Indexing Collar for a Weed Trimmer

If you use your string trimmer for edging as well as weeding, an index on the boom to help change head positions accurately is very helpful. Pictured is one I made, but it requires some welding. I am offering a simpler version here that requires no welding. The second photo shows how I align the compression slot on the trimmer head with an edge on my collar. There is a similar edge a quarter turn around the boom to mark the other position so I can easily switch between trimming and edging.

Materials

1. Colored plastic or thin metal sheet.
2. Hose clamp

Tools

1. Scissors or shears
2. Screwdriver

Clean debris from the trimmer boom near the head. Cut a strip of paper 3 1/2 to 4 inches long. Second photo. Wrap the strip of paper around the trimmer boom and mark where the strip of paper crosses over its end for an accurate determination of the boom's circumference. Third photo. Align ends of the paper and fold twice. Crease the folds. Fourth photo. Unfold the paper. The folds accurately divide the circumference of the boom into fourths.

Choose a flexible material that will indicate the head position for regular trimming (horizontal cutting) and for edging (vertical cutting). A plastic file folder, a piece from a colorful aluminum soft drink can, the side from a liquid dish soap container, or anything similar will do. It could be a piece of sheet metal you cut and paint. I used the vinyl seal from a scrap of garage door trim.

Place the unfolded paper strip over the material you chose. Mark and cut for an accurate representation of a quarter of the circumference of the trimmer boom. Cut with a tool suitable for the material you chose.

I used a hose clamp to hold the indicator in place. The first photo shows the compression slot on the trimmer head aligned with left edge of the indicator for the vertical cutting position. The second photo shows the right edge of the indicator for the correct horizontal cutting position. Just loosen the locking screw on the head, turn it a quarter turn, and align the compression slot with the edge of the indicator. Tighten the locking screw again. Try the machine. If you have to hold it favoring a slight rotation, adjust the position of the indicator and reset the head.

This indicator makes dual use of a string trimmer easier without the annoying sense that something is not aligned properly.