# How to use a strimmer properly

Source: https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-strimmer-properly
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Mow and Edge

**In short:** Hold the strimmer with both hands, the head a few centimetres above the ground and tilted slightly so only the tip of the line cuts. Sweep it in a gentle arc, working from the top of long grass down in stages. For edges, turn the head vertical or use the edger wheel. Feed line before it gets too short, and wear the eye, ear and foot protection your manual lists.

A strimmer looks simple: pull the trigger and swing. Used well, it gives a neat finish round trees, walls, fences and beds without scalping the lawn or burning through line. Used badly, it chews bark, throws stones and empties the spool in minutes. This guide covers setting the strimmer up for your height, holding and angling the head, trimming round obstacles, edging, cutting long grass and feeding line, plus the protective kit makers list in their manuals.

## Set up and safety kit

Adjust the shaft and the auxiliary handle so you can stand upright with the head just above the ground and your arms relaxed. Many cordless models have a telescopic shaft; the EGO ST1510T and Greenworks G40LT33 listings both mention one, and the Bosch AdvancedGrassCut 36 has an auxiliary handle adjustable in position and angle. Fit the guard before every use: it stops the line growing too long and deflects debris.

Walk the area first and pick up stones, wire, dog toys and anything else the line could throw. Check the line and head for damage.

- Eye protection: safety glasses or a visor
- Ear protection
- Sturdy closed footwear
- Long trousers
- Gloves, if your manual lists them

Note: Wear eye protection, ear protection and sturdy footwear as listed in your strimmer's manual, plus long trousers. Keep people and pets well clear, and remove the battery before you clear the head, change line or fit a guard.

## How to hold and angle the head

Hold the main handle with one hand and the auxiliary handle with the other. Keep the head a few centimetres off the ground and tilt it slightly so the leading edge is a little lower. The tip of the line does the cutting; pushing the whole head into grass slows the motor and wears line fast.

Sweep side to side in a smooth arc, moving forward slowly. Check the rotation direction in your manual or on the head: on many strimmers, clippings are thrown away from you when you cut on one side of the arc. Cut so debris goes away from you, paths and windows.

1. Start the strimmer with the head clear of the ground.
2. Lower it to just above the grass and tilt slightly.
3. Sweep in a gentle arc, letting the line tip do the work.
4. Move forward in small steps, overlapping each pass.
5. Release the trigger and let the line stop before you lift the head.

## Trimming round trees, posts, walls and fences

Approach obstacles slowly and let only the tip of the line touch the grass beside them. Line hitting bark can damage young trees, so keep a little distance or use a tree guard, and finish close to trunks with hand shears. Against walls, fences and paving, the line wears quickly and can snap; keep the head angled away and do not hold it against hard surfaces.

Around plants in beds, slow down and work in short sweeps. A strimmer cannot tell weeds from bedding plants.

| Situation | Technique |
| --- | --- |
| Open grass by a bed | Head level, small arcs, tip only |
| Tree trunks | Keep a gap, finish with shears |
| Walls and fences | Angle the head away, light touch |
| Path and border edges | Head vertical or edger wheel |
| Long tough grass | Top down in stages |

Technique by situation

## Edging mode and long grass

To edge, rotate the head so the line spins vertically, or fit the edger wheel if your model has one. Walk with the wheel or the guard on the path side and the line just touching the turf. Keep the head upright; tilting it into the lawn leaves a scalloped edge. Our [lawn edger guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-lawn-edger) covers edging in more detail, and the [strimmer vs lawn edger comparison](https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/strimmer-vs-lawn-edger) explains when a dedicated edger is the better tool.

For long grass, cut from the top down in two or three passes rather than plunging the head to the base. This reduces wrapping round the head and strain on the battery. For brambles and woody growth, a brush cutter with a blade is the right tool; follow its manual's extra safety guidance.

## Feeding and reloading line

Line feed comes in three main types. Bump feed releases line when you tap the head on the ground with the motor running. Auto feed advances line automatically, as on the Greenworks G40LT33, and semi-automatic feed, as on the Bosch AdvancedGrassCut 36, releases it with less input from you. EGO's Powerload system winds new line in at the push of a button, according to EGO. The exact method is in your manual.

Use the line diameter your manual specifies; the Greenworks model takes 1.65 mm line. Thicker line than the head is designed for can overload the motor or jam the feed. If line keeps snapping or welding in the spool, see [strimmer line keeps breaking](https://mowandedge.co.uk/blog/strimmer-line-keeps-breaking). For model choices, our [cordless strimmer guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-cordless-strimmer) compares swath, line and feed, and the [mower and strimmer set guide](https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-cordless-mower-and-strimmer-set) covers kits on one battery.

## Frequently asked questions

**Which way should I hold a strimmer?** Both hands on the handles, standing upright, head a few centimetres above the ground and slightly tilted. Adjust the shaft and auxiliary handle to suit your height.

**Should the strimmer head be flat or angled?** Slightly angled for trimming, so only the line tip cuts. Turn it vertical for edging.

**What safety gear do I need for a strimmer?** Makers commonly list eye protection, ear protection, sturdy footwear and long trousers. Check your manual for the full list for your model.

**Why does my strimmer cut out?** Common reasons are a flat or hot battery, grass wrapped round the head or an overload protection cut out. Remove the battery, clear the head, and let the pack cool if it is warm.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-cordless-strimmer
- https://mowandedge.co.uk/best/best-cordless-mower-and-strimmer-set

## Sources

- [HSE: work equipment and machinery](https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/)