In the end, it’s just as important to know which way to travel as it is to know which direction your trimmer is spinning. The opposite is true if your head spins clockwise. It'll build up along the cut line, slowing down the trimmer and causing scalping. If you go in the opposite direction, you’ll eject material into the cut lane, where it has no place to go. If you’re walking along a sidewalk, curb, or low fence, hold your right side closer to the weeds, which will allow the tool’s head to cut and eject to the left. If your trimmer spins counterclockwise, it ejects material from the left side and cuts with the right. A trimmer propels debris from its cut path in the same way a saw expels sawdust. This knowledge can help prevent injury and can keep debris from being thrown into your flower beds. Many homeowners don’t realize that some string trimmers are manufactured to left, others right. $9.99 TIP #3: SPIN DIRECTION - DO YOU TRAVEL RIGHT OR LEFT? If you don't own a trimmer, you could try renting one of either style and see which works best for you before making a purchase. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong choice here. Using a straight trimmer can also make it easier to get under stuff like shrubs and small trees. However, most professional landscapers and lawn care pros find that a straight-shaft is easier on your back, not to mention much more controllable and reliable. TIP #2: TRIMMER TYPES, CURVED-SHAFT VS STRAIGHT-SHAFTĬurved-shaft string trimmers have become very popular among residential consumers. Check out our inventory of string trimmer parts and accessories. The ROP Shop carries both 3M hearing protection and Earmuff brand hearing protection with Bluetooth compatibility so you can jam while you trim.ĭon't forget to keep your trimmer running in top shape to always provide the safest and best cut. To shield the ears from long-term exposure to loud noises, our pros recommend headphones. Glass, metal, rocks, and other small objects can get trapped in the line and turned into projectiles. This will protect your feet if you’re working on an overgrown area or accidentally step on glass, metal, nails, or other sharp objects.īefore you start trimming, make sure you check the ground. It also isn’t a bad idea to wear shoes with steel toes and soles.
Broken trimmer line fragments can cause bruising and can cause skin lacerations. Heavier leg coverings like jeans will provide protection against flying debris.
We get that it’s hot outside, but avoid wearing shorts and/or sandals.
Angle the trimmer while cutting so that the cut material is spun away from you.
Protective glasses are a good start, but a full visor will protect your whole face from flying debris. Any stray piece of line or rock can cause permanent damage when projected at 200 to 300 mph. But - hear us out here - wear it anyway.Īt the very least, protecting your eyes is vital. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often cumbersome and prone to collecting sweat. Our pros are here to share their knowledge, helping you avoid scalping, scarring, and shredding. Since then, our knowledge and expertise have only grown. Over a decade ago, The ROP Shop was founded on the knowledge and principles of a professional landscaping company that had been in business for over two decades.
5 TIPS: HOW TO USE A STRING TRIMMER LIKE A PROFESSIONAL