✅CLICK HERE FOR A NEW GEAR HEAD ASSEMBLY ➜ amzn.to/3yRRx9O For more videos like this, check out: 👉Bet You Don’t Know This Trimmer Hack ➜ th-cam.com/video/7r3BcYbSx7g/w-d-xo.html 👉How To Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Weedeater ➜ th-cam.com/video/gmhxTvGRtCg/w-d-xo.html You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon
I've been doing this for years. On my trimmer I installed a bolt, wing nut and lock washer on the head. Allows me to adjust the head without needing a tool. Great Tip!
You're the man. I learned all kinds of tricks about small engines from my father-in-law when he was alive. Like you, he was the only guy in the town who could fix it right the first time. I love your videos, and you have shown me how to fix the problem. I watch your video, and I say to myself, yeah, that's how you do it!
I cannot tell you how many people I have told about your channel and the great practical advice you give. My dad was an auto mechanic for 45 years. I did not pick up his mechanical gifts, my brother did. Thanks to you every time I fix something with your help, I want to call my dad and tell him. He died in 2016 and I just look up and say Hey Dad look what I did.
Same, once you find the right spot, holds the trimmer perfectly still and with ease, I never see any one else do this either, thought I was the wierdo !! lol
Good info! Been edging with a trimmer for years. Some landscape companies now use trimmers with edger attachment blades and wheel since it keeps sloppy operators from going too wide with the edging. Pro TIP- you are much more likely to throw a rock when edging this way so pay attention to the direction the string is traveling (i.e. will it hit a small stone and "launch it" ) and if there are any house or car windows, nearby. One tiny stone will completely spiderweb the glass in a car window. Not that I have ever done that, of course. ; )
it doesn't take much to take a window out I've done that a time or 2 never a car tho and that's being careful u have to learn to spin it just fast enough to cut the grass without flicking the stones up. It's an art I find it's one of the hardest things to teach someone. Tho I always think it's easy till you hand it to someone and think what are they doing hands on head hahaha.
A wheel trimmer for most edges does a perfect job and is quick and easy if you do regularly. When I don't have my wheel trimmer, I angle my cut from the lawn to the path to get nice chamfered edge.
Excellent idea. Tried using a string trimmer to do that, but I was too unsteady to get a straight line. The long shaft allows a small movement to be amplified at the trimmer head. I use a multi tool with a regular lawn edger and once I get it edged nicely I can almost run around the edges. Seems to work well for me. I've seen it done both ways. Had a boss tell me, " I don't care how you get it done, just as long as it looks good."
I just keep my handle slightly loose so I can just rotate the trimmer. I’ve been doing this for years. Love your videos! Thank you for sharing all of your great knowledge and experience!
The new trimmer I bought had that listed as a feature, they call it an ergonomic handle.. I thought it was kinda funny for a selling point as anyone could just loosen up that handle. Lol
I inherited a Worx battery trimmer, and to be honest, I love that thing. I use it on four yards. I love the tool less design that allows you to go into edging mode that rolls on two wheels. Does a great job and very lightweight too. Been using it for five years now.
Hi Steve, as a 72 year old computer nerd since the Timex Sinclair my attention span has decreased over the years until one minute is a stretch. Your videos don't beat around the bush until I lose focus, that is what I like most (aside from always being on point and to the point). Please keep up the good work. I've been using this trick for a few years with a Stihl combi-tool (if that's the right spelling) and it also works with the pole saw attachment. Or with swapping the pole saw head to my brothers straight shaft unit in place of the string head. (a little more trouble but doable). I just wish there was a simple way to install the pole saw head directly to the power head for trimming limbs cleaning up after storm damage or dropping problem trees. Some times a full size chain saw is over kill.
This is a great tip. It also keeps the natural balance of the trimmer so that it is easier to control. Pop a top - you deserve another beer for this one!
I love this guy. I am sort of a wannabe small engines do-it-yourselfer. Steve is the most informative and interesting guy out there on TH-cam when it comes to learning things about small engines!
I have a Tanaka from around 1991 or 92 and I love it, it was around $500 when new and has the brain head on it and pushbutton start and a V shaped handle on it and I never really had any issues with it on the side when I edged peoples lawns, we had a landscaping business for almost 15 years starting in early to mid 90's, I really miss the business and the customers and I still use that same weedeater to this day and I acquired a duplicate and also a 3rd but it was just for parts and I really need to try that walbro carburetor trick you showed about a new diaphragm or whatever you called it. Great videos as usual love your content.
Top tip THANKS STEVE! I got gifted a small petrol strimmer that I have now converted to edger only. I keep the other one for heavy duty use. Thanks again.
Great tip, Steve. I got lucky when I bought a cordless (battery) line-trimmer. It has a built in quick rotate feature for turning the head, and a wingnut at the handle to reposition it. The debris guard also has a wheel on one end that can be rested on the concrete to help fight fatigue.
Sounds like a Worx, they've had that for years. A friend of mine who also has a mowing business has one exactly for that purpose as switching out on her Echo PAS 2620 got tired fast. She liked it because it's light and flexible.
We learn something new every day. I usually help my dad do the yard, he was very impressed with this hack, of course I told him I learned it from you. Thank you Steve.
My SB Echo head has a second short alignment bolt that engages a hole in the shaft. So, I have to loosen the pinch bolt like you showed AND back out that other one to clear the shaft hole in order to rotate the head. There are multiple holes in the shaft, so you need to find another and then tighten the alignment bolt into it before resnugging the pinch bolt.
Hey Steve! Now you've told my dirty little secret to the world - obviously I was the 1 in 5000 who knew this trick. I even replaced the original screw with a wingnut screw so I don't need a tool to rotate the gearbox. Keep on with your good videos! Cheers Andreas
Thank you for this video! My wife loves to weed-eat and edge; we have a yard with lots of edging spots. Our curved-shaft 17" trimmer died last year and we've been looking for something similar ever since. Curved ones are way underpowered; battery operated ones - so so; gas ones pretty heavy over time. Your solution is so brilliant - it works so well. I'm happy, she's happy, the edge looks professionally trimmed (not burned or ragged), and we saved hundreds of dollars not having to buy a mega-purpose machine. Thank you!
Cool trick spinning the head like that! I pole vaulted in high school, so trimming feels literally like I’m holding a pole again, and switching from flat weed whacking to straight up and down edging is the same exact motion as when you plant the pole vault pole into the box for a jump. Didn’t know my track days were training me for my future career! Lol
My electric trimmer has a feature that unlocks the head with a lever and allows re clocking of the head for edging. Awhile back I acquired an old gas Briggs & Stratton edger that makes it easier on my back.
@@davidquinn6161 Steve wasn't explaining how to trim, he was only explaining how to relieve wrist strain. If you want to know how to do vertical trim or how to save line I can explain you.
Up until last year, I had a gravel driveway for 11 years and never did edge trimming, then I invested in an asphalt surface to facilitate snow removal and improve on the value of my property. This coming season I will have about 400 ft of edging to be doing 2 or 3 times during the season, I know this adjustment will make the task so much less taxing on me! Thanks for this nugget of insight, you da Man!
Oh yeah been doing this way for years. Learned when I was like 14 when I helped my uncle mow all summer. Had a four trimmers set up for multiple uses. Great tip to share along man. Love the channel
Thanks for the tip. I rotated it 90° and it makes edging a whole lot easier. I did notice I was tilting it slightly and I think I might adjust it a little from 90°, once I figure out that nuance.
My Shindaiwa actually has a secondary handle for edging and a shoulder harness for support. It also came with a blade attachment for clearing small brush. It is an absolute beast.
YES!!! I have Shindaiwa also with the double handle (loop and bar) which you can leave a little loose on the shaft and turn it to a comfortable position....only 1 in 10000 people know this!!!
Shindaiwa are the absolute best machines that a homeowner can get. Right under that is RedMax and then Echo. All 3 are worth every penny. If you buy a cheap unit, you will buy another cheap unit and probably even another cheap one before you wear out a Shindaiwa. I have been repairing small engines for about 10 years, and my "Personal" equipment is Shindaiwa and Echo.
@@c.blakerockhart1128 My Shindaiwa I bought used 11 years ago. Aside from changing air and fuel filters it is still running strong. It is just such a reliable tool that I am certain it will be the only string trimmer I will ever need as a homeowner.
@@todzilla09 A guy gave me my first Shindaiwa because it needed a carburetor and he couldn't afford the $90 for it. I spent $11 on a rebuild kit and I've been using it for 7-8 years now. Since then I've got a dedicated pole saw to match. They are both Extremely well made and low maintenance. Just take care of them and they will last. I always mix my fuel heavy with the oil because I would rather have a unit that smokes a little more than one that burns up. Once a year I pull off the muffler and burn them clean.
@@c.blakerockhart1128 Funny I always went a little heavier with the oil too by stopping short of the full ine with the gas thinking more lube equals less friction.
So do I. Bought mine for $15 at a garage sale 10 years ago. Between that and my old Simplicity Sunstar I am getting manicured results that my neighbors and the golf course across the street can look at and scratch their heads. The lawn care businesses are after speed. That's fine I guess if that's what you want. I have the time to do it myself so I'm happy with my ancient equipment that does a much better job than lawn care businesses can do with their string trimmers, zero turn mowers and the latest in noise pollution, those damn backpack blowers. Doesn't anyone know how to use a rake or a broom any more?
Pure genius Steve, such a simple and elegant solution. Have you heard of the old Green Machine wackers? Their heads used to pivot with rotation of the handlebars!
If the trimmer has interchangeable attachments, where the attachments connect in the middle of the pole there are usually 2 snap holes, 90° apart. So, on those units, just press in the spring loaded button and turn the bottom shaft 90°.
Another Good Tip Steve, I Live in High Desert California, Years ago I bought a Big Huskvarna Clearing saw 45 cc class. So Heavy, I Never used it, Now I use Echo straight shaft loop handle, Not Handle bars.I go All the way back to Stihl FS 80, I Prefer Huskvarna Saws as Well, Cut Wood yesterday, Huskvarna 372 XP
Ok, I have been edging with string trimmers for 25ish years and never thought about rotating the head! Used to mow tons of yards years ago and wish I thought of that. The direction of rotation is spot on. I find myself buying straight shaft trimmers like the Husqvarnas I have been using for years as they rotated CCW looking from top down. I remember first using moms Weed Eater curved shaft that turned CC and never liked it expecially after trying a straight shaft trimmer.
My mom bought a cheap weedeater brand. Couldnt keep the head from coming unscrewed, was afraid if I put loctite on it it would never come off again but it was horrible to start from cold so about 2 dates with that one and never again. Dumb, dumb, dumb design. POS that one was. Once I had used a straight shaft that ruined me from ever using curved again, I will invent how ever many excuses I need to to get a person to opt for straight. It's just more usable, efficient and long lasting. I have a soft spot for the old Robins(Suburu engine), still have a couple in the hall of fame, NB26 the carburetor parts are too expensive and NB281 the gas cap is too expensive. 100% confidence if I had a new carb that 40 year old one would still run fine even after the square miles of saplings it took down with .115 line in a manual advance head. Rarely ever ran any of them full throttle. I'm all Stihl 94r now, lots better on fuel and I dont mind burning off the spark arrester screen once every 5 years cause I am not going to stop using part throttle, I never go full throttle except a few moments while using a blower. But I am thinking about swithching to amsoil saber to save that 1 minute per year. Not cause of that but due to cost and stank of HP Ultra.
Depending on the rotation of the head, I be sure the wiper sniper is rotating away from you, (shooting the grass out in front), this way it's less likely to kick a stone up at you. If possible.
Never heard of that trick. I’ve cut thousands of yards over 35 years and flip the weed eater over my shoulder and walk with the string kicking the grass forward. I only do this on small runs, alleys or yards that don’t water much. Also removing the metal cutter and guard back one inch works best for me 😁👍
Oh, Steve. You're a frickin' genius! This is going to make my life so much easier. I have 5 acres of lawns with beds and all sorts of crap to whip round.
Nice trick Steve. I have an old Ryobi trimmer that I can actually turn the bottom shaft by pressing a release button to put it in edging mode. I really don’t care much to edge with string trimmers though because as you said it’s not very comfortable to do for long periods, it eats string way quicker and the edge isn’t all that good. I plan on getting an actual gas edger someday soon.
I have a Black & Decker battery powered. The whole head just pushes and twists 90 degrees at any time. It’s an old trimmer, surprised it’s not everywhere. Works great.
Exactly what one does with the ones with multiple attachments. I like to go with the rotation down to the front and then a slight angle away the grass to keep the the whip from catching the grass on the downswing and dragging the trimmer off the edge. Rotation the other way seems to always drag the head down and mess up the line.
For over 10 years I’ve used a Black & Decker 20v electric line trimmer to do all the edging around my 100x150ft suburban lot. Flower beds, sidewalk, trees, landscape bricks, etc. I love that it’s not powerful enough to knock bark off trees or damage fences or downspouts. Although it will dent aluminum downspouts pretty good, so I need to be careful. It’s not powerful enough to cut-in a new bed but it works great for maintaining existing landscaping. And it has a built-in quick release to rotate the head from horizontal to vertical. And a button near the handle to feed more line as it wears. The only thing I changed was I ordered a jumbo battery off Amazon that lasts the entire hour I’m using it. I use gas powered lawn equipment for other things but for general weekly trimming of existing landscaping that electric trimmer has been great.
Apparently 1 in 1000 don’t know this.. on 90% of trimmers, around the handle the shaft actually separates with a wing nut and button, so you can use different accessories, but the real feature there, is the button has 2 sometimes 4 positions for this exact purpose..
Wow , thats a great trick Steve , but honestly I've been doing landscaping for over 25 years and I just flip the trimmer over and do the edging I need too and it's never really strained my wrists per say ...maybe I just don't realize the pain 🤣🤣🤣👍 I'm gonna give this a try! Cheers 🍻 Steve
Steve I’m in Tampa and I edge all my yards with weed eater I only use edger first time edging I’ve been doing that for years good info for those beginners thanks
I never get tired when it comes to trimming and edging. I have a great technique.... I mess it up so much that my wife now does all the trimming and edging. I can sit there all day with a few cold beers in the shade as a "safety observer". Of course I keep plenty of cold non-alcohol drinks on ice for her as well.
Yes you did help Steve, thank you ! Question - filled up my strimmer / weed whacker today (used it last week) I wasn't even half way through tthe tank of fuel and I noticed embers/sparks of orange breezing past me from my motor behind me! Turned it off and put it all away. What could be wrong?!
Thanks Steve. I suffer from arthritis, which is currently in remission (thank goodness for clever doctors), but this trick will ensure that I don't push my luck with my wrists and fingers.
Many of the professional lawn service guys remove the guard too. It allows for longer string and when you edge, you can see what your doing better. That sounds dangerous, but those little guards really don’t stop much anyway.
@@ronzek3207 Could be, but the pros think it’s worth the extra strain on the machine and you always wear eye protection with a trimmer. Those little guards do very little other that get in the way.
I enjoy your videos, I tried that before got frustrated and sold by echo trimmer, bought the echo multi head where you get the trimmer and edger plus you have the option for more attachments, to buy a stand alone stick edger was roughly 300 a Stihl I believe it was I sold my older trimmer really cheap like 60 bucks an older Echo and picked up the new unit from my locally owned mower shop
on the same note: this same "swivel the trimmer head" is useful when edging down into big turf angles, like pond shorelines . I have 9 ponds and nearly 10,000 linear feet of pond shoreline. Every week in the summer. This is one the most difficult jobs to maintain. It's too near the always wet turf and the angles means you end up walking DOWN near the pond and this is huge fatigue on the feet ankles and knees and back. Twisting the trimmer head always you to cut down into that shoreline angle and your don't get so fatigued or wet. This job alone is three full days. Our team rotates the job because it's a bitch. But turning that trimmer head makes it go alot faster with less effort and fatigue.
Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time and creativity to share with the world your generous skills, tips, tricks, techniques. You are making the world a better place with your awesome educational channel. Mucho Gracias
My grandfather fifty years ago simply had an edging tool with a circular metal cutting edge and a smaller circle with rubber or something to make it rotate as you pushed on it and walked forward. No line to break. No noise, No fuel to use up. Only annoying when the thing slipped instead of rotating, or when it didn't cut properly.
Me too, I edged the entire Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress. All of the curbs and around all of the walls while walking backwards. It seems easier to do it that way and faster. It took me like two and a half days to do it.
My Ryobi homeowner grade string trimmer has a small foot pedal that allows the head to be rotated 90 degrees to rotate vertically, and there is a guide wheel so that in that position the head can be rolled along the ground so the trimmer doesn’t have to be held up in the air. Makes edging easy.
I watched a video you did the other day. The one about removing the flywheel from a Honda motor using the air hammer. I was struggling with a Honda engine. I needed to remove the flywheel. I did not have a puller. The air hammer worked for me. It took a little longer IT came off!!! Thank you so much for pasting the knowledge on.
Great education video out stand Steve, only one thing for me is what size wrench are needed to do the job like today this star bit. Maybe add them to your Amazon?
Excellent tip Steve and here's another. After 20yrs slashing my property every year and being driven mad by constantly having to stop and manually pull through string that likes to bind inside an automatic feed head..... And after having tried lots of things such as talcum powder and soap flakes on the string reels and inside the head with limited success, I finally stormed off to the shed and bought out the WD40 and sprayed a good amount inside and only once or twice more up the string holes and this gave me excellent feed out right the way to the last inch of string inside..... It only took me 20 yrs to work this out. Am I dumb or what? Yep.
Didn’t know I could do that! Gonna try it today with my Echo. One thing I I’ve noticed on my Echo trimmer is that it floods out, or cuts out, when I turn it and the carb is on the bottom. Don’t know if it a defect, something I’m doing wrong, or common problem? Thank you for another great tip!
I made a mod for my weed trimmer. I added a small wheel to the guard and rotate the head just as you did... Works almost just like a real edger... Nice straight lines...
Steve,I did the exercise yesterday to see if I could get the extension hedge trimmer for my Victa, but no go. The driveshaft has a different shape fitting, so a stihl won't fit mine.
Now this is fascinating. I have a Stihl FS131. It really isn’t feasible to flip it, but swiveling the head could me make it really good at cleaning the fence rows on our farm.
My Black and Decker has a button to push that lets you swivel the shaft to rotate the head, plus a guide that folds out to keep the head at the correct height when edging.
Are there any trimmer attachments you recommend to make it a push trimmer? My pops has a bad back, and trimming just causes pain. If he could somehow turn his trimmer into a pushable trimmer on wheels or something, would be great.
This is going to be a game changer for us when we edge our lawn. Please provide link for me to get one of those face shields you're wearing in your vid. That seems more protective then just wearing goggles. Thanks n
I live out in the country, with a gravel driveway and we don't edge out here, you might get beat up! But it's always entertaining to see what City Folk do, thanks! 😉👍
✅CLICK HERE FOR A NEW GEAR HEAD ASSEMBLY ➜ amzn.to/3yRRx9O
For more videos like this, check out:
👉Bet You Don’t Know This Trimmer Hack ➜ th-cam.com/video/7r3BcYbSx7g/w-d-xo.html
👉How To Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Weedeater ➜ th-cam.com/video/gmhxTvGRtCg/w-d-xo.html
You can connect with Steve here too:
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That was fantastic! That titles clickbait now. lol
@@thefallenslavesusall1857 Thanks Steve SMOKE ANOTHER ONE.
@@plumberturd keep drinking, you still have some brain cells remaining!
Everyone who watches the video makes it more than one. Bottoms up!
Steve is THE man!
Steve I've got a karcher pressure washer and the tip of the plastic dipstick is partially broken off. How do I fix this? I can't find a replacement
I've been doing this for years. On my trimmer I installed a bolt, wing nut and lock washer on the head. Allows me to adjust the head without needing a tool. Great Tip!
Good stuff!
I used a quick-release toggle bolt off of a bicycle seat clamp. Snap open to rotate head, snap shut to lock.
I wonder if it will void the warranty of the new trimmer I just bought. 🤔
@@AHill-oi9ct I would make the change but keep the orignal nut and bolt in the case you need to bring it back for warranty work.
This idea of a swivel at the end keeps getting better, great ideas to try.
Thank you
What makes this badass is it seems simple, but goes a long way. Less that 5 minutes and your lawn edges look laser perfect. This man is gold!
Right on
This is the anti clickbait channel. If Steve says it's a useful tip, it's a useful tip!
This is certainly not tho
@@tome8373I now have a battery powered one, and the head flips around with a push button, it's great.
You're the man. I learned all kinds of tricks about small engines from my father-in-law when he was alive. Like you, he was the only guy in the town who could fix it right the first time. I love your videos, and you have shown me how to fix the problem. I watch your video, and I say to myself, yeah, that's how you do it!
Right on
Steve, you're always on the cutting edge of video's.
I see what you did there fella!!! Niceeee💯💁🏽♂️🫶🏽
Thank You...
Great Pun!
🤣
🤣
I cannot tell you how many people I have told about your channel and the great practical advice you give. My dad was an auto mechanic for 45 years. I did not pick up his mechanical gifts, my brother did. Thanks to you every time I fix something with your help, I want to call my dad and tell him. He died in 2016 and I just look up and say Hey Dad look what I did.
Cool!
😢🙏💯
Unexpected comment, but wholesome. Best wishes to ya' brother. 👍
that’s exactly how I do it! I even rest the power head on my shoulders
Sometimes. Thanks for sharing this with the world steve!
Right on Jeremy! You're Welcome...
Same, once you find the right spot, holds the trimmer perfectly still and with ease, I never see any one else do this either, thought I was the wierdo !! lol
Good info! Been edging with a trimmer for years. Some landscape companies now use trimmers with edger attachment blades and wheel since it keeps sloppy operators from going too wide with the edging. Pro TIP- you are much more likely to throw a rock when edging this way so pay attention to the direction the string is traveling (i.e. will it hit a small stone and "launch it" ) and if there are any house or car windows, nearby. One tiny stone will completely spiderweb the glass in a car window. Not that I have ever done that, of course. ; )
I broke the door window on my brand new 2008 Ford Fusion,learned the expensive hard way!
it doesn't take much to take a window out I've done that a time or 2 never a car tho and that's being careful u have to learn to spin it just fast enough to cut the grass without flicking the stones up. It's an art I find it's one of the hardest things to teach someone. Tho I always think it's easy till you hand it to someone and think what are they doing hands on head hahaha.
From experience, the stone launch capability is real. Sliding glass thermopane cost almost as much as the trimmer. Good reminder.
Yep, I've done 2 windows. Sucks.
A wheel trimmer for most edges does a perfect job and is quick and easy if you do regularly. When I don't have my wheel trimmer, I angle my cut from the lawn to the path to get nice chamfered edge.
Excellent idea. Tried using a string trimmer to do that, but I was too unsteady to get a straight line. The long shaft allows a small movement to be amplified at the trimmer head. I use a multi tool with a regular lawn edger and once I get it edged nicely I can almost run around the edges. Seems to work well for me. I've seen it done both ways. Had a boss tell me, " I don't care how you get it done, just as long as it looks good."
I just keep my handle slightly loose so I can just rotate the trimmer. I’ve been doing this for years.
Love your videos! Thank you for sharing all of your great knowledge and experience!
The new trimmer I bought had that listed as a feature, they call it an ergonomic handle.. I thought it was kinda funny for a selling point as anyone could just loosen up that handle. Lol
Great tip!! Wise.
same i just move the handle lol
That's what I do too. I just leave the handle screw a quarter turn loose so I can just adjust it as I need it.
Yep 👍
As a young homeowner I really appreciate you sharing this info. Videos like these help me figure things out as I go. Thanks big dog!
Glad to help
I inherited a Worx battery trimmer, and to be honest, I love that thing. I use it on four yards. I love the tool less design that allows you to go into edging mode that rolls on two wheels. Does a great job and very lightweight too. Been using it for five years now.
Batt. powered trimmers are great. If they're anything like my 7yr old EGO they're the best. It even reloads the spool for you.
Indeed. The Worx trimmer is spectacular. The blowers and chainsaws are also nice.
Now that I’ve used it, it’s only good for SMALL tiny lawns, because it’s small and tiny. I don’t use it anymore. Stick it
I have a largish yard, takes an hour. I cannot imagine a battery powered one lasting, even with several batteries.
@@billhesford6098 EGO with a 4 amp hr batt.
Thanks! I’ll buy ya a GUINNESS the can with the widget inside. Sold my Stihl edger year’s ago. PROSIT
Right on Jeff! You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Hi Steve, as a 72 year old computer nerd since the Timex Sinclair my attention span has decreased over the years until one minute is a stretch. Your videos don't beat around the bush until I lose focus, that is what I like most (aside from always being on point and to the point). Please keep up the good work. I've been using this trick for a few years with a Stihl combi-tool (if that's the right spelling) and it also works with the pole saw attachment. Or with swapping the pole saw head to my brothers straight shaft unit in place of the string head. (a little more trouble but doable). I just wish there was a simple way to install the pole saw head directly to the power head for trimming limbs cleaning up after storm damage or dropping problem trees. Some times a full size chain saw is over kill.
Right on
Kombi Motor
This is a great tip. It also keeps the natural balance of the trimmer so that it is easier to control. Pop a top - you deserve another beer for this one!
Thank You...
I love this guy. I am sort of a wannabe small engines do-it-yourselfer. Steve is the most informative and interesting guy out there on TH-cam when it comes to learning things about small engines!
Wow, thanks!
I have a Tanaka from around 1991 or 92 and I love it, it was around $500 when new and has the brain head on it and pushbutton start and a V shaped handle on it and I never really had any issues with it on the side when I edged peoples lawns, we had a landscaping business for almost 15 years starting in early to mid 90's, I really miss the business and the customers and I still use that same weedeater to this day and I acquired a duplicate and also a 3rd but it was just for parts and I really need to try that walbro carburetor trick you showed about a new diaphragm or whatever you called it. Great videos as usual love your content.
Top tip THANKS STEVE! I got gifted a small petrol strimmer that I have now converted to edger only. I keep the other one for heavy duty use. Thanks again.
You're Welcome...
Great tip, Steve. I got lucky when I bought a cordless (battery) line-trimmer. It has a built in quick rotate feature for turning the head, and a wingnut at the handle to reposition it. The debris guard also has a wheel on one end that can be rested on the concrete to help fight fatigue.
I was also considering the possibility of a support wheel.
Sounds like a Worx, they've had that for years. A friend of mine who also has a mowing business has one exactly for that purpose as switching out on her Echo PAS 2620 got tired fast. She liked it because it's light and flexible.
@@WJCTechyman It's actually a Black & Decker. Thing is I didn't know it had that feature until I got home with it. Just got lucky.
My Worx trimmer has a latch and wheels. You flip the head 90 degrees and relatch. Then it sits on the wheels while you edge.
That's my Ryobi trimmer! A beauty, too.
We learn something new every day. I usually help my dad do the yard, he was very impressed with this hack, of course I told him I learned it from you. Thank you Steve.
That is awesome!
My SB Echo head has a second short alignment bolt that engages a hole in the shaft. So, I have to loosen the pinch bolt like you showed AND back out that other one to clear the shaft hole in order to rotate the head. There are multiple holes in the shaft, so you need to find another and then tighten the alignment bolt into it before resnugging the pinch bolt.
Another great tip Steve. I always wear your shirt when I do yard work, and several people have have tuned in to your videos. Keep em coming!!
Thanks 👍
I bought a sweat shirt but I canceled order don't need something that says Steve's small engine saloon on sweatshirt just plain one, I'll try walmart
Hey Steve! Now you've told my dirty little secret to the world - obviously I was the 1 in 5000 who knew this trick. I even replaced the original screw with a wingnut screw so I don't need a tool to rotate the gearbox.
Keep on with your good videos!
Cheers
Andreas
Yep I was going say to change to a wingnut but you beat me to it!
Thank you for this video! My wife loves to weed-eat and edge; we have a yard with lots of edging spots. Our curved-shaft 17" trimmer died last year and we've been looking for something similar ever since. Curved ones are way underpowered; battery operated ones - so so; gas ones pretty heavy over time. Your solution is so brilliant - it works so well. I'm happy, she's happy, the edge looks professionally trimmed (not burned or ragged), and we saved hundreds of dollars not having to buy a mega-purpose machine. Thank you!
Cool trick spinning the head like that! I pole vaulted in high school, so trimming feels literally like I’m holding a pole again, and switching from flat weed whacking to straight up and down edging is the same exact motion as when you plant the pole vault pole into the box for a jump. Didn’t know my track days were training me for my future career! Lol
You're a pole holder.
Why have that loud engine next to your ear not to mention the heat and fumes right next to your face?
@@joetroutt7425 I hear ya!(no pun intended). But now I use the Stihl battery powered trimmer…so much quieter, cleaner, and cooler running!👍
Do you have a video for changing the pump oil and engine oil on a Stihl RB 400 Pressure Washer?
Good to see you again Steve
One of the best channels on TH-cam. Steve you have no idea how much you have helped me over the years. 👍👍
Wow, thanks
My electric trimmer has a feature that unlocks the head with a lever and allows re clocking of the head for edging. Awhile back I acquired an old gas Briggs & Stratton edger that makes it easier on my back.
Great advice. I replaced the bolt altogether with a Cam Clamp making it easy to adjust anytime anywhere without tools.
Great tip!
Thanks. Never thought of that. How hard is it on your line? Do I need to get diamond encrusted titanium line?
Rotating the trimmer head does not affect the line.
@@RED.H4WK Ya. I was just concerned about the line cutting through the dirt instead of grass.
Yes you will use more line since you're hitting concrete or asphalt . But line isn't all that expensive.
@@davidquinn6161 Steve wasn't explaining how to trim, he was only explaining how to relieve wrist strain. If you want to know how to do vertical trim or how to save line I can explain you.
@@RED.H4WK I was answering a question from Terry K about how hard it is on trimmer line when doing this. Try to keep up !
Up until last year, I had a gravel driveway for 11 years and never did edge trimming, then I invested in an asphalt surface to facilitate snow removal and improve on the value of my property. This coming season I will have about 400 ft of edging to be doing 2 or 3 times during the season, I know this adjustment will make the task so much less taxing on me! Thanks for this nugget of insight, you da Man!
You're Welcome...
I had one of those driveways. I bought an edger. Much easier and looks better. My2c
Oh yeah been doing this way for years. Learned when I was like 14 when I helped my uncle mow all summer. Had a four trimmers set up for multiple uses. Great tip to share along man. Love the channel
Great 😃 advice. Thanks.
Thanks for the tip. I rotated it 90° and it makes edging a whole lot easier. I did notice I was tilting it slightly and I think I might adjust it a little from 90°, once I figure out that nuance.
My Shindaiwa actually has a secondary handle for edging and a shoulder harness for support. It also came with a blade attachment for clearing small brush. It is an absolute beast.
YES!!! I have Shindaiwa also with the double handle (loop and bar) which you can leave a little loose on the shaft and turn it to a comfortable position....only 1 in 10000 people know this!!!
Shindaiwa are the absolute best machines that a homeowner can get. Right under that is RedMax and then Echo. All 3 are worth every penny. If you buy a cheap unit, you will buy another cheap unit and probably even another cheap one before you wear out a Shindaiwa. I have been repairing small engines for about 10 years, and my "Personal" equipment is Shindaiwa and Echo.
@@c.blakerockhart1128 My Shindaiwa I bought used 11 years ago. Aside from changing air and fuel filters it is still running strong. It is just such a reliable tool that I am certain it will be the only string trimmer I will ever need as a homeowner.
@@todzilla09 A guy gave me my first Shindaiwa because it needed a carburetor and he couldn't afford the $90 for it. I spent $11 on a rebuild kit and I've been using it for 7-8 years now. Since then I've got a dedicated pole saw to match. They are both Extremely well made and low maintenance. Just take care of them and they will last. I always mix my fuel heavy with the oil because I would rather have a unit that smokes a little more than one that burns up. Once a year I pull off the muffler and burn them clean.
@@c.blakerockhart1128 Funny I always went a little heavier with the oil too by stopping short of the full ine with the gas thinking more lube equals less friction.
I just finished a job with 2 units and lots of edging ... i'll use this from now on, thank you Steve!
Right on
Yep, at least 1😎Thanks!
I still have a 30 year old Sears belt driven edger I use for this purpose, the results are fast and fantastic!
So do I. Bought mine for $15 at a garage sale 10 years ago. Between that and my old Simplicity Sunstar I am getting manicured results that my neighbors and the golf course across the street can look at and scratch their heads. The lawn care businesses are after speed. That's fine I guess if that's what you want. I have the time to do it myself so I'm happy with my ancient equipment that does a much better job than lawn care businesses can do with their string trimmers, zero turn mowers and the latest in noise pollution, those damn backpack blowers. Doesn't anyone know how to use a rake or a broom any more?
I just edged my property, so I know where you are guiding us. Yup, I will try this next mowing. Thanks Steve.
Best of luck!
Not telling my wife this one, love watching her do the edging with sheep shears!
Totally what I’d do and entirely hilarious!
Neighbor says he will
Pure genius Steve, such a simple and elegant solution. Have you heard of the old Green Machine wackers? Their heads used to pivot with rotation of the handlebars!
If the trimmer has interchangeable attachments, where the attachments connect in the middle of the pole there are usually 2 snap holes, 90° apart. So, on those units, just press in the spring loaded button and turn the bottom shaft 90°.
Another Good Tip Steve, I Live in High Desert California, Years ago I bought a Big Huskvarna Clearing saw 45 cc class. So Heavy, I Never used it, Now I use Echo straight shaft loop handle, Not Handle bars.I go All the way back to Stihl FS 80, I Prefer Huskvarna Saws as Well, Cut Wood yesterday, Huskvarna 372 XP
Ok, I have been edging with string trimmers for 25ish years and never thought about rotating the head! Used to mow tons of yards years ago and wish I thought of that.
The direction of rotation is spot on. I find myself buying straight shaft trimmers like the Husqvarnas I have been using for years as they rotated CCW looking from top down. I remember first using moms Weed Eater curved shaft that turned CC and never liked it expecially after trying a straight shaft trimmer.
Right on buddy! Thank You...
My mom bought a cheap weedeater brand. Couldnt keep the head from coming unscrewed, was afraid if I put loctite on it it would never come off again but it was horrible to start from cold so about 2 dates with that one and never again. Dumb, dumb, dumb design. POS that one was.
Once I had used a straight shaft that ruined me from ever using curved again, I will invent how ever many excuses I need to to get a person to opt for straight. It's just more usable, efficient and long lasting. I have a soft spot for the old Robins(Suburu engine), still have a couple in the hall of fame, NB26 the carburetor parts are too expensive and NB281 the gas cap is too expensive. 100% confidence if I had a new carb that 40 year old one would still run fine even after the square miles of saplings it took down with .115 line in a manual advance head. Rarely ever ran any of them full throttle. I'm all Stihl 94r now, lots better on fuel and I dont mind burning off the spark arrester screen once every 5 years cause I am not going to stop using part throttle, I never go full throttle except a few moments while using a blower. But I am thinking about swithching to amsoil saber to save that 1 minute per year. Not cause of that but due to cost and stank of HP Ultra.
STEVE Your always helping people , AND Not just in the USA but all over the world.
Thank You...
Depending on the rotation of the head, I be sure the wiper sniper is rotating away from you, (shooting the grass out in front), this way it's less likely to kick a stone up at you. If possible.
Thanks Steve, I’ve never heard of this trick. I’m going to try that the next time I edge my lawn. Thanks for the tip.
You're Welcome...
Never heard of that trick. I’ve cut thousands of yards over 35 years and flip the weed eater over my shoulder and walk with the string kicking the grass forward. I only do this on small runs, alleys or yards that don’t water much. Also removing the metal cutter and guard back one inch works best for me 😁👍
Oh, Steve.
You're a frickin' genius!
This is going to make my life so much easier. I have 5 acres of lawns with beds and all sorts of crap to whip round.
Right on buddy! Thank You...
Nice trick Steve. I have an old Ryobi trimmer that I can actually turn the bottom shaft by pressing a release button to put it in edging mode. I really don’t care much to edge with string trimmers though because as you said it’s not very comfortable to do for long periods, it eats string way quicker and the edge isn’t all that good. I plan on getting an actual gas edger someday soon.
I use an expandit series and started doing this year's ago after I noticed pros doing what you described here. Awesome info for those that don't know.
I never knew that option was built into those.
Another great video and advice as always Steve.
Please keep the videos coming.
Thanks, will do!
I have a Black & Decker battery powered. The whole head just pushes and twists 90 degrees at any time. It’s an old trimmer, surprised it’s not everywhere. Works great.
Exactly what one does with the ones with multiple attachments. I like to go with the rotation down to the front and then a slight angle away the grass to keep the the whip from catching the grass on the downswing and dragging the trimmer off the edge. Rotation the other way seems to always drag the head down and mess up the line.
I am today old learning this trick! Awesome! Yes, it does make a difference. Thank you, Steve.
Happy to help!
Great tips always Steve!
Thank You...
For over 10 years I’ve used a Black & Decker 20v electric line trimmer to do all the edging around my 100x150ft suburban lot. Flower beds, sidewalk, trees, landscape bricks, etc. I love that it’s not powerful enough to knock bark off trees or damage fences or downspouts. Although it will dent aluminum downspouts pretty good, so I need to be careful. It’s not powerful enough to cut-in a new bed but it works great for maintaining existing landscaping. And it has a built-in quick release to rotate the head from horizontal to vertical. And a button near the handle to feed more line as it wears. The only thing I changed was I ordered a jumbo battery off Amazon that lasts the entire hour I’m using it. I use gas powered lawn equipment for other things but for general weekly trimming of existing landscaping that electric trimmer has been great.
I did not know, and I'm an engineer! Thanks for the tip.
Yep
Thanks!
You're Welcome...
Apparently 1 in 1000 don’t know this.. on 90% of trimmers, around the handle the shaft actually separates with a wing nut and button, so you can use different accessories, but the real feature there, is the button has 2 sometimes 4 positions for this exact purpose..
90% of trimmers? That's ridiculous. I own a landscaping business and I would say about 10% of trimmers or less have this feature.
Yea def closer to 10%
You've got to be kidding me.....I never saw that myself. I love easy, simple and quick solutions. Thank You.
Glad to help
Wow , thats a great trick Steve , but honestly I've been doing landscaping for over 25 years and I just flip the trimmer over and do the edging I need too and it's never really strained my wrists per say ...maybe I just don't realize the pain 🤣🤣🤣👍
I'm gonna give this a try!
Cheers 🍻 Steve
I've always done it like you, I see no worries. This my be needed for the weekend Warriors though.
@@icuabc1235 I think your right ! Maybe my wrists are just wicked strong 💪 🤔
Cheers brotha
Steve I’m in Tampa and I edge all my yards with weed eater I only use edger first time edging I’ve been doing that for years good info for those beginners thanks
I never get tired when it comes to trimming and edging. I have a great technique.... I mess it up so much that my wife now does all the trimming and edging. I can sit there all day with a few cold beers in the shade as a "safety observer". Of course I keep plenty of cold non-alcohol drinks on ice for her as well.
Yes you did help Steve, thank you !
Question - filled up my strimmer / weed whacker today (used it last week) I wasn't even half way through tthe tank of fuel and I noticed embers/sparks of orange breezing past me from my motor behind me! Turned it off and put it all away. What could be wrong?!
Awesome as usual Steve ,thanks for the no nonsense lessons !
Thanks Steve. I suffer from arthritis, which is currently in remission (thank goodness for clever doctors), but this trick will ensure that I don't push my luck with my wrists and fingers.
You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve really appreciate it
Right on Steveo..
Thank you for that big tip. Not having any knowledge of the internal workings of the head of a trimmer, I wasn't aware you could or should do that.
Glad to help!
Great tip-thanks....
You bet!
Sure helped me out. I've been hurting my back doing my yard for 20 years. Thanks steve.
You're Welcome...
Many of the professional lawn service guys remove the guard too. It allows for longer string and when you edge, you can see what your doing better. That sounds dangerous, but those little guards really don’t stop much anyway.
Using a longer string with guard off puts a much greater load on the machine! Eye safety is compromised.
@@ronzek3207 Could be, but the pros think it’s worth the extra strain on the machine and you always wear eye protection with a trimmer. Those little guards do very little other that get in the way.
I enjoy your videos, I tried that before got frustrated and sold by echo trimmer, bought the echo multi head where you get the trimmer and edger plus you have the option for more attachments, to buy a stand alone stick edger was roughly 300 a Stihl I believe it was I sold my older trimmer really cheap like 60 bucks an older Echo and picked up the new unit from my locally owned mower shop
on the same note: this same "swivel the trimmer head" is useful when edging down into big turf angles, like pond shorelines . I have 9 ponds and nearly 10,000 linear feet of pond shoreline. Every week in the summer. This is one the most difficult jobs to maintain. It's too near the always wet turf and the angles means you end up walking DOWN near the pond and this is huge fatigue on the feet ankles and knees and back. Twisting the trimmer head always you to cut down into that shoreline angle and your don't get so fatigued or wet. This job alone is three full days. Our team rotates the job because it's a bitch. But turning that trimmer head makes it go alot faster with less effort and fatigue.
Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time and creativity to share with the world your generous skills, tips, tricks, techniques. You are making the world a better place with your awesome educational channel. Mucho Gracias
My pleasure!
My grandfather fifty years ago simply had an edging tool with a circular metal cutting edge and a smaller circle with rubber or something to make it rotate as you pushed on it and walked forward. No line to break. No noise, No fuel to use up. Only annoying when the thing slipped instead of rotating, or when it didn't cut properly.
My great grandfather had a goat. No work involved at all - the edging was a bit inconsistent.
Hi Steve, Mine is a Honda 4 stroke with oil in the crankcase, I get nervous when I run it in weird positions, am I crazy or should it be ok?
Am I the only one that walks backwards to edge ?
Nope, I do the same thing!
Me too, I edged the entire Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress. All of the curbs and around all of the walls while walking backwards. It seems easier to do it that way and faster. It took me like two and a half days to do it.
Yup backwards
That’s how I was taught. Never happened but I see the potential for tripping , trying to teach my self to edge walking forwards now 😅
I’m a sideways guy! 😂😂😂
My Ryobi homeowner grade string trimmer has a small foot pedal that allows the head to be rotated 90 degrees to rotate vertically, and there is a guide wheel so that in that position the head can be rolled along the ground so the trimmer doesn’t have to be held up in the air. Makes edging easy.
I thought edging meant something else 🫤
In San Francisco it does
☠️
I’m edging to this video right now
Gold 🎉
I watched a video you did the other day. The one about removing the flywheel from a Honda motor using the air hammer. I was struggling with a Honda engine. I needed to remove the flywheel. I did not have a puller. The air hammer worked for me. It took a little longer IT came off!!! Thank you so much for pasting the knowledge on.
Right on
I thought I was one in a million. Found out it was only five thousand. Rats.
I can truly appreciate your use of proper PPE. Chefs kiss
It's really not that awkward holding the trimmer vertically
Great education video out stand Steve, only one thing for me is what size wrench are needed to do the job like today this star bit. Maybe add them to your Amazon?
I need a beer
Excellent tip Steve and here's another. After 20yrs slashing my property every year and being driven mad by constantly having to stop and manually pull through string that likes to bind inside an automatic feed head..... And after having tried lots of things such as talcum powder and soap flakes on the string reels and inside the head with limited success, I finally stormed off to the shed and bought out the WD40 and sprayed a good amount inside and only once or twice more up the string holes and this gave me excellent feed out right the way to the last inch of string inside..... It only took me 20 yrs to work this out. Am I dumb or what? Yep.
Didn’t know I could do that! Gonna try it today with my Echo. One thing I I’ve noticed on my Echo trimmer is that it floods out, or cuts out, when I turn it and the carb is on the bottom. Don’t know if it a defect, something I’m doing wrong, or common problem? Thank you for another great tip!
This guy is great! I hope he stays humble.
Love the safety equipment in the demo: face shield and ear protection. And, the tip to simply loosen that one bolt and rotate the hesd is great.
Thank You...
Thanks for sharing! I pull the bolt and put a cam clamp bolt in it’s place. Total lucked out with the right threads.
Great tip!
I made a mod for my weed trimmer. I added a small wheel to the guard and rotate the head just as you did... Works almost just like a real edger... Nice straight lines...
Steve,I did the exercise yesterday to see if I could get the extension hedge trimmer for my Victa, but no go. The driveshaft has a different shape fitting, so a stihl won't fit mine.
Great tip. In the UK we have shoulder straps on these petrol/gas strimmers. That way the weight is off your hands.
Now this is fascinating. I have a Stihl FS131. It really isn’t feasible to flip it, but swiveling the head could me make it really good at cleaning the fence rows on our farm.
Right on Mark! Good luck...
My Black and Decker has a button to push that lets you swivel the shaft to rotate the head, plus a guide that folds out to keep the head at the correct height when edging.
Are there any trimmer attachments you recommend to make it a push trimmer? My pops has a bad back, and trimming just causes pain. If he could somehow turn his trimmer into a pushable trimmer on wheels or something, would be great.
Who knew? I’m on it! Thanks for this simple yet very helpful tip Steve. You neglected to tell us what beverage your enjoying
This is going to be a game changer for us when we edge our lawn. Please provide link for me to get one of those face shields you're wearing in your vid. That seems more protective then just wearing goggles. Thanks n
I live out in the country, with a gravel driveway and we don't edge out here, you might get beat up! But it's always entertaining to see what City Folk do, thanks! 😉👍