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Help opening strimmer reel !

Ady_Ady_ Posts: 5
in Tools and techniques
Inherited my uncles old (1990s) strimmer, but cannot get in to replace the 2-wire reel - Do you have this (American) type? Is the 3-lobed knob just screwed on (clockwise/anti-c.w. ?) - is there a special 3-fingered 'key'/spanner for it ? Anyone who is familiar with this:- all advice gratefully received. No-Mow-May has overtaken me !! Thank you.

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  • Ady_Ady_ Posts: 5
    Don't think this reel has been opened or even touched, for over 20 years, and I don't want to break it. How do I get in to extend/replace the cutting-wire?!
    The three lobed knob is too deep into the recess to be able to get any useful purchase on by hand, and
    I've tried to tap it round with a rod and hammer  but it doesn't move.
    Please Help if you're familiar with this type !
    Thank you !
  • Ady_Ady_ Posts: 5

  • CrankyYankeeCrankyYankee Posts: 504
    edited June 2023
    I found the patent online, there's a diagram that may help.  If you can find a brand name/serial number, you can usually look it up and find the actual manual for that particular model.  I've found manuals for my tractor that's from the 1970s online.


    edit - after looking at the diagram it appears you should be able to twist the three-pronged piece off the bottom to open the head.
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • Ady_Ady_ Posts: 5
    CrankyYankee said:
    I found the patent online,
    . . . . . .

    edit - after looking at the diagram it appears you should be able to twist the three-pronged piece off the bottom to open the head.
    Thanks! I'd also looked up patent numbers but not found this.
    This diagram shows a normal right-hand thread, so should undo anti-clockwise, but mine is locked solid. Probably rust. I'll have to try soaking it in release fluid and hope it doesn't attack the plastic. The main problem is it being too far in to get hold of !
    Thanks CrankyYankee! (...are you in America?!)

  • CrankyYankeeCrankyYankee Posts: 504
    I am in America!  :)
    I have very old, worn-out equipment and I often deal with bolts and whatnot frozen by rust.  I have no idea what you have available for lubricants, but if there is a small engine repair shop nearby they usually have the right tools and greases to deal with that sort of thing.  Good luck! 
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
     A good spray of WD40 might help with CYs suggestion. Give it time to soak in.
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    @Ady_ Did anything work?
    Southampton 
  • Ady_Ady_ Posts: 5
    Think I'm going to have to make a special spanner/key as the 3-lobed-knob is too deep into the recess to be able to twisted by hand with any force... Can't get enough of my fingers in at the right angle !
    Also, my previous comment as to the drawing in the patent indicating a normal (right-handed) thread was wrong.
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