How to detect a fault in Ryobi line trimmer?

[Lenmu]

My Ryobi line trimmer has stopped working. I know battery is fine as I have other appliances that work with the battery. When I press the start buttons nothing happens. Where can I take it in Brisbane to have it assessed.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Lenmu. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Ryobi tool assessments.

How old is the line trimmer? Ryobi tools, in some instances, have up to a four-year replacement warranty. So, if your tool was within this period, you'd take it to your nearest Bunnings store with your proof of purchase, and the team there will take a look at it for you. If it's faulty they'll swap it over for you.

If it's outside of your warrant period you could take it to a local garden tool service centre to be looked at for repair.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[YT]

I too have the same problem with my 18v ryobi.

Bottom line from Bunnings is that as it is out of warranty they can't get parts. I have tried 4 local repairers on the Gold Coast and they won't touch it as they also can't get parts. Too bad about the 2 new batteries I bought that are less than half way through their life, $169 & the new head I bought 2 months ago.

Bottom line for me - don't touch Ryobi.

[Jason]

Sorry to read that your tool's lifespan didn't meet your expectations @YT. 

Please let us know if you would like our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts to suggest a replacement. 

Given Ryobi tools are extremely popular, I would suggest you would have no problem reselling your batteries if you no longer need them. 

All the best,

Jason

[Nailbag]

Hi @YT 

It's common for local repairers not to accept tool for repair like Ozitio or Ryobi as they don't have accounts to access parts. You need to locate one of their   service agents, which should be listed on their web sites.

The batteries are still well worth hanging on to. And depending on the model of the line trimmer and its age, it may not be viable to pay for repair vs a new model skin (tool no batteries).

Whats the model and rough age when you bought it?

Nailbag

[YT]

@Nailbag 

It is a RLT36B33, 2016.

I have now escalated to Ryobi as my local Bunnings advised they would not be able to assist.

[kateyo991]

Hi Lenmu,

I had the same problem with my Ryobi 18v Line Trimmer also.
Out of replacement warranty, and thought, what do I have to lose if it doesn't even work anymore?
I ended up taking the trimmer apart and cleaned all the parts inside, assembled them back together and works great now. Sometimes gunk builds up inside inhibiting certain inner parts to run smoothly. Have not had an issue ever since.
But if you're worried about disassembling and reassembling the trimmer, may I suggest a good cleaning with a vacuum or blower perhaps?
I've even sprayed degreaser on it and hosed everything down, left the trimmer out to dry for about week, just to be sure it is completely dry before using.

Hope this helps!

[MitchellMc]

Thanks for your input, @kateyo991.

I thought I'd add, for the benefit of our other members, that whilst the line head of the line trimmer can be cleaned periodically, it's important not to allow water anywhere near the machine's motor. Water in the motor could cause an electrical hazard.

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

As someone with many decades of experience with power tools and garden ones, I strongly agree with @MitchellMc regarding the use of any water or lubricant.

Though glad to hear you had a good experience @kateyo991 this is rarely the case. I have seen countless times some very disastrous  results. 

Both batteries and motors have basic to very advanced electronics that can be easily damaged. Even if left to dry out, unseen corrosion can occur. This can also lead to a more serious scenario especially with corded electric tools. 

regards Nailbag

[kateyo991]

I'm so terribly sorry for the misunderstanding!

For the inside, when I did disassemble it, I brushed and wiped every down dry.
I should've been clearer, when I said I sprayed degreaser on it and hosed it down, but should've been clearer, spraying and cleaning the outer parts of the trimmer, without disassembling anything, just as with regular cleaning. Never inside the machine where all the electrical components are!
Of course that's highly dangerous when it comes to anything electrical. I would never encourage it.

Sorry for the confusion!