🔧 Tool Comparison

Long-Handled Edging Shears vs Cordless Strimmer: Which Lawn Edging Tool Is Best for UK Gardens?

July 12, 2026 · By Sam Baker

A crisp lawn edge is the difference between a garden that looks tidy and one that looks truly cared for. But for keeping those borders sharp, UK gardeners face a classic choice: traditional long-handled edging shears or a cordless strimmer?

Both tools get the job done, but they suit very different gardens, budgets, and preferences. In this versus guide, I'll put them head-to-head across the factors that actually matter — precision, cost, noise, maintenance, and ease of use — so you can decide which edging tool deserves a spot in your shed.

Key Takeaways

Edging shears are quieter, cheaper, and more precise for small-to-medium lawns — ideal for Hardys Long Handled Garden Shears
cordless strimmers are faster over larger areas but noisier and more expensive — the SMILOVII Cordless Strimmer is a strong budget option
Telescopic shears like the Long Handled Lawn Shears offer adjustable reach and better posture
A cordless strimmer like the Garden Gear Cordless Strimmer suits large gardens with lots of borders
Many UK gardeners benefit from owning both — shears for precision finishing, strimmer for bulk work

Quick Comparison: Edging Shears vs Cordless Strimmer

Feature	Edging Shears	Cordless Strimmer
Price Range	£15–£40	£40–£120
Precision	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent	⭐⭐⭐ Good (with practice)
Speed for Medium Lawn	20–30 min	5–10 min
Noise Level	Silent	65–80 dB
Running Cost	Zero	Battery replacement ~£20/2yr
Maintenance	Annual sharpening	Line replacement, battery care
Eco-Friendly	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Zero emissions	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Battery (recyclable)
Storage Space	Minimal	Moderate (bodies + charger)
Physical Effort	Moderate (manual cutting)	Low (tool does the work)
Best For	Small gardens, precise edges, close to plants	Medium-large lawns, long borders, rough grass

Long-Handled Edging Shears — The Traditional Choice

Long-handled edging shears are one of the simplest garden tools you'll own. Two long handles connect to a pair of sharp carbon-steel blades — you position them vertically along the lawn edge and squeeze. No motor, no battery, no noise.

The Hardys Long Handled Garden Shears (£25–35) are the standout choice for UK gardeners who want solid build quality without breaking the bank. At just 1.3kg with a 93cm length, they're light enough for extended use and the carbon steel blades hold a sharp edge well. The soft-grip handles make a real difference when you're edging a whole lawn — no blisters after twenty minutes of trimming.

For gardeners who need adjustable reach, the Long Handled Lawn Shears with Telescopic Handles (£20–30) extend from 60cm to 1m, letting you work at a comfortable standing height. This is a game-changer if you have back issues or simply prefer not to stoop. The telescopic mechanism is sturdy enough for regular use, though it adds a small amount of flex compared to fixed-length shears.

Pros of Edging Shears

Silent operation — edge the lawn at 7am on a Sunday without upsetting the neighbours
Precision cut — you can trim right up to beds, patios, and ornaments without damaging plants
Zero running costs — no fuel, no electricity, no replacement line
Weatherproof — drizzle? No problem. Shears work fine in damp conditions
Low maintenance — a quick sharpen once a year keeps them cutting well

Cons of Edging Shears

Slower — edging a medium lawn takes 20–30 minutes of steady work
Physical effort — repetitive squeezing can tire hands and arms, especially on thicker grass
Not for rough grass — overgrown edges or thick weed stems are tough work
Limited reach — you still need to get reasonably close to the edge

Cordless Strimmers — The Modern Option

A cordless strimmer (or grass trimmer) uses a spinning head with nylon line or metal blades to slice through grass and weeds at speed. Modern lithium-ion batteries mean you get 30–60 minutes of run time — plenty for the average UK garden.

The SMILOVII Cordless Strimmer (£45–60) is an impressive budget option that punches above its weight. It comes with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, plus a brush cutter attachment with wheels — useful for tougher weeds along fence lines. The 24,000 RPM motor cuts through long grass without bogging down, and the metal blades handle brambles better than nylon line ever could. The LCD battery indicator is a thoughtful touch that stops you running out mid-job.

For gardeners wanting a more established brand, the Garden Gear Cordless Strimmer (£50–70) offers a telescopic shaft and an adjustable head angle — essential for getting under benches, around planters, and along curved borders. Its 20V battery gives about 25 minutes of continuous trimming, enough for most small-to-medium lawns. The adjustable head is the standout feature here: tilt it sideways for vertical edging along paths without bending.

Pros of Cordless Strimmers

Fast — edge a medium lawn in 5–10 minutes, not 30
Low effort — the tool does the cutting, you just guide it
Versatile — strimmers handle long grass, weeds, and rough patches that shears can't
Adjustable — telescopic shafts and pivoting heads make awkward spots easier
Cordless freedom — no extension lead tangles or petrol mixing

Cons of Cordless Strimmers

Noise — even quiet strimmers register 65–80 dB, noticeable in a quiet garden
Battery anxiety — run out of charge mid-edge and you're waiting hours for a recharge
Less precise — it's harder to get a razor-sharp edge compared to manual shears
Ongoing cost — batteries degrade after 2–3 years and cost £15–25 to replace
Line replacement — nylon line snaps and needs re-threading regularly

How to Choose the Right Edging Tool for Your UK Garden

Choose Edging Shears If…

Your lawn is small to medium (under 100m²)
You value peace and quiet — or have neighbours close by
You want the sharpest possible edge along borders and paths
You prefer tools that last decades with basic care
Your budget is under £40

Choose a Cordless Strimmer If…

Your lawn is medium to large (over 100m²)
You have long fence lines, rough grass, or weedy edges
Speed matters more than perfection
You find manual tools tiring due to arthritis or back issues
You already own cordless garden tools that share batteries (look for a compatible strimmer)

🏆 Our Verdict: Most UK gardeners with a lawn up to 150m² are best served by a pair — the Hardys Long Handled Shears for precise edges along borders and paths, and a cordless strimmer like the SMILOVII Cordless Strimmer for bulk trimming of long grass. If you only want one tool, choose shears for small gardens and a strimmer for larger ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edge my lawn with a strimmer alone, or do I need shears too?

You can manage with just a strimmer if you're not fussy about a razor-sharp edge. But most tidy-minded gardeners use a strimmer for bulk cutting and shears for the final 2–3cm along paths and beds. Together they give the best finish.

How often should I sharpen my edging shears?

Once a year in spring, before the main growing season starts. A sharpening stone or file is all you need. Dull shears crush grass rather than cutting it, leaving brown tips that look messy for days.

Are cordless strimmers powerful enough for UK lawns?

Yes, modern 20V–21V cordless strimmers handle typical UK lawn grass easily. The SMILOVII at 24,000 RPM cuts through long grass and light brambles without struggling. For very thick or overgrown areas, look for a model with metal blades rather than nylon line.

What's the best time of year to edge my lawn?

Edge your lawn weekly or fortnightly during the growing season (March–October). In winter, grass growth slows and you can edge monthly or as needed. Edging after mowing gives the cleanest result.

Do telescopic handle shears last as long as fixed-handle ones?

The telescopic models are well-built but the locking mechanism adds a potential failure point. For most home gardeners, they last many years with normal use. If you're a heavy user or prefer maximum durability, fixed-handle shears (like the Hardys) are the more robust choice.

Final Verdict

Both edging shears and cordless strimmers have a place in a well-equipped UK garden shed. The right choice depends on your lawn size, your tolerance for noise, and how sharp you want that edge to look.

If I had to recommend just one tool for the typical UK gardener with a small-to-medium lawn, it would be the Hardys Long Handled Garden Shears — they're affordable, silent, precise, and require almost no maintenance. For larger gardens or anyone who dreads manual edging, the SMILOVII Cordless Strimmer is a fast, capable alternative that won't break the bank.

Better still: invest in both, and you'll have every edging situation covered from spring through autumn.

Sam Baker

Sam Baker writes about garden tools and equipment for MyLushGarden, comparing products on specs, owner feedback and market research.

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Last reviewed: July 12, 2026 · Evidence-based content · Contains affiliate links