The BLACK+DECKER LST400 20V Lithium Trimmer and Edger is the best cordless lawn edger you can buy for the value it provides. The Power Drive transmission provides good performance but the battery can take a while to charge.
A manicured lawn can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal. Cordless lawn edgers enable homeowners to create crisp, clean landscaping lines.
With so many cordless lawn edgers on the market, it can be difficult to find one that is tailored for your specific needs. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best cordless lawn edgers.
What is a cordless lawn edger?
Cordless lawn edgers are electric tools that create tidy landscaping borders with limited manual labor. These impressive machines enable homeowners to manicure the edges around their lawn and garden elements to achieve professional quality results.
Most edgers boast a rotating blade that slices through grass and dirt. Many modern lawn edgers can also function as corded weed whacking devices.
What are the different types of lawn edgers?
String Trimmers
String trimmers cut the grass and weeds that grow in areas where lawn mowers cannot reach. They are used to cut around fence posts, trees, pushes, and other lawn and garden elements.
If you’re looking to cut such grass and weeds, check out my informative post on how to use a string trimmer.
Lawn Edgers
Lawn edgers are used to trim along walkways, driveways, streets, and paths. They are used to create a well-defined and tidy perimeter. Here’s a look at how a cordless lawn edger can be used to spruce up your walkway borders.
Trenchers
Trenchers cut deep furrows in the earth. These may be used to make way for buried cables, pipes, irrigation systems, or electric dog fences.
Do you need a cordless lawn edger?
Lawn edgers can be used to give your look a tidy, manicured look. If you’re looking to improve the look of your lawn or garden, they are a failsafe way to get a professionally landscaped look for a low cost and very little effort.
If you’re torn between getting a corded, cordless, or manual edger, it’s worth noting that the cordless variety is easier to maneuver and less physically taxing.
The benefit of using a manual lawn edger is it’s cheaper and low-maintenance because of fewer moving parts. I’ve written a post where you can find some of the best and cheap manual lawn edgers so check it out.
Most landscapers consider edgers and string trimmers to be vital lawn maintenance assets. In fact, they’re just as important as a lawnmower. Cutting your grass without edging is like giving yourself a haircut without trimming the ends.
How to choose the best cordless lawn edger
Cutting Diameter and Depth
One style of edger utilizes a rotating trimming string to cut grass and weeds. Edgers that utilize string typically have a wide cutting diameter. Their cutting capacity typically ranges between 12 and 14 inches.
While traditional string trimmers require users to manually bump spent string, most of the newer models feature automatic feed features. Automatic feeds release a new section of string from a hidden spool. Replacement string spools can be purchased when the original one runs out.
Traditional edgers utilize metal blades to create well-defined borders. Blades may be flat, scooped, or pointed. The more dynamic the blade is the better it aerates the earth. Nevertheless, flat, rectangular blades still do an excellent job of cleaning up the edges around rudimentary walkways and other landscaping features.
Power Source
Consumers have a choice between electric and gas-powered lawn edgers. Gas lawn edgers are usually quite large and durable. They are used by professional landscapers or homeowners with large properties. Many hardware stores rent these out for a fee.
Electric lawn edgers may be corded or cordless. Corded lawn edgers are best suited for small yards with minimal obstacles. Keep in mind that corded edgers require a compatible extension cord. The length of the extension cord you use determines the range of the edger. Corded lawn edgers are usually a bit more powerful and resilient than the cordless variety.
Cordless edgers are extremely maneuverable. They rely on long-lasting, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Homeowners can enjoy the freedom of meandering around gardens and yard elements without having to worry about tangling or snagging an extension cord.
Shaft and Handles
It’s important that your edger has a shaft that’s long enough for you to edge without bending your knees or back. Telescopic shafts have adjustable heights that can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of users.
When it comes to handles, you should be able to grip both the top and middle of the shaft. As such, most manufacturers incorporate a pistol grip at the top and D-shaped handle on the top of the shaft.
Dual handles give you better stability, control, and comfort. This is especially important when you are performing precision edging. After all, the slightest sway can interrupt your border.
Wheels
Cordless lawn edgers rely on wheels to guide them along a borderline. We recommend that you opt for a model with dual wheels.
These will give you more stability during edging tasks. It’s also important to choose a model with grippy all-terrain wheels that won’t slip on damp turf.
Add-Ons
Cordless lawn edgers are simple and straightforward. We prefer models with protective shields. Without this add-on, these machines have the potential to toss lawn debris into the air.
Shields provide a protective barrier between your edger and any plants that may fall within its margins.
We also prefer edgers that can double as other yard tools, such as string trimmers and trenchers. Most homeowners have limited storage and spending budgets. As such, bundling similar landscaping tools into one base is an obvious solution.
If you do intend to invest in more than one tool, it’s important to find a cordless model with an interchangeable battery.
Precautions when using a cordless lawn edger
It’s important to take care and use caution when using power tools of any sort. We recommend that you abide by the following safety precautions when using your cordless lawn edger:
Wear Protective Gear and Clothing
Edgers and string-trimmers are powerful tools that can send debris spinning into the air. Always wear protective clothing, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and goggles when utilizing outdoor power tools.
Remove Obstacles
Maybe the dog left his bone along a footpath or the children abandoned a roller skate by the oak tree. These small obstacles can cause severe injuries if they come in contact with the blade of an edger. Always take the time to walk along the borders of your yard and remove any potential hazards before powering up your edger.
Clear the Area of Bystanders
Do your edging when pets and people are not around. Bystanders run the risk of coming in contact with airborne debris. Operators are at risk of colliding with people and pets.
Avoid Potentially Harmful Plants
Poison ivy and other potentially hazardous plants often grow around the perimeters of properties. Be sure to take care when trimming plants. The oils of some plants can cause major health problems.
How to use a cordless lawn edger
A cordless lawn edger can give your lawn a clean, manicured look with very little effort. Follow the instructions below to create clean, defined borders around your driveway, walkways, hedges, and more.
1. Tackle Major Landscaping Elements
Use your cordless lawn edger to create a small margin along the edges of your driveway, footpaths, and patios. Power lawn edgers work great when navigating along straight lines or 90-degree angles.
You may need to pull out a manual edger to tidy up the area around rounded edges. Remember, your edger is responsible for the heavy lifting. Just guide it along the border in a smooth, uninterrupted motion in order to achieve a clean, uniform border.
2. Walk the Walk
Hold your cordless edger at waist height. Outstretch your arms to push it forward. Walk slowly to ensure that you provide thorough coverage from start to finish.
If you are edging along a driveway or footpath, use it as your guide. This will remind you to keep the edge as tight as possible.
3. Use a String Trimmer
Once you’ve created defined edges along your property, use a string trimmer to cut the grass where your mower can’t reach.
Many cordless lawn edgers double as string trimmers. These handy add-ons make it easy clean around hedges and trees.
The Greenworks 18-Inch 10 Amp Corded String Trimmer is the best corded electric string trimmer you can use. It saves you time and effort while being easy on the pocket.
Maintaining your cordless lawn edger
It’s fairly easy to keep a cordless lawn edger in good running condition. However, there are a few small maintenance tasks you can do to extend the life of your tool while boosting its overall performance.
Keep a set or two of replacement blades and/or string-trimmer lines on hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing these elements. Take care to clean the head, removing any grass and debris. Scrape along the inside of your edger’s shield if it has one.
You’ll also want to take care to clean off your edger’s head after each edging session. While these tools are designed to withstand plenty of abuse, they don’t fare well when left to sit with moisture and dirt. Dry your edger and store it in a well-ventilated area.
If your edger has a rechargeable battery, do your best to charge it before putting it into storage. Most manufacturers recommend that lithium-ion batteries be charged to approximately 40% and stored in a cool (around 60 degrees Fahrenheit) dry area.
Reviews
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
This powerful tool converts from a weed whacker to a lawn edger in one easy twist. It even has a patented Automatic Feed Spool that enables users to instantly advance the 30-foot trimming line at times when it breaks or crumbles.
The Black & Decker edger’s patented Powerdrive transmission powers through dense grass and overgrowth.
With two unique power modes, users can opt for either a longer or stronger performance. The edger’s premium lithium-ion battery offers up to an hour of runtime during normal usage. As such, most users can clean, straighten, and define their landscaping lines during a single charge.
This particular model comes with two identical batteries. Of course, you always have the option to purchase extra batteries as they see fit.
In addition to its powerful performance, the Black & Decker edger wooed us with its adjustable ergonomic design. We love that the D-shaped handle can be slid up and down the edger’s shaft.
The telescopic shaft welcomes users to adjust the height to better suit their personal standards. The edger’s foam handle padding reduces the amount of friction felt during extended landscaping sessions.
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- [TRIMMER & EDGER 2-in-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer to an edger lawn tool in just seconds
- [INSTANT LINE FEED] This grass trimmer has innovative push button Command Feed spool system for instant line feeding. Plus, Free Spools for Life
- [HEAD TILTS 90°] So you can use string trimmer and edger on sloped terrain, and get to tough-to-reach places
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Yet another powerful two-in-one tool, the Worx 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger is capable of both cleaning and straightening your lawn and garden borders.
The trimmer makes it easy for users to change the position of the guiding wheel. No tools are needed to make the switch.
Once it’s locked and ready to go, the edger can put out over 7,600 rotations per minute. With top-notch speed and a 12-inch cutting diameter, it doesn’t take long for this trimmer to work its magic.
The convertible edger comes with a pair of 20-volt lithium-ion batteries. You can charge one battery while you use the other. These 20-volt batteries are compatible with the entire 20-volt Worx tool line.
It also features a 10-foot cutting line spool with an automatic feed feature. There’s no need to continuously bump the line. You just need to click in a fully charged battery and start cutting.
This edger even has a flower spacer guard to protect precious vegetation from the fast-moving trimming line.
The Worx edger/trimmer is extremely lightweight and ergonomic. It weighs a mere 5.3 pounds.
The trimmer has two handles, including an angled and adjustable D-shaped bar on the front and a traditional pistol grip in the rear. A quick-release lever enables lightening-fast height adjustments of the telescopic shaft.
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- 24V STRING TRIMMER – Provides 20% more power and 35% more run-time to power through the toughest grass and weeds. Greenworks 24V battery powers 100+ indoor and outdoor products.Includes : (1) 24V 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger, (1) 24V 2.0 Ah Battery, (1) Battery Charger, (1) 0.065" Spool Assembly, (1) Owner's Manual.No load speed : 8000 / 9000 RPM. String trimmer operation temperature range : 6.8°F (-14°C) - 104°F (40°C)
- 12” CUTTING PATH - .065” line, auto feed head for quick and easy line advancement
- TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) – 90-degree rotating head with edging wheel. 3 position pivoting head for trimming at multiple angles, telescope shaft adjusts to user's height and posture
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger boasts a powerful pivoting head with two unique functions. The tool is powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery.
It boasts a hassle-free electric starter. As such, it’s one of the easiest machines to get going at the beginning of a new season.
We love that this machine has a 12-inch cutting path. It can easily eradicate the overgrowth where a traditional mower can’t fit.
In addition to trimming grass along walkways and landscaping features, this tool can create clean, straight edges that will be the envy of your neighbors.
With up to 25 minutes of runtime per charge, most users can safely alternate between the two functions to manicure their lawns in the nick of time.
We’re excited to announce that this is one of the most comfortable edgers we’ve come across. Its dual handles provide users with comfort and control. The edger only weighs around 8 pounds.
It’s lightweight and balanced, as the battery is attached to the top of the shaft. The shaft is also telescoping. Users can adjust it so that it is the right size for their height.
The Greenworks’ automatic trimming line feed also makes this model one of the most low-maintenance edgers on the market.
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- Cordless electric trimmer with 12-inch cutting width for fast results
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery; converts to an edger in seconds
- Auto feed line system keeps the trimmer at the right length
Last update on 2024-04-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
It’s not always easy to find a budget-friendly edger that performs up to your standards. However, it’s safe to say that this 20-volt Toro edger outperformers far pricier alternatives.
It even offers two services for the price of one. As it converts from an edger to a weed whacker in just a few seconds.
The tool has no shortage of premium add-ons either. Its automatic line feed enables users to focus on the task at hand rather than when to replace their cutting line.
A generous 2-year manufacturer’s warranty gives consumers a longstanding safety net to fall back on.
The edger even boasts a telescoping shaft and an adjustable D-handle. These ergonomic additions provide comfort and support during lengthy sessions.
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Our recommendation
A cordless lawn edger will help you achieve those professionally manicured borders you’ve been desperate to recreate.
After careful consideration, we found that the best cordless lawn edger is Black & Decker’s LST400 High-Performance Trimmer and Edger. This impressive two-in-one lawn and garden tool offers power and precision at an unbeatable price.
Of course, if you are looking for a less expensive model, the Toro 51484 Cordless 12-Inch, 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Electric Trimmer/Edger is a powerful tool that can outperform landscaping tools that are nearly double its price.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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