How to Start a Weed Whacker

Co-authored by Mark Spelman

Last Updated: September 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Starting a weed whacker can be tricky when dealing with a model you’ve never seen before. You should know that weed whackers fall into two main categories: some use gas while others are electric. A gas weed whacker starts much like a car or other gas-powered vehicle, while an electric weed whacker’s operation is more similar to electric home appliances.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Starting a Gas Powered Weed Whacker

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1
Place the weed whacker on the ground, away from obstructions. This will give you more leverage as you try to start the weed whacker. Additionally, you want to make sure any object that could get caught in the spinning line is kept well away.
- Make sure the gas tank is sealed before starting your weed whacker. Always use the right kind of gas mixture because most weed whackers are two cycle.
2
Flip the kill switch on. The location of this switch will vary depending on the weed whacker you’re using. You can usually find it somewhere on the shaft.
- The kill switch controls the flow of electricity to the motor. It’s also referred to as a the “on/off switch”; if it’s kept off, the engine cannot start.^{[1]
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3
Switch the choke to the “on” or “closed” position. This is only something you need to do if cold starting your weed whacker. A cold start refers to any time you need to start an engine when its temperature is colder than the temperature it usually runs at.^{[2]
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Go to source} The choke will restrict the airflow into the engine, making it easier to start it.
- If you’ve used the weed whacker in the past five minutes, the engine should still be warm enough. You won’t need to switch on the choke or use the purge valve.
4
Press the purge valve five to six times. The purge valve is a bulbous piece of rubber, similar in shape and size to the tip of a finger. It’s also sometimes referred to as a “primer bulb”. Pressing this bulb will allow fresh gas to enter the carburetor.^{[3]
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- This step is only needed when cold starting the weed whacker.
- If it doesn't start, keep pressing the purge valve. Sometimes if the weed whacker has been sitting around it needs more priming.
5
Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord. The throttle lock is a small lever usually found on top of the weed whacker’s shaft. You should only have to pull the cord two or three times before the engine starts to run.
- Be sure not to pull on the trigger below the shaft; you don’t need to give the weed whacker any gas for it to start.^{[4]
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If done correctly, you’ll then hear the engine stop working; it’ll essentially “burp”, running only for a few seconds. Make sure not to pull the cord after you hear the engine die down.
Now that you’ve been able to start the engine, you don’t need the assistance of the choke. Resuming proper air flow to the engine will keep it efficient. While the choke allows for a cold engine to be started more easily, it will lead to higher fuel consumption if kept on while you use the weed whacker.^{[5]
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Go to source}
8
Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord again. Be sure not to pull on the trigger below the shaft; you don’t need to give the weed whacker any gas for it to start.^{[6]
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Research source} Keep pulling the cord until the engine starts. It should now keep running, rather than simply burping. The weed whacker is now ready to use!
- For a warm start, you should only need to follow this step. There’s no need to fiddle with the purge valve, and you should make sure the choke is on the run position.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Starting an Electric Weed Whacker

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1
Plug the weed whacker into an outlet. Make sure to use an extension cord that’s long enough to cover the area you will be trimming. Some weed whackers have a clip on the handle where you can loop the extension cord. This prevents it from disconnecting if it gets caught as you use the weed whacker.
- Some electric weed whackers are battery powered. If this is the case, you’ll need to make sure you’ve charged the weed whacker before trying to start it.^{[7]
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- Make sure the trigger isn’t held down when plugging in the weed whacker.
The advantage of electric weed whackers is they’re ready to be used once they’ve been plugged in. The line will start spinning as soon as you pull the trigger. Make sure to keep the weed whacker away from you and any surface that could be damaged by it.
While a gas powered weed whacker demands several steps before starting, electric weed whackers are much simpler. You won’t find a kill switch or a pull cord on an electric weed whacker. You should only need to pull the trigger to get it working.

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Tips

You can opt to use a battery-powered unit.

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The placement of parts such as the throttle lock and the kill switch will vary depending on the model you use. Refer to your weed whacker’s user manual to determine their location.

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Make sure to use a good string.

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Warnings

Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear before starting the weed whacker. At the very least, you need a good pair of glasses to prevent debris or plants from getting in your eyes.

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Read the owner’s manual carefully before starting a weed whacker. There might be safety precautions or considerations specific to your particular model.

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Check your weed whacker for any leaks or material defects before trying to start it.

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Keep your hands and feet away from the spinning cord.

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What additional safety gear you should wear depends on your situation. Consider a long sleeved shirt, pants, work boots, a hat, gloves, ear protection, and a dust mask.^{[8]
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