A string trimmer is the indispensable power tool that puts the finishing touches on a by shaving off grass that a can’t reach. Some people mow then trim, others trim then mow (particularly those who bag the clippings). Either way, the results should be a neat landscape.
But trimmers do more than neaten up. They can cut down tall grass and weeds to keep border areas under control, either prior to mowing or as an alternative to mowing. With a deft hand they can be turned sideways to cut a notch along sidewalks, patios, and drives, preventing grass and weeds from growing over the pavement’s edge.
We tested a broad range of string trimmers, from compact light-duty models for trimming grass along walks and driveways up to plant-thrashing beasts for taking down tall weeds. Below, you’ll find our buying tips along with our test results on the best string trimmers. Gas vs.
Electric A string trimmer spins a line head by means of either a gas engine (in almost all cases burning a gas-oil fuel mixture) or a lithium-ion battery and a DC motor. The harder you work the string trimmer, the tougher the machine you need to buy. Although cordless string trimmers still lack the raw weed-slashing power of professional-grade gas-engine machines, they have narrowed the performance difference thanks to large batteries that can produce as much as 60 volts of power.
Another benefit that a battery-powered trimmer provides that a gas trimmer can’t touch is that it’s quiet. They put out decibe.
