Weed trimmers, more commonly referred to as weed whackers, are a good tool to use for the quick trimming of grass or weeds in areas that are hard to get to with a lawnmower, such as around mature trees, around rocks, and along fences.

There are three different types on the market. If there is a large area that needs to be tended to, the best tool for the job is gas-powered. They are generally the most durable and powerful. As a result, they are heavier and louder than other models, and require an exact mixture of gas and oil.

For people tending to very small areas, there is a corded electric weed trimmer. While an extension cord must be used, this eliminates mixing gas and oil and battery charging. Finally, for average-sized lawns, a cordless electric weed whacker can be used. They are rechargeable, and running times vary. These are all things a person should take into consideration before purchasing.

It is important to clean weed whackers at least once a season, probably before storing it away. Make sure the power is off, the gas tank is empty, and the spark plug wire is disconnected. Use a brush with a mixture of dish liquid and water to clean the exterior. The air filter should be replaced about every 90 days, based on usage and wear and tear.

Depending on the usage and level of dirt that accumulates, the spark plugs need to be checked about every 3-4 months. This is simple. Empty the gas tank and remove the spark plug. If it is brown, pour 1/4 ounce of engine oil in the cylinder and pull the starter cord a couple of time to evenly distribute the oil. If the spark plug is black, then it will need to be replaced.

Do not run this tool to aggressively around houses, fences, or living trees and shrubs. The plastic filament "blades" turn so fast that they appear invisible and can remove paint, cut into dried wood, and kill trees and shrubs. Some people even prefer to use this tool instead of a lawnmower because they can control the exact height of the grass and it can be trimmed down to ground level easily.

Always wear safety goggles when operating the weed whacking tool. This protects the eyes of the operator from flying debris. Also make sure that there are no people or animals in the vicinity that are going to possibly be injured by the flying debris. It is usually a good idea to also wear pants to protect the legs of the operator.