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Why not buy a motorized edger and finish your lawn and driveway in just a few minutes? After all, they’re fast and they’re convenient. Well, they’re also noisy, not-so-kind to your driveway (or the environment), and they are more expensive than hand edgers.
A hand edger, on the other hand, is cheaper, quiet, and won’t break down on you. You’ll be working up a healthy sweat and doing the planet a favor.
A good hand edger lets you keep a manicured, sharp line where grass meets driveway. I also use mine for my flower and herb beds. No garden shed is complete without one!
Here is my curated list of the best hand edgers you can buy online and at your local hardware store.
What is the Best Manual Hand Edger for You?
The Most Popular: Radius Garden 206 PRO
This Radius Garden 206 PRO comes with a sharp, reinforced stainless steel blade attached to a durable resin-encased carbon steel shaft. The blade features an extra wide forward tilted step. This step lets you leverage your weight when you cut into the soil.
The O-shaped handle lets you get a tight grip, and it has a thick layer of soft plastic and foam for added comfort. You get four times the grip surface with this O-shaped handle over a traditional D-shaped one.
It weighs just 3.5 pounds, and this light weight makes it easy to take with you from project to project or use for extended periods without fatigue.
Pros
Stainless steel blade so it shouldn’t rust
Solid and does the job
Cuts through soil and sod very well
Handle is ergonomic
USA-made
Cons
Overall length is too short especially for tall folks; it reaches up to around your door knob (approx 39 inches from tip to handle)
Not recommended for hard soil types
Best Value For Money: AMES Border Edger
Cut straight into your grass and soil with this hand edger from AMES. The blade features serrated teeth that stay sharp over several seasons of use without chipping. The thick footplate gives you the ability to leverage your weight and get a good cutting depth each time you use it.
The steel blade attaches to a durable steel handle. You'll get a T-bar shaped grip that comes covered with comfortable plastic.
It weighs 3.45 pounds, so it's light enough to move from project to project or place to place. Its slim profile makes storing it a breeze.
Pros
Comes with serrated teeth that really cut into the ground
Digs 5 to 6 inches into the ground on the first attempt
Wide handles allow for a firm grip
Solid construction and durable
Works well for most builds - whether you’re short or tall
Excellent reviews from buyers
Lowest priced hand edger on this list
Cons
Handles are flat instead of round
Not recommended for hard soil or clay
The Best Overall: Garden Weasel Edge Chopper
You'll be able to create decorative edges with this double bladed hand edger. It works well for year-round use including on mulch, weeds, soil, and ice. There is a thick foot plate built into this edger for added stability as you dig it down into the earth. You get a carbon steel blade that is resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear or tear.
This is one of the best hand edger designs available due to its year-round capabilities. It has a 38-inch handle, and this works well for almost any height to reduce the strain on your back. Each attachment point is welded for greater durability.
Pros
Attachment points are welded
Very easy to use year-round
Carbon steel blade has proved very durable so far
Not a problem even if you are tall, unlike the Radius Garden hand edger
Excellent reviews from buyers
Cons
Clay soil has a tendency to stick to it
Best Multi-Function: Radius Garden 22611 Root Slayer And Edger
If you want to combat tough weeds while you’re cutting edges in your lawn or garden beds, then you need this root slayer slash edger. I discussed its sibling, the Radius Garden PRO earlier and while that edger has the traditional half moon design, this model comes with an inverted V cutting blade tip with rip-saw teeth. Where the PRO will just bounce weeds off, the Slayer will trap and cut even tough roots.
Another important difference to note is in the blades. The PRO blade is made from stainless steel while the Slayer is made from carbon steel.
Overall, if you have a wild garden to tame, get this.
Pros
Doubles as a root slayer
Snags and slices through even big and tough weeds in the garden; very strong
Handle is ergonomic
Solid construction and durable
Cons
Slightly more expensive than the other edgers on this list
Best Interlocking: Wolf-Garten Edger 3312004
If you’re familiar with Wolf-Garten, you’ll know that their gardening tools usually come in a set. You can have just one handle and and then add several interlocking tools like this half-moon edger and maybe a push-pull weeder. Whichever tool you need, you just grab it and attach it to the handle.
Obviously, there are pros and cons with this type of system. The pros include being able to store these items well. If you just have a couple handles and a variety of gardening tools like a weeding brush or a cultivator, then it’s just a matter of grabbing the things you need, doing a quick assemble, and you’re all set. I personally also like that you can have several handle lengths. This is helpful especially for gardeners who get frustrated by short handles on an otherwise good gardening tool.
On the downside, if you’re used to the usual one-piece equipment, you won’t enjoy these interlocking tools as much. In the end, it’s a matter of preference and what works best for you.
I own several Wolf products and they’re good quality.
Pros
Well constructed
Lightweight yet sturdy
Lives up to the Wolf-Garten standard of worksmanship
Can be used as part of a set
Cons
Cannot be used without the handle so make sure to buy one (!)
Here’s a helpful video on how to use a manual lawn edger if you need it.
See More Recommended Gardening Tools
