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Many grass trimmers cut using a string-like line that rotates at speed, strimming grass and stems. 

However, unlike the other cutting method – plastic blades – the line system seems to cause lots of frustration with users. In fact, the most common complaint about grass trimmers is how often the line breaks. 

In our tests we deliberately hit the grass trimmer's line on a metal edge to see how often the trimmer loses it. This way, we can find those grass trimmers that will quickly spool out more line and those that will have you fiddling around for ages to repair it. 

Head straight to our best grass trimmers and strimmers.

You might prefer a trimmer that uses a blade instead of a line – jump straight to our grass trimmer reviews to find one. 

Some grass trimmers have a plant guard, which is a wire hoop that projects in front of the grass trimmers. Remember to keep this up against the tree or bush, and be aware that if you swipe sideways you will cut into the bark. 

It's very easy to accidentally catch the base of trees and shrubs with your grass trimmer, which rips the bark, letting disease into the plant. In the worst cases it's possible to kill a tree if the bark is cut right around the trunk.

Want to replace your grass trimmer? See our pick of the best grass trim mers and lawn edgers .  

Back in the day, this job would have been done using a scythe, so think of your grass trimmer in much the same way. 

Remember to feed out plenty of line when you're doing this. The line will break regularly and there's a risk that you will lose it if you don't feed out more regularly. You will also work more efficiently by using the maximum cutting area. 

Head to our grass trimmers buying guide to find the useful features that will help with trimming jobs.