What Is The String Trimmer And Why You Need It
The era of those bulgy, car-like lawnmowers is dead and gone. Now it’s the time of ergonomic devices meant to ease the trimming process.
You’ve probably heard the word “string trimmer” a hundred times and thought that it’s some kind of tool used to cut string.
To err is definitely human, so you shouldn’t feel bad you’ve missed the correct definition by approximately 10,000 yards. You’re going to hit the bull’s-eye once you’ve reached the last sentence of this guide.
So, let us start from the beginning and see what exactly a string trimmer is, if it’s not a string cutter.
In this article you will find out...
What Is A String Trimmer
A string trimmer is a motorized tool used in trimming the grass. Instead of using a blade (or a multitude of them), it uses a wire/string/line that spins insanely fast thanks to centrifugal force.
It goes with a strap on your shoulder and due to the fact that the wire is at the end of a quite long pole, there’s no risk of cutting yourself. Moreover, the line is covered with a protective piece of metal so that grass won’t get in your eyes either.
The string trimmer, which also goes by a myriad of other names, was invented almost five decades ago by a Texan entrepreneur. Then, the device was known as the weed-eater (no, the denomination does not refer to a reefer enthusiast).
It has been commercialized worldwide ever since, and it has become one of the most practical items in one’s household.
The great thing about the string trimmer is that it doesn’t get any damage if the string hits a solid object. This is why it’s mainly used in areas where there are rocks or other objects strewn all over the place.
A blade would go blunt within a day if used like a string. Now, when it comes to the types of trimmers you can find on the market, there are many of them. In the next section, we’ll be taking a look at the various types available today.
Types Of String Trimmers
Even though it’s a simple device with a simple reasoning behind it, as years progressed, the trimmer evolved. There’s nothing bad in that. On the contrary. These are the main types of trimmers:
Corded/Electric String Trimmer
Taking the risk of stating the obvious, I’ll give you a brief explanation of what this is: an electric string trimmer has to be plugged in to work. In my opinion, this is one of the less feasible types.
Unless you have a generator to carry with you wherever you go, it doesn’t make much sense to get one of these. This would be a good acquisition only if it was meant for use at home.
If you’re earning your money from trimming grass in and around the neighborhood, there are many other types that would serve you a lot better than this one.
But then again, you know best what’s best for you, so the definitive decision is 100% yours.
Cordless String Trimmer
This doesn’t need to be plugged into any socket. There are two subcategories here:
Battery String Trimmer
A good choice, but batteries go empty quicker than one would like them to, which automatically means more money spent on them. If you want your trimmer to be an investment, and not a weekly expense, you will appreciate the:
Gas String Trimmer
String trimmers fueled by gas are everywhere. They make more than 80% of all trimmers because they’re so efficient. You can trim glass until you’re all blue in the face with a tankful of gas.
This is the absolute best choice if you’re trimming grass on a daily basis. You will say that gas is expensive, and that’s true, but you’ll be saving more money by buying gas than you will by purchasing batteries.
There is one more type we must present herein:
Walk Behind/Wheeled String Trimmer
The wheeled string trimmer is the closest thing to the classic lawnmower. There are differences between the two, of course. For starters, a string trimmer that moves on wheels is considerably lighter than a lawnmower.
Second of all, it still uses a string, instead of a blade. Third of all, it can be used on rocky terrain, and it still would suffer little to no damage, since the wire will just scrape the obstacles and go forward.
String trimmers also differ in terms of components. The next section is dedicated to the main specs of a trimmer.
The Specs
There are 5 main specs that can vary from trimmer to trimmer. Understandably so, since there are tons of brands wherever you might look. These features are:
Power Type
This refers to a trimmer being corded (electric) or cordless (with gas or batteries). Of course, the type you’re going to purchase must suit your needs and your wallet.
Also, the terrain you’re planning to use it on will be a heavyweight factor in your ultimate decision. The plug again, is what may cause some issues.
Maximum Power
Each type of trimmer has a max power. One that works on batteries, for instance, will never reach the power of one that works on gas, because the batteries would be drained in a matter of seconds.
You can find a trimmer with 56 volts, but also one with only 18. The trimmer with less voltage will have less power. What does this mean?
The centrifugal force exerted on the wire will be inferior. Therefore it will take longer to trim the glass. And moreover, a trimmer with little power might not do a great job at it, anyway, so be careful when you purchase yours.
Safety Features
These safety features are important on any given power tool and the string trimmer is no exception. The more it has, the better and the safer you will be. Make sure that your string trimmer does not pose any threat to you as a user.
Weight
The weight differs from type to type. There are lightweight and heavyweight ones, so you’re sure to find the best one for you without too much hassle.
The lightest ones can have a minimum of 10 pounds, which is by no means heavy. Heavyweight ones can go to up to 13-14 pounds, which again, is bearable, even if you’re lightweight yourself.
Usually, the ones powered by gas are a little heavier than the ones powered by batteries or electricity. Why? Because the gas makes them so heavy, obviously.
You must keep in mind that the weed-eater was designed to be practical. You’ll never see a trimmer that you can’t lift from the ground without the help of a crane.
Many people are still at a loss concerning a recurring issue (and question, at the same time): is a corded trimmer better than a cordless one? In the next section, we’ll be tackling this problem.
Corded Vs. Cordless String Trimmer
An electrical weed-eater can be, in some instances, better than one that works on gas or batteries. But then again, a cordless one can be equally great. In order to see which of them is the best one, we must list the perks affiliated with them.
This will be a gas vs. electric string trimmer contest. At the end of it, you’ll get a sense of which of the two deserves your money.
A corded string trimmer may be the best because:
- You don’t need to run to the store for batteries or gas, which can be consumed pretty quickly, especially when you’re trimming grass on a vast space
- It charges within an hour (if it’s a modern one)
- It does not need as much current as you’d think
- Might be more feasible for those that use the weed-eater for their lawns only
- It might have a lot more power and subsequently a more powerful centrifugal rotation, which leads to better functionality and quicker trimming
- It is quieter than a gas trimmer
As you can see, the corded weed-eater is truly great. However, that doesn’t mean the cordless one is to be thrown away or not even considered in the first place.
A cordless weed-eater might be better because:
- If it’s on gas, you can trim an unbelievable portion of land with just one tankful.
- It does offer the same amount of power as a corded one, if not greater, in some cases
- It is a lot more efficient because you won’t need to worry about not finding a socket to plug it in. Therefore, you’ll be able to carry it with you wherever you need to go. That doesn’t apply to corded ones, at least not when you’re going somewhere where you don’t get any electricity. The cordless one wins at portability.
- The engine of a cordless weed-eater is a lot more powerful and durable than an electric one. And since we’re speaking of engines: the vast majority of cordless trimmers have their motors in the tip of the “spear.” The cordless one has it in the proximity of the tank and is started with a pull of the chord.
In the end, it all boils down to personal preference. We’re inclined to say that cordless trimmers are superior to corded ones in almost all respects.
Their motors, due to being powered by gas, are powerful enough to pass through everything like a heated knife through butter. Because they’re usually 2-stroke or even 4-stroke motors, you can rest assured they’ll last a lifetime.
The motors with which corded trimmers are equipped are flimsier, and that’s a fact. Moreover, with a corded one, you’re almost limited by the length of the chord. Obviously, with a corded string trimmer, you can climb the Himalayas without a care in the world.
Now that we’ve seen this battle between corded and cordless weed-eaters, it’s time to see some reliable manufacturers.
I’ll present you five brands. You are surely familiar with at least 2 of them because they manufacture all sorts of tools, especially saws.
The Best Manufacturers Of String Trimmers
Before we delve into this section, you must be aware of the fact that other brands that you can find on the market are not even close to the quality of these.
So, you may say that “There are a hundred other companies selling better string trimmers.” I beg to differ. These five have been chosen solely because they’re top-rated.
People usually make the mistake of buying products just because they look nice or they’re cheap. Those criteria are the last ones you should give any attention to if you want a top-notch tool.
Obscure brands are not automatically despicable, but they’re not far from it anyway. With all these being said, let’s proceed.
Stihl String Trimmer
Is it me, or does Stihl seldom need any introduction? But just in case, I’ll tell you a few things about this brand. For starters, Stihl has been in business for almost a century now.
It has provided a large array of tools and power systems ever since. It sells cleaning tools, chainsaws, brush cutters, protection equipment, harvesters and all sorts of trimmers.
Incidentally, the company is also known for retailing some of the best weed-eaters one can find on today’s market. Due to having high-brow products, Stihl has built quite a reputation.
Go to any construction site, and you’re guaranteed to find at least 2 of their products there. Almost all their trimmers are cordless. They’ve seen the potential of not being limited by a cord and applied it to their trimmers.
Who is going to benefit from this? You, of course. Stihl never made any compromises when it came to quality, and that is why a string trimmer that bears their logo is a good acquisition, both for newbies and veterans.
Husqvarna String Trimmer
Husqvarna is known, most of all, for its almost indestructible chainsaws. Just a while back, a Husqvarna chainsaw was worth its weight in gold, and understandably so, since its functionality hasn’t been matched even as we speak.
Apart from chainsaws that can cut through sequoias with little to no effort, Husqvarna also manufactures and sells leaf blowers, lawnmowers, snow blowers, robotic mowers, and trimmers.
What’s fantastic about these trimmers is that Husqvarna makes them in such a way that they can become hedge trimmers, pruners, edgers or tillers. This is done by taking the wire off and attaching something else to the end of the pole.
Quite a great innovation, in my opinion, because you won’t need to buy all those tools separately. You just get a trimmer that’s all-in-one. And the price doesn’t differ all that much from a simple weed-eater you might buy from somewhere else.
Husqvarna sells all types of string trimmers, including battery-powered and gas-powered ones. And another thing that has to be said: Husqvarna products – no matter what those are – have outstanding craftsmanship. You can count on me.
My shed is full of tools bought from them.
Black and Decker String Trimmer
Black and Decker is a famous manufacturer of power tools. The fact that, as of 2016, the company had a revenue of a little over $11 billion proves my point that a product bought from them is worth every penny.
The company was founded in 1910. This year, Sears sold its Craftsman to what has become Stanley Black and Decker. In terms of products, the catalog of the company is extremely varied.
It has all types of power tools one needs in his/her household, string trimmers including, of course: lawn mowers, leaf blowers & sweepers, vacuums, saws, drills, etc. They also sell appliances for the kitchen, from coffee makers to ovens and irons.
Black and Decker is much more famous in the US than in Europe, but their products still sell in the East. Not as much as they do in the West, that’s true, but nonetheless.
Black and Decker string trimmers are among the best-rated, so you’re all set if you’re not a fan of Stihl or Husqvarna.
Ego String Trimmer
Ego is one of the most futuristic companies manufacturing and retailing power tools. Their products are distinct because they are all made in lines with the Ego design, which is always black, gray and green.
Moreover, they all look like they’re some weapons of mass destruction taken out of a science-fiction movie. Almost all their trimmers are great rated, which says a lot about the quality.
Most people shy from purchasing products from companies that have such designs, because they equate that with low quality. If you do that when looking at an ego string trimmer, or leaf blower, or anything else – it’s only you that’s losing.
This is merely the tip of the iceberg, and additional information can be found on their website.
Dewalt String Trimmer
Dewalt was founded in 1924 and has quickly become a go-to brand for many people in need of power tools.
If you want a potent string trimmer, a Dewalt one is sure to serve you well. A quite disappointing thing about Dewalt is that it doesn’t have string trimmers powered by gas.
They have some with batteries and some corded ones, but that’s it, probably because the company is focusing more on other power tools and doesn’t extend its catalog of weed-eaters.
Safety Features
Safety comes first, and absolutely every manufacturer must be aware of that. Any given string trimmer must have a protective cover at the end of it, so debris (if any) does not end up in your eyes.
Another thing that is useful from a safety standpoint is equipping the trimmer with edging blades. However, you cannot put edging blades on a trimmer that was not made for them, so be careful.
The trimmer is a quite safe tool because of its length. The fact that the rotating wire is at a considerable distance from you and it’s protected with a cover ensures that you’re going to be 100% safe when trimming the grass.
What’s more, it can be stopped with the push of a button in most cases, therefore if you feel like something’s not right, you can turn off the engine immediately and see what the problem is.
Even though it may look like it, you can’t really lose control of the weed-eater. I’ve seen children trimming grass with such tools, and they were as safe as they could be.
Maintenance And Cleaning
There’s nothing easier than cleaning a string trimmer. All you have to do is rinse the cover once you’re done trimming. The tip should be cleaned of debris and grass. If you don’t do that after each session, you’ll find that the trimmer will get rusty.
Here’s how to properly clean a trimmer:
- Turn it off
- Use dishwasher detergent to brush it off on the exterior
- Replace the string (easier than you can imagine)
Make sure that once the “trimming season,” so to speak, is over, you empty the gas tank (if it’s cordless, of course). Store the trimmer in a dry place, wrapped in a protective cloth.
Conclusion
A string trimmer is a great addition to anyone’s house. It facilitates trimming the grass to the point where it’s not a chore anymore, but something you do for the fun of it.
Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you needed to know about this power tool in this guide.
If you didn’t, don’t go anywhere, because there’s a surprise prepared for you: an in-depth buying guide, where I’ll go even further in explaining what you should pay attention to when buying such a product.
The buying guide will consist of pieces of advice and recommendations that will help those who want to purchase their first string trimmers. They will make a choice they won’t regret.
Afterward, I will also review four products for you, and I will offer as much information as humanly possible. See you in the next section!
