Using a pair of durable scissors, cut the line so you have a 16-foot length of string. After you've cut your length of line, it's time to start installing it into your trimmer.

Always wear close-toed shoes when using a string trimmer. No need for steel-toed work boots; any pair of covered shoes will provide adequate protection against a standard string trimmer line.

Set the line length by pressing the head of the string trimmer, then use your fingers to pull out the line. You should be able to pull out a few inches of line with each press.

Consumer Reports shows you how to use your string trimmer as an edger to give your yard a professionally landscaped look.

Consumer Reports reveals the easiest string trimmers to use for giving your lawn a manicured look. Trimming grass around edges and tight spots is less of a chore with these models from our tests.