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Here’s How to Choose the Best Grass Trimmer for Your Lawn

Take the grunt work out of a well-manicured lawn. A grass trimmer (lawn trimmer or weed whacker) is a versatile outdoor power tool that trims grass, weeds and can even edge lawns. This lightweight tool eases into areas that are too tight or awkward for a lawn mower. Here’s how to find the right weed whacker to power through your outdoor space.

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Types of Grass Trimmers

Lawn trimmers are available in gas, electric and rechargeable cordless models, each with their own strengths. Your lawn size and grass type should determine which model is right for you.

A gas grass trimmer
An electric grass trimmer
A cordless grass trimmer

Buying Considerations

Once you’ve decided whether you want a gas, electric or cordless grass trimmer, think about the following product features, which can affect your trimmer’s performance and maintenance needs.

Shaft Shape

A straight shaft is best for heavy-duty jobs and under decks, fences and bushes. A curved shaft is lighter, easier to handle and ideal for tight areas and along sidewalks, driveways and gardens.

Cutting Swath

Cutting swath refers to the width the trimmer can cut. Consider these guidelines:

7–8 inches: Small jobs

11–12 inches: Light use

14–15 inches: Moderate use

17 inches and higher: Heavy-duty use

Line Feed System

A bump feed system allows you to manually release more of the grass-cutting trimmer line by “bumping” the trimmer head on the ground. An automatic feed system self-directs the trimmer line when you release the trigger.

Spools

A grass trimmer line is wound around a spool. A fixed spool allows you to wind your own replacement string around it. A replaceable spool is easier to change: You simply pop in a new string cartridge as needed.


Grass Trimmer Attachments

Some grass trimmers are designed to accommodate extra attachments for enhanced versatility. You can make lawn maintenance even easier with these common attachments.*

A cordless hedge trimmer
An edger
A cultivator
A blower attachment

Choosing a Trimmer Line

A trimmer line is your lawn trimmer’s blade: The string does the actual cutting. When your trimmer line wears out, it must be replaced. It’s available in different diameters and shapes; here’s how to choose the right one for your lawn and garden needs.

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Trimmer Line Diameter

Light to Medium Use icon

Light to Medium Use

0.060–0.080-inch

medium

Medium to Heavy Use

0.085–0.105-inch

Heavy use

Heavy-Duty Use

Over 0.110-inch

Pro use

Professional Use

Over 0.15-inch

TIP: Always check the owner’s manual to verify the diameter of grass trimmer line your model can handle.

Trimmer Line Shapes

Round Trimmer Line
Multi-Sided Trimmer Line
Serrated trimmer line
Twisted trimmer line
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