how do you take apart the shaft to pack it away? i can't figure out the collar

Diagnosis

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL String Trimmer (Model 2725-20) features a split-shaft design intended for easier transport and storage. When users struggle to separate the shaft, it is typically because they are attempting to twist the collar or pull the shaft halves apart without first disengaging the internal locking pin. The collar is not a threaded screw; it is a sliding sleeve that retracts a spring-loaded locking mechanism. If the collar feels "stuck" or won't budge, it is often due to fine debris, grass clippings, or dried mud infiltrating the gap between the sliding collar and the main shaft tube. This creates friction that prevents the collar from sliding back far enough to clear the locking pin, making the shaft feel as though it is permanently fused together. You can confirm this by checking for a visible ring of grime around the collar's edge.

How to Fix It

To properly disassemble the shaft for storage, follow these precise steps:

1. Power Down: Remove the M18 battery pack from the rear handle to ensure there is no accidental trigger pull during the process.
2. Position the Tool: Lay the trimmer on a flat surface or hold it firmly. Locate the black plastic sliding collar situated approximately halfway down the aluminum shaft.
3. Disengage the Lock: Grip the black collar firmly. Pull the collar straight back toward the motor housing/rear handle. Do not twist, rotate, or push it forward. You must pull it back approximately 1/2 inch to fully retract the internal locking pin.
4. Rotate the Shaft: While maintaining the backward pressure on the collar, grasp the front half of the shaft (the part leading to the trimmer head). Rotate the front section counter-clockwise by roughly 30 degrees. You will feel a slight "click" or shift as the alignment pins clear the locking channel.
5. Separate: While keeping the collar pulled back and the shaft rotated, pull the two sections of the shaft straight apart. The front section will slide out of the rear section completely.

If That Didn't Work

• Degrease the Collar: If the collar refuses to slide, spray a small amount of WD-40 or a silicone-based lubricant into the seam where the plastic collar meets the metal shaft. Let it sit for 5 minutes to break down organic debris, then attempt the "pull and twist" motion again.
• Check for Deformations: Inspect the shaft for any dents or bends. If the aluminum tubing has been crushed or dented near the collar area, the internal locking mechanism may be pinched. You may need to gently tap the dent out with a rubber mallet to restore the circular diameter of the shaft.
• Clear Internal Obstructions: If the collar slides but the shaft won't rotate, check for small pebbles or grit trapped in the joint. Use compressed air to blow out the connection point while the collar is in the retracted position to clear any hidden obstructions.
• Apply Manual Leverage: If the shaft is stuck due to oxidation, wrap a piece of rubber grip (like a jar opener) around the front shaft to get more torque during the 30-degree rotation phase.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-Lubrication: Do not use heavy grease on the sliding collar. This will attract more dust and grass, which will eventually jam the mechanism and make the tool impossible to disassemble.
• Alignment Check: When reassembling, ensure the shaft is rotated back to the 0-degree position before sliding it in; if you force the collar shut without proper alignment, you risk shearing the internal locking pin.
• Storage Warning: Never store the trimmer in a high-humidity environment while disassembled, as the exposed interior of the shaft tubes can develop surface corrosion, making future disassembly difficult.
• Handle Care: Ensure the trimmer head is resting on the ground or a stand when separating the shaft to avoid putting undue lateral stress on the locking collar.