Why Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance extends the life of your trimmer, ensures consistent cutting power, enhances safety by preventing unexpected failures, and saves you money on repairs or replacements. A clean, well-adjusted trimmer also makes yard work easier and more enjoyable.

Safety First
* Always unplug corded trimmers or remove the battery from cordless models before performing any maintenance.
* Wear protective gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
* Work in a clean, well-lit, and dry area.

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Routine Maintenance Checklist

After Each Use (Basic Cleaning)

Unplug or remove the battery.

Wipe down the entire trimmer housing with a damp cloth to remove grass clippings, sap, and dirt. Avoid spraying water directly on the unit.

Use a soft brush, compressed air, or a dry cloth to remove debris packed around the guard and the spool head. Buildup here can impede line feeding and cause overheating.

Check the trimmer line for wear. If it’s short or brittle, prepare to respool before the next use.

Weekly or Monthly (During Active Season)

Check the power cord (for corded models) for frays, cuts, or damage. Inspect the trimmer housing for cracks.

Ensure the battery terminals and the trimmer’s contacts are clean and free of corrosion. Wipe with a dry cloth if needed.

Manually rotate the spool head to ensure it spins freely without grating or catching.

Ensure the guard is securely attached and not cracked.

Seasonal or Semi-Annual (Deep Maintenance)
1. Spool & Line Replacement:
* Replace worn or tangled trimmer line. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for the correct line size and winding pattern.
* For automatic feed heads, ensure the mechanism is clean and functions smoothly.
2. Shaft & Gear Inspection (For Models with Driveshafts):
* If your trimmer has a curved or long shaft, check the connection points. Some models require periodic greasing of the gear head—consult your manual.
3. Battery Care (Cordless Trimmers):
* Lithium-ion Batteries: Store in a cool, dry place at a partial charge (around 40-60%) if not used for extended periods. Avoid complete discharge.
* Clean battery terminals with a dry cloth.

Ensure air intake vents are not clogged with debris, as blocked vents can cause the motor to overheat and fail.

Annual Storage Preparation (End of Season)

Perform a complete exterior and debris clean-out.

Use up or remove the trimmer line. Storing with tension on the spool can deform the line.

Remove and store the battery separately as instructed above.

Store the trimmer in a dry, protected place like a garage or shed, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Hang it if possible to prevent damage.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

* Trimmer Won’t Start (Cordless): Check battery charge, clean terminals, and ensure it’s fully seated.
* Trimmer Won’t Start (Corded): Check outlet power, inspect the cord for damage, and check the circuit breaker.
* Line Doesn’t Feed: Debris is likely jammed in the spool head. Disassemble, clean, and re-spool with the correct line. Ensure the line is wound in the correct direction.
* Reduced Power/Overheating: Clear debris from vents and the cutting head. For cordless models, use a fully charged battery. For corded, ensure you’re not using an extension cord that’s too long or thin for the amperage.
* Unusual Noise/Vibration: Stop using immediately. Check for a loose spool, debris wrapped around the shaft, or internal damage. Contact a professional for service.

Pro Tips for Longevity
* Use the Right Line: Always use the line diameter and type specified by the manufacturer.
* Avoid Overheating: Don’t push the trimmer too hard. Use a steady pace and allow it to cool if used continuously for long periods.
* Prevent Moisture Damage: Never store a wet trimmer and avoid using it in heavy rain.
* Read the Manual: Your model-specific owner’s manual is the best source for unique maintenance requirements and lubrication points.

Conclusion

Consistent, simple maintenance is the key to maximizing the performance and lifespan of your electric trimmer. By incorporating these cleaning, inspection, and care steps into your routine, you ensure that your tool is always ready for the task at hand. A few minutes of care after each use can prevent most major issues, keeping your edges neat and your trimmer running smoothly for years to come.

Holiday shopping can be crazy—there are too many crowds, too many cars on snowy or rainy highways, and too much shopping stress where there should be holiday fun. Remember when gift giving WAS fun? It can be again, with a little help from online coupons. Online coupons are your ticket to easy shopping and FUN gift giving this year. A single mouse click on a coupon could be your ticket to great giving.

One of the big worries at holiday time is what to buy that special someone in your life. Men and women alike, struggle over what to buy each other. Instead of wringing your hands in the shopping malls, take a fun internet stroll over the wide variety of choices. For a man, try clicking on the Consumer Electronics section. You were probably planning a trip to Best Buy anyway, but now you can shop for the hottest Xbox games and IPod accessories online, thanks to your online coupon! What are the savings like? Everything from a selection of gifts for just under fifty dollars to rebate coupons for hot products like the latest Satellite Radio gadgets!

The man in your life will love your online coupon savings choices—and you’ll love the free shipping offers. With this particular retailer it’s important to act fast and forget the “late gift” tradition—many of the current coupons expire at the end of the holiday season. Other coupons may not expire at all, or have very long validation times, but remember the season and the often-longer mailing times.

For that special woman on your holiday shopping list online coupon selection is almost too much! Start with some of the more obvious choices, including that holiday favorite; the jewelry section. Delia’s, Diamond International and Fingerhut are just a few of the many choices. Your savings in this area can range from twenty percent off offers to triple-digit savings on select items. Men, you can’t go wrong with a gift with that diamond sparkle! If you’re looking for coupons with lots of smaller gifts in mind, try the Cosmetics and Fragrance section for even more savings. Does your special lady enjoy Eternity perfume by Calvin Klein? Check out the savings!

Your online coupons will do your wallet a world of good this holiday season, and bring a big smile to that special someone’s face

Summer means being outdoors participating in a variety of activities including surfing, skateboarding, and other sports. Having the right clothing is important in order to protect your body from the sun, rain, and other elements. Tillys offers different types of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. The company offers board shorts, swimsuits, and other sporting attire that is appropriate for both the beach and the street.

When choosing clothing for various activities, you should make sure that it fits comfortably and is not too tight or too loose. If any item of clothing does not fit properly, you have the option of returning or exchanging it. A true athlete will say that your gear can be the difference between doing well and failing. That is why choosing the right gear for your particular sport is so important. Being distracted from the sport by clothing that doesn’t fit properly can only discourage and cause failure. Since 1982, Tillys has offered many items, including sandals and other shoes.

Women who are looking for surf wear and beach wear will find a large selection of bathing suits, dresses, jeans, shorts, and other clothing. Women’s shoes and accessories are also available. When looking for the right look to wear to the beach or when participating in outdoor sporting event, sporting gear stores have many items to choose from. Accessories include handbags, socks, scarves, sunglasses, and jewelry. You will be able to put together entire outfits and feel confident that you look great all summer long.

For those who enjoy surfing and skateboarding, a store that provides options for skate shoes, surfwear, and skatewear for men and women is important. Boots and slippers are also available at Tilly’s, as are men’s accessories including belts, watches, sunglasses, and hats. The company also carries outfits for surfing and evening wear when you want to hit the beach or the clubs. If you surf, you will need comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Tilly has a line of men’s board shorts that are colorful and trendy when you want to be noticed on the beach.

Enjoying an active lifestyle means having the right clothing that can take you from daytime to evening. By layering, you can completely change your look when leaving the beach and heading to a BBQ or restaurant. Since many people vacation far away from home, packing too much clothing can be an issue. When you have the right outfits, you will not have to pack as much. Tilly’s clothing can be worn together or separately and gives you the freedom of mixing and matching until you find the look that is right for you. Remember, what you wear in sporting or for leisure can have an effect on your success.

Electronics receive major discounts during the holiday season and for good reason. Many electronic items are some of the most popular holiday gifts, so you can get a bargain on something you may not otherwise be able to afford. If you have been thinking about upgrading your sound system, enlarging your television or getting the kids a game console for their free time, now is the time to do it. The debating you have done about the upgrades can quickly come to an end when you can find the up for half off, or even up to 75% off.

If you are hoping to update your wardrobe, now is the time to act. Retailers still have summer and fall merchandise left over on clearance shelves and shortly after Christmas, the winter clothing gets discounted in preparation for next season’s clothing. You can find items for much less than you would usually pay and for the regular cost of one or two items, you can rebuild your entire wardrobe. If you have been meaning to modernize your wardrobe or make corrections to fashion mistakes, now is the best and most affordable time to do it.

Toys are another big hit during the holiday season because retailers are trying to push as many items as possible. People who want to stock up on toys for the entire year can do so at Christmas time. Not all of the items have to be wrapped and under the tree Christmas morning. Instead, put the sales items away and you will be set for gifts for the rest of the year. If you have considered donating toys to needy children or a children’s hospital, now is also the time to shop. You can save big and be charitable without feeling as if you are neglecting your own family.

Finally, purchase jewelry around the holidays for the best deals. This is the time of year when rings are a hot commodity because a lot of people propose during the holiday season. Jewelry is also a popular holiday gift and jewelers want to sell as much as possible which means great deals.

True bargain hunters often find unique ways to find great deals. For example, great deals can be found not only during the holidays, but year round at business-to-business retailers. One example of this is restaurant supply companies who, unknown to many people, are open to the public. Why go to a high end department store to buy cookware or utensils at inflated prices? Restaurant suppliers offer commercial quality products at prices geared towards cost-conscious business owners. Commercial grade fry pans, stockpots, blenders, cutlery, and more can be purchased from a restaurant supplier at a fraction of the cost.

Not only are products from restaurant supply dealers less expensive, they are more durable and made from better materials. For example, commercial fry pans and stock pots are made with thicker gauge aluminum or stainless steel. Commercial blenders have larger electrical motors leading to less wear and tear. Further, many commercial restaurant supplies have readily available spare parts on hand that are easy to replace. Have your blender blades worn out? Not a problem, this is a common part that goes out when blenders are repeatedly used in a commercial application. Rather scouring the internet trying to find the right part and then waiting for days to receive it, you can stop in at your local restaurant supplier and get a replacement immediately. Restaurant suppliers even carry furniture. Restaurant furniture is designed to be durable and withstand years of abuse.

So why lose sleep and your sanity on black Friday? Why fight crowds at the mall and big box retailers? Skip the stress of fighting traffic only to find out the great gift you were looking for has sold out. Bargain hunters can find many great gift ideas at business-to-business retailers such as restaurant suppliers where prices are low year round.

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#1. Bagutta Light Blue Fine-stripe Cotton Dress Shirt

A finely made classic dress shirt in blue will always be appreciated since they are extremely versatile – they can be worn with about everything from casual outfits to business-elegant suits. This premium cotton shirt is made in Italy.

#2. Hanro Basic Classics Retro Boxer

Hanro makes amazing underwear – the cotton is super soft and high quality. And I particularly like this boxer because of the shiny sateen stripes.

#3. Principe di Salina Dark Blue Cashmere V-neck Sweater

A classic v-neck sweater is a wardrobe essential for any man. But a version in cashmere is super luxe. I like a high quality cashmere since it will last for years to come. This sweater is offered in a variety of colors.

#4. Saks Fifth Avenue Terry Bathrobe

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life like a luxurious bathrobe. And this bathrobe is by no means ordinary. It is made with a velvet-like terry cloth and has a shawl collar, waist belt, and two front pockets.

#5. Forzieri Men’s Italian Black Leather Gloves

These beautiful leather gloves are handmade in Naples, Italy, which is famous for their tradition of making gloves. The cashmere lining is made of one piece, without seams for extra comfort.

#6. Sterling Silver Carved Cufflinks

These sterling silver cuff links have an engraved design and a rectangular shape. They will definitely make an impressive gift.

#7. Movado ‘Sub Sea’ Steel Bracelet Watch

I love this watch! It’s masculine, elegant, sporty and versatile not to mention loaded with features. It’s Swiss made to boot. I can’t imagine a guy who wouldn’t like to receive this as a gift.

#8. David Donahue Sterling Silver Money Clip

More and more I see guys using money clips. In fact I have been known to use one when going out on the town. This sterling silver model has an etched design and an area appropriate for engraving/personalizing. The clip is spring-loaded to keep a firm grip on your money.

#9. Hanro Basic Classics Retro Boxer

If you want a bit of luxe, try Hanro’s Basic Classics Boxer which has a classic boxer fit. These boxers have a herringbone pattern and are super soft. You won’t be disappointed.

#10. James Perse Short Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt

James Perse tees are so comfortable. I own a couple and love wearing them. Perfect for lounging around.

#11. Hugo Boss Lounge Pants with Pockets

For something more basic but a great gift, try these Hugo Boss lounge pants. I personally love wearing these on lazy weekend mornings with a super soft Pima cotton tee.

#12. Adam Briefs

If your guy likes briefs, then treat him to this super luxe and super cool one. It hasa modern fit and is constructed of a soft, stretch, pima cotton blend.

Mad Men is an American television drama series created and produced by Matthew Weiner. It premiered on July 19, 2007 on ABC, and completed its season 2 on October 26, 2008. The Season 3 is scheduled to begin August 16, 2009. Set in New York City, Mad Men begins in 1960 at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on New York City’s Madison Avenue. The show centers on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the agency’s creative director, and the people in his life in and out of the office. It also depicts the changing social mores of 1960s America.

The main business of male executives in Sterling Cooper is to ogle their secretaries while sipping vodka. When agency partner Roger Sterling cheered up creative director Don Draper saying that “When God closes a door, he opens a dress” it was in the same spirit. In another instance, Roger responded to the query about what women want with “Who cares?”

As of now, we all have set our sights on the third season of Mad Men which is to be premiered on August 16, 2009. Before it returns with the new episodes, let’s see what our favorite celebrities of Mad Men are doing nowadays.

The third season would, most probably, be set in 1964 as the series creator Matthew Weiner has no intentions to include the 1963 John F. Kennedy assassination. We would also see some new faces as Mad Men would make its return. Some of those would be seen as recurring characters and several would make guest appearances on the show.

First let me tell you about Ensemble nominations in Drama, where competing with Mad Men, the show which on a previous occasion has once won this award are House, Boston Legal, Dexter and The Closer.

Well, for me ‘The Jet Set’ was also very fantastic. Don took a business trip to Los Angeles. We saw him hooking up with some new acquaintances. Sexy Peggy was in mood of an office romance.

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For the first time ever this season there is a style trend in clothing and accessories for men though that has all men scrambling towards the nearest shoe store to get themselves a pair of new shoes. The new trend and hot fashion tip of this season for men is mens boat shoes. These shoes are popular with metrosexuals this season as they are with the average man who just wants a pair of shoes to keep his feet protected and there are a number of reasons for this popularity that cuts across all ages and all types of men.

The first reason is that boat shoes are very stylish. Since they were first invented in 1923, boat shoes have always been a very cool style of shoes. Though their popularity has waxed and waned they have always been quite a popular style with men, even those men who have never seen or been on a boat and have no intention of ever changing that fact. That is because not only are boat shoes very stylish, they also carry with them the associations of being on a boat and having a life filled with luxury and travels to exotic destinations.

On a more real note mens boat shoes are also very comfortable as they were designed to be working shoes that you spent all day in. As such they are great shoes to work or play in as they keep your feet comfortable and you can also wear them around the year with or with socks.