Strimmers - Everything You Need To Know

Strimmers, also known as strimmer mowers, string trimmers, or weed whips, are versatile gardening tools that have become indispensable for maintaining lawns, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. They are perfect for tackling areas that are difficult to reach with a lawnmower, such as along edges, around trees, and under bushes. Strimmers use rapidly rotating nylon or plastic cords (also known as strimmer lines) to cut through grass, weeds, and other vegetation. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and can significantly reduce the time and effort required for trimming tasks.

Types of Strimmers

Strimmers are available in a variety of types, each designed for specific purposes. The three main types of strimmers are:

1. Electric strimmers: These strimmers are powered by electricity, either through a cord plugged into an outdoor outlet or through a rechargeable battery. They are lightweight, quiet, and relatively inexpensive. However, they are limited by the length of the cord or the battery life. Electric strimmers are suitable for small to medium-sized lawns and gardens.
2. Petrol strimmers: These strimmers are powered by a two-stroke petrol engine. They are more powerful than electric strimmers and can handle thicker vegetation. However, they are heavier, noisier, and require more maintenance. Petrol strimmers are ideal for large lawns and gardens, or for areas with heavy vegetation.
3. Cordless strimmers: These strimmers are powered by a rechargeable battery pack, which eliminates the need for a cord or petrol. They offer the convenience of electric strimmers with the power of petrol strimmers. However, they are more expensive than other types of strimmers and the battery life can be limited. Cordless strimmers are suitable for a wide range of tasks, from small lawns to large gardens.

Choosing the Right Strimmers

When choosing a strimmer, it is important to consider several factors:

• Power: The power of a strimmer is measured in watts (W) for electric models and cubic centimeters (cc) for petrol models. Higher wattage or cc indicates a more powerful strimmer.
• Cutting width: The cutting width is the width of the area that the strimmer can cut in a single pass. Wider cutting widths are more efficient for larger areas.
• Weight: The weight of a strimmer is an important consideration, especially for extended use. Lightweight strimmers are easier to handle and reduce fatigue.
• Features: Some strimmers offer additional features such as adjustable cutting angles, telescopic handles, or mulching capabilities. These features can enhance the versatility and convenience of the strimmer.

Strimmers Blades

Strimmers blades are the cutting elements of a strimmer. They are typically made of nylon or plastic and are designed to rotate at high speeds, creating a cutting action that trims grass and weeds. Strimmers blades come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes. The most common types of strimmers blades include:

• Round blades: These blades are circular in shape and have a sharp cutting edge around the perimeter. They are suitable for general-purpose trimming and are effective at cutting through grass and weeds.
• Square blades: These blades are square in shape and have a sharp cutting edge on all four sides. They are more aggressive than round blades and are suitable for cutting through thicker vegetation, such as brambles and small branches.
• Edging blades: These blades are designed to cut along edges and in tight spaces. They are typically thinner and narrower than other types of blades and have a sharp cutting edge on one or both sides.
• Multi-blades: These blades are designed to cut through thicker vegetation and have multiple cutting edges. They are typically made of metal and are more durable than nylon or plastic blades.

Choosing the Right Strimmers Blades

The type of strimmers blades you choose will depend on the specific tasks you need to perform. For example, round blades are suitable for general-purpose trimming, square blades are good for cutting through thicker vegetation, edging blades are designed for cutting along edges, and multi-blades are ideal for handling tough vegetation.

Using Strimmers Blades

Strimmers blades are easy to use, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure safe and effective operation:

1. Always wear safety gear. This includes safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves.
2. Use the correct strimmers blades for the job. Round blades are suitable for general-purpose trimming, square blades are good for cutting through thicker vegetation, edging blades are designed for cutting along edges, and multi-blades are ideal for handling tough vegetation.
3. Sharpen strimmers blades regularly. Dull strimmers blades will not cut effectively and can cause damage to your strimmer. Sharpen blades using a whetstone or other sharpening tool.
4. Replace strimmers blades when necessary. Worn or damaged blades should be replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.
5. Store strimmers blades safely when not in use. This will prevent damage and keep blades sharp.

Safety Tips

Strimmers are powerful tools, so it is important to take precautions to ensure safe operation. Always follow these safety tips when using a strimmer:

• Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before using the strimmer.
• Never operate a strimmer under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves.
• Inspect the strimmer before each use. Check for loose or damaged components and ensure that the strimmer blades are sharp.**
• Clear the area of debris and obstacles before using the strimmer.
• Keep children and pets away from the strimmer while it is in operation.
• Never point the strimmer at yourself or others.
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to overhead power lines.
• Store the strimmer in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your strimmer in good condition, follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean the strimmer regularly. Remove any grass or debris from the strimmer head and housing.
• Sharpen the strimmers blades regularly. Dull strimmers blades will not cut effectively and can cause damage to your strimmer. Sharpen blades using a whetstone or other sharpening tool.
• Replace strimmers blades when necessary. Worn or damaged blades should be replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Lubricate the strimmer regularly. This will reduce friction and extend the life of the motor and gearbox.
• Store the strimmer in a dry place when not in use. This will prevent rust and corrosion.

Conclusion

Strimmers are versatile gardening tools that can make maintaining your lawn and garden easier and more efficient. By choosing the right strimmer and blades, following safety tips, and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure that your strimmer will perform well for many years to come.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Strimmers

1. Strimmers were originally invented in the 1970s. The first strimmers were heavy and cumbersome, but they quickly became popular due to their ability to trim grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas.
2. The world's largest strimmer is over 10 feet long. This giant strimmer was built by a team of engineers in the United Kingdom and is used to trim grass on large estates and parks.
3. Strimmers can be used to create intricate designs in lawns. With a little practice, you can use a strimmer to create stripes, patterns, and even words in your lawn.
4. Strimmers can be used to remove snow. In some countries, strimmers are used to clear snow from sidewalks and driveways.
5. Strimmers can be used to sharpen knives. If you need to sharpen a knife in a hurry, you can use a strimmer to quickly and easily sharpen the blade.
6. Strimmers can be used to make kindling. If you need to start a fire, you can use a strimmer to quickly and easily make kindling.
7. Strimmers can be used to clean gutters. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, you can use a strimmer to quickly and easily clean them out.
8. Strimmers can be used to remove paint from surfaces. If you need to remove paint from a surface, you can use a strimmer to quickly and easily strip the paint away.
9. Strimmers can be used to de-thatch lawns. If your lawn is covered in thatch, you can use a strimmer to quickly and easily remove it.
10. Strimmers can be dangerous if not used properly. Always follow the safety instructions when using a strimmer and wear appropriate safety gear.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Strimmers

1. Using the wrong type of strimmer blades. The type of strimmer blades you use will depend on the specific tasks you need to perform. For example, round blades are suitable for general-purpose trimming, square blades are good for cutting through thicker vegetation, edging blades are designed for cutting along edges, and multi-blades are ideal for handling tough vegetation. Using the wrong type of blades can damage your strimmer and make it less effective.
2. Not sharpening strimmers blades regularly. Dull strimmers blades will not cut effectively and can cause damage to your strimmer. Sharpen blades using a whetstone or other sharpening tool.
3. Overusing the strimmer. Strimmers are powerful tools, but they can be easily damaged if they are overworked. Avoid using the strimmer for extended periods of time without taking breaks.