String Trimmer: Buy One
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A string trimmer is the companion tool to your mower. You use it every time you mow to edge along sidewalks, driveways, fences, and beds. At $60-120 for a battery model, the cost is low and the frequency is high.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- If you live in an apartment with no yard, you have nothing to trim
- If your yard has zero edges (no sidewalk, no driveway, no fence), you might not need one
Why Buy
- You use it every time you mow. That is 25+ uses per year.
- Battery models start at $60 and share batteries with other tools on the same platform
- Edging is what makes a freshly mowed lawn look finished. Without it, grass grows over sidewalks and beds.
- A string trimmer also clears weeds around fence posts, mailboxes, and any spot the mower cannot reach
- If you already own a battery mower, the trimmer on the same platform is one of the cheapest add-ons
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a string trimmer and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
String trimmer vs edger: do I need both?
A string trimmer flipped vertically edges sidewalks and driveways. A dedicated edger cuts a cleaner line in thick grass. For most homeowners, a string trimmer does both jobs. A dedicated edger is a luxury for people who want a manicured edge every week.
What line thickness should I use?
For battery trimmers: 0.065" handles most grass and light weeds. For gas trimmers: 0.080-0.095" handles thicker weeds and brush. Thicker line lasts longer but requires more power. Match the line to your trimmer. Most trimmers have a maximum line diameter printed on the spool housing.