool. I noticed that the center post and the spool it connects to was a bit tight. Took both out and cleaned them with my finger, and auto-feed seems to be working properly again. If it persists, I will dab a bit of vaseline to grease the center post and that should solve the issue. I wouldn't sand the post, as that might create other issues. Edit: It happened again so I dabbed some vaseline in the center post, and seems to be working properly again.
Careful with lubricants in center post. I found that it was auto-feeding too much with lubrication. I removed the spool and wiped away the lubrication and seems to be working properly now. I think the spool is supposed to be tight by default as the tightness is probably what controls the auto-feed function.
@@3rdyellow - I'll keep an eye on that. I tried this many months ago without any issues and intended to add a comment here. (Just found the video lurking in a browser tab!) Bigger problem now is the cord snapping and the end staying inside the head, necessitating me taking it apart to re-thread.
@@PeterJewell2 Maybe dry lubricant is the key here. Anyway, it seems how Black and Decker designed this, one can't keep re-using old spools with non-factory lines as the auto feed will not function properly as it will be loose. Sneaky move by Black and Decker.
Really good video. Found out the importance of the little pivot arm, which unfortunately is broken. And that's why line won't feed right. Now I know why - thank you!
@@furtalance_x - I’d rather have to stop and manually feed out more line instead of going through an entire spool for my small yard. The cost of continually buying new spools is expensive!
I had no idea it had to go into a hole and was struggling to pull line out manually. Thank you for explaining it to me so that I can do it the right way.
This video is very helpful thank you. Just my two cents, if you are doing your own string refills, make sure you have the right size trimmer string first. Then when you refill your spools, take the time to restring it properly. Otherwise the string might get snagged in the spool when trying to push out more string.
Thanks. I will check my little mechanism. Up into this point I was looking for some head that had some permanent gnarly looking blades to replace my spool of line.
Thank you for the info! I've used weedeaters for decades and never bothered to look at the bottom of the tool. Always thought it had something to do with the spool. I've banged enough spools to replace cracked one.
Good video. My trimmer is having trouble feeding line since I bought Rhino-Tuff .065 twisted line. It keeps getting stuck. I still have a lot of it left, and I hate taking the cap off every couple minutes to pull more line out. I have re-strung with smooth line for years and had zero problems with the smooth stuff.
I do not have a button on the top of my trimmer to stop the spinning. And is there suppose to be a spring on that lever inside the spool housing? Mine just moves freely. Not sure how to let out line on this one. Thanks for your time
Hello. I have the same problem. It feeds the line all the time. Have you fixed it? My mechanism looks normal (like in the video). I can't find something broken. Thank you
I agree in that I would not sand anything as it appears to be a rather precision fit between the metal band around the post and the center of the spool. Vascelilne ( or perhaps WD40 manbe ) seems the logical approach. If it works out, repost your results here. Bob
I've had a B&D mains trimmer for ten years or so, and it's always been a nightmare. Wouldn't feed reliably, and was constantly breaking off. I was re-feeding it manually every few feet. Don't underestimate the importance of keeping the line supple. I have a bulk spool of Stihl line off eBay, good stuff, but probably been in storage for too long. I soaked it all thoroughly, and now the machine runs like a Swiss watch, after all the years of frustration. Obviously the feed mechanism needs to be working freely, but if it is then consider giving the line some TLC.
Thank you from Australia. This may apply to my Ryobi RLT36 which has a mechanism that looks very similar to the one in your video. It is an autofeed and the line in the cartridge/spool will not extend. Now that I have an idea of what those ratchet-like shapes are for (i.e. not a ratchet lol) I might be able to work out what the problem is. Cheers.
I have tried every fix I can find for this trimmer and my “Easy Feed” still won’t work. I’ve had this trimmer for about 4 years now and the past year or so I have needed to manually feed more line. I just figured out the issue: When you press the button to release more line, you’re pressing a brake. When the spool housing suddenly stops spinning the spool inside still has inertia so it continues spinning and “clicks” forward. When you resume spinning it clicks back, releasing more line. This can only be accomplished if the braking force is strong. If you simply let off the trigger and then pull it again, the slowing and starting isn’t severe enough to make the mechanism click-click and release line. Therefore if the braking mechanism wears down over time (like all brakes do), it won’t stop quickly enough to release line. Repairing/replacing the braking mechanism should fix this, but I didn’t open it up to figure out how it all works and if it can be repaired. Workaround: Press the easy feed button at the same time as you press the spool housing onto the ground. The act of pushing the housing into the ground stops it quickly enough for it to click and release more line.
DK no, I’m not. I’m talking about the braking mechanism within the auto feed system wearing out. Using it as somewhat of a bump system while simultaneously pressing the brake button (auto feed button) increases the braking speed, thereby allowing it to release string in the case of a significantly worn out brake.
This is almost the same issue I have with my little 10-inch model, but mine failed to auto feed line right out of the box. I think in my case, this model has such a puny motor and takes so long to start and stop compared to my old one, the spool never develops enough inertia to trip the feed lever after you stop the motor. I discovered if I abruptly stop the spool from spinning after I stop the motor, it feeds every time. It's a cool design, but doesn't work so well when you skimp on power. They should take this particular model off the market and redesign it with a more powerful motor. I just ordered another 12-inch model, like the one I had before.
Your mechanism looks like it has a spring snapping it back in place when you let up on the screwdriver. However, mine has no spring under it. Is this why it won't feed?
Umm, I opened it up and the little pivot didn't have any dirt or anything in it because this is a new trimmer and I've only used it a couple times. I don't understand what's going on. And is there a proper way that it's supposed to be in there the string that is?
I have two trimmers with this feature, and neither of them has a spring. The ones I have work on centrifugal force and (I guess) inertia. However, someone else commented that there is a spring you can buy to install.
Mine has no spring. Had to replace the pivoting lever and now it goes through line quickly. Anytime there is an obstruction causing the RPM to drop a little it feeds a couple inches of line. It will go through a whole spool in minutes. It either needs more weight on one of the ends. I'm not sure which one. I guess there's a 50/50 chance I will pick the right one to begin with. Either that or at a spring or some sort of shim to add friction
Most of the complaints I've read is that the design lets out too much line, because every time you let off the throttle, it's gonna let out some line and most users are on and off the throttle(well, switch, in this case). Of course, one fix is to keep on the trigger, but then you'll find out what the duty cycle of the motor is when it starts to smoke, lol.
Great video. Another problem I found is that the replacement caps (which come with SPRINGS) have springs of different sizes. The shortest spring is the only one that does not push down the spool so hard that it will not release and use the mechanism you show in this video. Once I replaced the spring on the cap with the shortest spring -- it works again perfectly!
I only received one spring with replacement cap and I’m having the same problem, it pushes the spool down too tight so it doesn’t feed line. Maybe I’ll order a new cap or new spring and see if that helps with the problem.
I wonder if I should snip the existing spring? It worked well with original spool, but not with replacement. And replacement did not include springs or cap
My B&D trimmer is I guess a newer model because it has a spool release button by the handle that no longer releases the line. I have to pop the cap pull the spool half way out and turn it to desired length. Have you heard of this and is there any way I could fix it? Thank you
Interesting! Thank you so much for this video. I'm afraid my problem, however, is that the line went out so fast that I used it up all within an hour. Really strange. I'll check that mechanism and see if it's actually working.
Same problem here. I fed new string to the spool, must have done it wrong because after 5 minutes of use, about 70 feet of string was gone! Where did it go, I couldn’t find it around the yard. It couldn’t have evaporated, does anyone know?
My weed trimmer is letting out too much line. When this occurs the trimmer stops working . The pivot mechanism seems to be working fine when I manually pull on the line it stops at the grooves in the spool. I replaced the cover and it's corresponding spring but the trimmer is still letting out too much line after running it for a few seconds. Is it possible the pivot mechanism is worn down. BTW I do use Black & Decker replacement lone spools made specifically for the LSTE525 timmer.
I had to replace the whole spool holder/gear piece due to a stuck bearing, and for some reason the new spool fit too tightly on the spindle on the old faulty piece. Only problem, the gear is greased, but i don't know what kind of grease to use and where and how grease is needed. Any thoughts?
Ok no jams and mechanism is functioning. However when I push the button to feed more line it’s not working on it’s own. I push button and pull manually it works, but not on just the push of button. Why?
I just got one used, it didn't have a spring on the button cap. (I look for a replacement caps and there was a spring attached to it) Does the Black & Decker weed eater you displayed require a spring on the button? Thank you ALSO, when you put the spool back on the bottom of the weed eater, does that spring lever you demonstrated need to be in a certain position? Or does it automatically seat properly
mine doesn’t have debris but still not feed. I have to open each time and do it manually. Does the pivot return in place automatically or it is you who bring it back with your little screwdriver? as maybe this lever needs to be spring loaded.
Thanks for the video. The mechanism moves freely, but when i press the easyfeed button no extra line is fed. Should the line release mechanism move by just pressing the button without running the trimmer? Is there an internal line that releases the seed mechanism, maybe it is broken? BTW i bought Amazon's knock off spools, could that be the issue as some other viewer reported?
I have a problem with my 3-in-1 black and decker in that it will run for 3 sec then stops cutting. When I check the string I see it got pulled back into the spool and I have no idea why. This keeps happening to me over and over
Mine works perfect from time to time when used. However, it interruptly stops even with a fully charged battery. Could it be the battery is defective or wrong line used in spool?
My problem is, for some reason, the line won't feed out even if I try to manually pull the wire to release the mechanism with the cover and spring fully on. When I take off the cover, there appears to release the pressure enough for the reel to properly ratchet. I replaced the cover and the spring but still too tight. Will try to find out why this is happening.
I have a 40V version, and my pivot mechanism doesn't have a spring on it. There is also no brake on the handle. I believe it is designed to allow the pivot to move by centrifugal force, but ever since I replaced the spool, auto-advance no longer works no matter what I try.
How do you fix the line advance mechanism?????? Ive bought two B&D weedeaters now and the mechanism breaks every time!!! I know how it works, HOW do you fix it????
What worked for me was to clean the black plastic teeth below the string reel and also the bottom of the reel. Mine had WD-40 on them and after cleaning it off the string started feeding again when pushing the button.
have a Black and Decker Grasshog cord trimmer and It doesnt have a whole lot of power. I took it apart and cleaned all the grass and stuff wrapped around it but I still don't have a whole lot of power. Anyone with any tips on how to save it pls help.
I don't know how yours cuts so much easier than mine... sometimes I have to sit in 1 spot for 10 seconds for something to cut... it's very frustrating... other times it will cut quickly
@@leeroche5800 Just google the part number, it's a $3.99 part. However, I ended up not needing it. Even though, the area looked clear of debris. I removed the lever and brushed the area with an old toothbrush and it did the trick! I'm really not sure there's a spring there. There isn't on mine. I think that mechanism is pretty sensitive. I'm buying generic spools. It worked better with a different brand. Good luck!
I have a LST420 and the lever does not have a spring load, just floats freely on the pin. No matter what I do this thing rarely auto feeds. I've replaces the cap & spring, use B&D factory spools. Very frustrated with this product.
Mine worked until I had to get a new string cartridge, since I put the new one in... it won't auto feed when I use the button. I have tried a few things and no success. Any ideas?
@@BassocantorReviews yes if I wigle it back and forth to manually feed it, it works but not when I press the button. It is annoying =( I love this trimmer
@@juanriat4056 I have the same problem. The push button worked until I had to replace the first spool. Now it doesn't. Trying to figure out how to fix it now.
Check out the B&D trimmer “Mystery Spring” in my latest video: ua-cam.com/video/v1lStbxYz-o/v-deo.html
After a year of the line feed not working… I figured it out and fixed it. This two guy’s videos helped me understand how it works, so THANK YOU! Everything in the housing was cleaned, the lever was there and working properly. Turns out the entire problem was the cheap knockoff replacement spools I got on Amazon. The spool, once down in position on the lever, needs to rotate easily on its shaft. The “bargain” version was just a little sticky… just enough to keep the line feed from working. But after buying a real B & D brand spool today, the line feed worked like new. Yes, the name brand costs more. Still- the knockoff was no bargain. It works great with the right parts.
Well thank you for such an excellent explanation really appreciate it
I too fell for the bargain price replacement spools on Amazon, and it didn't take long to see how stiff these replacement spools fit so tight there is no way the line can advance with these spools. Returned them and ordered the Craftsman OEM replacements.
Thank you. I believe I found out why mine isn’t working properly. Time to buy the name brand one lol
A 2 minute video that fixed 2 months of frustration with my string trimmer. Thanks for posting it!
Thank you, four years later! I have a newer model, but your video had enough information for me figure out why the edger was still knocking down weeds but why debris was suddenly spraying everywhere. Thanks to your video, I knew what to look for, and I was lucky to find the little plastic piece that had fallen out since they don't come in the refill kits! Eight extra springs for no reason, but no extra plastic do-hickeys!
I wanted to ensure I was fitting everything correctly & had some idea how it worked.
I always used to ask my Dad - he got me my B&D strimmer - but sadly he's no longer with us. Your tuition was great, I'm all ready to continue with the work tomorrow. Thank you so very much. Even as we get older, a girl still likes to get some good advice just like her Dad always gave. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊
Wow Thank you for your kind remark! Best, Chris
The best explanation of this mechanism! I am ashamed to admit but I didn’t know about it at all! I used it successfully for the first time thanks to you! Kudos for taking time to post the video. Btw I must say black and decker guy who invented this mechanism is simply genius!!
Thank you for such a kind note! Best, Chris
Great info on that pivot pin. the trimmer spool cap fell off and when I put it back together it kept feeding string. After reading your post I went back and found the pivot pin in the the grass.
I have a B&D 20V trimmer with the 12" mower base. Thanks for the info regarding not feeding trim line. My issue is when the batteries get weak the trim line can go to an almost continual feed. I have cleaned the debris in under the head, but watching what you showed me gave me a clear picture of this mechanism and exactly how it functions.
Ok I wound the trim line backwards and it worked. Had to stop every 10 minutes or so to manually let out trim line and it seemed the battery lasted a bit longer too. Saving my empty trim wire spools and getting trim line for them. Now if they made a bump head for this trimmer that would be the fix.
Yea nice and detailed, my mechanism works and is clear but still wont feeb line. Thank you though
Same for me. I was hoping it was the solution but still will not feed
Did you guys find your issue ?
My feed mechanism is doing just the opposite….feeding out line so quickly that I go thru an entire spool before I finish the yard.
@@Patrick_Ross mine too, you ever find out the fix?
@@roberttaylor6030 - No, I didn’t.😞
Mine loooked clear and moved just fine. I was about to get mad at this video for not going further in depth, but then I blew into it, put the line back in and everything works fine now. You may want to put a caveat that obstructions may not be seen or completely prohibit the movement
Edit: nvm. Still doing it. I hate this thing.
I have my BD AFS for at least 3 years and it never 🤔 has let more line out. Two summers ago I purchased and installed a new mechanism and it still doesn't 🤧work. I can only get more line by taking off the cap, lifting out the spool and turning it manually. Talk about 🥵 frustration. Now I'll take another look at it after seeing this video and getting original BD replacement spool coming later this week. I need some 🤞good luck. Thank you Bassocantor.
PS: I just looked for the "mystery spring" as per your recommendation, I don't have one!!!! I hope I can find one on-line that I can order. I am guessing it didn't have one when I bought it at my local hardware store. Thank you again Bassocantor again. 😀
Very clever line release mechanism. So much better than the previous design that let out line anytime it bounced on the ground.
Had 2 Black and Deckers .. mechanism broke on both. They are perfectly clean. I'll be buying a new one and it'll neve b a B&D again.
Thanks so much for showing what the pivoting mechanism is supposed to look like. That shiny piece that stops the spool from turning was broken off, and none of the other tutorials showed how the mechanism works.
I would love to find the guy at Black & Decker who invented that. It is a wickedly clever invention! Best, Chris
I couldn't figure out why my weed eater kept letting out the string. You fixed my problem. That part that you're talking about in this video is missing from my weed wacker haha. Thanks for the help. My shins also thank you.
Thank you for your kind note! Glad everything worked out for you. Best, Chris
Same here. Were you able to find a replacement?
IF you would like to enhances this explanation, then consider this - -
For some time now, for many of us, the line spool is not advancing freely around the center post. If the spool is difficult to snap over the post, the post will heat up when running and seize onto the spool, causing lack of line feed.
Either some WD40 or a bit of sanding of the post, so the spool slips more freely onto it, solves this problem.
Therefore the problem appears to be two fold and each should be checked.
Bob s - Cleveland
I think this is the answer. I use a genuine Black and Decker spool each time and still had auto-feed failing with new spool. I noticed that the center post and the spool it connects to was a bit tight. Took both out and cleaned them with my finger, and auto-feed seems to be working properly again. If it persists, I will dab a bit of vaseline to grease the center post and that should solve the issue. I wouldn't sand the post, as that might create other issues.
Edit:
It happened again so I dabbed some vaseline in the center post, and seems to be working properly again.
Had the same problem. Some dry lubricant on the centre post did the trick.
Careful with lubricants in center post. I found that it was auto-feeding too much with lubrication. I removed the spool and wiped away the lubrication and seems to be working properly now. I think the spool is supposed to be tight by default as the tightness is probably what controls the auto-feed function.
@@3rdyellow - I'll keep an eye on that. I tried this many months ago without any issues and intended to add a comment here. (Just found the video lurking in a browser tab!)
Bigger problem now is the cord snapping and the end staying inside the head, necessitating me taking it apart to re-thread.
@@PeterJewell2 Maybe dry lubricant is the key here. Anyway, it seems how Black and Decker designed this, one can't keep re-using old spools with non-factory lines as the auto feed will not function properly as it will be loose. Sneaky move by Black and Decker.
Thank you so much, you resolved my issue. On the back of my trimmer feed there was a packing sticker that was causing the problem.
Really good video. Found out the importance of the little pivot arm, which unfortunately is broken. And that's why line won't feed right. Now I know why - thank you!
Mine too i think its broken
Cheap parts. Designed to fail?
@@Patrick_Ross yup seems like it. I have to shove the cable out every 10 feet like an idiot. But whatever it does the job so no complaints.
@@furtalance_x - I’d rather have to stop and manually feed out more line instead of going through an entire spool for my small yard. The cost of continually buying new spools is expensive!
I had no idea it had to go into a hole and was struggling to pull line out manually. Thank you for explaining it to me so that I can do it the right way.
This video is very helpful thank you. Just my two cents, if you are doing your own string refills, make sure you have the right size trimmer string first. Then when you refill your spools, take the time to restring it properly. Otherwise the string might get snagged in the spool when trying to push out more string.
Thanks.
I will check my little mechanism. Up into this point I was looking for some head that had some permanent gnarly looking blades to replace my spool of line.
😄Nice demonstration saved me buying another trimmer. I love all the info on utube
Thank you for the lesson on the engineering design Bassocantor.
Thanks!!! Going to look at it now. That was a really simple explanation… Thank you again.
Thank you for the info! I've used weedeaters for decades and never bothered to look at the bottom of the tool. Always thought it had something to do with the spool. I've banged enough spools to replace cracked one.
Good video. My trimmer is having trouble feeding line since I bought
Rhino-Tuff .065 twisted line. It keeps getting stuck. I still have a lot of it left, and I hate taking the cap off every couple minutes to pull more line out. I have re-strung with smooth line for years and had zero problems with the smooth stuff.
I do not have a button on the top of my trimmer to stop the spinning. And is there suppose to be a spring on that lever inside the spool housing? Mine just moves freely. Not sure how to let out line on this one. Thanks for your time
your video shows the pivot mechanism is spring loaded. Somehow the spring doesn't work on mine. I'm going to check it again.
This helped a lot. That mechanism is broken off inside. It won't stop feeding the line.
Hello. I have the same problem. It feeds the line all the time. Have you fixed it? My mechanism looks normal (like in the video). I can't find something broken. Thank you
Thanks for the explanation. The spring under the part that feeds more line appears to have broken on my weed whacker 😢
There is no spring. The lever moves back and forth with gravity and inertia.
@@CitizenKate It looked like the one in the video was spring loaded.
thanks for the valuable insight into how this is suppossed to work - much too sensitive a mechanism for a gardening tool.
I agree in that I would not sand anything as it appears to be a rather precision fit between the metal band around the post and the center of the spool. Vascelilne ( or perhaps WD40 manbe ) seems the logical approach. If it works out, repost your results here.
Bob
I had to use light amount of vaseline around the center post and it works normally now. Used it over the past three weeks or so.
Thanks I'll give it a go...
my string has been stayed too short. Now that I know more about how this works maybe I can fix it.
I've had a B&D mains trimmer for ten years or so, and it's always been a nightmare. Wouldn't feed reliably, and was constantly breaking off. I was re-feeding it manually every few feet.
Don't underestimate the importance of keeping the line supple. I have a bulk spool of Stihl line off eBay, good stuff, but probably been in storage for too long. I soaked it all thoroughly, and now the machine runs like a Swiss watch, after all the years of frustration.
Obviously the feed mechanism needs to be working freely, but if it is then consider giving the line some TLC.
Thank you from Australia. This may apply to my Ryobi RLT36 which has a mechanism that looks very similar to the one in your video. It is an autofeed and the line in the cartridge/spool will not extend. Now that I have an idea of what those ratchet-like shapes are for (i.e. not a ratchet lol) I might be able to work out what the problem is. Cheers.
I have tried every fix I can find for this trimmer and my “Easy Feed” still won’t work. I’ve had this trimmer for about 4 years now and the past year or so I have needed to manually feed more line. I just figured out the issue:
When you press the button to release more line, you’re pressing a brake. When the spool housing suddenly stops spinning the spool inside still has inertia so it continues spinning and “clicks” forward. When you resume spinning it clicks back, releasing more line. This can only be accomplished if the braking force is strong. If you simply let off the trigger and then pull it again, the slowing and starting isn’t severe enough to make the mechanism click-click and release line. Therefore if the braking mechanism wears down over time (like all brakes do), it won’t stop quickly enough to release line. Repairing/replacing the braking mechanism should fix this, but I didn’t open it up to figure out how it all works and if it can be repaired.
Workaround:
Press the easy feed button at the same time as you press the spool housing onto the ground. The act of pushing the housing into the ground stops it quickly enough for it to click and release more line.
Wow that was really great analysis. Of course you're right it's a brake mechanism. Best, Chris
He’s talking about the AFS (auto feed system). You’re talking about the bump system..
DK no, I’m not. I’m talking about the braking mechanism within the auto feed system wearing out. Using it as somewhat of a bump system while simultaneously pressing the brake button (auto feed button) increases the braking speed, thereby allowing it to release string in the case of a significantly worn out brake.
OrkusMalorkus mine doesn’t have a easy feed button. I must have a bad spool.
This is almost the same issue I have with my little 10-inch model, but mine failed to auto feed line right out of the box. I think in my case, this model has such a puny motor and takes so long to start and stop compared to my old one, the spool never develops enough inertia to trip the feed lever after you stop the motor. I discovered if I abruptly stop the spool from spinning after I stop the motor, it feeds every time.
It's a cool design, but doesn't work so well when you skimp on power. They should take this particular model off the market and redesign it with a more powerful motor. I just ordered another 12-inch model, like the one I had before.
It was great but how do you fix the inside mechanism?
Yes that's what I need to know please? After cleaning should you spray a bit of WD 40 on the inside mechanism?
Your mechanism looks like it has a spring snapping it back in place when you let up on the screwdriver. However, mine has no spring under it. Is this why it won't feed?
I observed the same thing -- his mechanism seems to be spring-loaded, but mine isn't. Did you ever find a solution?
Does the pivoting mechanism has a spring mechanism?
Umm, I opened it up and the little pivot didn't have any dirt or anything in it because this is a new trimmer and I've only used it a couple times. I don't understand what's going on. And is there a proper way that it's supposed to be in there the string that is?
This was so helpful!
Also make sure that spring is all the way on. Mine wouldn’t feed because there was too much pressure.
Can you tell me, is the little arm under the head with the metal pin supposed to be spring loaded?
Is that lever on a spring? If so very key missing detail on how it works.
I am wondering the same thing. I looks like it is, based on him pushing it with the screwdriver and it coming back, but not certain.
I have two trimmers with this feature, and neither of them has a spring. The ones I have work on centrifugal force and (I guess) inertia. However, someone else commented that there is a spring you can buy to install.
Mine has no spring. Had to replace the pivoting lever and now it goes through line quickly. Anytime there is an obstruction causing the RPM to drop a little it feeds a couple inches of line. It will go through a whole spool in minutes. It either needs more weight on one of the ends. I'm not sure which one. I guess there's a 50/50 chance I will pick the right one to begin with. Either that or at a spring or some sort of shim to add friction
Worked perfectly - thank you!
Most of the complaints I've read is that the design lets out too much line, because every time you let off the throttle, it's gonna let out some line and most users are on and off the throttle(well, switch, in this case). Of course, one fix is to keep on the trigger, but then you'll find out what the duty cycle of the motor is when it starts to smoke, lol.
Great video. Another problem I found is that the replacement caps (which come with SPRINGS) have springs of different sizes. The shortest spring is the only one that does not push down the spool so hard that it will not release and use the mechanism you show in this video. Once I replaced the spring on the cap with the shortest spring -- it works again perfectly!
I only received one spring with replacement cap and I’m having the same problem, it pushes the spool down too tight so it doesn’t feed line. Maybe I’ll order a new cap or new spring and see if that helps with the problem.
I wonder if I should snip the existing spring? It worked well with original spool, but not with replacement. And replacement did not include springs or cap
@@browser958 did it work?
@@beartug did it work?
@@LBizKid04 I apologize for delay reply. Unfortunately no. I have to manually open cap and feed line. It stinky
I guess my "feeder arm" fell off or something. Is there a way to replace just that one part?
I guess I need to double check it. I didn't see any obstructions. What if there arent any?
It looks like the pinion has a spring to keep it in place. Mine doesn't have the spring and feeds constantly. I need to get the spring.
It looks like there is a spring under the pivot mechanism - if so, it's missing from my B&D Trimmer
My B&D trimmer is I guess a newer model because it has a spool release button by the handle that no longer releases the line. I have to pop the cap pull the spool half way out and turn it to desired length. Have you heard of this and is there any way I could fix it? Thank you
1:58 Where the heck do you get that Spring? I looked on mine at its like it disappeared into thin air?
what do you do when the little lever doesnt release the line. that is what I am finding on mine. New spool, lever moves freely, but no line releiased.
What if it is releasing to much line all the time?
I guess he doesn't respond to messages lol
Interesting! Thank you so much for this video. I'm afraid my problem, however, is that the line went out so fast that I used it up all within an hour. Really strange. I'll check that mechanism and see if it's actually working.
Same problem I'm having. I use a while spool in 15 minutes
Same problem here. I fed new string to the spool, must have done it wrong because after 5 minutes of use, about 70 feet of string was gone! Where did it go, I couldn’t find it around the yard. It couldn’t have evaporated, does anyone know?
So does that mean ever time I pull the trigger I loose 1” of line?!
Hi Basso, I noticed it looks like your line is wound in the opposite direction than the arrow. Was this intentional? Does it work better that way?
My weed trimmer is letting out too much line. When this occurs the trimmer stops working . The pivot mechanism seems to be working fine when I manually pull on the line it stops at the grooves in the spool. I replaced the cover and it's corresponding spring but the trimmer is still letting out too much line after running it for a few seconds. Is it possible the pivot mechanism is worn down. BTW I do use Black & Decker replacement lone spools made specifically for the LSTE525 timmer.
Thank you for great video. Big help!
I had to replace the whole spool holder/gear piece due to a stuck bearing, and for some reason the new spool fit too tightly on the spindle on the old faulty piece. Only problem, the gear is greased, but i don't know what kind of grease to use and where and how grease is needed. Any thoughts?
Can I switch out top half of my blackanddecke 20volt
Ok no jams and mechanism is functioning. However when I push the button to feed more line it’s not working on it’s own. I push button and pull manually it works, but not on just the push of button. Why?
Does that mean each time I press and release the trigger (on, off) the line feeds, whatever how long or short the line is?
What allows it to pivot? How does it know when to pivot?
I just got one used, it didn't have a spring on the button cap. (I look for a replacement caps and there was a spring attached to it)
Does the Black & Decker weed eater you displayed require a spring on the button? Thank you
ALSO, when you put the spool back on the bottom of the weed eater, does that spring lever you demonstrated need to be in a certain position?
Or does it automatically seat properly
Also. What makes the line feed the inch or two?
What action is required to feed line? Thanks again
Wait, does the feed lever have a spring?
SOLUTION:. Clean the spool's hole and shaft (especially the base) with alcohol, then spray both with silicone.
mine doesn’t have debris but still not feed. I have to open each time and do it manually. Does the pivot return in place automatically or it is you who bring it back with your little screwdriver? as maybe this lever needs to be spring loaded.
But what causes the lever to move to let out string? Yours looks like it’s spring loaded?
Thanks for the video.
The mechanism moves freely, but when i press the easyfeed button no extra line is fed.
Should the line release mechanism move by just pressing the button without running the trimmer?
Is there an internal line that releases the seed mechanism, maybe it is broken?
BTW i bought Amazon's knock off spools, could that be the issue as some other viewer reported?
I have a problem with my 3-in-1 black and decker in that it will run for 3 sec then stops cutting. When I check the string I see it got pulled back into the spool and I have no idea why. This keeps happening to me over and over
I just tried it out. The line disappeared into the spool. I'm not sure how it's supposed to release more line rather than retracting into itself.
Mine works perfect from time to time when used. However, it interruptly stops even with a fully charged battery. Could it be the battery is defective or wrong line used in spool?
My problem is, for some reason, the line won't feed out even if I try to manually pull the wire to release the mechanism with the cover and spring fully on. When I take off the cover, there appears to release the pressure enough for the reel to properly ratchet. I replaced the cover and the spring but still too tight. Will try to find out why this is happening.
I have the same trimmer. But mine runs out of string very fast within 5 mins (full spool). Why is that?
well .... what happens if the pivoting mechanism isn't working? Is this replaceable? Or does the whole head need to be replaced?
So, if that little part is broken, can it be replaced or is it time for a new weed wacker?
It can be replaced, it's not expensive.
I have a 40V version, and my pivot mechanism doesn't have a spring on it. There is also no brake on the handle. I believe it is designed to allow the pivot to move by centrifugal force, but ever since I replaced the spool, auto-advance no longer works no matter what I try.
Try to
Use original part instead of knock-off Amazon line. That was my problem
Your line seems to be wrapped COUNTER-CLOCKWISE while the arrows on the spool indicate the line should be wrapped CLOCKWISE. Was this intentional?
What the name of that shiny part? Mine seems missing
How do you fix the line advance mechanism?????? Ive bought two B&D weedeaters now and the mechanism breaks every time!!! I know how it works, HOW do you fix it????
Mine is free but will not feed line. How does the button work
What worked for me was to clean the black plastic teeth below the string reel and also the bottom of the reel. Mine had WD-40 on them and after cleaning it off the string started feeding again when pushing the button.
Good explanation. But show how it works before and after
Brilliant - thanks so much
Thanks for your help!
Is there anything I can do if the pivot mechanism is broken?
No spring on mine, lost at some point, so not auto feeding.
Ok but what causes it to feed an inch of line every so often?
have a Black and Decker Grasshog cord trimmer and It doesnt have a whole lot of power. I took it apart and cleaned all the grass and stuff wrapped around it but I still don't have a whole lot of power. Anyone with any tips on how to save it pls help.
I replaced the lever but the line still does not auto feed. what could be the problem?
I don't know how yours cuts so much easier than mine... sometimes I have to sit in 1 spot for 10 seconds for something to cut... it's very frustrating... other times it will cut quickly
Awesome videos! You can explain how to do stuff very well. Thank you for making this type of content!
Thank you for your nice note! Best, Chris
Why is the line on backwards?
All the components seem to be there and working, however, when I put in a new spool the line is being cut to about an inch and the line won't feed.
I'm having the exact same problem!
Me too
Is there a spring under pivoting lever, if so where do I buy one?
Found it! Spring part # 244053-00
Wow that was very kind of you to post it. You are a good person! Best, Chris
@@annelinekraemer2866 where did you get that from, I need one as well !
@@leeroche5800 Just google the part number, it's a $3.99 part. However, I ended up not needing it. Even though, the area looked clear of debris. I removed the lever and brushed the area with an old toothbrush and it did the trick! I'm really not sure there's a spring there. There isn't on mine. I think that mechanism is pretty sensitive. I'm buying generic spools. It worked better with a different brand. Good luck!
@@annelinekraemer2866 i can see a spring either so bit confused. Thanks for the reply
Hmm... I think the little pin mechanism on mine is missing the spring... Maybe that's why it isn't feeding the line
I have a LST420 and the lever does not have a spring load, just floats freely on the pin. No matter what I do this thing rarely auto feeds. I've replaces the cap & spring, use B&D factory spools. Very frustrated with this product.
I do not have this model, but on mine the spring is actually a small coil under the lever. It would be easy to miss it
video shows string wrapped the opposite way as the arrow on the spool.
Mine worked until I had to get a new string cartridge, since I put the new one in... it won't auto feed when I use the button. I have tried a few things and no success. Any ideas?
Maybe try manually wiggling it around to make sure it will freely come out?
@@BassocantorReviews yes if I wigle it back and forth to manually feed it, it works but not when I press the button. It is annoying =(
I love this trimmer
@@juanriat4056 I have the same problem. The push button worked until I had to replace the first spool. Now it doesn't. Trying to figure out how to fix it now.