Ryobi One+ 4.0AH Edger Kit RED1850Li40

Better than a whipper snipper at edging – I read all the online reviews before buying this and generally concur and can summarise as follows: PRO'S - save money buying the kit versus the skin only version (unless you already have a battery & charger) - very lightweight so easier for women to handle - replacement blades are sold at Bunnings - 6 year warranty on the unit and 3yrs on battery and charger - I find it MUCH easier to use than a whipper snipper (I could never hold it at the right angle and was constantly replacing the line) - battery operated is great, no buying/mixing petrol, easy start and no cord to drag around

CON'S - getting a straight line and not sending up sparks takes a bit of practice. Difficult to get a straight line where the edge of a concrete path is damaged/chipped and not straight. - can't be used on tight curves (gentle curves are fine) and difficult to use on non-continuous (fan shaped) brick edging - you WILL make a big mess and kick up a lot of dirt the first time you use it, especially at the greatest depth setting. You'll be picking lawn clippings out of your garden beds and sweeping up/blowing dirt off pavement. - you most likely will damage the blade on first use and need an instant replacement (the points ground down on both ends of the blade after first use on 400m of edging). Buy a spare blade when you buy the unit. - comes with a 4Ah battery which takes 3hrs to recharge from empty. - one full charge wasn't enough to do 400m of edging for the first run but expect it will be a lot quicker second time around as the channels are already dug out.

TIPS - go slowly for more control, especially on first use for a straighter line - move the unit backwards and forwards so it better throws off the lawn clippings so for overgrown edges you can see where you're going and keep a straight line - when using for the first time it may get bogged down and stop a lot, so start the tool off the ground and then lower into position. - the soil at depth is still moist a few days after rain in winter and on first use you'll need to regularly turn off the machine and clean the mud off the inside of the guard to keep the blade turning easily. - there's a locking pin taped to the spanner that you MUST use when replacing the blade to prevent it flying off.