Soaking/storing trimmer line in water?

[CarbonSteel]

I recently bought a new 4 cycle string trimmer and it does not use a traditional "tap and go" head, it uses pre-cut string that is inserted. The cost of a pack of these is far too expensive (about $14 for 10-12 pieces) so I bought a 455 foot spool of it (spiral .130"). The trimmer came with a pack that has a sponge in the bottom and it states on the package to re-wet the sponge if it dries out. I searched and see there are quite a few recommendations to store the string in a wet container.

My question is would it make sense to store the entire spool in a sealed container of distilled water? Anyone do something like this and does it really make a difference to the life of the string (make it less brittle, etc.)?

TIA!

 

[IndyIan]

When I worked on a grounds crew we always stored cut trimmer lines in a bucket of water. Now I can't be bothered, and I find the the line breaks when it probably should, cutting stuff too big and against rock and wire fences... If you are just trimming a nicely kept lawn then I doubt it matters much. If you are getting into rough or heavy stuff then a soaked line probably helps a bit, but doesn't make it indestructible.
Another problem with storing water is eventually it gets pretty smelly and the trimmer line is slimy...

 

[andyd]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
When I worked on a grounds crew we always stored cut trimmer lines in a bucket of water. Now I can't be bothered, and I find the the line breaks when it probably should, cutting stuff too big and against rock and wire fences... If you are just trimming a nicely kept lawn then I doubt it matters much. If you are getting into rough or heavy stuff then a soaked line probably helps a bit, but doesn't make it indestructible.
Another problem with storing water is eventually it gets pretty smelly and the trimmer line is slimy...
a drop of bleach will fix that.

 

[Panzerman]

Interesting. I never heard of this. Learn something new everyday.

 

[JTK]

Years back I tried a 4-stroke Troy-bilt string trimmer that used those thick, pre-cut sections of line for the trimmer head. Hated everything about that trimmer. Wanted to throw the whole thing in water.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

You're saying the plastic wires absorb water and are stronger?

 

[doitmyself]

STIHL USA - "Nylon is a hygroscopic material and if the line is stored in dry conditions, e.g. in a shed or a warehouse it can loose its moisture and therefore its flexibility, it can become stiff, brittle and break easily. Storing it for a couple of days in a closed bag with some added water at room temperature or higher will bring the line back closer to the original, more flexible condition and should significantly reduce breakage due to brittleness."

 

[SZR48207]

I store my Stihl trimmer line in a bucket of water with a lid. I actually pre measure segments of it so I can quickly refill the spool.

Lasts much longer.

 

[SumpChump]

wow, NEVER IMAGINED STORING IN WATER.

How about letting a quart of WS get full of moisture and storing the line in that. Hmm.

 

[bubbatime]

This is VERY common in lawn care circles. Almost every lawn care operator stores their line in a bucket of water.

 

[dlundblad]

I learned something new today too.

I've been working at the same spool of wire for the last 10 years.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Years back I tried a 4-stroke Troy-bilt string trimmer that used those thick, pre-cut sections of line for the trimmer head. Hated everything about that trimmer. Wanted to throw the whole thing in water.
I know the ones that you are talking about, but these are different, they are simply 17" long pre-cut sections of .130" trimmer line. Made no sense to pay that much for them pre-cut when I can cut my own.