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String Trimmer Buying Guide





We spent 45 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top options. Looking to tidy up your yard without bringing out the heavy machinery? Make the chore a little easier with a string trimmer. These weed whackers will make light work of maintaining any yard, as they come in both gas and electric options with enough power for smaller home gardens as well as professional landscaping jobs.

1) Husqvarna 967055801 Straight Gas String Trimmer | 2) WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer/Edger | 3) GreenWorks 21142 10Amp Electric String Trimmer | 4) BLACK+DECKER LST420 20V MAX Lithium Trimmer and Edger | 5) BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 String Trimmer/Edger | 6) BLACK+DECKER LST136W 40V String Trimmer, 13 | 7) BLACK+DECKER ST8600 5 Amp 13″ String Trimmer/Edger | 8) GreenWorks 2101602 G-MAX Cordless String Trimmer | 9) 16″ Electric Corded Grass Trimmer | 10) Cub Cadet 22 in. String Trimmer | 11) Homelite 26cc Gas Powered Shaft Trimmer | 12) DEWALT DCST920B Brushless String Trimmer | 13) Echo GT-225 2 Cycle Gas Trimmer | 14) Remington RM2700 Ranchero Brushcutter | 15) HONDA VersAttach Trimmer A | 16) Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch String Trimmer | 17) Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT String Trimmer | 18) Murray 16″ 25cc 2-Cycle Gas String Trimmer | 19) Ryobi Expand-It Universal Cultivator | 20) Ryobi RY34007 Expand-It 4 Cycle 30cc Trimmer | 21) SRM-225 String Trimmer, 21.2CC | 22) Ryobi Cordless Electric String Trimmer | 23) HONDA VersAttach Multi Too | 24) BLACK+DECKER MTC220 20V 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger | 25) Remington 22-Inch Trimmer Lawn Mower | 26) BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 String Trimmer/Edger | 27) DEWALT DCST920P1 20V MAX 5.0 Ah String Trimmer | 28) Husqvarna 961730006 HU625HWT Trimmer Mower | 29) Troy-Bilt TB525 Curved Shaft Trimmer | 30) Southland Outdoor SWSTM4317 43cc Wheeled String | 31) Troy-Bilt CORE TB4200 40V Cordless String Trimmer | 32) BLACK+DECKER MTE912 6.5-Amp Trimmer/Edger |

Using a string trimmer is great for cleaning up weeds and unruly grass…but which kind should you buy?

There are two kinds of string trimmers available: gas string trimmers and electric string trimmers. You can also find both available in curved shaft or straight shaft models. Let us help you discover the advantages of both kinds of string trimmers, and stay safe while perfecting your lawn.

Gas String Trimmer

If your lawn is composed of heavier grasses or weed prone areas, consider using a unit that allows for a thicker trimmer line, such as a gas powered trimmer.

Advantages of Gas String Trimmers:

  • More powerful.
  • Easier portability.
  • Can accept different size trimmer line.
  • Great for large areas.

You will want to prepare a gas powered string trimmer for the winter. Generally, it is best to either empty the tank completely (run the unit until it stops) or to keep it full with a tank of gas that has been treated with a fuel stabilizer. Some people also change the spark plugs at this time.

Electric String Trimmer

On average, run time for a battery operated string trimmer is 20-40 minutes per charge, depending on the area being done. Initial charge should be overnight (8-12 hours) and a recharge generally takes 6 hours.

Advantages of Electric String Trimmers:

  • No fumes.
  • Lightweight.
  • Great for smaller areas.
  • Easy to swap line spools.
  • No winter storage prep.
  • Less expensive than gas counterparts.

Straight Shaft String Trimmers Versus Curved Shaft String Trimmers

Straight shaft trimmers are considered to be more reliable than curved shaft models, because the drive cable in a curved shaft model has to curve, which can result in cable breakage over time. Straight shaft trimmers also allow the user to reach spots, such as under bushes, more easily. Curved shaft string trimmers are a bit more balanced and allow for a more comfortable cutting position to the user.

String Trimmer Safety

When using a string trimmer, make sure you’re doing it safely. String trimmers don’t look as intimidating as a lawn mower blade, but the speed of the string can move fast enough to strip bark from a tree and toss debris.

Be sure to protect your eyes with safety glasses. It may be uncomfortable in the summer, but you will also want to wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your feet and legs from debris. We recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands from debris. Ear protection is also important, as string trimmers can be quite loud. We recommend wearing either ear plugs or ear muffs to protect your ears.


Photo Gallery of the String Trimmer Buying Guide