What Did People Use Before String Trimmers?

Grass Clippers

• Grass clippers work like a scissors, with two blades that close upon each other when the user squeezes the handle. Springs within the handle return the blades to the open position. The user moves the tool around the tree or along the foundation, clipping off a few inches of grass with each squeeze of the handle.

Clipper Designs

• The traditional clipper requires the user to crawl along the ground, or bend over repeatedly, while clipping. Some designs include shafts that extend the handles, so the user can stand while operating the clipper. Different manufacturers build clippers in different dimensions and various handle configurations.

Clipper Advantages

• Hand grass clippers are nearly silent and do not produce exhaust gasses. These traits appeal to users with concerns about environmental issues. The purchase price and ongoing operating expense is much lower for the manual lawn clipper than for string trimmers. Using a lawn clipper also is form of exercise.

Clipper Disadvantages

• Lawn clippers are slower than string trimmers and can add hours to the lawn-mowing task in a large yard. The exercise the lawn clipper provides is almost entirely to the hand that repeatedly squeezes the handle to operate the blades. This can lead to fatigue and blisters.