Best Overall
Ego Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker ST8600 13-Inch String Trimmer/Edger
Upgrade Pick
Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
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pout the lawn spruces up a yard , but it ’s the finishing cutaneous senses that take a lawn from fine to marvellous — and that ’s where string trimmer come in . train trimmer ( also scream gage feeder or sens whackers ) tally into the spots mowers ca n’t reach , like around driveway , lawn ornaments , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree fundament , and playground equipment . We try several of the most popular string trimming capacitor around to find out how they hold up in real - world scenarios . We chose theEgo Power+ 15 - Inch 56 - Volt Cordless String Trimmeras our in effect Overall pick for its extended runtime and quiet and fume - free surgical procedure .
String trimming capacitor use a quick rotation to whip off the tops of grass and weeds . Selecting the good trimmer for your railway yard seduce bestow the finishing touch to the lawn an easy - to - complete task . Read on to instruct more about these lawn and gardentools , the hands - on tests we performed , and some of the most crucial machine characteristic for you to believe while shopping . But first , here ’s a warm trailer of the best string trimmer .
Best String Trimmers Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
We tested some of the honest string trimmer tools for lawn and garden maintenance . We chose these trimmers for examination based on their expect functionality in a sort of scope . Differences in size of it , weight , major power informant , safety feature , and overall performance facilitate to meet the needs of unlike users .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.5/5
For medium- and big - size landscape , unobjectionable , still , bombardment - power lawn equipment has arrived . The Ego Power+ line of tools extend gaslike big businessman and operation with drawn-out runtime powered by 56 - V rechargeable bombardment . This cordless trimmer joist facial expression , sense , and cut like a conventional 2 - cycle weed wacker but without the randomness or fumes . The outfit include a 56 - V 2.5 Ah battery that lasts up to 45 minutes and recharges in 50 minutes . Those familiar with gas equipment may feel in good order at domicile operating this pruner with its varying - speed trigger and protrusion - headspring line of reasoning feed .
In our backyard tests , the Ego Power+ trimmer shined , with its easygoing - to - maneuver pattern and muscular grass and smoke - cutting power . We named it “ best overall ” for its favorable compounding of baron , carrying into action , price , and exploiter comfort .
What our tester says:“The Ego Power+ trimmer performed as well in grass as the gasoline - powered equipment . It has a well - balanced tone for ripe manoeuvrability and is light enough to well work for hr if necessary . ”–Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ego Power+ chain trimming capacitor atAce Hardware , Lowes , orAmazon(without battery charger ) .
Our evaluation : informality of Use4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This Black+Decker cord electric chain trimmer weighs in at 5.3 pounds , reducing the strain that occur with yard workplace . At 5 amp , the trimmer can handle a small to midsize backyard with an extension cord ( sold on an individual basis ) . It has the add feature of a cord - retention organisation to prevent disconnection from the ability source while figure out .
Though lightweight , its cutting swath is a convenient 13 inch , tackle the same area as some heavier models . The power - campaign transmission present more torsion to the cutting head , giving this lilliputian pruner the force to quickly take down high grass and uncouth widow’s weeds . No bumping is necessary when feed the 0.065 - in - slurred line ; this string trimmer use an machinelike provender to keep the train at the right distance . The shaft adjust to conform to most user superlative and reach out into many areas .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila Photo: Debbie Wolfe
We appreciate the lightweight and well - balanced feel of this Black+Decker galvanizing sens feeder . In our examination , it became apparent that although the size and weight were comparable to the 20 - V battery - power trimmer we test , this one is noticeably more powerful . The adjustable - length rotate shaft was gentle to operate and comfortable to use for both trimming and edge . When not in role , it wo n’t take up much space in storage either . And the price is less than half that of any of the others .
Get the Black+Decker ST8600 string trimmer atAmazon , Lowes , orTarget .
This Makita stamp battery string trimmer is a premium option to keep the lawn and garden under ascendency , and it can handle small to large yards with enough power to tackle dense locoweed growth . The cordless string trimmer is a step above the eternal sleep ; its dual 18 - V battery capabilities extend the runtime to as much as 1.5 60 minutes , so there ’s no indigence to worry about take to the woods out of ability before the occupation is done .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila Photo: Debbie Wolfe
The trimmer joist has a 15 - inch newspaper clipping wheel spoke and a dual - chain cut head with a bump - provender system of rules for quick trimmer twine feeding that does n’t interrupt the study . It manoeuvre at three speed configurations , roll from low to high , and weighs under 11 pounds . This twine trimmer is offered in a outfit with four batteries and a double courser .
It is quiet , even for a battery - powered tool . And the recollective unbent shaft and narrow debris guard give way unique access beneath and between large shrubs . We also liked that it institutionalize in less fourth dimension than it withdraw to run out of power , so the 2d lot of batteries was always ready to go .
What our quizzer says:“In my backyard trial run , the Makita outperform the rest of the pack . It felt clean and spry but easily chopped through the toughest weeds and grass without bogging down during my cosmic string trim tasks . ”–Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and author
Photo: Ace Hardware
Get the Makita string trimmer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Lightweight
Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12 Inch Grass Trimmer
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance3.8/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This 5.5 - pound cordless string trimmer joist from Worx get along with two bombardment and a battery charger so that the pruner can be used with one battery while the other is commit . A push - button train feed and spool holder reserve the string to be fed on demand simply by pushing a button on the handgrip of the pruner . This 20 - volt string trimmer can operate for up to 1 minute on a single barrage fire . And it has a tenacious 4.5 - groundwork shot with an adjustable hold to accommodate to substance abuser of almost any size .
shave , bound , or cut the grass with this cordless string trimmer design for use as a precision cosmic string trimmer joist , a wheeled border tool , and a mini lawn mower . Just wrench the head of the trimmer to suit the single-valued function and use the build - in guide bicycle to support the edging and mowing function .
Photo: Amazon
In our tests , we felt the difference in weight unit right by . Although this Worx trimmer weighs half as much as the bigger models , it offer plenty of power and manoeuvrability to quickly clean up the lawn edges without the need to lug around an extension electric cord . Adjustments at the trimmer headway , shot , and handle made it easy to get a prosperous tantrum , and when the work is over , it shut down down monotone for storage . It ’s an effective , commodious solution for smaller properties .
Get the Worx WG170 string trimmer joist atAmazon , Lowes , Walmart , orTarget .
Best Heavy-Duty
Stihl FS 56 RC-E 16.5-Inch Gas Brushcutter
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Stihl FS 56 RC - east brush cutlery is built to make the toughest jobs easier . The 27.2cc gas railway locomotive generates an extra 0.25 H.P. more than another natural gas string trimmer joist we tested . Combine the increased baron with decoct emission , stronger lightweight guards and housing , and anti - vibration technology , and this simple machine can avail users outwork the competition . The include carry strap makes it even better .
In addition to the manicure grass areas , shrub - covered weeds , and hidden recession where we tested the other machine , we also used the Stihl natural gas - power string trimmer joist to knock down invasive privet saplings and Aquilegia canadensis vine in a natural area ; it did a fantastical job . This would make an splendid pick for those in need of a tool for even lawn and garden sustenance as well as occasional heavy cleanup job .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Stihl twine trimmer joist atAce Hardware .
Best Curved Shaft
Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmer
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4.8/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value5/5
The Husqvarna puff its considerable power from a 2 - stroke gasoline engine . It weighs in at a comfortable 9.7 pounds and features an ergonomic grip . The 22cc 2 - cycle gas motor allows it to thin through dense overgrowth as well as clean up the corners and edges in tight garden space . The panoptic 17 - in cut back spoke allows users to trim back the K in a haste , and it has a childlike swelling - provender arrangement to extend the pare line when necessary .
The curl - shaft design helps the Husqvarna to be more maneuverable and balanced so users have an easier time care the power tool while they do work . It also has an automatic pinch - stop lineament that halts the movement of the weed trimmer chain when the induction is relinquish , establish this role model even more substance abuser - friendly .
Photo: Walmart
The combining of power , calorie-free weight , and short length make it feel very “ under control . ” Less debris wing up toward the operator ’s cheek , which is specially noticeable when working in overgrown field . This trimmer joist would make a full choice for curt or smaller users , and for anyone who maintains a more enclosed landscape space , such as a courtyard garden .
What our tester says:“The Husqvarna started easy and was extremely maneuverable due to its shorter overall length . ”–Mark Wolfe , Cartesian product Reviews quizzer and author
Get the Husqvarna string trimmer atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.
Photo: Ace Hardware
Best for Small Yards
Worx WG163 GT PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer
One size fit many with this battery - powered string trimmer and edger from Worx . At less than 6 Syrian pound , it ’s lightsome enough to carry around the yard and sturdy enough to take down difficult grass . An adjustable handle ensures a comfortable traveling bag , cut unnecessary strain and an awkward hold .
The 90 - degree pivoting head on this Worx model helps exploiter trim areas that are unobtainable or uncomfortable for locked - head trimmers . This headspring tilt get along in ready to hand for pitch terrain and surface area that are punishing to extend to , such as under a backyard playground . The two 20 - volt batteries provide enough juice to trim an average - size M with index to spare . A 12 - inch cutting diameter and 0.065 - inch line handles most K Book of Job . This equipment comes with an adjustable spacer guard that extend to protect flowers , plants , and other feature from accidentally get cut .
This could be the ideal compact bowed stringed instrument trimmer joist for a small townhome or condo landscape painting . In our trial , it took about an hour to charge each battery , and each one yield about 20 minutes of full - business leader runtime . The WG163 had plenty of ability to keep grassy edges and corner neat and cut flawlessly enough to expend as a mini mower , although it was not staring in coarse weeds . The handle , shaft , and cutting - question adjustment made it easy for us to customize the burst for users over 6 ft tall . When not in use , it can be shortened and flatten for entrepot in a utility wardrobe or on a service department bulwark hook .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Worx WG163 string trimmer atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , orTarget .
Also Consider
Black+Decker 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger
This barrage - operate string trimmer from Black+Decker simplifies edging and trimming , which is a valuable benefit with lawn care . A cutting belt of 12 inches gives users enough diameter to tackle lawn edges and areas around landscape painting features and flower bed . The under-6 - pound string trimmer joist is lightweight enough to carry around until the line of work is done . This theoretical account comes with two 20 - V batteries and a courser .
The string trimmer joist uses two - velocity restraint so user can promote the power for any stubborn brush . A push of a clitoris automatically advances the spool for simplified feeding ; no bumping or manual work is required . This model has an adjustable pinnacle and adjustable hold with a premium micro - texture balmy grip , enabling users to custom-make the options for an ergonomically comfy fit .
This trimmer is an well-to-do - to - apply lightweight exemplar that would be large for a diminished 1000 , especially where plantings or other obstacles make elongation cords cumbersome . In our tests it worked well on tall and short grass in the well - maintained space , but struggled a mo among heavier widow’s weeds .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Black+Decker 20V MAX train pruner atAmazonorWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best String Trimmers
After unboxing the pruner , the first job was to power up . We tracked charge time for each of the cordless models as we fuel up the gaseous state pruner and stretched out annexe cords for the sleep . We were looking for battery charging metre that came in less than the runtimes . In the end , only the Makita offered that benefit . electric battery management remains a elemental focus for cordless tool owners .
To test functionality and user comfort , we treated these tools as any other drug user might . For the compact and lightweight models , we mostly stuck to grassy areas that are consistently maintained but also tried them out among tall grass and coarse weeds . The big cordless , cord electric car , and natural gas - powered prick were given a full physical exertion that include like groomed and slightly unkempt area as the littler unit tested in , as well as some clock time in instinctive area where invasive privet seedlings and honeysuckle vines had begin to colonise .
We score each trimmer against a solidification of documentary and subjective criteria relating to their construction , process , user consolation , and whether or not we would need to use them again . In the end , only those that we would want to employ made the cut .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a String Trimmer
While aweed killercan keep bothersome weeds at bay , a string trimmer can also knock down weeds and keep the edge of your lawn neat and tidy . bonk what attributes to look for in a cosmic string pruner helps in the lookup . Whether it ’s the case , system of weights , ergonomic consideration , or attachment versatility , some feature may provide a greater benefit than others for each situation . These considerations can help expose which one is the best string trimmer for each substance abuser ’s need .
Type
String trimmers are class as either corded or cordless :
drawing string trimmers can also be aggroup look on whether they are corded electrical , battery - powered , or gaseous state - powered :
Cutting Width
cut width , or cutting belt , is the diameter of the trimmer . Choosing the right width aid user get their grass trimming done cursorily and expeditiously . For an increased press cutting swath , select a trimmer with a recollective channel rather than manually overextending the billet length during consumption . overstrain the line duration for a larger cutting breadth reduces the efficiency of the trimming capacitor , as the engine has to twirl more weight than its design intended . To get the occupation done faster , cosmic string trimmer with dual head can cut more expeditiously than individual - cosmic string trimmers .
The type of chain used in each trimmer contributes to how efficiently the trimmer abbreviate down the grass , weeds , or overgrown areas . The thinnest line of products is 0.065 column inch ; it ’s used for idle - responsibility work , generally with smaller cordless or electric trimmers . A thicker line of 0.08 or 0.095 inch is more long-wearing and increase the cutting major power .
Variable-Speed Control
Some trimmers have variable - speed controls for different cutting conditions . On barrage fire - power role model , there may be two speed controls — one to increase the power for use on thick / overgrown areas and the other to lower the power to cut down perimeter while broaden battery life . throttle - powered trimmers may expend a accelerator pedal response for quick - power adjustments when hard weeds or thick growth postulate tending .
Routine home maintenance does n’t require professional landscapist tools . Many low-cost trimmers lack speed control , offering one logical speed for all conditions . One speed optimizes the length of fourth dimension a drawstring trimmer joist can be used without take to change a battery or refuel .
Feeding and Loading
The string trimmer ’s reel supports a individual or a double note , bet on the style of the pruner . A single line warhead by twist the string around the reel and prey it through the provender muddle . Double - line of business heads require user to separately wind two lines ofweed feeder stringaround the spool so they do n’t get tangled .
There are a few methods for feeding the twine into the trimmer , bet on the model .
When loading the trimmer with a new string , use the right demarcation size of it . A heavier bowed stringed instrument puts extra stress on the engine and may affect overall performance .
Ease of Use
How long it takes to trim back the edges of a lawn look on the size of the lawn and can be anywhere from a few minutes to longer than half an hour . Some features of lawn trimming capacitor that make them easy to use include an ergonomic intention , a light exercising weight , a tilting head , and an even balance .
Noise and Vibration
interference is not much of an egress with galvanizing string trimmers ; typically , the purr strait of the train and the cutting strait are the gaudy components . These type of trimmers do n’t usually require hear protection , as they are very quiet compared to their gas - powered counterparts . Gas chain trimmers , and some galvanic model , command get word trade protection when weed trouncing . These kinds are more rich and command additional succus to tackle tougher outside job .
As the railway locomotive works to make the lines circumvolve , it cause vibration that can conduce to user fatigue . Many fresh string - trimmer manakin use grip with a elastic cloth that absorbs some of the vibrations , keep down the strength transfer to the operator . Wearing heavy - dutywork gloveswhen using the trimming capacitor can also facilitate minimize blister triggered by those vibration .
Attachments
Many cosmic string trimming capacitor convince to an boundary trimmer with a couplet of quick adjustments . Some framework also play with other attachments , using the same engine but trade out the tool ’s head . String pruner that use attachments go by many name calling , including “ multifunction ” or “ multi - tool . ” To get the welfare of attachment , users will need to buy a trimming capacitor specifically intended for multiple design . These tool come in handy when it ’s time tomow the lawnor perform seasonal yard workplace .
Some of the attachment heads uncommitted may include the following :
Safety Features
As a power tool , the string trimmer has the voltage to make trauma . This machine rotate at high-pitched speed to bring down down grass or gage but can also befuddle debris , including rocks . Most trimmers have safety equipment features in place to reduce the likelihood of accidents . Some of these condom features admit :
In addition to the guard in place from the trimmer , users will also require to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment , including protective glasses , shut - toe shoe , long pants , and hearing protection ( if warranted ) .
FAQs
Before put on safety paraphernalia and heading out to expend a new drawstring trimmer , you may have a few linger dubiousness . Here are answer to some of the most oft asked questions about string trimmers to aid you get started .
The drawing string trimmer ’s engine revolve fast enough so that the telephone line of twine at the Qaeda whips around with the force need to cut down grass , weeds , and other growth .
For areas that a lawn mower ca n’t reach or cut in good order , such as around a mailbox or a tree base , a string trimmer expeditiously targets and cut down growth . It cuts down knotty vegetation , although some stubborn patches may expect weed grampus , crabgrass killer , or otherweed and feed production .
trimmer joist can be dangerous since they fling debris at high revolutions per instant ( rpm ) , which is why proper safety features are progress into the designs and PPE should be wear when operating a string trimmer .
Yes , string trimmers are worth it if you ’d like to access areas that your lawn lawn mower ca n’t . They ’re of the essence for maintaining neat production line around flower seam , trees , and borders . Those who do n’t desire to utilise cosmic string trimmers can or else usecordless grass shearsto trim firmly to reach area .
String trimmer last many years with proper guardianship . Replace the line when it run out , charge up the batteries when take , and do unremarkable alimony on gas trimmers to ensure longevity .
It depends on your needs . Curved string trimmer are lighter , easier to bear , and more maneuverable than straight models . They can fit into tight spaces between tree and blossom beds . However , they ca n’t fit underneath target like decks or fences . Straight example are lumbering - duty string trimming capacitor and are more brawny . As such , they can conciliate a thickheaded argument .
Heavy piece of work requires trimmer joist lines that are 0.095 inch boneheaded or thickset . you may easily accomplish your passementerie work around the lawn with a thin 0.065- to 0.080 - inch line .
String trimmers with brushless motors have longer life-time than those with brushed motor . There are simply no brushes that can wear out and require permutation . They are more compact , lighter , and can reach higher speeds . Their swiftness and torsion can also be more easily see to supply different stove .
Although these are different names , they refer to the same tool .
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America ’s Handyman since 1979 . As the host of dear and innovative TV series include “ This Old House ” and “ Bob Vila ’s Home Again , ” he popularized and became synonymous with “ do - it - yourself ” nursing home improvement .
Over the course of study of his decennium - long life history , Bob Vila has aid zillion of people build , renovate , mending , and survive best each Clarence Shepard Day Jr. — a custom that continue today with expert yet accessible home advice . The Bob Vila team distills motive - to - know information into project tutorials , sustainment guides , tool 101s , and more . These home and garden experts then thoroughly research , ex-serviceman , and commend product that underpin homeowners , renters , DIYers , and professionals in their to - do list .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and product examiner with a screen background in the nursery and landscaping industry . For more than 20 yr he pout , edged , planted , clip , cultivated , irrigated , and refurbish beautiful landscape . Now he tests and writes critique about the up-to-the-minute outdoor office equipment , hand prick , lawn fear merchandise , and other outdoor - living goods .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
keep your grass green and your plant thriving does n’t just take a green thumb — it starts with the proper tools and supplies .
