# Does anyone else hate weed whackers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 28, 2014, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710 "2014-08-28T00:44:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/848f3c/32.png) [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuzzy_Dunlop)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/21 "2014-08-28T15:40:56Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > The threat of product liability lawsuits ensures that your “exposed circular saw on a stick” idea will never reach the market. This comes close: [http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/grassblade/](http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/grassblade/) Personally I like Stihl’s brush knife, which looks like something a ninja should own: [http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/brushknife/](http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/brushknife/) The trouble is it really doesn’t work on things you encounter on a normal lawn. The brush knife is amazing at cutting down actual brush on my farm, but around the house I switch back to string. I imagine that’d be even more true with their exposed circular saw on a stick head. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/22 "2014-08-28T15:53:06Z")
Love ours, every last one of them. All are two cycle gas/oil models. Two use heavy line, one is a brush-cutter that has a blade (John Deere IIRC). The brush cutter could do major damage to an ankle. I weed wack before I mow, getting all the edges just right. The first start-up of the season is a bitch (I do not use StaBil or anything). After that it is smooth sailing, more or less. It says to prime the bulb 6 times, but 12 or so is better IME. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/23 "2014-08-28T15:56:13Z")
> [@Fuzzy\_Dunlop](#): > > Personally I like Stihl’s brush knife, which looks like something a ninja should own: > > [http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/brushknife/](http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/accessories/trimmer-heads-and-blades/brushknife/) > > The trouble is it really doesn’t work on things you encounter on a normal lawn. The brush knife is amazing at cutting down actual brush on my farm, but around the house I switch back to string. I imagine that’d be even more true with their exposed circular saw on a stick head. Yep, that’s similar to the John Deere we have. I use it to cut down decorative grasses in the spring and to tidy up the horse pastures. Also, ours doubles as a small rototiller. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/24 "2014-08-28T16:28:17Z")
I hate mixing with a 2 cycle so I’ve started using pre-mix and I’m getting better results. ---
**Author:** ![Timetrvlr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Timetrvlr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timetrvlr)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/25 "2014-08-28T17:26:41Z")
There are alternatives, propane torch weed killers or Roundup herbicide. I’ve a particularly difficult place to edge so I sprayed Roundup in a narrow strip that always needed edging. That was two years ago with no grass growth since. I’ve also laid down some 5" wide strips of heavy lumber at ground height bordering my lawn so I can get it all with the lawnmower.That really minimizes the edging required. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/26 "2014-08-28T17:50:06Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > And can’t somebody make a decent metal blade instead of that stupid string line crap? My dad just used a fairly thick length of copper wire with his old electric one in the mid 1980s. Not the safest thing in the world, but it worked like gangbusters on weeds and grass… right up until I girdled one of his young peach trees with it by accident as a 13 year old. We got a new weedeater that used the nylon cord not long after that. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/27 "2014-08-28T18:25:05Z")
I have used an electric Black & Decker weedwhacker (not the same one) for something like 20 years. It’s much easier to handle than a gas-powered push edger. Once I got the hang of it, a long time ago, it was easy - - much easier than crawling on my hands and knees around the edge of the yard using a hand clipper. This one customer had a back fence 150 feet from the electric oulet on the back wall of the house; I bought a 100 foot cord and one 50 feet long. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/28 "2014-08-28T20:01:24Z")
What terrific timing. I have a very old – 11 years old – $20 Toro that I don’t think is made anymore. It was a POS from day one and the damn thing has finally died. Please make your recommendations as to which should replace it. Note: I won’t have anything to do with the gas-powered ones. I’m thinking of an electric corded/battery hybrid. What do y’all think of [this one](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE-18-Volt-Lithium-ion-Hybrid-Cordless-or-Electric-String-Trimmer-Edger-Battery-and-Charger-Not-Included-P2200A/204839364?N=5yc1vZbx8iZ1z0ylm1Z1z0zy82)? ---
**Author:** ![black\_rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/29 "2014-08-28T20:31:47Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > What do y’all think of [this one](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE-18-Volt-Lithium-ion-Hybrid-Cordless-or-Electric-String-Trimmer-Edger-Battery-and-Charger-Not-Included-P2200A/204839364?N=5yc1vZbx8iZ1z0ylm1Z1z0zy82)? That’s the one I have. Assuming you have Ryobi batteries already, and your yard itsn’t ridiculously huge, go for it. The standard Li-ion will run it for about 20 minutes; the high-capacity will last for about 45. Don’t bother buying the replacement spools; get a 200’ bulk replacement for $10 and wind it yourself. Easy peasy. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/30 "2014-08-28T20:36:05Z")
I’ve never owned one, but I hate them because they’re too fucking loud and annoying. ---
**Author:** ![Dave\_Hartwick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@Dave\_Hartwick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave_Hartwick)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/31 "2014-08-28T20:42:10Z")
I think they’re fun to use, provided you can get them to start and keep running. But I bought a grass whip for our lawn. Cheap, good exercise, never breaks down. ---
**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/32 "2014-08-28T20:55:15Z")
I’m with the OP, I hate the damn things. I have a gas powered Toro and I’m constantly having to fiddle with the damn spool. Last week I picked up an Ugly Head and installed it to give it a try. I used it for the firs time and it cut better than my old spool and it is super easy to replace line should they break. > **[Amazon.com : Shakespeare "Ugly" Head Trimmer Item# 29767 Model# 16738 Upc#...](https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Trimmer-29767-16738-015221167388/dp/B0088KIWYU)** > > Amazon.com : Shakespeare "Ugly" Head Trimmer Item# 29767 Model# 16738 Upc# 015221167388 : String Trimmer Spools : Patio, Lawn & Garden ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2014, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/33 "2014-08-28T22:50:14Z")
I think there’s two issues with these things: 1. the models vary greatly in quality, even in the same price range. If you’re not happy with the one you have, I’d recommend buying a new one. On this front, I recently upgraded to [this Black & Decker model](http://www.blackanddecker.com/outdoor/GH3000.aspx) and have been extremely happy with it. It’s enough power for fairly thick weeds. 2. if you’re manually winding the string to refill it, spend your time doing it very nicely. If you sloppy in winding, you’ll never get good feed out of the unit. I think a .080 string thickness is a bare minimum I’d consider acceptable. I hate cordless varieties. The hassle of a cord is not as bad as the hassle of batteries that don’t hold enough charge and that wear out over time. ---
**Author:** ![Timetrvlr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Timetrvlr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timetrvlr)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/34 "2014-08-29T04:57:18Z")
If you get a battery powered model, get one that has a Li-Ion battery, they hold twice the charge of Ni-Cad and last for years. My favorite is WORX brand, the best I’ve ever had. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/35 "2014-08-29T05:21:24Z")
> [@Dave\_Hartwick](#): > > I think they’re fun to use, provided you can get them to start and keep running. > > But I bought a grass whip for our lawn. Cheap, good exercise, never breaks down. I think they are easier to start and run than chain saws. I’ve about given up on gas powered chain saws. The electric ones work just fine for me. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/36 "2014-08-29T12:26:07Z")
> [@black\_rabbit](#): > > That’s the one I have. Assuming you have Ryobi batteries already, and your yard itsn’t ridiculously huge, go for it. The standard Li-ion will run it for about 20 minutes; the high-capacity will last for about 45. > > Don’t bother buying the replacement spools; get a 200’ bulk replacement for $10 and wind it yourself. Easy peasy. 20-30 minutes will totally take care of it – I have a small yard that is mostly landscaped; very little grass. I just need it to get to the weird nooks and corners that the mower can’t fit into without also mowing my flowers. I didn’t see the sense in dropping hundreds on one of these things, but I want a tiny bit more power than my crappy old Toro. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2014, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/37 "2014-08-29T16:24:59Z")
We had a rechargeable one several years ago and I hated it. It was heavy and my hands would start cramping up whenever I used it. Plus the battery would only get me about halfway around the yard, and we don’t have a very big yard! The electric one I have now is great. I think it is a B&D and it’s the first trimmer I’ve had in many years where the feed actually works! And it has the swivel head so you can go vertical for edging. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/38 "2014-08-30T01:38:41Z")
When I moved to my new place I realized my Ryobi was not up to the job. I have a lot of stuff that needs weed-whacked. I bought a big ass Husqvarna. It’s a monster, feeds great. The bad thing is that it covers me in whacked weeds. Head to toe. ---
**Author:** ![DingoelGringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@DingoelGringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DingoelGringo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/39 "2014-08-30T01:45:49Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > I’ve had a couple of these things over the years. Some electric, one battery powered, one gas. > > These stupid things make me nuts. The line never feeds like it’s supposed to. Automatic feed by butt. Eventually I end up opening the spool and pulling some out manually. Time consuming. The ones where the line is supposed to feed when you _bump_ it work like crud too. Plus, that spool cover is plastic. Bump it too often or too hard and it’s brokesville. > > I had an electric one burst into flames right in my hands. 3 years old, loud buzz then POOF! Nothing like an electrical fire to make your day! > > The battery on the rechargeable model didn’t last long enough to use on my yard. That was annoying! > > And don’t get me started on how much I hate 2 cycle engines. Almost had a stroke trying to pull start one. > > And can’t somebody make a decent metal blade instead of that stupid string line crap? > > I didn’t have to deal with this bullshit when my kids still lived at home and I made them do the lawn!:mad: As far as a metal blade, my neighbor in Florida 20 years ago mounted a circular saw blade on one and cut off his foot. ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710/40 "2014-08-30T02:04:22Z")
Not as much as I hate leaf blowers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-hate-weed-whackers/696710.md?page=3)