That being said, it is still possible to get impressive results using a string trimmer. But the technique is the same regardless of the brand of string trimmer that you are using. When you edge with a string trimmer by turning it on its side you are reducing its built-in ability to protect you from flying debris. This is because the weed guard is designed to be used in a horizontal, not vertical orientation.
Because of this, we need to make sure that debris is directed away from you. String Trimmers generally rotate clockwise but check yours first to be sure. Once you are certain of the rotation, you can determine the best direction to hold your trimmer while edging. Holding the string trimmer in its normal position, rotate the shaft until the guard is up and you have a clear line of sight to the string.
You will notice that as you rotate it, the angle of the trimmer head changes. Our goal is to get the trimmer head close to 90 degrees with the surface. You will notice that by simply rotating the head over we do not get a true degree angle. In order for this to work, we need to raise the back end of the string trimmer.
This is a little misleading because you generally are not actually resting the trimmer shaft on your shoulder. What you are doing is holding the shaft in your hand and resting your arm in this upward position near your shoulder. Be mindful with gas-engine trimmers that you do not put the engine too close to your head so as to avoid burns.
Still, be mindful of this. You will notice that this position will put the string at just about the degree angle that we are looking for. While the position may look awkward it is surprisingly comfortable. The back end of the trimmer is simply resting on your hand.
Note: Hearing protection is a good idea anytime you are working with gas-engine yard tools but especially when holding one this close to your ear. You want to move slowly but deliberately along the edge line, careful to stay on your intended path. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
The problem is that this technique can result in more back strain. I found that my back was always aching when trying to edge in this manner. By holding the trimmer next to my shoulder I can rest the shaft on my arm and significantly reduce back strain.
All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. In addition to cutting tall grass in hard-to-reach spots, your string trimmer can also function as an edger to give your yard a professionally landscaped look. Edging creates a crisp line, free from grass and weeds, along the edge of a patio or walkway.
To start, hold your string trimmer at a degree angle so that the line spins top to bottom instead of side to side. Lower the spinning line until it just comes into contact with the soil and grass along the edge of your walkway. It will dig out a crisp line of soil, removing grass and weeds, and prevent them from growing back by uprooting any seeds or roots in the process.
Some string trimmers are better suited to this task than others. When we tested models for how well they edge, many of the less powerful battery trimmers got bogged down by dirt. The tools may look harmless compared with a chainsaw or lawn mower, but string trimmers and other powered grass trimmers can cause injuries resulting from flying debris, like gravel.
Every string trimmer comes with a shield to deflect grass trimmings and small rocks from shooting up at the user, but you also need to make sure the string is spinning away from you as you work. Otherwise you can kick up small rocks and dirt toward your face. Never trim near children, pets, or bystanders. And always dress appropriately: long pants and closed-toe shoes, gloves, safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes, and hearing protection.
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Related Articles. Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Mow your lawn before you edge it. Mowing your lawn gives the grass a neat, uniform look. Then, all you have to do is clean up the edges with your string trimmer to finish up the job! Trim the surface of the grass along the edges with your string trimmer. Start at the left side of the edge and hold your weed wacker normally.
Turn it on so the string starts cutting the longer blades of grass, then slowly walk your way to the right along the whole edge until you trim all the longer grass. Plan the path for edging. If the borders of your lawn are already edged, you can just follow the existing lines and clean them up. Where the grass meets hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and patios, just use the line of the concrete to guide your cutting path. Check for buried hazards like wires, pipes, rocks, and glass shards along the path and remove or avoid them while you edge.
Part 2. Hold the trimmer at a degree angle so the string spins top to bottom. Flip your trimmer so the top guard is facing you. Lower the spinner line as needed until it just barely comes into contact with the grass and soil along the border of your lawn you want to edge. This helps you get the motion down before you start actually cutting along the border of the lawn, so you get a nice even edge. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety glasses or goggles to protect yourself from flying debris and the spinning string on your trimmer.
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