String Trimmer Buying Guide

You’ve just finished mowing, and the lawn looks pretty good from a distance. But get a little closer. See those pesky weeds hugging the foundation, the shaggy grass creeping over the sidewalk, and that jungle growing around the mailbox? A lawn mower just can’t get those spots clean. That’s where a trusty string trimmer comes in, separating the amateurs from the pros.

This essential yard tool is the secret weapon for achieving that crisp, professionally manicured edge that makes your whole yard pop. But with so many options out there—gas, electric, curved, straight—how do you choose the right one? Picking the best string trimmer for your specific needs is key to making yard work easier, not harder. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect string trimmer to conquer your personal wilderness and keep your property looking sharp all season long.

What is a weed whacker?

Weed whackers are power tools that consist of a long handle and a rotating head that spins a string-like “blade.” These blades come in different forms, but the most common is a thin piece of nylon, giving these tools the alternate names “string trimmer,” “weed eater,” and “weed whip.”

No matter what they’re called, finding the best weed whacker is all about comfort and how often you use it.

Curved vs. straight-shaft weed whackers

Much like classic scythes, weed whacker shafts are straight or curved. A curved trimmer will be held at a slightly different angle than one with a straight shaft. Most users find the curved form more comfortable, but that’s not universal. If possible, try out both types to see which is the best fit for you.

Straight shafts also allow for a straight drive belt, which provides more power to the rotor. Cordless string trimmers are typically straight-shafted because battery life will drop off when power is lost to the curved drive belt. Straight-shaft weed whackers are also capable of accepting attachments, such as edging or saw heads. They excel at accessing hard-to-reach spots.

Curved trimmers are generally targeted to homeowners who value comfort over power and to pros who know they’ll be using that trimmer for hours at a stretch. Professional-grade curved models are usually gas-powered to overcome the curved drive belt.

Electric vs. gas weed whackers

The decision between electric and gas weed whackers primarily hinges on their power and ease of use.

Gas-powered weed whackers are more powerful than electric models. But they also weigh more, and the motor generates vibrations that can cause muscle fatigue. That said, gas-powered weed whackers have a longer run time than most electric models, making them a good pick if you have an especially large yard (an acre or more) or tough vegetation.

Consumer Reports notes that “the best battery string trimmers can cut for 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge. Depending on how much trimming you have, that’s probably good for yards that are 1 to 2 acres, tops, on a single charge.” Generally speaking, 20V batteries provide less power but are lighter, while 36V or 60V batteries can tackle larger projects.

If weight is a concern, consider a model with a two-stroke engine, as those tend to be lighter than four-stroke models. (Note that two-strokes run on a gas/oil blend that you’ll need to mix yourself or purchase.)

Electric weed whackers are available in plug-in or battery-powered versions. Plug-ins are the most affordable, but they’re limited by the length of your extension cord. They’re a good choice if you use them often or expect to work only in the area directly around your home.

Battery-powered models aren’t constrained by a cord, and higher-end models have power that rivals gas-driven models. Generally speaking, 20V batteries provide less power but are lighter, while 36V or 60V batteries are better suited for tackling larger projects.

Weed whacker brands

Most major brands of lawn tools produce at least one line of weed whackers. Popular brands include Toro and Honda. Manufacturers of power tools such as DeWalt and Makita also have string trimmer lines. Newer names like Greenworks and EGO often focus on battery-powered options.

Luckily, almost all these lines are available to comparison shop at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot, as well as other lawn equipment retailers. If you’ll be using your weed whacker frequently or have a large property to maintain, it’s strongly recommended that you go to a store so you can feel the heft. If you plan to use it occasionally, please consider exploring online options to find the best possible deal.

Weed whacker features

Like most power tools, there are multiple options and features to consider when selecting a weed whacker. Some of the most useful include

• Vibration control to reduce arm fatigue, which is especially important on gas-powered models.

• Interchangeable heads, available on straight-shaft models, allow you to transform your weed whacker into anything from an edger to a limb trimmer.

• Battery interoperability keeps your charging station simple and lets you power multiple tools with the same batteries.
• Easy blade replacement is more important the more often you use your weed whacker. You may also consider fixed-length blades, which use pre-cut lengths of string rather than spools.
• Bump feed or bump head allows you to advance the spool of string with a simple tap on the ground, rather than manually drawing out the next length of string.

Weed whacker maintenance

All weed whackers need to be wiped down from time to time, as the pulpy remnants of cut grass and weeds can clog up the spinning motion.

As the experts at ECHO emphasize, you must follow this critical first step: “Before working on gas trimmers, make sure your tool is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. As an extra precaution, you should also empty the fuel tank. For battery-powered tools, it’s always a good idea to remove the battery or unplug it from the charger.

As you might expect, a gas-powered weed whacker requires more maintenance than an electric version. Plan on annual maintenance such as a tune-up, cleaning, new spark plug, and so forth. You can DIY for about $20 a year, or you can pay about $100 at a service center for lawn tools.

FAQ

What kind of line do you think I should use?

Picking the right string trimmer line is like picking the right drill bit: if you don’t, the job will be much harder. First and foremost, read the manual for your string trimmer. It will tell you what the right line diameter (thickness) is for your tool. If the line is too thick, it can put too much strain on the motor and break it.

You can choose from different shapes within your recommended diameter:

Round line: This is the most common and general choice. This line is strong and effective for light tasks involving grass and common weeds.

Multi-sided line (twisted, square, star-shaped): These lines cut through plants more cleanly and quickly because they have cutting edges. They work excellently on grass that is thicker and weeds that are tougher.

A standard round line will work fine for most lawns. If you often have to deal with thick weeds, switching to a multi-sided line can speed up the job.

Are string trimmers and edgers the same thing?

No, they are not the same tools, but they can do some of the same things.

A string trimmer uses a nylon line to cut grass and weeds horizontally in places where a mower can’t get to, like along fences, walls, and around landscaping features.

An edger with a vertical metal blade makes a sharp, clean line between your lawn and a concrete surface, like a sidewalk, patio, or driveway.

Many people use their string trimmer on its side to do light edging, and some models even come with a guide wheel to help. This is fine for basic upkeep, but if you want a deep, clean, professional-looking edge, you should use an edger.