Call it a weed whacker, a weed eater, or a goat-on-a-stick, it's all the same: a yard trimmer. They are increasingly popular, especially with people who live in and daily battle nature. The better models require little maintenance, but the smaller ones can be sufficiently frustrating to make you trade them in for a scythe--almost. Here's how the Fix-It Club takes care of them.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical electric-powered yard trimmer.

A yard trimmer is an electric- or gas engine-powered tool for cutting weeds and for trimming and edging grass. Yard trimmers come in a variety of sizes, designs, and power systems. String trimmers cut through vegetation with a short, rapidly spinning length of thick monofilament line. Heavy-duty trimmers use rotating plastic or metal blades. Power is provided by electrical cords, electric batteries, or small gas engines. The more power, the more it can cut.

Fix-It Tip

The first rule of using a yard trimmer is to use only monofilament line specified by the manufacturer of your trimmer. Make sure it is of the same size and stiffness.

What Can Go Wrong?

Components of a typical gas-powered yard trimmer.

The most common problem with a string trimmer is that the unit runs out of string. The string may also be twisted or loose on the spool. The cutting head may be dirty or the head outlet guide may be bent. An electric trimmer's power cord, switch, or motor may fail. A gas trimmer's engine may be faulty. The air filter or exhaust port may be blocked. The trimmer may need lubrication and cooling fins or air passages may be blocked. A cordless trimmer's battery or charger may be faulty.