Rotary edger hand tool

15 years ago

Hi. I am trying to find a decent sidewalk edger. I prefer not to use power tools, so I am looking for the old style wheel-on-a-stick type of edger, like this one:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1275028&cp=&sr=1&origkw=edger&kw=edger&parentPage=search&searchId=29587157203

I have a nice Craftsman edger from another era, but the teeth on the blade have worn down and I can't get a replacement blade. I bought a replacement Craftsman edger but it broke before I finished edging one time.

I tried Ace and True Value, but the only edgers they have look *a lot* like the one I got from Sears, right down to the word "CHINA" embossed on the metal frame.

Does anyone have a rotary edger that they have purchased recently and had good luck with? (Thanks, but I don't need feedback on electric and gasoline powered models.)

Thanks

Pete

Comments (9)

weed_cutter
15 years ago
I haven't seen one of those since I was a kid, didn't know they still made them.

I can't help you locate a well made wheel edger but the half-moon step on type work OK when you get the rhythm going. You have to get the right song to sing while stepping, prying then pulling.
petehouk
Original Author
15 years ago
I guess I hadn't considered the step-on type. They have the advantage of simplicity...no moving parts to wear or break.
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schoolhouse_gw
15 years ago
I have the one you posted the link to. Bought it like four years ago at Lowes I think and only used it a few times. Mainly, because I wanted it for edging a flower bed in the yard, not a sidewalk and seemed to be too much effort. Best tool I've found for the job is a shovel. But, check Lowes for that single wheel type.
schoolhouse_gw
15 years ago
I checked Lowe's website and didn't see one, but found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Single-Wheel-Lawn-Edger-Flexrake/dp/B000DCN8NQ
petehouk
Original Author
15 years ago
That Flexrake sounds like the way to go. I am going to try one as soon as I get my $15 back for that Craftsman piece of junk!
derick
15 years ago
Glad to find this subject on a forum! I have a slightly different question on the same subject. I grew up using a Rotary edger, so now that I have my own lawn, I thought I might get one again.

My lovely bride bought me a single wheeled rotary edger for Christmas, with the proviso that I could opt for the two wheeled variety. (That one costs roughly ten dollars more.)

My question is this: Is there an advantage to the two wheeled variety and if so, what is the upside? I don't have a huge lawn/sidewalk area, so a single pass probably would be sufficient. I don't want to start using a single wheel only to find out I should have gone for the double... and now can't return the "used" one.

Any advice you can offer?
earthworm
12 years ago
An idea, if, like me you have over 150 of edging to do, used a weed and grass killer at the edges.
Then as step two, use a hand unit right after a good rain.
This requires planning and some weather cooperation..
Another idea - till the edge area, use landscape fabric and plant alisium(sp?) as a border/ground cover.
For more half-baked ideas...............
robertbright_hotmail_com
12 years ago
I hAve a old hand rotary edger. It is a Ayers Edger. Made and patanted by George E. Ayers. It also has a date of 1902 on the handle. I don't have any use for it. Email me and let met know something.
loger_gw
12 years ago
Derick, I feel the two wheels gives you better traction, balance or stability on the concrete or hard surfaces. I have owned two for touching-up vs serious trimming. Personally, I would hate to use one wheel. loger