Say Goodbye to Pesky Weeds with the Best String Trimmer
If you do a lot of yard work, you'll understand that weeds are adept at growing in tight or awkward spots that are hard to reach. Getting a weed whacker is your best bet at getting rid of these weeds. These powerful tools come in corded or cordless designs that save you from the hassles associated with old gas-powered weed whackers. Irrespective of their design or brand, weed whackers use quick spinning strings to trim weeds. They can also double as edgers, making them a great landscaping investment.
The following is our choice for the best weed whackers in 2021 available. These weed whackers were chosen for their durability, lightweight, adjustability and user-friendliness.
Top Weed Eaters Right Now
WORX Cordless String Trimmer
– Best String Trimmer Overall
This weed wacker has an ergonomically designed handle that is adjustable for easier handling. It also features a head that tilts up to 90 degrees and is ideal for trimming hard-to-reach spots. This cordless weed wacker is quite versatile in its application. It can be easily converted to a wheel edger in a matter of seconds and without any tools.
- Comes with two powerful batteries
- Has an adjustable guard to protect against accidental trimming
- May be difficult to adjust length of shaft
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer
– Most Powerful String Trimmer
This battery-powered weed wacker will provide more cutting power as it features a unique transmission that provides increased torque. It has two speed controls for more power. You will find this weed wacker easy to maneuver as it features an adjustable handle with a premium microtexture soft grip for added comfort.
- Has a shaft with an adjustable height
- Comes with two batteries
- Handles may come out of locked position during use
Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer
– Most Durable String Trimmer
This weed wacker has an aluminum telescoping shaft that provides you with an extended reach and is durable enough to withstand any stress during trimming. It is also rust-resistant. This corded weed wacker will make yard care effortless as it can also function as an edger. It will automatically adjust the trimming line to the perfect cutting length.
- Has a powerful 5-amp motor that can cut through thick weeds
- Features an adjustable assist handle for better balance
- Respooling may be difficult
Greenworks 24V Cordless String Trimmer
– Best Battery Life
This weed wacker comes with a powerful and long-lasting battery that will provide more runtime than similar tools. It is easily recharged using the charger that comes with it. This weed wacker uses an electric start that eliminates the fumes and maintenance hassles that come with gas-powered weed wackers. It is lightweight and operates noiselessly.
- Can be converted to an edger
- Has a telescoping shaft with a wrap-around handle
- Shaft length may be too short for some
This weed wacker is easily maneuverable to trim awkward and tight spots. Its handle and shaft are adjustable for precise trimming and added comfort during use. You can convert this ergonomically designed weed wacker into a wheeled edger easily thanks to its 90-degree pivoting head.
- It automatically feeds the trimmer line as needed
- Comes with a powerful rechargeable battery
- Spool has to be stringed manually
This string trimmer is powered by an engine that runs on a mixture of unleaded gas and oil. It has a translucent fuel tank that allows you to monitor your fuel level as you work. This string trimmer has a 17-inch trimmer head that easily covers more ground. It has a tap ‘n go system for releasing new trimmer lines that is activated by tapping the trimmer head against the grass.
- Has an air purge primer bulb for removing unwanted air
- Trimmer head is designed for easy line reloading
- May require occasional servicing
This string trimmer has a unique curved shaft that makes trimming and cutting your lawn more comfortable and balanced. It is powered by a quick-start 25CC gas engine. This string trimmer features a .095-inch line and a 16-inch cutting swath to offer you more durability and greater control in getting those thick patches of grass.
- Easy to feed more line to the trimmer
- It is lightweight and ergonomically designed
- Starting the engine requires manual effort
You’ll feel in control when using this efficient string trimmer. It features an ergonomic shaft that can be adjusted to suit your height and make the trimmer more maneuverable. This spring trimmer can be used in one of two speed settings depending on whether you want more power or more runtime. It also has a 13-inch cutting swath which allows for added efficiency.
- Line feed is controlled by the push of a button
- Can be converted to an edger
- Can’t be used when battery is being charged
Best Weed Whacker Buyer's Guide
A lawn can be your house’s first impression and because it is outside of the house, and visible to the whole world, it is very important that you put in the time and effort needed to make it look good. It is often said, and quite true that a person can be judged by the way his lawn looks. Of course, we could say ‘who cares what other people think?’ and go ahead to leave our lawns overgrown and unkempt. But why do that, when you can keep a beautiful lawn, front steps, fence, flower bed without having to break a bank, or sweat in the process by simply getting the right string trimmer.
A string trimmer is a machine designed to cut down grasses and small weeds using strings rotated at high speed by either a gasoline or electric motor. They are typically more efficient than lawn mowers because they cut through tall grasses that would most likely choke a mower and can work at every angle. It is pretty easy to use also. All you have to do is turn it on and touch the rapidly speeding strings attached to it, to the lawn.
But before you pick up a string trimmer, you first have to ask and answer some basic questions, such as the type of shaft you want and the type of powering you want your trimmer to have. Read on to find out more.
Types of String Trimmers
Curved Shaft
This is a trimmer with a bent shaft in the middle, right between the handle and the spinning head. This type of trimmer is easy to maneuver and designed to make cutting more convenient. It is generally best for short users.
Straight Shaft
A trimmer with a straight shaft is usually longer than the curved one and is best for tall users as it prevents you from having to bend to get the trimmer head to the grass.
Gasoline-powered string trimmer
This is the most common type of string trimmer as it is perfect for large properties and can work for an extended period of time. It makes use of a gas-powered motor and can typically deliver high power to weight ratios.
Corded-electric string trimmer
Corded-electric string trimmers are the cheapest and good because you don’t have to worry about filling them with gas or charging a battery. They come with a small cord that you attach to your mains supply, and are perfect if you have a small lawn/space to cut.
Battery-powered string trimmer
These are great because they are easy to start, do not release fumes, and are relatively quiet. They work using lithium-ion batteries that you charge then use. The good thing about them is that their batteries can be used in other battery-powered equipment, especially from the same brand.
What To Look Out For When Shopping For a String Trimmer
Adjustable Handle
String trimmers with adjustable handles afford you the ability to pick a more comfortable length that suits your height. This is more important when more than one person would be handling the trimmer, and it helps to prevent aches around the back and promotes good balance.
Weight
Be sure that the string trimmer you are going for is lightweight enough to hold for extended periods.
Noise
Generally, string trimmers make a lot of noise, but some much less than others. On the noise scale, electric string trimmers perform the best and are the quietest. Despite all of these, it is still advisable to use ear protective gear when using a string trimmer.
Easy Feeding/Loading of Strings
Depending on your choice, you could go for a trimmer that comes with an automatic feeding function of strings when the current ones run out, or you could get a unit that requires them fed manually. The latter gives you the chance to determine the kind (strength, thickness, durability) of string you want to be installed.
Gapping
When purchasing a string trimmer, make sure to take note of the distance between the cutting head and the shaft. A large distance means that grass would most likely get stuck in there and choke the trimmer - the smaller the gap, the less likely this will happen.
Safety
Because of the high speed at which they operate, string trimmers can get very dangerous, hitting and throwing out shards of glass, stones, and grass. Make sure that you shop for a trimmer that comes with protective gear or at the very least, shop for gear alongside.
Translucent Gas Tank
This feature is for the gas-powered string trimmer. It helps you to know when your gas tank is almost empty and needs a refill. That way you know to prepare ahead, rather than get cut off in the middle of your cutting.
Price Ranges For String Trimmers
Least Expensive
$50-150. At this price range, you can purchase a corded trimmer, which is usually the cheapest type. They are effective and get the work done to a large extent.
Average Cost
$150-300. If you want a string trimmer that combines ease, strength, and longevity, get one within this price range. Most in this category are battery-powered, which are much more dependable than the cheaper ones, and mobile over a much larger space than the corded trimmers can go.
Most Expensive
$300-500. The most expensive string trimmers should not span much outside of this price range. The most expensive of them is the gas-powered trimmer and it works most effectively and longest. If you have a large area to cut and need to work faster and better, you should get one within this price range.
String Trimmer FAQ
A: It all depends on how large the space you want to cut is, and how dense the grass has grown. Gas-powered trimmers offer more power and work for longer periods than battery-powered ones.
A: The battery life of a fully charged trimmer can last anywhere between thirty to sixty minutes, while it takes about half an hour to two hours to charge.
