Learning how to use a weed wacker to edge is one of the best techniques any homeowner can learn.
Instead of investing in extra tools, such as a standalone edger, you can use one item for fine detailing.
There are a few great ways that you can wield your existing weed wacker to your advantage, perfectly manicuring your lawn.
Lawn Edgers vs. Weed Wackers
When researching the most essential lawn maintenance tools, you’ve likely heard of lawn edgers as well as weed wackers.
Both have different purposes, but fortunately, the versatility of weed wackers can make them a better solution.
Let’s quickly explore the differences between the two.
Lawn Edgers
These tools are often used to create a thicker division in your yard between different areas.
For example, if you’re creating a garden bed or carving out a line between your lawn and driveway.
They’re designed with a vertical spinning blade that quickly creates sharp and clean borders.
Weed Wackers
On the other hand, weed wackers were initially designed to eliminate weeds.
They help catch specific areas of grass that your lawn mower might have missed.
You’ll also find they are more lightweight and easier to manipulate since they allow for better control.
What makes weed wackers unique is that they can also be used as lawn edgers.
Whereas trying to use an edger as a weed wacker can be slightly more challenging.
How To Use a Weed Wacker To Edge
Now that you have a good idea of why weed wackers help edge, let’s get into how to do the job.
Fortunately, most of the process revolves around how you hold the tool rather than the tool itself.
Step #1: Find the Best Positioning
As with any lawn tool, you must find the proper positioning to protect yourself from debris.
Remember, your weed wacker has a rotating string that will fling an assortment of items in your direction.
Ideally, you’re going to want to ensure debris is directed away from you.
Also, it’s important to consider wearing safety glasses or goggles, just in case.
You’ll be changing the way you’d generally use the tool, so it’s better to be safe.
Step #2: Rotate the Weed Wacker
With a good idea of where your debris will be thrown while cutting, you can now rotate the tool.
All you have to do is hold it in your normal position and then rotate the shaft until the guard points upwards.
Ensure that you can maintain a clear line of sight with the string, as this will help you make more precise cuts.
When you rotate your weed wacker, you’ll see that the trimmer head will also change positions.
Ideally, you want to ensure the trimmer is at a 90-degree angle with the top of your lawn.
To get this positioning, you’ll likely have to shoulder-mount the device.
Step #3: Shoulder-Mount the Wacker
We’ve found the easiest way to maintain control over your weed wacker since a trimmer is to shoulder-mount it.
However, you won’t want to hold it too close to your body, as the heat it generates can cause burns.
Instead, you’ll want to take one hand and place it midway down the wacker’s shaft.
Your second hand should hold the trimmer above the motor, maintaining it at an angle above your shoulder.
It’s also important to note that hearing protection is necessary with the closeness of the motor to your ear.
Whether you’re using electric or gas-powered equipment, ensure you have noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
Step #4: Begin Edging Slowly
By holding the weed wacker slightly like an oversized broom, it’s time to begin edging slowly.
If this is your first time, you’ll want to be particularly precise with your movements to prevent nicking your lawn.
Try to rest as much weight of the tool as possible through the shaft on your arm so you’ll have less fatigue.
With the weed wacker powered up, simply begin edging at a 90-degree angle.
You’ll start to see a significant improvement in the aesthetics of your lawn within minutes.
Tips for Using a Weed Wacker To Edge
Once you get the hang of holding your weed wacker in the perfect position, edging should get simpler.
As with anything, the more often you try, the better you’ll become.
We also recommend considering these user-friendly tips to help you get the best results your first time.
Tip #1: Consider Tapering Edges
If you’re not a fan of 90-degree edging, there’s an alternative method for finishing your lawn, known as tapering.
Tapered edges are relatively easy to achieve with a weed wacker; all you have to do is adjust your positioning.
Instead of holding the tool at a 90-degree angle, you’ll want to keep it at a 45-degree angle.
This can often be preferred depending on how challenging it is to hold your weed wacker.
Maintaining a 45-degree angle will require less effort and results in less fatigue.
Tip #2: Use an Electric Weed Wacker
If you can opt for an electric weed wacker for this task since it’s easier to manage.
By nature, battery-powered lawn tools are significantly more lightweight, which reduces physical strain.
They don’t have all of the interior components like gas-powered tools do, making them easier to manage.
It’s also important to note that electric weed wackers can be less loud when you’re holding it by your ear.
Although this point doesn’t mean you should forego hearing protection altogether, it’s a considerable benefit.
Tip #3: Practice Makes Perfect
As earlier mentioned, the more you practice edging your lawn with a weed wacker, the better you’ll get.
Mastering the technique of achieving straight lines is a refined skill and can take some time.
It’s a more cost-effective solution than buying a standalone edger but will require practice.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to use a weed wacker to edge is all about precision and how you hold the tool.
With the proper stance, you can achieve similar results to a standard edger without the extra investment.
You also have the benefit of improving the versatility of one of your favorite pieces of lawn equipment.