Lawn equipment like lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, edgers, gas-powered trimmers, and electric string trimmers all make keeping out grass green and maintained easier. But all of these tools also require work to take care of.
Key Points:
- Neglecting the maintenance of lawn tools, including cordless string trimmers, can lead to dangerous situations and decreased usefulness of the equipment.
- Cordless string trimmers, like any power tool, can be dangerous if not used properly, but following safety procedures greatly reduce the risk of injury.
- Proper dress, inspection of the trimmer, clearing the area, and correct usage are all important steps to staying safe while using a cordless string trimmer.
Neglecting the maintenance of any type of lawn tool can destroy the gas engine or drain the battery life, depending on your preferred power choice.
Not only will your machines become less useful they can even become dangerous if a trimmer head flies off or an electric short occurs. Understanding the safety needs of your cordless string trimmer can keep you safe and also help your weed eater run better for longer.
Read on to learn how to safely use your machines and keep your lawn care efforts effortless.
Are Cordless String Trimmers Dangerous?
Along with any other power tool, cordless string trimmers can be dangerous if not used properly. The cord on the trimmer rotates at high speeds and can cause injury if it comes into contact with skin or other body parts.
Not only that but debris can be thrown from the trimmer, causing eye or other bodily injuries if protection is not worn and care is not given to the task at hand. Rocks and clumps of dirt can damage nearby windows and vehicles if directed toward them, leading to other maintenance projects.
However, by following proper safety procedures, such as wearing protective gear and being aware of your surroundings, the risk of injury can be greatly reduced.
It is important to always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and to never take shortcuts or use the trimmer in a way that it was not designed for. If you are unsure of the function of the trimmer, check it out online to get tips before proceeding, and never use equipment that looks to be structurally damaged or unsafe in any way.
How to Stay Safe While Using a Cordless String Trimmer?
Battery-powered string trimmers easily manage home lawn tasks, and even if you need to grab an extra battery, it shouldn’t be too daunting of a task. Compared to the four-cycle engines on gas-powered models, corded string trimmers and cordless electric trimmers are not as powerful.
This makes them less dangerous but still able to accomplish many of the same tasks gas string trimmers can do. Following are some ways to stay safe regardless of the power sources of your cordless string trimmer.
Dress Appropriately
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes with non-slip soles while operating a cordless string trimmer. Also, wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and earplugs in order to keep these vulnerable body parts safe.
Long clothing and sturdy shoes will allow you to keep your footing and reduce the number of scratches and cuts you’ll experience while working.
Inspect The Trimmer
Before using the trimmer, inspect it thoroughly for any damage or wear and tear. Check the cutting line and replace it if it is worn or damaged. The battery terminal should be cleaned, and batteries should be charged to make sure the trimmer is running at full power and making clean cuts in the turf.
Clear The Area
Remove any obstacles, rocks, or debris from the area you will be trimming while making sure there are no people, pets, or objects in the immediate vicinity.
Lawn furniture can be moved to freshly mowed or soon-to-be-mowed areas while you weed eat and moved back after, or you can carefully cut around objects too big to move or are a permanent fixture.
Start The Trimmer Properly
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for starting the trimmer before starting to see if there are any machine-specific quirks like lever starting position or trimmer head configuration. Make sure the battery-powered trimmer is on a flat and stable surface and that the cutting head is not in contact with anything.
Use The Trimmer Correctly
Hold the trimmer with both hands, keeping your fingers away from the cutting head. Keep the trimmer at a comfortable distance from your body, and never point it at anyone, including yourself.
Make sure to lift the trimmer when going over a medium like gravel or exposed dirt to avoid launching rocks and clumps into the surrounding area.
Be Cautious Around Edges
Take extra care when trimming near walls, fences, or other objects. The cutting line can cause damage to these surfaces or ricochet back toward you. Chainlink fences can grab your cord and rip the whole spool out, preventing you from continuing until the wire is replaced.
Turn Off The Trimmer
Turn off the trimmer and wait for the cutting head to come to a complete stop before inspecting or adjusting it. You can set it gently against the ground as it finishes spinning to speed up the stopping but doing so too early can tear up the turf or clip the cord.
Store The Trimmer Safely
When not in use, store the trimmer in a secure and dry location, away from children and pets. Make sure the battery is stored separately if it will be in storage for a long time over winter. This will prevent any accidental fires or other electrical issues.
Safety Guidelines for Using a String Trimmer
The more safety guidelines you follow the safer it will be to use a cordless string trimmer around your yard. String trimmers allow you to add edgers and other attachments, meaning there is a chance that mechanical issues can occur.
Likewise, the fuel for electric engines is lithium batteries, and the volts and size of the machine can all have different charging and care needs. Below are some tips to stay safe when using an electric string trimmer.
| Equipment | What It Protects | Importance |
| Safety Glasses | Eyes | Protects eyes from debris and flying objects |
| Ear Plugs | Ears | Protects ears from loud noises |
| Gloves | Hands | Protects from cuts and blisters |
| Study Shoes | Feet | Provides traction and helps avoid slips and falls |
| Long-Sleeved Shirt | Arms | Protects arms from cuts and scratches |
| Long Pants | Legs | Protects legs from scratches, cuts, and itching |
Are Cordless Weed Eaters Safer Than Corded Ones?
Both cordless and corded weed eaters have the potential to be dangerous if not used or taken care of properly. However, cordless weed eaters may be considered safer in some ways when compared to corded ones due to the presence of a strong battery which allows easier movement.
Corded weed eaters require an electrical outlet, and the cord itself can be a tripping hazard or get in the way while trimming.
Using a cord and outlet also poses risks in damp conditions limiting the times when you can perform yard work which could lead to overgrown weeds and other unsightly lawn issues. Cordless weed eaters, on the other hand, operate on battery power, eliminating the cord altogether and making them more maneuverable and easier to use.
Safe operation of either of these machines requires using the correct protective gear and following the instructions in your owner’s manual on the safe use of cordless string trimmers.