Mowing leaves the ragged fringe a mower deck cannot touch, and that fringe is what separates a cut lawn from a finished one. A string trimmer — also sold as a weed eater or weed whacker — is the tool that closes the gap, cutting the strip along fences, tree bases and step risers, then converting to vertical edging mode for the clean line along driveways and garden borders.
Choosing the best string trimmers for edging and trimming comes down to three things: whether the head swivels or the wheel drops for edge work, how cleanly the head feeds line, and whether the machine is light enough to hold at a low angle for a full afternoon. Those three criteria decide more than engine size does. Our top pick is the WORX WG163, the best balanced pick is the BLACK+DECKER LST300, and the best middle ground for larger lawns is the BLACK+DECKER LST136.
We compared all ten machines in this roundup on cutting swath, head feed mechanism, machine weight, shaft design, warranty and runtime. Every figure quoted here comes straight from the manufacturer specification sheet, and every limitation is one owners actually reported. If your yard is small, our guides to the best string trimmers for small yards and the best string trimmers for seniors narrow this list down further.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for String Trimmers That Edge Well
Every Pick at a Glance
The table below is the fastest way to match a machine to a yard. Note the two columns that matter most for edging work: how the head converts to a vertical cut, and how line gets to the head.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V 2-in-1 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V 2-in-1 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WORX WG183 40V Cordless Trimmer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EGO MHC1603 Multi-Head Combo Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 RYOBI One+ 18V P2030 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SKIL PWR CORE 40 LT4818-10 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 Corded 12 inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1: Best Overall String Trimmer for Edging
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
- Converts to edger mode in seconds
- Head tilts 90 degrees for slopes and tight spots
- Rubberized wheels hold a straighter edge line
- Includes two batteries and a charger
- Adjustable spacer guard protects beds and ornaments
- 12 inch swath needs more passes on open lawn
- 0.065 inch line frays sooner on woody stems
- Body is plastic rather than metal
The WORX WG163 spins at 7600 RPM, cuts a 12 inch swath and weighs 5.5 pounds. Weight matters most here, because a trimmer is held at an angle with both arms for the whole job.
Its edging hardware is the best in the roundup: a head that tilts through 90 degrees for slopes and shrubs, plus rubberized support wheels that hold the guide steady through a border line.
Line handling is where it beats the cheap end. A push button command feed spool pays line out on demand and the spools are covered for life, which removes the tap-it-against-concrete frustration entirely.
Two 20V Power Share batteries and a charger are included, and those same packs run the rest of the WORX range. Already own a platform? Our cordless roundup covers the rest.
When the WG163 is the right call
Yards under roughly half an acre with heavy bed edges, walkway borders and post-mowing detail work. The wheel plus the tilt handle the two jobs people get wrong: a straight border and a shallow fence slope.
It also suits anyone buying into one battery system, because two batteries mean you can work while the other charges.
When the WG163 is the wrong call
Skip it for heavy overgrowth on half an acre or more, where a 12 inch swath and 0.065 inch line mean constant reloading.
It is also the wrong pick for tall operators, since the shaft is fixed rather than telescoping.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V 2-in-1: Best Value String Trimmer
- Automatic feed spool needs no bumping
- Quick trimmer to edger conversion
- Wall mountable charging base
- Light at 5.7 lb
- Two year limited warranty
- Only one 2.0Ah battery included
- 6200 RPM is modest against 8500 RPM models
- Dense dry growth can bog the motor
The LST300 does the same core job as the WG163 through a different mechanism: an Automatic Feed Spool that extends line without any tapping, plus a POWERDRIVE transmission that moves more torque from motor to line.
At 5.7 pounds and a 12 inch swath it sits in the same weight class, and the adjustable handle and height positions suit a shorter operator as well as a tall one.
Two details make it a good first battery purchase: a wall mountable charging base, and a 2.0Ah pack rated at 33 percent more runtime than the smaller pack in the range. BLACK+DECKER backs it for two years.
Where it falls short is speed and stamina. The head spins at 6200 RPM, and only one 2.0Ah battery is included, so a large lawn means frequent swaps.
When the LST300 is the right call
A new homeowner who wants edging capability and no fuel mixing without committing heavily to a platform. The automatic spool removes the tap and hope step entirely.
It also suits small and medium yards where 12 inch swath is genuinely enough. Our sidewalk edging guide covers matching swath to a hard edge.
When the LST300 is the wrong call
It is a poor match for tall grass, bramble or stemmy weeds that bog a slower head down, and some owners report irregular line payout that wastes line and stalls the cut.
If you already own another brand’s batteries, this kit still forces you to buy the BLACK+DECKER pack separately.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V: Best String Trimmer for Medium Yards
- 8500 RPM head speed - the fastest published figure in this roundup
- PowerCommand dial switches power and runtime
- Fast charger restores charge in 2 hours or less
- Telescoping pole adjusts to operator height
- Three year limited warranty
- 7.8 lb is heavy for prolonged detail work
- Single 2.0Ah battery limits runtime on big lawns
- Telescoping joint flexes slightly under load
Power is the differentiator here. Forty volts, a POWERDRIVE transmission and 8500 RPM head speed give real headroom in growth that stalls a 20V unit.
The PowerCommand dial is not a gimmick. Push toward power for a thick patch along a drive, back toward runtime for long straights, and one 2.0Ah pack goes much further. The fast charger refills it in two hours or less.
For edging, the head converts in seconds and the automatic spool handles line. The telescoping pole adjusts the machine to your height, which answers the short shaft complaint most operators over roughly five foot eight raise.
The trade is weight. At 7.8 pounds with the battery fitted, this is the heaviest of the 40V two-in-ones here, and that shows up in the forearms over a full afternoon.
When the LST136 is the right call
A medium suburban lot where the perimeter work is heavy and the grass gets away from you for a week between cuts. The dial covers open lawn and recovery growth in one machine.
Mixed-height households benefit from the telescoping pole plus adjustable handle, which cover a wider range of operators than a fixed shaft.
When the LST136 is the wrong call
Do not choose it for a small patio yard. You will carry 7.8 pounds for a five minute job and pay for a fast charger you rarely need.
Avoid it too if shoulder fatigue is a concern. The auxiliary handle helps with control, but no strap is in the box.
4. EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16 inch: Best Premium Battery Trimmer
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
- LINE IQ auto sensing line feed with no bumping
- POWERLOAD button winding reloads line in seconds
- 16 inch swath covers a third more than a 12 inch head
- Up to 60 minutes runtime on the included 4.0Ah pack
- Carbon fiber telescopic shaft with 5 year tool warranty
- Only one battery included
- Carbon fiber shaft is costly to replace if damaged
- Heavier than most 20V units at 7.5 lb
The ST1623T is the best-built battery trimmer in this group. Sixteen inches of swath covers a third more ground per pass than a 12 inch head, and at 7.5 pounds the carbon fiber shaft still feels balanced.
Its line system is the best engineered we tested. LINE IQ feeds automatically without a bump, and POWERLOAD winds the spool from a single button after you thread the line through the head.
Runtime is rated at up to 60 minutes on the included 4.0Ah pack, and the 320W rapid charger refills it in 55 minutes. A digital variable speed selector tunes output to the growth in front of you.
Edgers notice one thing: this head spins in the opposite direction to a gas trimmer, so existing muscle memory works against you until you adjust. There is a dedicated Reddit thread on the EGO platform’s edging behaviour for a reason.
When the ST1623T is the right call
Large suburban properties where one machine should trim and edge without a fuel stop. The 5 year tool warranty is the longest here, and the brushless motor keeps vibration low in long sessions.
It is also the pick if you intend to grow into the wider 56V range, since every EGO ARC Lithium pack works on it.
When the ST1623T is the wrong call
It is heavy money for a first battery purchase, and one included battery means you cannot work while charging.
It is not an edger either. If hard borders are the main job, a dedicated blade attachment is the cleaner answer.
5. WORX WG183 40V: Best for Balance and Handling
Worx Cordless String Trimmer, 40V 13″ Electric Weed Wacker, WG183
- Lightweight at 6.4 lb for a two battery 40V kit
- Dual exit cutting head raises cutting efficiency
- Automatic feed spool for easy line advancement
- Adjustable auxiliary handle
- Two 20V 2.0Ah batteries and a dual charger included
- Trimmer only with no edger conversion
- 40V comes from two 20V packs
- 7000 RPM is below dedicated 40V rivals
The WG183 is the handling pick. At 6.4 pounds with a 13 inch swath and two batteries included, it gives you a wider cut and more runtime than a 20V kit while staying lighter than the dedicated 40V machines here.
Its dual exit cutting head lets line leave the spool in two directions, and the automatic feed spool plus adjustable auxiliary handle keep the line and the balance under control.
Understand this before buying: it is not a native 40V machine. Two 20V 2.0Ah packs deliver the output, and both share the Power Share platform with 20V and 40V tools, so you can drop to a single pack for light work.
That flexibility is the point and also the objection. Without edger conversion this is a trimmer only, and owners note the plastic body and the 7000 RPM head as steps down from a dedicated 40V machine.
When the WG183 is the right call
A homeowner who already owns Power Share batteries or plans to buy the mower and blower on the same platform, since two included packs remove the usual first-battery compromise.
It also suits anyone who finds 7.8 pounds too heavy. Half a pound off the dedicated 40V kits adds up over a long Saturday.
When the WG183 is the wrong call
If edging is the reason you are shopping, skip it. There is no conversion here, and this roundup serves edging first.
Owners of budget WORX cordless tools have reported failures inside a month, so the heavier machines with longer warranties are the safer long-term bet.
6. EGO MHC1603 Multi-Head Combo Kit: Best Trimmer and Edger Combo
- One power head drives both a 16 inch trimmer and an 8 inch edger
- Edger attachment has depth adjustment to 3 inches
- Carbon fiber shafts backed by a lifetime warranty
- Tool free quick connect attachment swapping
- Shoulder strap included
- IPX4 weather resistant
- Heaviest setup in the roundup with battery fitted
- One 4.0Ah battery serves both attachments
- Edger blade mounts on one side only
This is the answer to the most common question in the category. The MHC1603 ships a power head, a 16 inch carbon fiber trimmer attachment and an 8 inch carbon fiber edger attachment, swapped tool free through a quick connect collar.
The edger attachment is what separates it from a two-in-one. It carries a real 8 inch metal blade with a guide wheel and a depth knob set to a 3 inch cut, which is what produces a defined vertical edge. A swivel head cannot replicate that depth.
Runtime splits by attachment: up to 45 minutes on the trimmer and up to 75 minutes on the edger at low speed with the 4.0Ah pack. Both shafts carry a lifetime warranty, and the head has a two speed selector and a lock off lever.
The costs are weight and commitment. Owners describe it as back heavy with the battery fitted, which is why the strap is in the box, and one pack serves both tools. The 4.6 average is the highest here, though the thousand-review base is the thinnest of the leaders.
When the MHC1603 is the right call
A homeowner who wants a defined depth-set edge along hard surfaces and already owns or plans other 56V tools. One battery running two tools is the cheapest way to build a platform.
It also suits heavy edging, since the edger runs longer on a charge than the trimmer and the shaft stays stable at a low angle.
When the MHC1603 is the wrong call
It is too heavy for older users or anyone with shoulder trouble, and the strap only takes the edge off that.
Note that the blade works from one side only and ships blunt, so expect a sharpening before the first edge. For light tidying a guide wheel is enough.
7. RYOBI One+ 18V P2030: Best for Low Strength and Tight Spaces
Ryobi One+ 18-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Electric String Trimmer and Edger
- Only 4 pounds for the tool itself
- Trims and edges from one head
- Shares a battery with more than 100 One+ tools
- Compact 10 inch swath suits beds and corners
- Battery and charger are sold separately
- 10 inch swath is the narrowest here
- 18V output is the lowest in the roundup
- Smallest review base of the ten
The P2030 is the lightest machine here at 4 pounds for the tool body. If weight or grip strength decides your purchase, nothing else gets close. It converts to edger mode and cuts a 10 inch swath for beds, paths and corners.
The real argument is platform membership. The Ryobi One+ 18V system covers more than a hundred tools, so an existing mower or blower means this body runs on packs you already own. Our seniors guide rests on the same logic.
Be clear about the listing: trimmer body only. Battery and charger sell separately, so a first-time buyer adds two items before cutting anything.
Eighteen volts is the lowest output in the group and 10 inches the narrowest swath, which means long sessions on growth with any stem to it.
When the P2030 is the right call
Detail work around beds, small paths and confined corners where a wider head is a liability. Ten inches fits a border and still runs tight to a shrub.
It is also right for an existing One+ owner replacing a broken body without adding another charger to the shed.
When the P2030 is the wrong call
It is wrong if you have no One+ batteries already, because the total climbs once a pack and charger are added to the tool.
It is also wrong for open lawn or any stemmy growth. If you plan to take on a lot of edging, a guide wheel head serves you better.
8. BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V: Best for Dense Overgrowth
- High torque PowerDrive transmission for thick growth
- Charge indicator on the battery so you can plan stops
- Automatic feed spool needs no bumping
- Converts to edger in seconds
- 6.4 pound machine
- Three year limited warranty
- Single battery included
- No variable speed control
- 6.4 lb is heavy for long detail sessions
The LST140C is the value pick at 40V. High torque from the PowerDrive transmission is what separates it from a 20V kit when you hit grass standing two weeks or weeds with real diameter.
Everything else is designed for longevity. The battery carries a charge indicator, the wall mountable charger keeps the base off the bench, and the three year warranty outlasts cheaper alternatives.
The automatic feed spool means no tapping the head on concrete to release line, which is the fix that most reliably prevents a stripped spool housing. Conversion to edger mode takes seconds.
The limitation is control. There is no variable speed dial, so you get full output or nothing, and you cannot back off when the head snags a stem.
When the LST140C is the right call
A lot that mostly trims grass and light weed but wants headroom when the lawn gets away from them, without moving up to a premium platform.
It also suits existing 40V MAX owners, since the pack fits that range and the three year warranty outlasts cheaper kits.
When the LST140C is the wrong call
On large areas the single included battery is the bottleneck and there is no runtime setting to stretch it. A second pack fixes both.
It is also a heavy choice for a small yard: 6.4 pounds for detail work around beds is harder on the arms than a 20V machine.
9. SKIL PWR CORE 40 LT4818-10: Best for Quick Line Changes
SKIL PWR CORE 40 14-Inch Brushless 40V Lightweight String Trimmer Kit with Twist Load Including 2.5Ah Battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger – LT4818-10
- Twist Load head reloads line by inserting and twisting
- 14 inch cutting width on a single machine head
- Dual line bump feed for fast line release
- PWR CORE 40 cell cooling adds 25 percent runtime and doubles battery life
- Brushless motor
- Weather resistant construction
- Five year warranty
- Heaviest single tool in the roundup at 12.4 lb
- Trimmer only with no edger conversion
- Bump feed rather than automatic feed
- Charger fan is audible while charging
The LT4818-10 solves the complaint every owner has with a bump head. Its Twist Load head takes a length of line, you insert it and twist, and the spool winds itself. No threading, no disassembly, no hunting the release tab with gloves on.
It also carries a 14 inch cutting width, wide for a single-head battery trimmer, and the brushless motor handles thick grass and weeds well for a battery machine.
Battery technology is the second argument. The PWR CORE 40 pack wraps each cell in cooling material, which the maker rates at 25 percent longer runtime and double the battery life, and cell degradation is a fair long term concern here.
The number to weigh carefully is 12.4 pounds, the heaviest single tool in the roundup by a wide margin. A small yard or any shoulder limitation will tire you before the job ends.
When the LT4818-10 is the right call
Someone who reloads line often or has been frustrated by a previous bump head that stopped releasing. The twist action is the fastest reload here and needs no tools.
It also suits a property with open areas plus patchy weeds, since 14 inches of swath and a brushless motor cover both, and the five year warranty is among the longest available.
When the LT4818-10 is the wrong call
It is a trimmer only, so hard edges along a drive or path are out of scope. Budget for a separate edger.
And if lifting 12 pounds overhead on a slope is the job, look elsewhere. The lower weight options here run from 4 to 7.8 pounds.
10. CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 12 inch Corded: Best Corded Electric Trimmer
CRAFTSMAN String Trimmer/Edger, Corded Electric, 12-Inch (CMEST900)
- Unlimited runtime with no battery charging or degradation
- Turn to edge conversion with a wire edge guide
- Automatic feed spool needs no bumping
- Consistent power with no fade as the pack drains
- Integrated VERSATRACK wall hook
- Extension cord is not included and limits reach
- Cord management is awkward on larger lawns
- 3.5 amp motor is weak against woody growth
- Weight is not published by the maker
- Short shaft can strain taller operators
The CMEST900 is the only corded option here, and it still makes sense in one situation: a small yard within reach of an outlet. A 3.5 amp motor delivers steady power with no fade, no charge time and no battery that degrades over five seasons.
Edging is handled by a turn to edge feature with a wire edge guide, so the guide holds a straight line instead of letting the head wander. The automatic feed spool extends line without bumping across a 12 inch swath.
One practical detail: an integrated hook for the VERSATRACK wall system, so it hangs on the wall instead of leaning in the corner of the garage.
The constraints are real. The cord is not included, cord management past a small yard is awkward, and a 3.5 amp motor will not take woody growth. Owners report the spool failing after extended use and components running hot, and the maker publishes no weight figure.
When the CMEST900 is the right call
A patio yard, small front lawn or side strip within cord reach of an outlet, where zero charging downtime and zero battery degradation matter more than portability.
It also suits anyone already deep into corded tools who does not want another platform to think about. Consistent power is a real advantage in tight spaces.
When the CMEST900 is the wrong call
It is wrong the moment the far corner of the property is out of reach. Dragging a cord around a tree is how extension cords get damaged and how people trip.
Because the cord is not supplied, you need a properly rated outdoor lead, and gauge and prong compatibility matter more than usual with a corded tool. For thick weeds it is the least capable machine here.
How to Get a Clean Edge With a String Trimmer
Mowing leaves a ragged fringe a mower deck cannot reach, and a string trimmer is the only practical tool for the strips around trees, under fences, along step risers and inside flower beds. That is the job a string trimmer does. Edging is the different task that follows: cutting a defined vertical line along a driveway, path or garden border.
Here is the sequence that produces that line with a string trimmer rather than a frustrating one.
Tilt the head before you start. Rotate or swivel the head so the line enters the grass at a slight downward angle, usually around 30 to 45 degrees. A head held level shaves the tops off and leaves the edge ragged.
Use the guide wheel if the machine has one. Drop the wheel or the wire edge guide so the frame rides on the ground and the head becomes the pivot point. The wheel sets a repeatable cutting depth; without it, your depth changes with every stroke.
Keep a small angle between the line and the edge. Aim the tip so it bites downward into the soil line rather than straight across it. A 45 degree bite on the return side is what cuts a vertical face instead of a shallow scrape.
Sweep in the same direction every time. Move the head away from yourself on the cut and back toward yourself with the line barely engaged. Barking the same line against the same edge on every stroke frays it and destroys the cut you are trying to make.
Watch the head direction. Battery machines commonly spin in the opposite direction to a gas trimmer. If your strokes feel wrong, flip which side of the machine you work from before you blame the tool.
Two extras help. Keep the line at the correct length for the head — too long and the motor bogs, too short and you are cutting air. And expect the first edge of the season to look ragged; line dulls in storage and a fresh length or two fixes it immediately.
How to Choose a String Trimmer
Use this section as a checklist. Work through the headings below in order and you will have narrowed the field before you look at a single product page.
1. Pick the power source that fits the property
Cordless is the default for most homeowners in 2026: no fuel to mix, no carburetor to service, one button to start. Gas earns its place only on acreage, woody growth or continuous commercial work where a single tank has to cover a full day. Corded electric makes sense in one narrow case, a small yard with an outlet within reach.
Against thick weeds, the honest answer to whether electric matches gas is that a motor holds its speed while a small engine bogs, so electric wins in a short burst. Over a full afternoon of heavy work, gas wins on uptime because refuelling takes minutes and battery charging takes an hour. Our pick for gas string trimmers built for thick weeds covers the other side of that trade.
2. Match cutting swath to yard size
Cutting swath, also called cutting width or cutting path, is the diameter of grass the head covers in one pass. Under 12 inches suits beds and small lawns. Thirteen to fourteen inches is the sweet spot for a typical suburban lot. Sixteen inches and up is for open acreage, where width saves time rather than power.
Do not over-buy swath on a small yard. A wide head is harder to control at edge angle and will not fit between a shrub and a wall.
3. Check the head before the motor
Edging capability comes from the head, not the engine. Look for one of three designs: a head that swivels to roughly 90 degrees, a wheeled edge guide that drops into position, or an attachment system where a dedicated edger blade clips onto a power head. The EGO combo kit in this roundup is the third type and produces the most defined edge of the three.
Line feed matters just as much. Automatic feed spools and powered winding systems remove the tap the head on the ground step that produces the most common complaint in the category, a bump head that will not release. Twist load heads solve the same problem differently and just as well.
4. Choose line diameter for the work
Line diameter decides how much damage the head can take. 0.065 inch line is the general purpose choice and suits light grass on a 12 inch head. 0.080 inch twisted line is the better all round option for edging, because the twist resists unwinding and holds a sharper tip. 0.095 inch line is commercial grade and belongs on wide heads taking on woody stems and brush.
Match the diameter to the head rather than upgrading blindly. A thin head cannot spin heavy line at speed, and the motor will bog or overheat.
5. Weigh weight and shaft length together
Machines here run from 4 pounds for the RYOBI tool body to 12.4 pounds for the SKIL kit. Under 8 pounds suits most operators, and under 6 is comfortable for a full afternoon of detail work or for anyone with limited upper body strength.
Shaft length is the other half. Short shafts force tall operators to bend forward all day, which is the most common ergonomic complaint in owner discussions. Telescoping shafts and curved shafts both solve it: curved shafts shorten the reach but balance better for shorter operators, straight and telescoping shafts suit taller users and reaching under shrubs.
6. Budget for maintenance and platform lock-in
A gas trimmer needs fuel and oil mixed to ratio, a spark plug, an air filter and an annual carburetor check. A battery needs a charger and eventually a replacement pack, and cell degradation is the real long term cost. Corded electric needs almost nothing beyond a new line.
The decision that costs the most money later is picking a platform. Owner consensus is to buy into one battery system and stay there, so check which brand you already own before you buy the tool body. Our pick for cordless string trimmers under a typical homeowner budget groups options by platform value.
One safety note while you are choosing. Landscapers sometimes run string trimmers without the debris guard because it clips into view during a long angled pass. As a homeowner, leave the guard fitted. It is there to stop stones and cut debris flying toward your legs and feet, and a line guard keeps the cutting zone lower to the ground where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer and edger combo?
The best combo is one with a head that swivels to about 90 degrees plus a guide wheel, or a multi-head kit with a dedicated blade attachment. Our top pick here is the WORX WG163, which converts in seconds, tilts its head and carries rubberized support wheels. The EGO MHC1603 kit goes further with an 8 inch edger attachment and a depth adjustment knob for a 3 inch cut.
What are the best trimmers for edging lawn edges?
The three specs that decide edging quality are cutting swath, head movement and line feed. You want a head that swivels or tilts to a near vertical angle, a guide wheel or edge guide to hold a straight line, and an automatic feed spool so line pays out without tapping the head. The WORX WG163 and BLACK+DECKER LST300 both meet all three.
What is the best trimmer for lawn edging?
For most yards the best trimmer for lawn edging is a cordless two-in-one with a tilting head and support wheels, because it costs less than a separate edger and stores in one piece. The WORX WG163 is our pick, with a 12 inch swath, a 90 degree head tilt and rubberized wheels, at 5.5 pounds and with two batteries included.
What is the best trimmer string for edging?
For edging, 0.080 inch twisted line is the best all round answer. The twist resists unwinding and cuts a sharper tip than round line of the same diameter, which produces a cleaner vertical edge. Use 0.065 inch round line for light trimming and 0.095 inch commercial grade only on a wide head cutting woody stems. Match the diameter to your head, not above its rating.
Is a gas or battery string trimmer better?
A battery trimmer is better for most homeowners: it starts instantly, needs no fuel mixing and holds speed in thick grass instead of bogging. Gas is better for acreage, woody growth and full-day commercial work because refuelling takes minutes while charging takes an hour. Battery is the stronger choice specifically for edging work, where control and low vibration matter more than endurance.
What are the best string trimmers according to consumer reports?
Third-party testing houses and major review outlets routinely test string trimmers, but their picks change between editions and many results are years old. A more durable check is the combination of rating and review count across thousands of owner reviews, which is what this roundup uses. The BLACK+DECKER LST300, LST136 and WORX WG163 here sit at the top of both measures among the widely reviewed models.
Why do landscapers take the guard off string trimmers?
Professionals often remove or trim the debris guard on long angled passes because it can clip into the line of sight during a sweep and nudge the cut depth. They control the tool differently, using a harness and a two-handed grip that most homeowners do not. Leave the guard fitted at home: it stops stones and debris flying toward your legs, and the small adjustment cost is not worth the risk.
Are electric weedeaters as powerful as gas?
In a short burst an electric trimmer is stronger, because a motor holds its RPM in thick growth while a small two cycle engine bogs and slows down. Over a full day of heavy work gas wins, because it refuels in minutes. For edging specifically, electric is the better answer: lower vibration, no exhaust near flower beds and better low-angle control for a defined edge.
Which String Trimmer Should You Buy?
The WORX WG163 is the best string trimmer in this roundup for edging and trimming, and the reason is the head rather than the motor. A 90 degree tilt, rubberized support wheels and a push button feed spool cover the three edging problems people actually hit, and at 5.5 pounds with two batteries in the box it stays comfortable through a whole afternoon.
If your budget is tighter or you want the longest warranty at the low end, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 does the same job with an automatic feed spool and a two year warranty. Move up to the BLACK+DECKER LST136 when you want adjustable power and a telescoping shaft for a medium suburban lot, and consider the EGO POWER+ ST1623T when a 16 inch swath and a five year tool warranty justify the step up.
Whatever you choose, the edge comes from technique rather than power: tilt the head, use the guide wheel, and sweep in one direction so the line stays sharp. We update this roundup through 2026 as new models reach the shelves.