As every gardener knows, there are a lot of places that a lawnmower just can't reach because of the width of the bottom of the deck. So the next step in lawn maintenance is to pull out a trimmer from the garage to finish the job up fast. Otherwise, you’re going to get stuck trying to trim down the weeds with small hand tools that take forever to use.
But those who currently don't have a string trimmer will probably be a little overwhelmed by all the choices of trimmers that are available for sale. That’s why this article will focus on the simplest style of trimmer to start out with, which is the cordless string trimmer.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Cordless String Trimmers
What Are the Advantages of Cordless String Trimmers?
Professional landscapers take along two kinds of trimmers when they go to care for a person’s lawn. The first one is a trimmer with a blade. It only gets used for dense foliage that hasn’t been cut back in a long time. This is mostly because the blades are constantly hitting rocks and sidewalks. So they have to have a string trimmer too.
Cordless string trimmers are great because they don’t require fuel that has to be mixed in a special proportion with oil or a long electrical cord that only reaches so far across the property. They operate with a rechargeable battery that lasts for several years if it’s taken care of properly.
These battery powered trimmers also tend to weigh less than other styles, which makes them perfect for gardeners who don’t have a lot of upper body strength. And they can be started at the push of a button instead of having to hassle with pulling a long cord while trying to balance the lengthy tool with the other hand.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Cordless String Trimmer
Since these gardening tools are operated on batteries that run out of power after a while, it’s advantageous to choose a model that sells extra batteries separately. That way, you can charge all the batteries up the night before. Then, use them the next day without having to wait in between charging times.
Also, it’s important to look for a cordless string trimmer that has an adjustable pole to it. Being able to change the length of the tool this way will take the strain out of trying to keep it at the perfect height above the grass. For example, a person with a shorter stature can decrease the length of the trimmer by a few inches, and a taller person may want to make it a little longer.
And lastly, be sure that you check out the mechanism where the string is dispensed. It should be easy to load and rewind. Don’t waste your time with trimmers that sell ready-to-go, disposable trimmer string sets. Having to buy a new spool of string each time you want to trim your lawn will end up costing you a fortune over the years.
Useful Tips for Maintaining a Cordless String Trimmer
Since a good cordless string trimmer can cost at least a couple hundred dollars, it’s important to care for it properly. The maintenance will be a little different than a gasoline-powered trimmer though. There is no fuel tank to worry about for overwintering the tool, and it doesn’t have a fuel filter to change out.
There is, however, a string spool that can get covered in dirt and grass over time. Before cleaning this area off, be sure that you remove the battery first. This will reduce the risk of an injury occurring. And remember, take the string completely off the spool when you do this. A lot of the debris gets tangled up inside this area.
The protective shield that covers the string spool should also be wiped off. Check for any cracks or damage to it each time that it gets used, and replace it if it needs it. But never try to trim the lawn without it. The shield should never be taken off because it prevents particles from flying up and hitting someone.
Both the charger and the batteries that the cordless string trimmer come with have to be cared for too. All you have to do is wipe them off with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use any other cleaners on them. And remember, they should always be stored in a cool, dry place that is near an electrical outlet.
Don’t leave them plugged in unattended overnight either. They could overheat and cause a fire. And lastly, never use the batteries if they have been dropped onto a hard surface or if they look damaged in any way.
Our Cordless String Trimmer Reviews
#1 – EGO Power+ ST1502 Lithium Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer
The handle is adjustable, which is great for controlling the comfort no matter what job you have at hand. The trimmer also has dual feed twist line to help you handle tougher trimming jobs.
It’s pretty lightweight even with the battery installed, so it’s suitable for tough yard work. With its weather resistant construction, it’s strong enough to cut through the toughest of grass and keep your lawn from looking like a shaggy mess.
#2 – Black & Decker LST136W Lithium Ion String Trimmer
You can switch between maximum power and maximum runtime to suits your needs better, whether you have a lot of grass to trim or have some tough weeds to get rid of. This string trimmer is also quite affordable.
It has the Automatic Feed Spool feature to ensure you can continue with your work without bumping. If you need to use it as an edger, you can also easily convert it from trimmer to edger by a simple turning of the shaft.
#3 – Earthwise CST00012 Cordless Electric String Trimmer
The telescopic handle is perfect for easy adjustments, while the 3 position adjustable cutting head makes it easier to cut how you want. There is also an edge guard so you don’t end up messing up. With the 12 inch cutting width, you can get the job done fairly quickly.
Unlike some of the other cordless trimmers, it uses a NiCad battery which does an excellent job powering this equipment. You can rotate the upper handle 180 degrees to find a comfortable hold while you’re working with it.
#4 – Toro 51488 Cordless Dual Line Trimmer
There is a power saving mode that will extend how long you can use this string trimmer for. The trimmer has a 13 inch dual line to provide a better cutting performance. The cast aluminum weight is lightweight and provides extra durability.
The auto feed trim line system is great for adjusting the trimmer to the length you need. There is an extended shaft to increase the reach of this trimmer and make your job easier. A wall mount storage hook lets you hang it on the wall for quick and easy storage.
