Black & Decker 12-Inch 12-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer and Edger #CST2000

This trimmer takes just a few minutes to put together, and its durable construction -- backed by Black and Decker's 2-year warranty -- is immediately obvious. With a 12-inch cutting path -- the largest of any battery-powered trimmer -- the Grass Hog works quickly. It is limited to light-duty cutting of grass and foliage but can handle most homeowners' needs for weekend weed-whacking. The straight-shaft design lets you easily reach under decks and stairs, and the height-adjustable handles offer a comfortable grip. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system releases the trimmer's .065-diameter line as it's needed using centrifugal, with no tapping or bumping of the spool head required. The edger feature is easy to engage; with just a button, the Groom'N'Edge rotates 180-degrees for an easy conversion from trimming to edging and back again. The edger does a decent job of cleaning up around paving stones and concrete, although it's not quite as powerful as gas and corded electric models when cutting extensive edges along walkways and driveways. The 12-volt battery is powerful enough to provide a minimum of 6800 rpm, allows instant start-up, gives plenty of run-time per charge, and will recharge overnight.

Weighing over 10 pounds, the Grass Hog may be a bit heavy for some users, but for small, light-duty jobs, most homeowners should find it to be quite manageable. As with all power equipment, trimmers must be handled with caution. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating this serious piece of equipment. --Michelle McSweeney

What's in the Box
12 Volt 12-inch cordless trimmer/edger and 12-Volt battery charger.

Amazon.com Review
Black & Decker's Grass Hog offers the convenience of cordless power without the mess of fuel. Requiring virtually no tune-ups and no fussing with gasoline and oil mixtures, the Grass Hog gives you quiet, reliable, maintenance-free power at the flip of a switch. True, battery power doesn't measure up to the strength of a gas engine, but maybe you don't need all that power (and pollution) anyway.

This trimmer takes just a few minutes to put together, and its durable construction--backed by Black & Decker's two-year warranty--is immediately obvious. With a 12-inch cutting path--the largest of any battery-powered trimmer--the Grass Hog works quickly. It is limited to light-duty cutting of grass and foliage but can handle most homeowners' needs for weekend weed whacking. The straight-shaft design lets you easily reach under decks and stairs, and the adjustable handles offer a comfortable grip. The auto feed spool releases trimmer line as it's needed, with no tapping of the spool head required. The edger feature is easy to engage and does a decent job of cleaning up around paving stones and concrete, although it's not as powerful as gas and corded electric models when cutting extensive edges along walkways and driveways.

Weighing over 10 pounds, the Grass Hog may be a bit heavy for some users, but for small, light-duty jobs, most homeowners should find it to be quite manageable. As with all power equipment, trimmers must be handled with caution. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating this serious piece of equipment. --Michelle McSweeney