Have you been tired of uneven grass on your lawn? Has the weed destroyed your garden? If your answers to both of these questions were yes, you need the best string trimmer to look after your lawn. If you are new to gardening, you may have difficulty using a string trimmer on your lawn. So, I wrote this guide explaining How to Use a String Trimmer Successfully.
When I first got my hands on a string trimmer, I had difficulty learning how a string trimmer works. I thought others might be having the same problems as me so I put together a set of steps in a simpler form, so you guys don’t have to suffer as much. So, without further delay, let’s get to know how to use a weed trimmer or, in other words, how to use a string trimmer.
Table of Contents
How to Use String Trimmer?
If you are a beginner, using a string trimmer might seem a hectic task. Trust me, as soon as you get familiar with it; you will get used to its features.
To use a string trimmer, you need to have safety gears first and clear out obstacles. Next, you have to mix the right amount of fuel to start the string trimmer—no need to scratch your head, as I will discuss each step further in detail. So, keep on reading!
Wear Protective Gear
Before using a string trimmer, ensure that you wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, earplugs, etc. If you do not wear them, you may get injured as it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, make sure that you don’t wear too tight clothes as it will restrict your movement. Avoid wearing shorts as you can get hit by rocks; it is better to wear denim.
Most importantly, you have to protect your eyes because debris and other pebbles can cause serious injury.
Clear Out the Area
Before you learn how to use a weed trimmer or string lawn trimmer on your lawn, make sure your chosen area has no other obstacles like cables or other metal stuff. When I was using the string trimmer, I accidentally chopped off the water hose cable, and I do not want you guys to go through something like this.
Also, avoid using a string trimmer if there are bystanders around you. There are some possible changes that dust or even sharp grass blades can injure anyone standing near the string trimmer. Most importantly, make sure that string trimmers must not be operated around young children.
Another thing to consider is to avoid parking your cars near the area where you want to use the string trimmer. Grass blades from the trimmer can easily damage the paint or glass of your vehicle. It can even crack open the windows of your car.
Start the String Trimmer
To start the string trimmer first, you need to prepare a good amount of fuel to have it running. I have a two-stroke engine, so the quantities I will be sharing here are not for the 4-stroke engines. I mixed gas with lubricating oil and then filled the string trimmer’s tank.
The good oil-to-gas ratio that worked for me was 1:50. I recommend not using a 4-stroke motor oil because it has additives and can damage your string trimmer. Two-stroke oil works best because it can burn without causing any damage.
Now, turn on the ignition switch and then the choke. You have to push the primer button at least eight times to prime the engine. Carefully pull the cord repeatedly until the string trimmer starts. You can let it run for 10 seconds and then switch off the choke. Start the string trimmer without a choke; if it doesn’t run without a choke, you can turn on the choke and restart the engine.
Cutting Techniques to follow
Okay, so now you know how to use a string trimmer, it is also important to learn proper cutting techniques because without that, you won’t be able to get that picture-perfect lawn. I have mentioned some of the handiest techniques below. You can follow these by using a string trimmer on your lawn.
Edging
Edging involves using the string trimmer so that the string is vertical. I would suggest this type of cut, most probably for the driveways or along the edges of the walkways. Be careful because a lot of debris and wild pebbles can come up your way.
Tapering
This cut is what I would suggest for the bushes around a fence, tree, or any other curb. Here, you have to hold the string trimmer at a slight angle from the grass. I suggest beginners practice edging with a string trimmer first and then try any other cut.
Screeding
If you have been wondering how to use a weed trimmer or get rid of stubborn weed using a string trimmer, screeding will probably help you out. This is something very few people might have heard of, but I like to do it often to my sidewalk cracks or driveway area with growing weed all over them.
You have to tip the string trimmer so that the string tip is working off the pavement and try to get rid of the hard bush and weed from there.
Scything
Scything is another form of cutting technique, and I love this one for tall grass. The string trimmer has to be used in a slight U motion on the lawn. This will help even out the cutting and give your lawn a neat and clean look.
Tips to Use String Trimmer
Once you have mastered the art of how to use a weed trimmer, using it is a piece of cake. To have the most from your string trimmer, follow the below tips.
Follow Safety Measures
Always use a safety hat, eye protection, and gloves when using the string trimmer. It is very easy to injure yourself while using this tool. If you are not comfortable with it, you can always get a professional to do it.
Choose the Right Kind of Trimmer
When it comes to string trimmers, you have a few choices. You can choose between cordless or battery-operated string trimmers. Cordless trimmers are great for people who want to be able to trim grass and shrubs without having to worry about batteries. Cordless trimmers are also easy to maneuver around the yard since they don’t need cords.
Speed of the String Trimmer
If you’re using a string trimmer with a rotating head, look at the speed the blades are spinning. A slower speed allows more time for the cutting blades to contact the grass.
Conclusion
Using a string trimmer involves straightforward steps, but you need to make sure that you are following them correctly. To avoid any mishap, make sure you operate your string trimmer while having the safety gears and clear out the area from obstacles. Want to invest in a new walk-behind string trimmer? You can pick one from here.
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