Tips to get the most out of your line trimmer

Do operate your line trimmer safely

Even when used properly, line trimmers can flick up debris so it pays to protect yourself by wearing appropriate PPE. Always wear eye protection, appropriate closed-toed footwear, and long pants. And don’t remove that line trimmer guard! Also, be wary about using a line trimmer near onlookers, windows and vehicles as flying debris can cause harm or damage.

Don’t remove the guard

Not only does the guard help to protect you from flying debris, but many models also have a blade attached to it that regulates the length of the line feed. Without that blade, line can become too long which stops the trimmer working effectively.

Do keep your line in water

Keep your new, unused spool of line in a plastic container of water, like a bucket. This stops it from becoming brittle, keeping it supple and less likely to break.

Don’t use line that is too thick

A common mistake some gardeners make is replacing the original line with a thicker one. Often this is due to frustration of their current line breaking too frequently (see above tip). Before changing line diameters, check with your model’s manual about which diameter/type is best suited to your trimmer.  

Too thick a line can strain the trimmer’s motor, potentially causing damage. It can also unbalance the trimmer, making it more difficult to manoeuvre. You may even void the tool’s warranty by using the wrong size trimming line.

Do adjust the handle

Make sure that the handle is at the right and positioned correctly on the line trimmer shaft to avoid back strain. This handle is designed to provide better user ergonomics, so adjust it to suit your height, stance, etc.