Tangled Ryobi 18V Weed Whacker - Why Line Keeps Coming Out

Based on comments/questions on previous videos, I thought I would make this video to demonstrate why your weed whacker line may keep coming out and getting tangled.
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[@anthonyherrington1]

great video. Thank you for the info. I just bought a Ryobi and had this problem. The "razor" still has tape on it so I will be removing that when I get home tonight.

[@Z-Ack]

Yea im just gonna use braided steel cable and bolt it to the spinny deal.. if it breaks and takes out a toe or finger than so be it, these weeds need a wackin.. or maybe ill just spray grass killer on all the edges and be done with it all..

[@OICU2]

My string gets tangled within the cartridge no matter how loosely or tightly I wind it. And the string never makes it out as far as that cutting blade.

[@heyitsjosh]

How old is the string? If it’s very old it could be brittle and not ‘sticking’ to itself when wound.

[@OICU2]

@@heyitsjosh It definitely is not old and it definitely is not sticking to itself.

[@williamjgrijalvaiv1030]

Mine does as well! Even on new line!​@@OICU2

[@Rebecca-GLaines]

I dont want to put mine at full rpm because ALL my line is coming out, and im having to restring it! I haven't found not one video w a fix for this. I know how to string the line. Thats not the issue, its a prestrung line, the first one worked great then all a sudden it threw line EVERYWHERE. So came it, grabbed another, put the spoil in, amd this one is doing it. Its not the spoil, its the effen weedeater. Im so annoyed.

[@heyitsjosh]

Be sure to get to full RPM immediately upon pulling the trigger. The line has to cut itself. My guess is that the little bit of excess line that you leave out of the holes is too long, when putting the pre-strung line back in. Just leave a little bit of line, and extend the line further while operating the unit, and get up to full speed after using the machine to extend the line, so it has an opportunity to cut the line.

[@davidfreels]

Hello Josh. Can you make a video about how to sharpen the cutter on the 18v Ryobi weed whacker? Thanks.

[@robinsanford2556]

Thank you so much I almost threw mine in the garbage LOL

[@mandoa9150]

You’re lucky this is my second one and I’m barley seeing this 😭

[@CULTZDIED]

Same here fucking sorry excuse of a brand smh 😭 I should've stuck with milwuakee

[@AM-iy1xw]

Thank you so much for this video!!!!!

[@heyitsjosh]

I'm glad it helped!

[@IdeaSlug]

Ugh this makes so much sense. Thanks for the explanation. Should you pretty much always be using weed whackers at full RPM, so that the line keeps getting cut?

[@truhunk1]

Most plug in models only run at full speed.

[@migueltor6434]

This video 📹 makes sense.

[@lmartine]

thank you!

[@user-zs3er9ol9z]

Any other suggestions?? I squeeze handle completely and far as I know the wacker goes full speed but after a second or two the string extends and get tangled up

[@heyitsjosh]

Maybe this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWScqH17bcdnmqM

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

I saw a ryobi video and it was confusing. I think I’m pressing the button by habit. The battery doesn’t last long so when I’m walking to another section I try to shut it. Is there a way to shut this auto feeder option off or something? I’m going true battery and string really fast. Thank u for your video , I’m going watch again bc I don’t tie it

[@heyitsjosh]

The automatic feeding is a feature that you cannot turn off. I usually stop the unit and extend the line often rather than keep it running if I'm not using it at that moment, but I don't find that I burn through cord that quickly.

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

@@heyitsjosh I have to extend it often like every minute or less. I dk what I’m doing wrong

[@heyitsjosh]

@@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710 When I'm doing around rocks and harder stuff, like concrete foundation or trees, I often have to extend the line more than every minute or less. This stuff breaks easily, and doesn't last too long. As a rough estimate, I would say that 1 spool should last roughly 4-5 full battery charges, so maybe 1.5 - 2 hours of run time. But I am aggressive and like to get every last piece of long grass, so I trim in close with everything, even the wife's garden lol.

[@jesuswarnedusaboutthem7710]

@@heyitsjosh maybe that’s what it is bc I was doing it around retaining wall blocks but I’m surprised how little it lasts for. I think I need a new weed wacker or is this normal even with other brands ? Thanks

[@ciscoelnino9237]

Thanks!! I’ll also sharpen the cutter with an old knife sharpens or my lawn tool sharpener. Thoughts on soaking trimmer line in water?

[@heyitsjosh]

I’ve soaked line overnight in the past, and this makes sense if line is old and brittle, yet I don’t buy in bulk and re-stock every few years. And besides, I wouldn’t mind spending $15 on new line if it’s needed. I would be inclined to toss old line these days. Especially with these battery powered tools, we have saved so much $ by not buying gasoline or oil. I feel like spending a nominal amount is OK. For instance, with my 40V weed whacker, there are ‘pre-cut’ lines available and those pre-cut lines are more expensive than the line in a spool. I would have to cut the spooled line at 16’ long, but I treat myself and buy the pre-cuts. Also, I go through one package every 2 years so it’s not overly expensive. If line is 5+ years old and needed then yes, I think soaking can restore some lost elasticity and pliability. But ‘just use it up quickly and get some new stuff’ is what I say.

[@Z-Ack]

Ryobi wackers are wack.. i tried to use one but it just didnt have enough power.. its always bog on every weed i wacked..