Wal - Mart - Weed Eater Wlt24 review: Battery won't take a charge 29

I'm glad I'm not alone on this! I am disabled and unable to handle a gas powered trimmer and unable to drag around 200' of cord for an electric one, so this seemed to be the logical choice. The first time I used it I was pleased and it actually outlasted ME! However, about 6 months later, it refused to charge. Thinking it was the batteries...I bought a new set. That did not help. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the handle snapped off about a month into it, and had to buy another one. Actually, I bought 2 since I saw how poorly made they were and just KNEW I'd be replacing it over and over again. Anyway...after I found out the new batteries wouldn't charge, I figured it would be the charger. Bought another charger and sure enough...the batteries charged. Oops! Damn handle broke again! Glad I bought 2! Well, this time, the handle just turned to a sticky kind of mush and the batteries were dead! When I took it apart, the negative ends of the batteries were totally corroded! Got my other set of batteries, and a bowl of baking soda water and cleaned the contacts. Put the newer batteries in and plugged it in. Charger showed green, when I plugged the trimmer in, it appeared it would charge. Tried it right after I plugged it in and it showed signs of life, so I left it charge. 5 hrs later, I go to check on it. The light on the charger is totally out and the batteries are deader than a nit! I am so disgusted with this! I'm on a fixed income and not physically able to fight with this thing! I will scream to the world NOT to buy one of these pieces of crap!

I own the craftsman version, sears part number 74805. The charger failed when the second set of batteries failed, probably as a result of a short in the batteries. I bought a new charger, pn 300023, from searspartsdirect.com for $23. I believe the batteries are still available there as well; I purchased two replacement sets several years ago. BTW, the spare set I purchased was stored in my freezer for several years. When I opened it up, thawed it out, and installed it, the trimmer ran like it was fully charged -- BEFORE I charged the batteries.
Most of the problems described above are due to old batteries or chargers. This is a good, powerful unit (when fully charged), so for me a new set of batteries and a charger gives me a cheaper, longer-life solution than scrapping this unit and buying a new one. Your mileage may vary.

I am surprised at all these problems with this tool. My husband bought one of these for me when it became obvious I would have to take over this chore as there was no way I could handle the heavy large gas model he had used. I used it heavily for 5 or 6 years and it worked fine until this spring when it became obvious that I would have to replace either the charger, battery or both. I have had no other problems with it. I didn't know that you are supposed to slam it on the ground to advance the string-I always pulled on it to advance the string which I supposed would easier on a lot of parts. Ignorant woman I am. However, mine is still in excellent condition after at least 5 years of heavy use. Sue

I have had my Weed Eater WLT24 for several years and never had a problem with it charging. However, after about four years I replaced the batteries which may have been my fault because I keep it stowed in the charger unit 24/7 when not in use. The first time I used the WLT24 it was a joy to use - no problem of any kind - I ran it for a good 45 minutes before it appeared the battery charge was running down. My problem is with the string breaking. When I used up the string on the original spool, I bought some refill string (.080) at Lowe's, wound it onto the original spool, and it would break after edging only about four feet of lawn edge. Very frustrating! So, I went online and order a couple of OEM Replacement Spools with Cutting Line (WRS24) but I still have the same problem of the line/string breaking after only a short time of use. Any suggestions?

Bought it last season. Used for no more than 5 hours total. This season it will not hold a charge for more than about 1 minute. Called Wal-Mart about the 2 year limited warranty and they said contact the manufacturer as Wal-Mart can do nothing to help. Tried to contact manufacturer and am blown off line every time I try to send info. Wa--Mart customer service is a farce. I will never spend another penny in any of their stores. They seem to have forgotten who made them successful in the first place.

keeping batteries on the charger does reduce the life. same holds true for laptops.

I have had my WLT24 for about three years and, at first, I was extremely pleased with the product. However, now the charge will only last about 20 minutes. Perhaps the problem is that I keep it stored in the charger unit all the time when not in use. Does anyone know if doing this ruins or reduces the life of the batteries?

Regarding the line spools, cap, and spring - I found all three online at one of the garden tool sites. The line spool part number is WRS24 and the package has the telephone number [protected] as the number to call for replacement parts.

I recently bought one at a yard sale for $5 I had the charging problem but said screw the charging hanging base and just plug it in directly to the weed eater & it charges wonderfully now!

However it seems whether plugged in or not it has no real weed eating power. I took it outside & it won't cut anything! It seems that it's not getting enough power or something! Can someone help cause this seems to be an awesome weed eater & I got a great deal I would love to use it! It's the Weed Eater WLT24!

Charger for American Gardner/Craftsman/Wal-Mart Trimmer

http://www.gardnerinc.com/original_power/

Part Number 300023

About $20 shipped.

I have had to purchase two replacement chargers for my unit. The first and second quit totally. The third is cooking the batteries, putting out 35 volts and 650 ma.

I am also on my third set of batteries.

I have the WLT24 and I have had no problems in charging. The problem I have is finding a replacement spring&line spool. The plastic bottom on the spool has worn away from bumping the ground to advance the line and now I need a spring and spool but I can't find one anywhere. Wal-mart dosn't have replacement parts for that model and it seems no one on the web has them either. can anyone help me find what I'm looking for? is there some other model or brand that the parts are the same and will fit my weed eater? PLEASE SOMEONE HELP...THANKS.

I also am in search of a new battery charger for this weed eater...

where can i find a charger for the weed eater if anyone has one and dont need contact me please

i need to replace the battery charger the part that connected to weed eater broke off where can i find this charger, i tried everything and i cannot get any help at garnerinc.com as the site is for dealers

I have the weed eater wlt24, , , I have not had any problem with it charging but the end cap that holds the cutting sting is cracked beyond use, , and will not hold the cutting string in place to weed eat anything, , I checked back at Wal-Mart for a replacement cap and they are not selling it anymore nor do they have any string mount or cap parts, , , hum, , , the device has worked fine and charged well but the cap is cracked and broken, , , need a cap and possibly the whole string mounting system as it just made sense that it would all come together, , it sure did not last very long at all, , I would say that is the weakest part on it is the end cap string housing piece, , , where can I get one, , Max's engine repair, here tried to find a way to order one, but no luck there either so I am searching this website as the [protected] number instructs one to do, , , , , please advise.just need the cap really but the whole string housing and cap would be great and I do feel since I have only used the device a very few times that the company should really send me othe whole cap and housing at no charge, , , it is a very thin cap and cracked out all the way around it, making it impossible to mount the string housing to it at all, , , .and I do need to weed eat and edge around here badly..thank you

I've had my wlt24 for about 4 years now and it worked fine for the first 3 years, but will not take a charge now. The Charger light shows red all the time and gets warm but the unit just barely runs. Real slow, not enough to cut any grass. I would like to order new batteries but don't know who to contact,

Regarding those who have problems where the battery doesn't seem to take a charge & the green light is on in the power supply unit, I had this same problem. I tried everything. Power supply was putting out proper voltage, the fuse was good, etc. Finally I discovered that one of the wires going to the motor inside the trimmer head was disconnected due to a bad solder joint. I re-soldered the wires & now everything works just fine. A word of caution though, taking the unit apart to get to the wires, then re-assembling it is a bit of a challenge. Also make sure the wires are properly insulated & won't touch any other metal parts.

I have a weedeater wlt24, purchased at walmart 3 years ago, and it has always worked fine. This season it worked fine for a couple of trims but then started getting weak like it needed a charge. when i plug it into the charger it would show the green light like it was charged but was completely dead. when i took it apart to see how hard/easy it would be to replace the batterries, i saw one of he batteries negative connection had disconnected. i reconnected it and plugged in the charger and have a red light, indicating it is charging. not sure, but believe this has solved my dead battery problem.

I have a weed eater WLT24, no charging problems, as a matter of fact I like it so much, the 2 batteries last so long and they take up charge without any issues, difficulties came up with replacement spool, they're kind of hard to find, I tried to purchase them from gardnerinc and they told me it was no longer available, they referred to me thorugh originalpower, and the same. I've recently found this other site http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/order_now.htm#agSpool
also on craftsman site at this link http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07185685000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Handheld+Power&sName=Attachments%2C+Parts+%26+Accessories
I hope it'll be useful for all of you.

I too am experiencing charging problems with the Weedeater WLT24. This may be too late, but I just discovered on page 10 of their instruction manual, under "storage", it recommends that you not leave the unit for long periods uncharged. It says "in no circumstances should the unit be left off charge for more than three months". Looking back, this is the first year that I unplugged the charging unit for the winter. Another problem I've experienced with this unit is the fact that the handle is secured with only four 3/8" x #6 screws which is not enough to bear the weight of this unit. This can be fixed with longer screws. I will pursue some of the comments to try to salvage my batteries.

this weed eater is made by heres a link to them
http://www.originalpower.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=65
wlt24 is what they sell to walmart as theyre own
parts can be found here
https://www.gardnerinc.com/original_power/
or call [protected] parts is [protected]
ys24 and wlt24 are same product just different colors

i have ys24 & am very happy with it. its worked for 4 years now
one of the batterys died this year i will be ordering a replacement
i understand if your not handy the frustration you may feel but this item is very simple to work on & fix

my $.02

I've had the same problem with our re-chargeable battery Weed-Eater, but I'll try the suggestions noted above. It's great to have fix-it ideas from folks with some technical know-how . . . otherwise I'd be throwing this thing in the trash. (Can't seem to find a fix-it person for this.) Another problem with this model: re-placement of line not the easiest/most convenient chore!

Thanks!

found the problem was the male in the weedeater itself was
somehow pushed back in. so the female in the wall unit was
not making contact.
solution.
i put an inch wire in the female plug to make contact with the male. and it works it now charges just fine.

I TOO BOUGHT A WLT24 IN APRIL. IT CHARGED JUST FINE
AND USED IT TILL JUNE. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO RECHARGE
IT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON LIKE
IT WAS ALREADY CHARGED. IT HAS A 2 YEAR WARANTY
BUT I DONT KNOW WHO TO TAKE IT TO THAT WOULD HONOR THE WARANTY.

Had mine a year, won't charge. Charger shows red light indicating that it's charging but batteries life is basically less than one season. Bummer!

My mother in law just got one of these weedeaters and it didn`t work, She finally took it back and got a replacement.
Same thing. I checked the battery plugins and they are all tight. I am charging it now, and if it is not going good by tomorrow, I `ll suggest she take it back and ask for a full refund, and come by this site and see she is not alone.

Found the problem! I too had a relatively new WeedEater WLT24 that suddenly refused to take a charge. I took the product apart and--using a circuit tester--finally found what was wrong.

The trimmer--made in China--uses a charging unit (the part that affixes to the wall) containing a female plug attached to a cord leading to a transformer (the part that plugs into a wall outlet). The plug is held in place within the charging unit by a screw and washer, BUT THE WASHER IS TOO SMALL!

The too-small washer allows the plug to be pushed back in the charging unit until there is no long an electrical contact between the charger and the batteries within the trimmer. The fix is simple--install a larger washer.

I bought the same model last Fall and I live in Maine so I used it very little before the snow started falling. I got it back out a couple of weeks ago and it worked fine until 2 days ago . I tried to use it today and it's dead. It won't take a charge at all. I just spoke to the company [protected] and was told to plug in the charger for an hour and if it was not warm to the touch after that time that the charger is either faulty or the battery needs resetting. I told her that I was not accepting anything less than a new charger or a total refund. I am hoping for the refund so I can buy a different model.

The same weedeater is sold under the American Gardener and Craftsman brands. The Craftsman model number is 240.74805 and Sears Parts Direct sells the two 12V batteries as a set for about $36. The part number is 300022.

Exact same thing happened to me. Called company, but they were no help.