How to Buy and Choose Weed Eaters

By Katina Lewis

Weed eaters, also known as string trimmers or weed whackers, are popular yard care items. They are typically used as hedge trimmers or edgers to help keep sidewalks and yards trimmed and free of weeds.

Most weed eaters have a long shaft with the handle at one end and the string at the other end. Some weed eaters are smaller and some are for more widespread use. But how do you know which weed eater is right for you? Use these guidelines to help you buy the right weed eater.

Reasons for Buying a Weed Eater

Determine the reasons you might consider buying a weed eater. A weed eater helps the user get rid of weeds and other unwanted plants. It uses plastic string that revolves around fast to cut the weeds. Each lawn or yard has different needs. The same goes for the gardener or home owner taking care of the yard or lawn.

Comfort might be a factor in deciding what weed eater to buy. Look closely at the handle on the weed eater to make sure you could have a comfortable grip. Some weeds are tougher than others, so figuring out which weeds you need to be rid of can help in the decision. Since the range of weed eaters available varies, it is important to decide what you want and need before looking at the selection available.

Choosing the Type of Weed Eater

There are two main types of weed eaters: Electric and gas weed eaters.

Electric weed eaters don't use gas or oil. They are completely electric. They usually don't have as much power as their gas counterparts, but they are perfect for small yards and lawns. The downside to using an electric weed eater could be maneuverability and motion. You are restricted by the length of the extension cord and where your outlets might be. Electric weed eaters also tend to be a bit smaller than their gas counterparts and have the advantage of being lighter in weight.

Gas weed eaters are the power horses of the weed eaters. They can usually cut more and hold more string than their electric counterparts. They require gas and sometimes a mixture of gas and oil depending on the type of weed eater. Since the gas weed eaters aren't restricted by a power cord, they can reach places that perhaps their electric counterparts cannot such as a field near the house or the far edge of the yard. The downside would be that they are generally heavier and require gas and oil to operate.

Price of the Weed Eater

Prices of the weed eater vary depending on the type and power of the weed eater you are buying. Some stores have sales when the weed eater season comes around in early spring, when the weeds are just starting to poke their stems up through the ground. The typical range for electric weed eaters is anywhere from around $40 to $100. Gas weed eaters typically range a little higher, from around $80 to $200.

Where to Buy a Weed Eater

Any good home and garden store will have weed eaters, and most department chain stores will have them during the gardening season (from early spring to late fall). You may be able to rent weed eaters from a tractor or garden supply store if you wouldn’t want to buy one. Look for bargains at the beginning of the season but don't neglect end-of-the-season sales.

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