WHAT IT DOES
“Strimmer” is a portmanteau of string + trimmer. Strimmers are handheld power tools for cutting grass and weeds, and instead of having a blade they have a rapidly spinning synthetic string that does the cutting. They’re good for small garden areas and border edges and are easy to access. In some places they are also called “weed whackers".
“Strimmer” is a portmanteau of string + trimmer. Strimmers are handheld power tools for cutting grass and weeds, and instead of having a blade they have a rapidly spinning synthetic string that does the cutting. They’re good for small garden areas and border edges and are easy to access. In some places they are also called “weed whackers".
ABOUT THIS TOOL
Black and Decker Electric Garden Strimmer
Check cutting wire before taking away. Additional wire should be available in the Tool Library.
SAFETY INFORMATION & PPE
- Safety glasses – Recommended
- Ear Protection – Recommended Safety glasses, ear protection, and other PPE are available for a suggested donation at check out.
- Spools and lines – Essential If not provided, replacement spools and lines are easily obtainable from most online and brick-and-mortar home supply stores. Just make sure to check your strimmer make and model number for compatibility.
- Rake and container – Recommended Unlike some lawnmowers, strimmers do not collect the material that they cut, so you will need a rake to collect and dispose of debris.
- Extension cord – Useful If you are working far away from a socket.
YOU MAY ALSO NEED
HOW TO USE IT
Before starting, clear the lawn of debris (especially dog mess!) and check for wildlife.
Strimmers have a guard that keeps the cord from cutting beyond so you can keep walls and flowers safe from being cut. Some strimmers have fixed heads and others have adjustable heads that can be angled to accommodate the edge of a lawn.
Strimmers work best for mid- to shorter-height grass and weeds. If you have long material to cut you can do multiple passes with the strimmer. If you have very long grass or weeds, you may wish to start with a scythe or sickle to take away the bulk of the material before using the strimmer to tidy.
Most strimmers today are self-feeding, so the cord doesn’t have to be manually adjusted as it wears out. If you do need to adjust the cord length, consult the manual linked below.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Note this video is a general introduction and is not specific to this exact tool. We always advise reading the manual if provided below, especially the safety advisories, before using any tools.