If you continue to break shafts I would say there is another issue. Is there a bearing off the motor that the shaft connects to or the bearing on the spool? I have never had one apart for all I know the shaft turns on bushings. Does this homelite have a bent or straight shaft? I have a straight shaft homelite that is 5 years old. Mine will do a pretty good job just running on idle for most of my trimming. I agree that a homelite is probably not worth fixing. Some times you can find a commercial grade weed eater from a lawn mowing company when they upgrade.