Weed Eater vs Weed Wacker (What's The Difference)

If you want to make your task of removing weeds from your lawn or around your yard, then you must consider a weed cutter tool.

There are two similar choices to consider: Weed Eater vs Weed Wacker. But what’s the difference between the two? This question is often asked among people considering purchasing a weed cutter tool.

There is no difference between a weed eater and a weed whacker; these terms are used synonymously. But this article contains every detail you need to know about this tool; we have also answered some frequently asked questions.

Weed Eater vs Weed Wacker

At first, it may seem like a weed eater is a regular weed cutter tool while a weed wacker may seem like a weeding tool used for heavy-duty jobs, but the truth is that weed eater and weed whacker are different terms used to reference the same tool.

This weed-cutting tool is called a string trimmer and is used to cut weeds without the stress of getting on your knees. This tool can be used on tough, tender, and rocky soil to eliminate the weeds in your surrounding area.

READ: Guidelines for Troubleshooting If Your Echo Weed Eater Won’t Start

Why The Different Names?

It’s important to know why string trimmers are called these terms. Originally when invented, a string trimmer was called neither of these names.

Still, after some popular organizations manufactured their string trimmer, their brand names got popular and are now used as a generalized term for this equipment.

This action of making the brand name of a product generic is quite common as it can be seen in other products as well.

You may also notice that the term used to refer to a string trimmer varies in different places, and this is because some regions tend to refer to this equipment using one term.

For example, in the southwest area of the United States, like Arkansas, this tool is commonly known as a weed eater. However, this tool is referred to as a string trimmer in regions like Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

Are There Other Names For a Weed Eater

Of course, there are other names for a weed eater, otherwise known as a string trimmer. While it is commonly known as a weed eater or whacker, people in several regions prefer to call it other names. Some other names these devices are called include;

Weed cutter
Stick trimmer
Grass trimmer
Line trimmer
Whipper snipper
Weed whip

Any of these terms mentioned above, including weed eater and weed wacker, refers to string trimmer equipment.

READ: Is a 4-cycle Weed Eater Better Than a 2-cycle?

Pieces of Equipment That Are Confused With a String Trimmer

A string trimmer has been referred to as a brand name, and the terms used to refer to a string trimmer are also often used to regard other equipment.

This confusion results from the similarity in appearance among these types of equipment. Below are some pieces of equipment that are usually confused for a string trimmer.

1. Edger

An edger is a piece of lawn equipment used to create a polished look by precisely cutting the grass in the area that meets your sidewalk, pathway, or patio.

Like a string trimmer, an edger has an elongated body with a handle that makes using it easier, but some differences make each item unique.

2. Brush Cutter

A brush cutter is a heavy device for cutting thick grasses and weeds. This equipment is suitable for covering a large piece of land. It uses a mechanism similar to that of a lawnmower to cut off grasses.

This equipment seems similar to a string trimmer, but they are not. These differences will be distinguished later on in the next section.

The Difference Between a String Trimmer and an Edger?

Aside from their difference in use, an edger uses blades to make a smooth and clean job, while a string trimmer uses a spinning line to reach weeds and grasses in tight corners that an edger cannot reach. An edger is best used for tasks a lawn mower cannot achieve.

Edgers help keep your lawn aesthetically pleasing and minimize invasion by grasses and other weeds. This equipment is also great for keeping foliage and paving away from each other with a lot of mess.

If you want to work around obstacles or spaces that are hard to reach, then you should consider a string trimmer. This equipment also allows you to work with the gas or electric-powered type.

The Difference Between a String Trimmer and a Brush Cutter?

In detail, a brush cutter is heavier than a string trimmer, and it has thicker blades that can be used to cut through stalks, stems, and even some small trees.

They are perfect for heavy-duty jobs as they have a much more complex build of a gas engine that uses more power than a string trimmer.

In design, a string trimmer has an angled handle for control, while a brush cutter has a longer and straighter shaft.

However, because of the weight of a brush cutter, it is not the best option for a large space as it can leave you feeling exhausted.

While you are presented with the choice between a gas-powered or electric-powered string trimmer, this option does not apply to a brush cutter, as the only available option is to use a gas-powered engine.

Conclusion

There has been a lot of misunderstanding regarding the difference between a weed eater and a weed whacker, but this is unnecessary as they both refer to the same equipment.

Weed eater and weed whacker are brand names used synonymously to regard a string trimmer. We have seen that the use of these words can depend on the region you reside.

We have also discussed other terms commonly used to refer to a string trimmer as well as pieces of equipment that are often confused with this one. We have explained the difference between these tools to help you identify their appearance and use them better.

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