Weed Eater trimmer line or alternatives and other experiences...

[PJSprog]

The weld bead might keep the tip from fraying, but it won't stop the rest of the cable from untwisting behind it.
No personal experience with this ... just a thought.

 

[bcp]

Depending on your conditions, any steel blade or cable may be a fire hazard.

Bruce

 

[CCWKen]

Both good points to consider, thanks. A fire hazard never crossed my mind but as I said, they make chain and blade attachments. I'll make a point to watch for sparks when testing around the rocks and such.

I thought I had some 1/8" cable but couldn't find it this morning. I'll see if I can find some braided cable at the hardware. That shouldn't unravel if the tip is welded.

I think there's a conspiracy among the trimmer cord makers. They must sell thousands of tons of that stuff and all ending up in the environment. (For the enviro-police.)

 

[ultrarunner]

With things so dry here in California... I won't even run the Dozer or use Steel cutting heads on the trimmers... just too risky this time of year in the bush...

 

[CCWKen]

Just reporting back on the steel cable trial. I couldn't get braided cable so went with the twisted. It works great as long as the weld bead stays on the tip. I had some that broke the bead off the end and the cable frayed. The cables that had the beads intact stayed together. I don't think the weld works well because of the heat zone on the fine wire. The region next to the weld is just too soft or brittle and impact breaks the weld bead off. Perhaps because I hit a few tomato plant support cages hidden in the high grass behind the shed.

Next test up is using a crimped feral on the tips.

 

[bcp]

Next test up is using a crimped feral on the tips.

Sounds like a wild idea. Let us know how it works.

Bruce

 

[PJSprog]

Yeah, we could speculate all day about what might happen, but Ken is actually trying stuff. Very cool.

 

[TractorGuy]

Pull the spool and add zip ties.

 

[ultrarunner]

Very clever and something that never would have occured to me.

 

[4570Man]

Pull the spool and add zip ties.

How did that work out? It doesn't seem any better than string.