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String trimmers are versatile tools that can cut through both short and tall grass and also help keep grass away from your sidewalk, steps, and porch. To help you find the right string trimmer for you, the This Old House Review Team researched the best string trimmers on Amazon. Here are our favorite options.
In This Guide: Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | Safety Tips | FAQs | Why Trust This Old House
Best String Trimmer Comparison
| Product | Cutting Swath | Speed | Power Source | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita String Trimmer Kit | 15 inches | 6,500 RPM | 18V rechargeable battery | 24 pounds | 3-year limited |
| EgoPower+ String Trimmer | 15 inches | 5,800 RPM | 56V rechargeable battery | 12.2 pounds | 5 years for the tool, 3 years for the battery |
| BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger | 12 inches | 7,200 RPM | 20V rechargeable battery | 5.3 pounds | 2-year limited |
| WORX Cordless String Trimmer | 12 inches | 7,600 RPM | 20V rechargeable battery | 5.5 pounds | 3 years |
| Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer | 15 inches | 8,000 RPM | Retractable power cord | 6.9 pounds | 4-year limited |
| Product | Cutting Swath | Speed | Power Source | Weight | Warranty |
Top 5 String Trimmers
- Best Speed Control: Makita String Trimmer Kit
- Easiest to Use: EgoPower+ String Trimmer
- Best Accessories: BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger
- Most Versatile: WORX Cordless String Trimmer
- Best Value: Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
Best Speed Control
Makita String Trimmer Kit
- $386.41
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This string trimmer gives you more control over your speed settings than most other products on the market. This product allows you to choose whether you want to cut on low power (3,500 RPM), medium power (5,300 RPM), or high power (6,500 RPM).
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- Max 6,500 RPM
- 18V rechargeable battery
- 24 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were happy with this product said that it was easy to assemble and maneuver and had a long-lasting battery. Although many found this trimmer to be powerful, some users said that it was heavy, and others said that the included trimmer head was not strung correctly out of the box.
Easiest To Use
EgoPower+ String Trimmer
- $179
- $219.99
- 19% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This string trimmer has Powerload technology which allows you to load your line easily, push a button to wind, and get back to trimming in a matter of seconds. It also has a telescopic aluminum shaft that allows you to quickly adjust the length of your trimmer.Courtesy Amazon
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- Max 5,800 RPM
- 56V rechargeable battery
- 12.2 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers liked that this trimmer was quiet and easy to maneuver and reload the string. Many also appreciated the adjustability of the shaft to suit their height and arm length. Although the unit is lighter than many gas-powered models, some people found it to be too heavy, and others wished that it included the strap rather than selling it separately as it made their trimmer easier to use for longer periods.
Best Accessories
BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger
- $108.07
- $119
- 9% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This string trimmer is highly customizable—not only do you get a powerful trimmer and edger, but you can also purchase several accessories that can make your job easier, including an extra battery, leaf collection bin, and a removable mower deck.
Key Features
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 7,200 RPM
- 20V rechargeable battery
- 5.3 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this product said that it was well constructed, highly adjustable, and very powerful. However, others who didn’t care for this string trimmer said that it was not very effective on its low power setting, while several others were disappointed in the short battery life.
Most Versatile
WORX Cordless String Trimmer
- $88.11
- $119.99
- 27% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
In addition to working efficiently as a string trimmer, this product can also easily be transformed into a powerful wheeled edger as well as a mini mower. This versatility lets you treat your lawn in a variety of ways without having to buy multiple devices.
Key Features
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 7,600 RPM
- 20V rechargeable battery
- 5.5 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Those who were happy with this string trimmer loved how easy it was to use and the value of having three different machines in one. However, others who were not happy with this string trimmer said that it was difficult to adjust, while others said that it lacked enough power to be effective.
Best Value
Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
- $53.64
Prices taken at time of publishing.
At a more affordable price than many other similar products, this corded string trimmer still provides a wide 15 inches of cutting path and has an automatic feed head that makes it simple to use. Additionally, this string trimmer does not emit fumes as it operates.
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- 8,000 RPM
- Retractable power cord
- 6.86 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Those who gave this product positive reviews said that it was powerful for its size, had good value, and was long-lasting. However, others who left negative reviews claimed this string trimmer’s line was insufficient, while others said that the auto-feeder function didn’t work properly.
Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing a string trimmer, there are several things you should first take time to consider to ensure you’re finding the product that’s right for you. Read our buyer’s guide below to see the biggest factors that may influence your purchasing decision.
Fuel
String trimmers can be gas or electric. If you’re going with a gas-powered weed eater, you’ll receive more power. Electric, or cordless string trimmers, emit fewer fumes and are more environmentally friendly, but they may struggle to cut through thick brush compared to gas-powered weed eaters.
Line
The line for weed eaters varies in both size and shape. Here’s a breakdown of the most common line shapes:
Round
Round lines are basic, easy to find, versatile, and sturdy with minimal breakage.
Square
Square lines are a better choice for heavy-duty projects and have the ability to cut tougher weeds.
Multi-Sided
Multi-sided lines are slightly more durable than square lines and are a good choice for removing thick brush.
Twisted
Twisted lines are typically more expensive than other lines but may be a good option for heavy workloads that other lines can’t handle.
Regarding line size, the thinner the line, the lighter the weed the machine can “eat.” Here’s an overview of line sizes:
- 0.065-0.080: Light work, best for grass and grass-like weeds
- 0.085-0.105: Medium, best for grass and non-woody weeds
- 0.110 and above: Heavy, best for all types of weeds and brush
Size
The size and weight of your string trimmer should accommodate the type of work you need to get done. If your yard has a lot of trees or you need to get into nooks and crannies, stay away from heavy-duty weed eaters with wide shields. A heavier option may be a better fit if you have an open space and want a power tool that can make strong, sweeping cuts through thick brush.
Maneuverability
String trimmers that are more heavy-duty may be tougher to carry and maneuver than lighter string trimmers, which can make the task more arduous. If you only need a string trimmer for small- or medium-sized tasks, focusing on one with a high rate of maneuverability will make the job quicker and easier.
Safety Tips for Using a String Trimmer
Using a string trimmer can be dangerous if you aren’t careful and don’t take the proper precautions. However, with a few basic steps, you can ensure that you are keeping yourself protected. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering how to safely use a string trimmer.
Always Grip It Firmly
To avoid a string trimmer slipping while the power is on and potentially causing damage to your body parts, it’s important that you keep a firm and secure grip on it while it’s in use. If you need to adjust or change positions, turn the trimmer off first.
Wear Proper Clothing
Although it may be hot outside when you are using a string trimmer, that shouldn’t stop you from wearing long pants and sleeves, as these will help keep your skin protected. Wearing boots will also help keep your feet and ankles protected from debris. Finally, wearing safety goggles is recommended as it will help keep your eyes safe from flying debris, grass, and dirt.
Avoid Wet Weather
Using a string trimmer in the rain or when it is wet outside is not advisable. Attempting to use a string trimmer on wet grass or brush will be ineffective and wear down the motor. Furthermore, wet weather could cause you to slip or fall while using it, creating a safety issue.
Steer Clear of Bystanders
When using a string trimmer, you should try to keep at least 15-20 feet between you and any bystanders to avoid any potential accidents. Make sure the area is secure and let your family or neighbors know ahead of time when you will be operating a string trimmer, so they know to avoid the area.
Don’t cut backward or sideways
When operating a string trimmer, you should always move forward and operate in a straight line instead of walking backward or sideways. Hold the trimmer in front of you at a safe distance from your body and feet to avoid being struck by projectiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a string trimmer be used for?
String trimmers can be used to cut any grass that a lawn mower can’t reach, such as around or near a tree, a fence, or a mailbox. String trimmers can cut down growth in problematic areas of your lawn and also can reduce unwanted vegetation.
How long do string trimmers last?
A well-kept and well-made string trimmer should last for years, but the string will need to be regularly replaced, and a new battery may eventually be needed. How long a string trimmer will last will also largely depend on how much it is used.
Are string trimmers noisy?
String trimmers can produce a lot of noise, so you may want to wear protective ear covering and be cognizant of what time of day you are using it. It’s best to use string trimmers in short bursts of time to avoid prolonged exposure to the loud noise and heavy vibration.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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