How to Use a Ryobi Weed Eater

Overview

Ryobi weed eaters are used to trim areas that a traditional lawn mower can't reach. Weed eaters use a spinning nylon line that cuts grass and weeds, leaving your lawn clean and neat. Never use your Ryobi weed eater on any surface other than grass or weeds. Trimming around rocks, gravel, brick and concrete can cause the line to snap when it comes in contact with the hard surface, or the line could send small pieces of rock and gravel flying through the air, causing possible injury.

Step 1

Plug your Ryobi electric weed eater into a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. Squeeze and release the trigger on the handle to start the electric weed eater. Start the Ryobi gas weed eater by putting the ignition switch in the "On" position. Press the primer bulb five to seven times, then place the choke lever in the "Start" position. Lay the gas trimmer on the ground. Squeeze the throttle trigger and pull the starter rope quickly. Move the choke lever to the "Run" position once the engine starts.

Step 2

Don safety goggles and put in ear plugs. Hold the Ryobi weed eater with one hand on the front handle and one hand on the rear handle. Bump the trimmer head on the ground to release the nylon cutting line. Hold the head of the weed eater level to cut grass and weeds, using a side-to-side motion. Trim around posts, trees and fences by holding the head of the weed eater at a 30-degree angle. Edge around sidewalks and flowerbeds holding the head at a 90-degree angle.

Step 3

Release the trigger to stop the Ryobi weed eater when moving from one area to another and when the cutting line gets tangled in a stationary object. If you hit any hard objects, such as brick or rocks, stop the weed eater immediately and check for loose or damaged parts.

Step 4

Squeeze and release the trigger on the handle to shut off the electric weed eater. To stop the gas trimmer, turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position.