Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
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If you want to use your attachment capable battery powered string trimmer to it fullest you need to know how to use string trimmer attachments. Using any of the many available string trimmer attachments can turn your trimmer into a swiss army knife of outdoor tools, allowing you to handle many tasks with one tool that is affordable and adaptable.
What are String Trimmer Attachments?
String trimmer attachments can be added to an existing string trimmer powerhead (either gas or electric ) to handle other outdoor tasks. Some examples would be:
- blowers
- hedge trimmers
- edgers
- pole saws
- brush cutters
- cultivators
We will go into a little more depth with several attachments that are widely available today from many manufactures a little later in this post.
Why would you want String Trimmer Attachments?
Over the years, your garage or tool shed can accumulate a lot of different lawn and garden equipment. I know mine has.
If you don’t want to buy a string trimmer, a pole saw, or a hedge trimmer, you can use attachment-capable string trimmers to power all of them. This way, you can save money and space.
When I first started got into battery powered outdoor tools. The first piece of equipment I bought was a battery powered RYOBI attachment capable string trimmer. I then was able to purchase different attachments like a pole saw, blower, and brush cutter.
This allowed me to have more tools available for me to use without buying individual tools separately. I am sure it saved me $500 or more.
Using your String Trimmer Attachment
The great news is, this is easy. Most powerheads all connect in the same fashion, and the string trimmer still functions the same way it did previously. The only thing that changes is the attachment.
String trimmers or powerheads that allow for attachments can remove the lower half of the trimmer. This will enable you to switch out different implements for different tasks.
There is usually a wing nut or toggle bolt near the middle of the trimmer that disconnects the bottom part of the trimmer. Often this is referred to as the coupler.
Installing an Attachment
- Make sure the motor is stopped and the battery pack is removed from the powerhead or string trimmer
- Loosen the knob on the coupler of the string trimmer or powerhead
- Push the retaining button on the attachment staff, aligning the button with the guide on the powerhead coupler.
- Slide the two shafts together, rotating the shaft until the button clicks into place
- Tighten the coupler knob
- Reattach the battery and begin using your string trimmer with its attachment.
Removing an Attachment
- Again make sure the motor is stopped and the battery pack has been removed from the string trimmer or powerhead
- Loosen the coupler knob
- Push the retention button and twist the shafts to remove the attachment.
Repeat this process every time you need to switch out attachments.
Like I previously mentioned, the string trimmer or powerhead should still function the same with each attachment. Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of string trimmer attachments available.
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Types of String Trimmer Attachments
Leaf Blower Attachment
A leaf blower attachment turns your string trimmer into a leaf blower. The string trimmer or powerheads driveshaft spins a blower fan making your trimmer into a full-fledge leaf blower.
While not as powerful as some stand alone leaf blowers, they will handle most of your leaf blowing needs. Some come with adjustable nozzles to direct the airflow for specific blowing needs.
I think leaf blower attachments might be one of the most underutilized attachments, but they are handy.
Edger Attachment
This might be the attachment you see the most or are most familiar with. This attachment lets you turn your trimmer into a lawn or landscape edger to get those nice clean edges on your garden beds, driveways, and walkways.
Edging with a string trimmer isn’t always easy, and a dedicated edging tool with a metal blade and guide wheels makes the task so much easier. Being able to switch to an edger and back to a trimmer is very convenient.
Cultivator Attachment
You may only use a cultivator a few times a year, and who wants to own a separate full size cultivator for those infrequent tasks. A cultivator attachment lets you handle those tasks in a more cost and space-effective manner.
These cultivator attachments are excellent for turning over soil in gardens, lawns, or landscape beds. They are great for amending soil and weed control.
Brush Cutter Attachment
When the weeds and brush get a little too much for your regular string trimmer, it might be time to pull out the brush cutter attachment. Brush cutters allow you quickly cut through those thicker weeds, grasses, and smaller saplings.
Brush cutters utilize a large spinning metal blade to cut through the thicker materials easier than the average string trimmer line. Since you might not need a brush cutter often, this is again a great way to add versatility to your outdoor tools without buying a full-sized tool you might use a couple of times a year.
Pole Saw Attachment
Pole saws safely allow you to trim tree limbs from the safety of the ground. They are small chainsaws attached to extendable poles up to 10 feet ( some are longer).
If you don’t want to purchase a dedicated pole saw for trimming trees, these pole saw or pruner attachments are excellent at cutting smaller limbs in the 6 to 9-inch diameter range.
Hedge Trimmer Attachment
Being able to keep your hedges looking nice and tidy is always a chore, but being able to switch to hedge trimmer attachment quickly would make it that much easier.
Hedge trimmer attachments are much like their stand-alone handheld hedge trimmers. They have the same blades and lengths, though they might have a little extra reach since they are attached to a trimmer, which isn’t bad either. Some of these are articulating as well, being able to adjust the angle of the trimmer head.
Other Attachments
There are a few other attachments that aren’t common, but you might want to take a look at if they meet a need you have at your home:
- snow thrower attachment – turns your trimmer into a mini snow thrower, which is great for decks and walkways
- bristle broom – great for cleaning up heavier debris and dirt on hard surfaces
- paddle broom – a solid paddle sweeper that can be used for many tasks like sweeping dirt, snow, and mulch.
- curved or straight shaft trimmer head – often, your trimmer or powerhead will come with either curved or straight trimmer shaft, so you might want to get the other style for specific trimming needs.
Summing it Up
Using an attachment capable string trimmer is a pretty easy task. If you are comfortable with using the string trimmer. Then you will be comfortable with utilizing any of the attachments available from your string trimmer or powerhead, making the tool that much more versatile and capable while saving you a considerable amount of money on dedicated tools.
