What Is a String Trimmer?

A string trimmer which is also called a weed-wacker, whipper-snipper, weed eater, or line trimmer is a tool that utilizes a flexible line instead of a blade for cutting grass, weeds, lawn, and other organic plants. A string trimmer works well on steep or irregular terrain versus a lawn mower that is more difficult to handle. A string trimmer has a cutting tip head at the end of a long power shaft with a handle. With so many options available on the market today, we have narrowed the list down to our top ten string trimmer models.

Best String Trimmers of 2018

In the chart below, you will find our top ten string trimmer models. For a more in-depth review of each model, please click on “Read Review.”

Product Image	Product Name	Rating	Review
See Today’s Price	Best Partner Cordless String Trimmer	3.5 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	BLACK+DECKER LST136W 40V MAX Lithium Ion String Trimmer, 13″	4.2 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	DEWALT DCST920B 20V Lithium Ion XR Brushless String Trimmer	4.1 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer	4.5 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	GreenWorks 21212 4Amp 13-Inch Corded String Trimmer	3.8 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer	4.1 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Detachable String Trimmer	4.4 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	Makita XRU04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer	4.0 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	Weed Eater WE20VT 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Powered String Trimmer and Edger	4.1 out of 5	Read Review
See Today’s Price	WORX 20-Volt GT 2.0 String Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower with Tilting Hea	4.1 out of 5	Read Review

Top Ten Best String Trimmers of 2018

BLACK+DECKER LST136W 40V MAX Lithium Ion String Trimmer, 13″
GreenWorks 21212 4Amp 13-Inch Corded String Trimmer
WORX 20-Volt GT 2.0 String Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower with Tilting Hea
Makita XRU04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
DEWALT DCST920B 20V Lithium Ion XR Brushless String Trimmer
Husqvarna 128LD 17-Inch Straight Shaft Detachable String Trimmer
EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer
Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer
Best Partner Cordless String Trimmer
Weed Eater WE20VT 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Powered String Trimmer and Edger

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How to Choose a String Trimmer

When choosing the best string trimmer, it is a good idea to think about the reason you need one in the first place. Consider the jobs that your string trimmer will be used for. You can narrow down the choices to help figure out which model string trimmer is best for you. Additionally, think about the amount of money you are willing to spend on a string trimmer. Keep in mind that you may need to spend more money than you planned on originally to get a better quality tool for cutting and trimming a lawn, grassy areas, or weeds. While it may be tempting to buy a trimmer that is fairly inexpensive, it may not be appropriate for the job and you will find yourself turning around to purchase another model at the store after using it only a few times.

String Trimmers 101

String trimmer can be categorized into three different types. You can choose from gas, electric or battery operated string trimmers. Gas powered trimmers are the most powerful trimmers for all lengths of grass, weeds, lawns, and plants. Both gas powered and battery operated trimmers are cordless and eliminate the cord becoming tangled and the need to be constantly connected to an electric power source.

Things to Consider When Buying a String Trimmer

What Kind of Job Needs to Be Done: When buying a string trimmer, consider how often the trimmer will be used and what size of jobs that you need the trimmer for. Typically, gas-powered string trimmers will be more powerful for trimming down thick stemmed grasses and tough weeds. Gas powered and battery operated trimmers have the advantage of being cordless so you do not have to drag an extension cord around your property. You will not need to be near an electrical outlet like you do with an electric trimmer. However, an electric trimmer is light, easier to maneuver, and less expensive.
Safety: Make sure that you have safety gear when purchasing a string trimmer. Safety gear should include gloves, long pants, safety glasses, and boots, and earplugs. If you don’t have safety gear, then I would suggest buying the gear before using your new tool.
Price: You will see a wide range of varying prices when comparing string trimmers. Consider your budget but remember that you may pay more in the long run if you don’t get a good one to start with. Several years ago, I bought an inexpensive string trimmer. Yes, it was inexpensive initially, but the amount of time I spent a lot buying trimmer lines that constantly needed replacing, often several times in the middle of a job, was more expensive than it would have been if I would have bought a more expensive trimmer to begin with. Next time I will spend a little more money to get a better quality string trimmer. Stay within your budget, but consider spending a bit more for a better quality trimmer. Remember, you get what kind of tools you pay for.

Features

String trimmers have so many different features that it can get confusing when it is time to purchase your own. I have simplified your search for a string trimmer by listing the features below that will help you when you choose your own.

Wraparound Handle: A wraparound handle enhances your comfort level when operating your string trimmer. It will also cut down on muscle fatigue. A wraparound handle helps you to maintain a comfortable position when trimming no matter the angle.
Lock On: A lock on feature will help reduce hand fatigue by letting you keep cutting and trimming without having to constantly press the trigger. This is a great feature when trimming grass and weeds for long periods of time.
Translucent Fuel Tanks: Some gas-powered string trimmer models come equipped with tanks that allow you to see how much fuel is left in the tank. This feature allows you to closely monitor the fuel levels so that you do not run out of gas in the middle of a job.
Pigtail: A pigtail is a short length of cord that is made to connect to an extension cord. A pigtail is placed on one end of the trimmer cord and the other end is connected to the extension cord. This will help to minimize the chances of pulling the cord off while running your trimmer.
Kits: Some trimmers come with optional kits that will allow you to convert the trimmer into a patio broom or other useful tool device.
Extra Battery Packs: Extra battery packs can help you to get a job done without waiting for a lithium-ion battery to recharge. This is especially useful if you are away from an electrical outlet.

Types of Trimmers

There are three main types of string trimmers. The different types are gas powered, electric, or battery operated string trimmers.

Gas Powered: Gas powered trimmers are the best choices for large areas or areas with tall grass and weeds because they generate the most power. Most gas powered string trimmers weigh less than thirteen pounds, although they are generally heavier than electric trimmers. Gas powered string trimmers often have a centrifugal clutch that lets a gas trimmer idle without spinning which is a nice safety feature.
Electric Powered: Corded string trimmers are the most popular model because they are the least expensive of the three types of trimmers. They are the best type for small, light jobs. They are lighter in weight than gas or lithium-ion battery trimmers and also quieter to run. Electric string trimmers with a mounted mower head tend to be more stable. Electric models don’t spin unless you press a switch.
Battery Operated: Lithium-ion battery operated string trimmers are a nice option because they allow you to have free mobility without being connected to an electric cord and perform reasonably well in medium length grass and weeds. A tip if buying a cordless trimmer is to get one with a top-mounted motorhead because it will be better balanced and easier to handle than the kind of model with a motor near the cutting line.

Gas Powered String Trimmer

Pros

The most powerful type of string trimmer
No bothersome cord to contend with

Cons

Costs more than the other types of trimmers
Heavier than the other types

Battery Powered String Trimmer

Pros

Less expensive than gas trimmers
No bothersome cord to contend with

Cons

May run out of power during a job
Heavier than electric powered trimmers

Electric Powered String Trimmer

Pros

Less expensive
Lightweight

Cons

Need an electric source
The cord can be bothersome

Common Features of String Trimmers

String trimmers have the following features in common:

They all have handles.
They all use a trimmer line or string to cut lawn, grass, weeds, and other plants.

Best String Trimmer:

After a careful review of the top ten string trimmers on the market, our top pick is the EGO Power +15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a String Trimmer

1. What type of job will I be doing with my string trimmer?

String trimmers come with different weight ratings. Make sure you check out the weight ratings before you purchase your trimmer, especially if several people will be using the same trimmer.

2. Do I have specific price range?

If you have a specific price range for a string trimmer, then you will only want to consider the string trimmers within your range.

3. Do I want an electric, gas, or battery operated trimmer?

Think about which type of string trimmer that you wish to purchase. Consider the different characteristics of each type and the pros and cons of each before you purchase your own.

Why a String Trimmer Is Awesome

A string trimmer will help you to get to steeper, smaller areas that are not accessible when using a lawnmower.

Recommended Bestsellers

Bestseller No. 1

BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer with Auto Feed,...

Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) technology of the edger/trimmer...
The 6.5 amp motor and POWERDRIVE Transmission of the grass...
2-in-1 trimmer/edger with wheeled edge guide - just rotate...

Bestseller No. 2

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 10 in. 2in1...

2IN1 DESIGN – Easily rotates 180 degrees from a cordless...
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT AND SOFT-GRIP HANDLE – Provide...
AFS AUTOMATIC FEED SPOOL – Continuously feeds trimmer line...

Bestseller No. 3

BLACK+DECKER 20V Max String Trimmer/Edger, 12-Inch...

Converts from trimmer to wheeled edger; Amp hour: (2) 1.5...
Power drive transmission for increased torque
2 speed control for more power or extended runtime. Line...

Common Questions

What type of string trimmer do I want to purchase?
How much do I want to spend on my desired string trimmer?

Conclusion

I hope that this guideline for buying a string trimmer has helped you as you consider which type of trimmer will be the best one for you and your outdoor gardening needs. Think about the jobs that you will be completing and then pick and purchase the string trimmer that will best help you complete those jobs. Consider your desired price range and the pros and cons of each type of trimmer. Best of luck as you decide between a gas, battery powered, or an electric trimmer.