
For most models, you can also get a hedge trimmer, a pole saw, an edger, and a brush cutter, and even a cultivator attachment. This is an engine designed to accept different attachments, and it’s typically sold with a string trimmer head. With gas and some cordless string trimmers, you’ll have the option of buying a stand-alone tool or a powered base, also known as a split shaft. Below, we delve into these and other factors you should consider when shopping for a string trimmer. For the first time, battery-powered string trimmers-also called cordless string trimmers-now outsell gas models. Take note that electrics are better for the earth, and they’ve improved exponentially in performance in recent years. A small number of models have cords, usually only a foot long, so you’ll want to use them with an extension cord at least 50 to 100 feet in length. String trimmers-which are also sometimes referred to by popular brand names like Weed Whackers or Weed Eaters-have either a curved or straight shaft, and typically run on either gasoline or lithium-ion battery. A string trimmer can also clear a path through light brush. It can tackle tall grass and weeds, too-growth that might bog down a typical lawn mower. It’s the ideal tool for keeping the edges of your garden or walkway neat and tidy, and for manicuring around fence poles and tree trunks.

A string trimmer gets into places that a lawn mower can’t.
