I have the cheapy Homelite brand one from Home Depot and it's working like new after 3 years.

cool! how much do you use it?

Get electric, not gas. Much easier, provided you have a long extension cord. There's a hole and a peg near the trigger where you loop the extension cord, then hook it on the peg. (Difficult to describe, but I'm sure the instructions will have a diagram.) This helps keep the cord away from the string trimmer.

Get one that uses a spooled cord. With some (probably older ones), you have to cut a piece of cord to length and then thread it in some impossible manner.

Until you get comfortable using it, wear closed-toed shoes. Be mindful of how long the string is. Make sure it doesn't extend past the guard. Make sure the guard doesn't extend past any plants you don't want to chop in half.

I used mine every time I mow to trim around trees, do the edging along the driveway, trim around the arbor posts, etc. It's a workhorse and it does its job.

I have a Black & Decker electric model. I think it sells for ~$60. No complaints whatsoever.

Before you buy, check to make sure it's not going to be too heavy for you. Prolonged use really makes the biceps cramp.

thanks, mudpup! I didn't know they had spooled ones. I think I've only used the older ones. I've avoided gas (even though I was told they were better) because they're HEAVY! And even the electric ones get tiring to hold after awhile.

We inherited ours, so I can't really tell you much about it. I will, however, take this opportunity to remind you to wear your eye protection when using your new weedeater. Ours kicks up a lot of shrapnel, and I've had a couple of bits of something hard bounce off my shop glasses.

I don't know what would make a gas one better unless it's horsepower. (Also, they stink. Plus, you have to buy a gas can, and gas, and motor oil, and all of that is a huge pain.) Unless you're chopping through acres of ivy, an electric one will do you just fine!

All that said, I have an old electric Ryobi that's not in use. It doesn't use a spool; you have to cut the cord. I could never figure out how, but it's obviously possible. Pretty lightweight. You're welcome to it if you want it. I think I might even be in your neck of the woods on Saturday, so delivery could be arranged.

Let me know if you're interested. If nothing else, you'd get it out of my garage and could barter it for, I dunno, lemons or something.

wow, mudpup! Yes, I'd love it.

What are you doing 'round these parts?

I can offer Cheeseboard Cheese or pastries at Crixa? Possibly pizza and beer at a later date?

Yeah, just buy me a beer sometime and we're even! We're headed to Oakland to hang out with one of the gf's friends. Don't know details yet, but I'll let you know when I do.

Yup- call me up. Thanks!

I prefer the electric ones as well. I got a fancy new gas version a couple years ago and used it about two times before deciding I hated it. I've gone back to my old (but reliable) electric version.

If you're short make sure you try out the models at the store.

Advice? SAFETY GOGGLES. There's even an emoticon for it...

;-)

Triode, I think you mean .-(

8-)

heh- usually my glasses are good enough. I haven't found safety glasses that don't fog up my glasses. (If you know of any let me know.)