DIY Tip: How to Improve a Border Size

[Vinc26]

Hello,

I'm digging up the subject again: I can't find anyone anywhere who has tried to replace the nylon thread of a rotofil with a simple iron thread?

What do you think ?

I am looking to replace the nylon thread above all because it is not possible to put so much plastic waste in my garden.

[Ahmed]

The iron wire does not resist the bending stresses in this use and breaks very quickly. A steel cable would be better from this point of view (like a bicycle brake cable), but frays at the end...

[Vinc26]

So reading this thread, the only valid and lasting idea is the bike chain?

And then what about a small chain like this:

th-1960241473.jpeg (35.41 KiB) Accessed 2378 times

[Christophe]

There are edge cutters with the possibility of mounting a blade, like a 3-pointed star...

For the non use of wire rope I think as Ahmed just said it's a matter of safety...because if the wire breaks or frays it will, it can send splinters quite wicked in the feet (or elsewhere) of the user...

It is also, certainly, a story of marketing to resell reels (some overpriced compared to the weight of the plastic sold)...because, in 2022, we can imagine making steel cables coated like with mylar or kevlar ...

[Christophe]

So reading this thread, the only valid and lasting idea is the bike chain?

Good idea, I'll have to try! And shit I just threw an old one in the recycling center! (I'm talking about an old chain huh...)

And then what to think of a small chain like that

I think it will be less efficient and durable than the bike chain...in any case, the one in the photo seems too big...and the balancing may be problematic!

[Vinc26]

Well, I think I'm going to come out false and pruning... it doesn't suit me at all, all this disposable plastic

[Remundo]

Hello,

I'm digging up the subject again: I can't find anyone anywhere who has tried to replace the nylon thread of a rotofil with a simple iron thread?

I already tried one day when I was out of plastoc.

Steel breaks after 5 seconds, copper too. The deflections exceed the elastic limit of the material, which breaks after a few cycles. As Ahmed says.

I am looking to replace the nylon thread above all because it is not possible to put so much plastic waste in my garden.

Well, there aren't too many other possible materials for brush cutters.

There are also blades, but it's quite violent when it hits a stone or a piece of wood/bush. it goes back big vibrations and you can break the transmission. Because the advantage of the plastic wire is that it acts as a fuse and does not cost too much to replace.

one idea would be to offer a biodegradable plastic yarn...

[Remundo]

I searched, didn't know it existed!

and yes: they call it "biodegradable oxo"
https://www.abcommerces.com/fil-nylon-p ... dable.html
http://www.fils-debroussailleuse.com/12 ... ssailleuse

I don't know what it's worth in use, but to try.

[Christophe]

Unbraided wires definitely don't work.

But I think that a steel cable core coated with a flexible but impact-resistant material (like kevlar or reinforced polymer) could do it...

[Christophe]

I searched, didn't know it existed!

and yes: they call it "biodegradable oxo"
https://www.abcommerces.com/fil-nylon-p ... dable.html
http://www.fils-debroussailleuse.com/12 ... ssailleuse

I don't know what it's worth in use, but to try.

In addition it is almost given!

I have already seen Gardena type brand reels at 20-30 €

Otherwise bin even cheaper: the PLA of 3D printers, it is sold 20€ per kg and it is (they say) a biodegradable plastic... the wires are in 1.75 mm...