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Best Black+Decker Weed Eaters

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
BLACK + DECKER 40V Max String Trimmer, 13-Inch
BLACK+DECKER
40V Max String Trimmer, 13-Inch
Best Battery-powered

Impressive power from an electric cordless weed eater thanks to a 40V lithium-ion battery.

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Best Battery-powered
Bottom Line

Impressive power from an electric cordless weed eater thanks to a 40V lithium-ion battery.

Pros

Trimmer and edger combined in one lightweight tool. Switch between trimming and edging modes in a matter of seconds. Equipped with a high-torque Powerdrive transmission that produces clean, efficient cuts. Has an automatic feed spool which makes trimming a breeze.

Cons

The included battery provides great power, but buying a backup battery is a good bet.

Best Bang for the Buck
BLACK + DECKER 20V Max Lithium Easy Feed
BLACK+DECKER
20V Max Lithium Easy Feed
Bargain Pick

With its versatile design and extra battery, it's the best value for the budget-conscious buyer who also wants to trim and edge without the limitations of a cord.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

With its versatile design and extra battery, it's the best value for the budget-conscious buyer who also wants to trim and edge without the limitations of a cord.

Pros

In addition to the affordable price, owners are impressed with the lightweight construction, additional battery, and auto line advance that make weed trimming and edging tasks virtually hassle-free.

Cons

Not quite as powerful as costlier models. The battery takes a while to charge, but having two batteries for the price helps when one is charging.

BLACK + DECKER 40V Max String Trimmer, 10-Inch
BLACK+DECKER
40V Max String Trimmer, 10-Inch
Easy to Use

We love this cordless model for its maneuverability and easy transition between trimming and edging.

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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

We love this cordless model for its maneuverability and easy transition between trimming and edging.

Pros

Converts from trimmer to edger easily at the press of a button. Handle height is adjustable for maximum user comfort. Automatic spool feeds smoothly for consistent and comfortable operation. Battery-powered and comes with a 20V max lithium-ion battery, which can hold a charge for up to 18 months without use.

Cons

Some users were unimpressed by this weed eater's power.

BLACK + DECKER 4.4-Amp 2-in-1 Electric AFS String Trimmer, 13-Inch
BLACK+DECKER
4.4-Amp 2-in-1 Electric AFS String Trimmer, 13-Inch
Best Corded Option

This electric weed eater tackles edges and difficult-to-maneuver spots in your yard with ease.

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Best Corded Option
Bottom Line

This electric weed eater tackles edges and difficult-to-maneuver spots in your yard with ease.

Pros

Equipped with a powerful 4.4-amp motor. Automatic feed spool has a 13-inch cutting path, which smoothly feeds the line without bumping. Head rotates 180 degrees for super clean edging. Transitions between edging and trimming quickly and efficiently. This corded model is lightweight, coming in at only 5 pounds.

Cons

The shaft length may be uncomfortable for taller users.

BLACK + DECKER 3.5-Amp Corded Electric String Trimmer, 12-Inc
BLACK+DECKER
3.5-Amp Corded Electric String Trimmer, 12-Inc
Simple Yet Solid

A corded, electric weed eater that both trims weeds and edges grass.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A corded, electric weed eater that both trims weeds and edges grass.

Pros

Features a 12-inch cutting path. The 3.5-amp motor provides plenty of power to quickly complete yard work. Handle is comfortable and easy to control. At only 6 pounds, this weed eater is easy to use and store. Features a cord-retention system that prevents the cord from getting disconnected from power. Easy to replace the spool.

Cons

Some users had issues with the spool getting stuck in this model.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
October 11, 2021
54
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best black+decker weed eaters

Allen Foster
Written by Allen Foster

Updated July 2024

Do you need help taming the weeds and excess growth in your yard? A weed eater can help. BLACK+DECKER, a trusted name in lawncare products, is known for its stalwart line of weed eaters. In fact, the company offers over two dozen weed eater options for the homeowner. Such a wide selection guarantees you'll be able to find exactly what you need.

Before you invest in a BLACK+DECKER weed eater, there are a few questions you can answer to help narrow down your choices. Do you want a weed eater with a curved shaft or a straight shaft? Which power option fits your needs? Which model fits your budget?

These are the kinds of questions we can help you answer so you can decide which BLACK+DECKER weed eater is right for you. Read on to learn more.

Content Image
As odd as it sounds, George Ballas got the idea for a weed eater while watching the cleaning brushes spin round and round in a car wash. His original invention used heavy-duty fishing line attached to a whirling popcorn can.

What a weed eater can do for you

A weed eater slices through grass, weeds, and other lawn growth. You can use it to trim those impossible-to-reach areas – under and along fences, in corners, and around obstacles and ornaments – or you can turn it on its side and use it as an edger. Indeed, a weed eater is a highly adaptable device. With just a twist, you can change its function to neaten your lawn wherever it needs work.

Here’s a look at three of the modes offered by BLACK+DECKER weed eaters: trimmer mode, mower mode, and edger mode.

Trimmer mode

The trimmer mode is the standard operating mode for weed eaters. This is what you use to trim grass and weeds in areas where your mower can't reach.

Mower mode

BLACK+DECKER's detachable mower deck can be purchased with your weed eater or separately. This handy little attachment effectively turns a weed eater into a lawn mower that’s suitable for small yards and steep hills.

Edger mode

Most BLACK+DECKER weed eaters feature a wheel that acts as a guide to facilitate edging work. It is important to note that even if the model you are considering is only designated a "trimmer," all you must do to turn the tool into an edger is rotate the head 90 degrees. The only difference: models designated as trimmers do not have a guide wheel.

Corded and cordless BLACK+DECKER weed eaters

You’ll need to decide whether you want a corded or cordless weed eater. BLACK+DECKER offers both options.

Corded weed eaters

A corded tool is one that you plug in. You will never run out of power with a plug-in weed eater, but your mobility will be somewhat limited, as you can only work where an extension cord can reach. The more amps you have, the more powerful the tool. With a plug-in tool, 16 amps is the equivalent of 1 hp.

Price: BLACK+DECKER corded weed eaters range in price from $40 to $80. Price is closely tied to power output. For example, a BLACK+DECKER weed eater with 3.5 amps of power costs around $40. A BLACK+DECKER weed eater with 7.5 amps costs closer to $80.

Cordless weed eaters

A cordless tool is powered by a rechargeable battery. You will enjoy unlimited mobility with a cordless weed eater, but the runtime will be limited. The more volts your battery has, the more powerful the tool will be.

Price: BLACK+DECKER cordless electric weed eater prices tend to range from $80 to $220. Just like corded weed eaters, the price is closely tied to power output. For example, a BLACK+DECKER weed eater with 20 volts of power costs between $80 and $105. A tool with 40 volts ranges from $100 to $145, and a tool with 60 volts ranges from $150 to $220.

Other considerations

Shaft

For the long part of your weed eater, the shaft, you have two options: curved or straight.

A curved shaft is shorter and a little lighter. For the less-experienced user, the angle can help in difficult or tight spaces. Because the shaft is curved, the cable that whirls the string will endure greater wear and tear, making this type of trimmer less durable.

A straight shaft is longer and usually a little heavier. Because there is less wear and tear on the drive system, these models last longer. Professional landscapers opt for straight shaft weed eaters.

Cutting swath

This is the amount of cutting or trimming a weed eater can do in one pass. Many BLACK+DECKER machines offer 12-inch and 14-inch options. Other models have just one choice available: 13 inches. The weed eater line does offer a smaller 10-inch model as well.

Speeds

Most BLACK+DECKER weed eaters feature a variable-speed trigger. The tighter you squeeze the trigger, the faster the unit will go. Others have a dial that you can use to select your speed.

Some BLACK+DECKER weed eaters have a two-speed setting that gives you two choices. In the first position, the trimmer spins at a slower speed, thereby increasing runtime. In the second position, the trimmer spins faster, thereby decreasing runtime.

String feed

BLACK+DECKER has two different systems for replenishing string on newer model trimmers: AFS (Automatic Feed Spool) and EASYFEED. A weed eater with an AFS system has sensors that detect when the trimmer line has frayed or broken and automatically feeds more line out. A weed eater with an EASYFEED system gives the user ultimate control. While the machine is trimming, you simply depress the EASYFEED button to extend the cutting line. Because you only advance the line when it is needed, there is the potential for less waste due to automatic feeding.

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Although the original name for this product was

FAQ

Q. What kinds of accessories can I get for my BLACK+DECKER weed eater?

A. BLACK+DECKER keeps things simple. Other than replacement parts such as the guard, spool cap, and string spools, the only accessories available are the removable mower deck and an edger wheel. Be sure your model will accommodate these accessories before purchasing them.

Q. Do I need any safety equipment when using my BLACK+DECKER trimmer?

A. Yes. Any time you use power equipment, safety gear should be worn. Recommended safety items include hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and hard-toed shoes.

Q. How do I find out if my weed eater has been recalled?

A. BLACK+DECKER maintains a list of safety notices and recalls on its website. To view the latest notices, scroll down to the bottom of any BLACK+DECKER website page and click on "Safety Recalls.”

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