Buying guide for Best manual lawn edgers
If you want your landscaping to turn a few heads, you can't just mow and trim: you also need to edge. Edging creates a barrier that stops grass and weeds from encroaching on your garden, walkways, and driveways. A properly edged walkway or garden adds a crisp and pristine look to your yard that makes your home stand out.
If you are interested in getting the most for your money, a manual lawn edger is the way to go. This eco-friendly tool requires little maintenance and will provide many years of reliable service. The best models will not only be dependable, but they will also feature an ergonomic design that allows you to work efficiently without fatigue. While you're choosing, don’t forget to check out the quality of the blade, the length of the shaft, and the ergonomics of the handle.
Key considerations
Standard vs. rotary
Standard
Different edger tools exist for different situations. What we are calling a standard edger is any model that must be driven into the ground using your foot. These models look like shovels, but the blade is not rectangular. Instead, it is a crescent or V shape so it can easily slice into the soil. Also, the blade is flat because you will not be scooping up any dirt; you are simply cutting a line through the soil.
Since there are no moving parts, a standard manual yard edger is more durable than a rotary edger. It also costs less and is far more versatile because it can be used in any edging situation.
Rotary
A rotary edger is easy to distinguish from a standard edger because it has wheels. It features a blade that looks vaguely like a throwing star. Because the wheels need to be on a hard surface, you can only use this type of edger if you are edging along a solid surface such as a driveway or sidewalk. The wheels roll along the hard surface while the blade spins, slicing a thin line through the soil. Most rotary edgers also feature a guide that allows you to stay close against the surface you are edging.
Did You Know?
Manual lawn edgers are virtually maintenance-free, and they are more affordable and easier to store than electric lawn edgers.
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Features
There are three main parts to a standard manual lawn edger: the blade, shaft, and handle.
Blade
When shopping for a standard manual yard edger, the blade is the most important feature. A rust-resistant carbon steel blade can handle the toughest tasks. Some models are shaped like a crescent, while others may be more angular and resemble a broad "V." This shape allows you to easily rock the edger from side to side. Many edger blades feature a serrated edge, which may come in handy for sawing through thin roots as you work.
The blade of a manual lawn edger needs a lip along the top edge, as this is where your foot will apply the pressure needed to sink the blade into the soil. Also consider the width of the blade: the wider it is, the quicker you can work, but the tougher the edger will be to handle.
Shaft
The shaft of a standard manual edger should be long enough that the handle is above your waist. This puts the ideal shaft at close to 40 inches long, depending on your height. The lower the handle is, the more strain you will be placing on your lower back. While having a lightweight model is nice, durability is more important than weight, as you won't be doing much lifting with this tool.
Handle
The handle or grip on a manual lawn edger should be comfortable to hold. Even though your feet are performing the toughest task, a padded grip helps prevent blisters and allows you to work longer before fatiguing.
There are two types of handles: T-shaped and O-shaped. Both are designed for the slight sideways rocking motion you need when edging. Many individuals prefer an O-shaped handle because it offers greater control in a wider variety of positions. Ultimately, however, your choice comes down to personal preference.
While the best tool is often the sharpest tool, read your owner's manual to learn how to sharpen your edger blade properly. If you make it too sharp, you might actually weaken the blade.
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Accessories
Safety glasses: 3M Safety Glasses
Even with a manual lawn edger, the risk of launching debris into your eye is present. The foam gasket around these comfortable anti-fog 3M Safety Glasses will also help protect your eyes from dust.
Work gloves: OZERO Leather Work Gloves
To safeguard your hands when edging, you need a durable pair of work gloves. These comfortable, wear-resistant gloves are designed for men and women and made of 100% genuine leather.
Work boots: Timberland PRO Steel-Toe Work Boots
Your feet can take a beating from repeatedly driving a blade into the dirt when edging. These rugged Timberland work boots are designed to protect feet from injury and fatigue so you can work trouble-free until you complete all of your edging chores.
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion
Whenever you are outside, if your skin is exposed to the sun, it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen. Neutrogena's fast-absorbing dry-touch sunscreen has an SPF of 100+ for maximum protection.
Did You Know?
Using a manual lawn edger can give you a good cardiovascular workout.
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Manual lawn edger prices
Inexpensive: For $35 or less, you can find a manual edger with a basic design. Most likely, it will be a steel blade with a T-style handle. There's nothing wrong with the function of these models; they are just a little lacking when it comes to ergonomics.
Mid-range: For $35 to $55, manual lawn edgers may feature a blade that is manufactured with more durable (and more expensive) high-carbon steel. The design of the blade may be better suited for cutting through problem areas, and the edger may feature a circular handle so it is easier to work the tool in a side-to-side motion.
High-end: You are unlikely to find manual lawn edgers that cost over $55. When you enter this price range, the products are powered by electricity or gas.
Tips
- Start with a clean tool. Not only does a clean tool work better, but regularly cleaning your manual lawn edger will make it last longer.
- Inspect your tool. Before beginning, make sure your manual lawn edger is in good working condition with no loose parts and no splintering on the handle. It should be sharpened as per the tool's instructions.
- Wear protective gear. Work boots, gloves, safety glasses, long pants, and sunscreen are all recommended.
- Mow first. So you can get a good view of what you're dealing with, mow your lawn before edging.
- Map your path. While it might seem easy enough, it's best to have some sort of marking on the ground to ensure you have the straightest edge.
- Line up and use your foot. For a standard manual lawn edger, line up the blade (keeping it perpendicular to the lawn). Use your foot to drive it into the ground up to the lip.
- Don’t force it. Gently rock the blade from side to side before removing. Then, move down the width of your blade and repeat the process. If you encounter resistance, do not force the blade down. While it might be a stray pebble, it could also be a thick root, an irrigation line, a larger rock, or even an electric line.
- Clean up. Once you have finished, clean up any stray debris to give the edging a crisp look.
FAQ
Q. How often do I need to edge my lawn?
A. While you won't need to edge your yard with every mowing, you should take that time to evaluate the situation. If your edging is starting to lose its crispness, it's time to edge again. If you work better by keeping a schedule, once each month is a good rule of thumb.
Q. How important is cleaning a manual lawn edger?
A. While gardening tools are designed to get dirty, it is unwise to let them stay dirty. Besides lasting longer and working more efficiently, cleaning your manual lawn edger has another important benefit. If you happen to dig through any diseased soil, washing your edger will help prevent its unintentional spread to other areas of your yard.
Q. What is the best way to clean a manual lawn edger?
A. While some people advise filling a 5-gallon bucket with sand and adding about two-thirds of a quart of motor oil so you can scrub down your blades, there are drawbacks to this method. It's overly complicated, animals love sand (so you may find some surprises in your sand), and motor oil is not eco-friendly. Instead, after every use, give your manual yard edger a quick spray with the hose, wipe it off, and dry it with a clean rag.
