How to Use a strimmer

Trimming the weeds isn’t a difficult task, just annoying. Like the weed itself. But it doesn’t take that long to do which leaves plenty of time to take care of the rest of your garden.

Get the strimmer ready to go. If you have a petrol-powered device, check for to make sure you have a full tank. Electric, simply plug in and go.
Hold the strimmer as close to the ground as possible, so as to find a comfortable position before you even turn it on.
Turn the strimmer on, and start weeding, using a steady side to side motion, walking forward, levelling weeds, and continuing forward.
Move rocks away before using the strimmer; the rocks will wear down your nylon cutting thread a lot quicker, and you'll have to replace it more frequently.
When you find that the weeds aren't being cut the instant you walk over them, pull more thread out for use. Some strimmers have a button to press to access the roll of cutting thread, others you pull out manually, some you push the spool on the ground to get more thread. Get about six inches out, and continue the task.
Stop for a few minutes if you notice any kind of strain, the strain on your spine and arms will hurt for some days if you overdo it. If you have back problems, wear a brace.
Don't try to cut the weeds down to the ground with a strimmer. If you do, you’ll end up slicing dirt and wasting nylon cord. Cut the brush to a decent level, and if it needs to be totally leveled, break out a lawn mower to finish the job.

Though it may sound silly to some to have to wear a back brace, the support a brace lends your spine saves much strain.
Avoid fencing, rocks, bricks or any other non-weed object; it will wear down the cord, and make replacing more frequent.
Cut at the bottom of the weed, and you'll go faster than turning a large plant into compost when it isn't necessary.

Hold the strimmer away from you or you'll cut your toes and legs even though practically every strimmer on the market has a guard, accidents do happen. Do not go in water, you can electrocute yourself with an electric strimmer, and you'll have the potential to poison the water with a petrol powered strimmer.
This is a power tool, in league with a wood chipper, chainsaw and tractor, and it is unwise to try to use it for anything other than what is designed for.

Things you’ll need;

• Trousers - Preferably sturdy working jeans with no holes. The plants you will soon be massacring shoot little plant bits everywhere, and if your legs are unprotected, it feels like several thousand ants are crawling on you and biting. Sometimes the plants even draw blood by the sheer force of the strimmer tossing them.
• Gloves - fingerless, leather, it doesn't matter. By the time you're done, if you were gloveless, you won't be able to wiggle your pinkie finger without pain. The weight of the strimmer pulls on joints and can rub hands raw if they don't have some sort of protection.
• Goggles - You can't whack with your eyes shut or while wincing because little plant pieces are flying in your face. One good shot in the eye will convince you safety glasses are a must.
• Have plenty of fluids handy. Even if you think you won't become overheated, think again. You have to keep an oscillating nylon cord steady for quite a while.
• Extra nylon cutting cord to replace a roll if you run out.
• Power cord, unless you have a petrol powered strimmer. Then you need petrol.
• Rake for cleaning up.
• If you're working in the sun, a hat.
• Close-toed shoes. (The retaliating plant shard thing, it goes with the sturdy jeans).

Many company’s have lightweight versions and have spent a lot of time and money making their tools easier to use, so when you are choosing a strimmer test the weight and make sure its easy to handle. If it’s not on display ask a store assistant to get one out of the box.