Strimmers: Complete Guide to String Trimmers
[Image: strimmer being used for garden edging]
Alt text: "strimmer trimming grass edges along a garden path"
Strimmers give your garden the clean, finished edges that a lawn mower cannot reach. Also known as string trimmers or line trimmers, these versatile machines cut grass using a rapidly spinning nylon line rather than a metal blade. A cordless grass strimmer runs on a rechargeable battery, making it quiet and easy to use in residential areas. Petrol-powered models deliver more power for larger properties. Whether you need to tidy up around fence posts, garden beds, or footpaths, a strimmer is the finishing tool every gardener needs.
What Is a Strimmer
A strimmer is a handheld garden machine that uses a flexible nylon line to cut grass and soft weeds. The line spins at high speed inside a protective guard, slicing through grass on contact. String trimmers come in three main power types. Electric corded models plug into mains power and suit small gardens. Cordless battery-powered models offer freedom of movement without a trailing cable. Petrol-powered models provide the most power and runtime for larger areas. The cutting head sits at the bottom of a long shaft, letting you reach under hedges, around posts, and along walls where a mower cannot go. Most strimmers can rotate the head to convert into an edger for cutting clean lines along paths and driveways.
How to Use a Strimmer
Using a strimmer correctly gives you neat results without damaging plants, trees, or the machine itself. Follow these steps for best practice.
- Wear protective gear. Put on safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and long trousers. Strimmers fling small stones and debris at speed. Hearing protection is advisable for petrol models.
- Check the line. Make sure the nylon line extends to the correct length. Most strimmers have a bump-feed or auto-feed system that releases more line when you tap the head on the ground. Replace the spool when the line runs low.
- Hold the machine level. Keep the cutting head parallel to the ground at the height you want. Tilting it too far digs into the soil and scalps the grass. Hold the shaft at a comfortable angle with both hands.
- Sweep in smooth arcs. Move the strimmer from side to side in steady, overlapping sweeps. Work from the outer edge of the area toward the centre. Let the tip of the line do the cutting for the cleanest finish.
- Edge along hard surfaces. Rotate the head or tilt the strimmer vertically to cut a crisp line along paths, driveways, and garden bed borders. Move slowly for a straight, even edge.
Maintenance and Care Tips
A well-maintained strimmer lasts for years and performs consistently every time you use it. Replace the nylon line before it wears down to a stub. Running with too-short line overworks the engine and gives a poor cut. Clean grass buildup from the guard and cutting head after each session. Check the air filter on petrol models monthly and clean or replace it when it looks dirty. Replace the spark plug once a season. For battery-powered models, charge the battery fully after each use and store it at room temperature. Do not leave batteries on the charger indefinitely, as this shortens their lifespan. Inspect the shaft and handle for cracks or looseness. Lubricate any moving joints or connections according to the user manual. Store the strimmer in a dry location away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Key Features to Look For
The right strimmer depends on your garden size and the type of trimming you do most. Cutting swath width matters. Wider heads cover more ground but add weight. A 25 to 30 cm swath suits most home gardens. Auto-feed or bump-feed line systems save time compared to manual line threading. Adjustable shaft length lets multiple users share the same machine comfortably. A rotating or pivoting head makes edging easier without buying a separate tool. For cordless models, check the battery voltage and runtime. Higher voltage batteries deliver more power. A 36 V or 40 V battery handles thicker grass better than an 18 V unit. Dual-line cutting heads cut faster than single-line models. Low weight matters for overhead trimming and extended sessions. A shoulder strap or harness reduces arm fatigue on heavier units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a strimmer and a brush cutter?
Strimmers and brush cutters look similar but serve different purposes. A strimmer uses a lightweight nylon line to cut grass and soft weeds. It excels at edging, trimming around obstacles, and finishing work after mowing. A brush cutter uses a metal blade or heavier-gauge line to cut thick weeds, tall grass, and woody stems. Brush cutters have more powerful engines and stronger shafts to handle the increased load. If you only need to tidy lawn edges and trim around garden beds, a strimmer is the right tool. If you need to clear overgrown areas, dense weeds, or light scrub, a heavy duty grass cutter or brush cutter does the job better. Many gardeners own both. The strimmer handles weekly touch-ups while the brush cutter comes out for occasional heavy clearing work.
Should I choose a cordless or petrol strimmer?
A cordless grass strimmer suits most suburban gardens. Battery-powered models start instantly, run quietly, and need very little maintenance. They produce no direct exhaust, which makes them comfortable to use in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. Runtime typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes per charge depending on the battery size and cutting intensity. This is enough for most small to medium yards. Petrol strimmers offer more power and unlimited runtime, making them better for large properties, commercial work, or thick vegetation. However, they are louder, heavier, and require regular engine maintenance. If your garden is under 300 square metres and you only trim edges after mowing, a cordless model with a 36 V battery handles the job comfortably. For anything larger or more demanding, petrol gives you the power and endurance you need.
How do I replace the line on a strimmer?
Replacing the line varies by model, but the general process is the same. Turn off the machine and disconnect the spark plug lead or remove the battery. Press the tabs on the spool housing and remove the cap to access the spool. Remove any remaining old line. Cut a fresh length of trimmer line to the length specified in your manual. Wind the line tightly and evenly onto the spool, following the direction arrow marked on the spool. Thread the ends through the eyelets in the housing. Snap the cap back into place and pull the line ends to confirm they move freely. Use the correct line diameter for your machine. Too-thin line breaks quickly under load. Too-thick line strains the engine and does not feed properly. Check the user manual for the recommended diameter, which is usually between 1.6 mm and 3.0 mm depending on the machine's power.
Get That Clean-Cut Finish
A strimmer turns a mowed lawn into a polished garden. Browse our full Machineries Guide for all cutting machines. Need the right line? Read our grass trimmer string guide.
