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How to Perfectly Edge Sidewalks and Driveways With A String Trimmer

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
This is request for information from the experts who only use the trimmer without an Edgit to edge. I use the Edgit on two of my stihl trimmers and they do a good job and the process is fast, but I would love to be able to get these results with just a plain trimmer without the Edgit.

I know that practice is basically the key to getting good at this, but I would like for some of the string trimmer masters to share their techniques for achieving that perfectly straight line and 90 degree or other angle

QUESTIONS:

How do you hold your trimmer
Do you walk forward or backward
How long is your trimmer line when edging
Half trottle or full
Continuous walk or do you stop along the way
Do you edge on the grass or the sidewalk

Thanks in advance for any information.
 
#5 ·
We stand on the grass walking forward. The only reason to stop is if it is overgrown a little and you have to touch it up.
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#6 ·
dhunterd08 said:
1. flip it over 2. backwards 3. very long 4.tap tap tap 5.depends on thickness 6. one thin line in the dirt between grass and concrete( i think that is what your asking
Click to expand...
Uh....

Yes. I second everything said there.
 
#7 ·
if using trimmer with a gearbox i walk backwards with the trimmer flipped over.. if its thick i take a few steps back then move the trimmer to me.(( its fluid movement though i dont actually take stops.. and repete this process over and over till the edge is done// if its not that thick i just walk fast the whole way..

i typically have a little more string out then normal.. i hint for people just starting out...dont try and make a perfect 90 degree angle.. if anything try and angle the bottom on the edge((near the concrete IN) and the top of the grass out.. then work your way to a 90 over time .. that way its not noticeable
when the edge is leaning twords the turff its really noticeable
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
TheC-Master said:
Use and edger. :)
Click to expand...
In addition to using the stihl FS 130 R with an Edgit, I also have the Stihl FC 110 stick edger. It does a great job, but there is no skill required on my part to use it.

I am seeking tips and techniques from skilled string trimmer users. I salute all of you string trimmer pros. Thanks for all of the responses so far.
 
#11 ·
Anyone have trouble edging when the ground is wet?

I tried it at my house when the ground was very dry. I could keep a tight straight line and edge 6 inches down if I had to.

Tried it with the ground wet at a customer's house and it didn't work out at all. The line just kind of bounced instead of cut.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
CaptainPike said:
Anyone have trouble edging when the ground is wet?

I tried it at my house when the ground was very dry. I could keep a tight straight line and edge 6 inches down if I had to.

Tried it with the ground wet at a customer's house and it didn't work out at all. The line just kind of bounced instead of cut.
Click to expand...
The only time I've had a problem with the line bouncing around is when I was walking forward with a trimmer that was spinning the the opposite direction.
 
#13 ·
I walk backwards, and use a .90 or .95 square line. Right hand on the throttle left hand below the loop handle on the trimmer shaft. I have never owned a stick edger, but I have use one and never could get used to it. I have always been faster with the trimmer and its one less piece of equipment to have on the trailer.
 
#14 ·
You're right in that it takes practice. I get a good laugh out of some of the guys on here who swear that a straight edge can't be done with a trimmer because I've been doing it for years. I actually had some time to waste the other day and used both an edger and my trimmer to edge a customer's lawn in different areas. I honestly couldn't tell the difference, other than the edger kicked up a lot more debris and mud. I'm actually thinking about selling my edger because it mainly sits collecting dust.

To answer your questions:
1.) I flip the trimmer over, right hand controlling throttle, left hand holding the trimmer shaft right under the handle.
2.) I walk forwards. When I bought my first straight shaft trimmer, I always walked backwards. But now, I find it much more comfortable to go forward because it gives me a cleaner edge.
3.) I keep my trimmer guards on so my line is as long as the cutoff blade will allow.
4.) Throttle level depends on the thickness of the grass. For day to day edging, half throttle is usually more than enough. Cleaning up an edge that hasn't been done recently, full throttle all the way.
5.) I usually don't stop walking unless the edge is overgrown and needs a touchup.
6.) I edge while walking on the sidewalk/driveway. If need be I can edge while standing on the grass, but I get a better view of what I'm doing off the grass.

One main thing to remember is to not try and bury the trimmer line down into the edge. You're simply cutting back the grass blades that have grown over the edge, so focus on using the tip of the string. To add another thing, I think the type of trimmer line you're using can have a huge effect on how clean the edge comes out. I've been using Gator Square Magnum line and was getting aggravated at how the line would sometimes want to pull itself into the grass. I picked up some Gator Round line and it's like a night and day difference. It cuts smoother and spins in a straighter trajectory.

I know this thread will likely turn into an edger vs. trimmer debate, but to be honest, I think it all comes down to what you're comfortable doing. I've always edged with a trimmer and didn't buy an edger until I joined this site five years ago. Even still, I prefer to use a trimmer over an edger because it's much more comfortable to me.
 
#19 ·
LALawnboy said:
You're right in that it takes practice. I get a good laugh out of some of the guys on here who swear that a straight edge can't be done with a trimmer because I've been doing it for years. I actually had some time to waste the other day and used both an edger and my trimmer to edge a customer's lawn in different areas. I honestly couldn't tell the difference, other than the edger kicked up a lot more debris and mud. I'm actually thinking about selling my edger because it mainly sits collecting dust.

To answer your questions:
1.) I flip the trimmer over, right hand controlling throttle, left hand holding the trimmer shaft right under the handle.
2.) I walk forwards. When I bought my first straight shaft trimmer, I always walked backwards. But now, I find it much more comfortable to go forward because it gives me a cleaner edge.
3.) I keep my trimmer guards on so my line is as long as the cutoff blade will allow.
4.) Throttle level depends on the thickness of the grass. For day to day edging, half throttle is usually more than enough. Cleaning up an edge that hasn't been done recently, full throttle all the way.
5.) I usually don't stop walking unless the edge is overgrown and needs a touchup.
6.) I edge while walking on the sidewalk/driveway. If need be I can edge while standing on the grass, but I get a better view of what I'm doing off the grass.

One main thing to remember is to not try and bury the trimmer line down into the edge. You're simply cutting back the grass blades that have grown over the edge, so focus on using the tip of the string. To add another thing, I think the type of trimmer line you're using can have a huge effect on how clean the edge comes out. I've been using Gator Square Magnum line and was getting aggravated at how the line would sometimes want to pull itself into the grass. I picked up some Gator Round line and it's like a night and day difference. It cuts smoother and spins in a straighter trajectory.

I know this thread will likely turn into an edger vs. trimmer debate, but to be honest, I think it all comes down to what you're comfortable doing. I've always edged with a trimmer and didn't buy an edger until I joined this site five years ago. Even still, I prefer to use a trimmer over an edger because it's much more comfortable to me.
Click to expand...
+1

The only things I do differently is I probably have it at less than half throttle is I am cleaning up an established edge.

I prefer using a trimmer over an edger. Not much of a difference appearance wise, but I think the trimmer edges out ahead.

I use the Stihl Commercial Green line. I have tried some thinner lines and it doesn't work as well.

I try to keep the line out as far as it will go. If it gets too short, sometimes it will go up in the head and you have to stop and wind the string back up.
 
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