Topic

Strimmers and edgers

A strimmer or edger finishes what the mower cannot reach: along walls, round posts and on the lawn edge next to beds and paths.

A grass trimmer cutting through a lush, green lawn on a sunny day — Photo: Sergei Starostin on Pexels

Most cordless strimmers turn the head to work as an edger, with a guide wheel that runs along the path. Cutting diameter says how wide a strip the line clears in one pass.

Line feed can be automatic, bump feed or a fixed blade. A strimmer on the same battery platform as your mower saves buying a second charger.

Guides on this topic

What size hedge trimmer do I need?Choose the right hedge trimmer size: blade length for hedge height and width, tooth gap for branch thickness, and weight and battery for long sessions.Guide
Strimmer vs lawn edger: which gives the cleaner edgeRotating head strimmers, wheeled edgers and manual half moon edgers compared for lawn borders, paths and beds, with three cordless strimmers that can edge.Comparison
Strimmer vs brush cutter: which do you need?Strimmer or brush cutter? How line heads and blades differ, which handles suit which job, and when brambles and thick weeds justify a brush cutter.Comparison
Cordless strimmer not working: causes and fixesCordless strimmer not working, not feeding line or cutting out? Check the battery, contacts, spool, clogged head, overheating and when to get it repaired.Fix
Strimmer line sizes and shapes explainedStrimmer line explained: which diameter your strimmer takes, round versus twisted and square line, and how to choose line for edges or rough grass.Guide
Strimmer line keeps breaking: causes and fixesWhy strimmer line keeps snapping or welding in the spool: wrong diameter, old brittle line, poor winding and cutting against walls, with simple fixes.Fix
Petrol vs battery strimmersPetrol or battery strimmer? We compare power, weight, noise, maintenance and run time so you can choose the right one for edges, long grass or rough ground.Comparison
Manual vs powered lawn edgersManual or powered lawn edger? Compare half moon and rotary hand edgers with cordless edgers and strimmers on speed, finish, effort and edge length.Comparison
How to use a strimmer properlyHow to hold and angle a cordless strimmer, trim round obstacles, switch to edging, feed line and wear the protective kit makers list in their manuals.How-to
How to use a lawn edgerHow to cut a clean lawn edge with a manual half moon edger, a powered edger or a strimmer, using a string line, and whether to edge before or after mowing.How-to
How to use a hedge trimmer safely and neatlyHow to use a hedge trimmer properly: safety kit, when to cut, the right order for sides and top, guide lines for a level finish and tidying up after.How-to
How to replace strimmer line and spoolsHow to replace strimmer line: fit a pre-wound spool, rewind a single or dual line spool, load a bump feed head, and pick the right line diameter.How-to
How to edge a lawn without an edgerHow to edge a lawn without an edger: re-cut edges with a spade and plank, trim with shears or a strimmer on its side, and keep them neat with mowing strips.How-to
How to cut long overgrown grassHow to cut long, overgrown grass: check for wildlife, strim it down in stages, rake off, then mow high and lower the height over several cuts.How-to
Hedge trimmer vs pole hedge trimmerStandard or pole hedge trimmer? Compare reach, weight, control and ladder safety to choose the right trimmer for tall, wide or low garden hedges.Comparison
Hedge trimmer not working: causes and fixesHedge trimmer not working, not cutting or cutting out? Check the safety switches, battery, blade jams, overload protection and when to get a repair.Fix
What is a lawn edger and do you need one?What does a lawn edger do? The difference between re-cutting and trimming edges, the main edger types, and which gardens can manage without one.Guide
Can you strim or mow wet grass?Can you strim or mow wet grass? Why wet grass clumps and tears, the slip and water risks with battery tools, and how to mow in a wet British summer.Guide

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