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Buying guide · 12 min read · Updated 2026-11-13

Best Black and Decker Cordless String Trimmers (2026)

Six Black+Decker cordless string trimmers across the 20V MAX and 40V MAX lines, compared on feed system, power dial, reach and battery value for lawns.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Black and Decker Cordless String Trimmers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

A string trimmer is one of the simplest powered tools, but small design choices decide whether it is a pleasure or a chore: how the line feeds, how the shaft adjusts, and how much battery you get. One brand can offer very different answers to those questions across its range.

The right choice depends on yard size, the height of the person using it and whether you also want a sweeper or edger. This guide sorts six models from one maker by those practical questions.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Black and Decker Cordless String Trimmer

  1. 01

    20V MAX or 40V MAX

    Black+Decker sells string trimmers on both. The 20V MAX models are lighter and cheaper, and the 40V MAX models run a 13 inch swath with more battery. The packs do not fit across the two platforms, so decide which you want before buying a bare tool.

  2. 02

    Line feed system

    EASYFEED on the 12 inch 20V model advances line with a button, and the combos use an automatic feed spool. Automatic and push-button systems save the bumping of a basic head, but can use more line. For a small yard the convenience is worth it.

  3. 03

    Power control

    The telescoping and far-reach 40V models have a dial that chooses between maximum power and maximum runtime. The EASYFEED 20V has two speeds. A control like this lets one battery cover both thick weeds and long edges.

  4. 04

    Shaft length and adjustability

    The telescoping 40V model adjusts for height, the far-reach 40V model has a long fixed shaft and the rest are fixed length. Matching the shaft to your height saves your back more than extra power does.

  5. 05

    Kit contents

    The 13 inch 40V kit, the 20V combo and the 40V combo include batteries. The far-reach tool does not. The 20V combo has two batteries, the 40V combo only one.

  6. 06

    Combo or single tool

    A combo with a sweeper makes sense if you have hard surfaces to clear after edging. If you only have a lawn, the single trimmer is lighter and cheaper to store.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best black and decker cordless string trimmers, explained

01
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13 in. String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit, Charge Indicator
40V MAX class13 in. swath2-in-1Battery and charger
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Best for: Mid-sized lawns that need trimming and edging from one tool.

This is the Black+Decker string trimmer that suits the most yards. A 13 inch cutting swath is wide enough to cover a lawn border quickly, and a power drive transmission raises torque at the string so the head holds speed when it meets thick, wet grass. The 40V MAX battery has a state-of-charge indicator, which tells you at a glance whether you can finish the front edge.

The tool converts from trimmer to edger in seconds, which matters more than it sounds: edging a driveway with the head turned and a wheel guide is the job where small string trimmers earn their keep. The kit includes a battery and charger, so there is nothing to add.

The tradeoff is weight and reach against the 20V models: a 40V battery is bigger, and the shaft is fixed length, so a tall user has to bend more than with the telescoping sibling. Replace the line with the maker's spools, clean grass from under the guard after each use and store the battery indoors. For a mid-sized lawn, it is the one to buy first. The charge indicator also helps you plan the order of the job, so you can edge the long driveway first and trim the small beds with whatever remains. Over several seasons it is the pack that ages first, so avoid leaving it on the charger over winter.

What works

  • Power drive transmission adds torque at the string
  • State-of-charge indicator on the battery
  • Converts from trimmer to edger quickly
  • Battery and charger included

Watch out for

  • Fixed shaft length suits average heights only
  • 40V pack is heavier than the 20V ones

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
13 in.
Platform
40V MAX lithium-ion
Transmission
Power drive
Format
Trimmer and edger, quick conversion
Battery
With state-of-charge indicator
02
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13 in. String Trimmer and Edger with Telescoping Pole
40V MAX class13 in. swathTelescoping polePowerCommand dial
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Best for: Users at either end of the height range and long edging jobs.

The telescoping pole is the difference here. An adjustable shaft lets a tall user set the head so they do not stoop, and lets a short user shorten it for control, which is a bigger comfort gain than any spec on the box. It also gives a PowerCommand dial that chooses between maximum power for thick weeds and maximum runtime for long edges.

The dial is useful because a single battery has to cover very different jobs. On the runtime setting you can trim a long fence line without a recharge, and on the power setting the transmission pushes harder through tall grass at a cost to the run. It is a real advantage over the fixed-speed 20V models.

The pole has a clamp that can loosen with use, so check it before each session, and clean the shaft joint of grit. The 13 inch swath and 40V battery match the main kit above. If you are over six feet or under five and a half, the adjustability is worth having. A household with two users of different heights gets the most from it, because each person can set the shaft in ten seconds and avoid wrist strain. Keep a note of the clamp setting that suits each person so the head does not slip.

What works

  • Adjustable telescoping pole fits all heights
  • PowerCommand dial trades power for runtime
  • POWERDRIVE transmission adds string torque
  • 13 inch swath with edger conversion

Watch out for

  • Clamp needs checking for slip
  • Heavier than the 20V models

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
13 in.
Shaft
Adjustable telescoping pole
Power control
PowerCommand dial
Transmission
POWERDRIVE
Format
Trimmer and edger
03
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13 in. String Trimmer and Edger, Far Reach, Tool Only
40V MAX class13 in. swathFar reachTool only
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Best for: Owners of 40V MAX batteries who want a longer shaft.

This is the bare-tool version for people who already own 40V MAX batteries. It adds a longer, far-reach shaft, so you can trim under hedges and fences without a deep stoop, and the same power adjustment dial as the telescoping model chooses between strength and runtime.

The enhanced transmission boosts motor output at the cutting string, which is how the brand gets a modest motor to cut thick growth. It is a good fit for a household that already has the batteries from a mower or sweeper, because the saving of a bare tool is then real.

The tradeoff is clear: no battery and no charger in the box, so a first-time buyer pays more than for the kit. Keep the guard clean, replace the line before it shortens below the guard edge and store the battery indoors. If you do not own 40V batteries, buy the kit instead. Because the shaft is longer than the standard model, balance shifts slightly toward the head, so try holding it with your lead hand closer to the motor. Used that way, it is comfortable for trimming under low rails and along fence bottoms.

What works

  • Extended shaft helps under hedges and fences
  • Power dial chooses strength or runtime
  • Enhanced transmission at the string
  • Bare tool saves money for owners

Watch out for

  • Battery and charger not included
  • Fixed length, not adjustable

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
13 in.
Platform
40V MAX lithium-ion
Power control
Power adjustment dial
Reach
Extended shaft
Battery
Not included
04
Black+Decker 20V MAX EASYFEED 12 in. String Trimmer and Edger, 2-Speed
20V MAX class12 in. swathEASYFEED2-speed
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Best for: Small and medium lawns where convenience matters.

EASYFEED is the feature that sets this model apart. A push button advances the line, so there is no bumping the head on the ground and no tool-fighting when the string runs short, and it removes the most common annoyance of a string trimmer. The 12 inch swath is a little narrower than the 40V models and the two speeds let you boost power or stretch runtime.

PowerDrive transmission increases torque at the string, so this small 20V machine cuts better than its battery size suggests. It is light and easy to handle, and for a small to medium lawn it is the most comfortable tool in the lineup.

As always with small batteries, runtime is the limit: expect a short session on high speed and plan to swap or recharge on a larger lawn. Clear grass from under the guard after each use and keep the battery away from cold sheds. The 12 inch swath is a little narrower than the 40V tools, but on a small lawn the difference in time is a minute or two. Many owners value the lighter feel more than the extra width, especially for edging beds one-handed.

What works

  • Push-button line advance, no bumping
  • Two speeds for power or runtime
  • PowerDrive transmission adds torque
  • Light and easy to handle

Watch out for

  • Smaller swath than the 40V models
  • Small battery on a larger lawn

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
12 in.
Feed
EASYFEED push-button
Speed control
2-speed
Transmission
PowerDrive
Format
Trimmer and edger
05
Black+Decker 20V MAX String Trimmer, Edger and Sweeper Combo, Two Batteries
20V MAX class2 batteriesAFS feedSweeper included
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Best for: Small yards with paths and drives to keep clear.

This kit is two tools on one platform: a string trimmer that converts to a wheeled edger, and a sweeper to clear clippings from paths. It ships with two batteries and a charger, so one can charge while you use the other, and an automatic line feed system supplies line as needed.

The combination is where it earns its place. After edging a driveway, a sweeper clears the debris in minutes without hauling out a blower, and the shared battery makes it cheaper than buying the tools separately. The trimmer itself is a lightweight, quiet design for small yards.

The tradeoff is power: a 20V system is for ordinary weeds and lawn edges, not brush. Wipe the head after each session, keep the batteries indoors and replace the line before it gets short. If you have a small yard with hard surfaces, this is the practical choice. With two batteries you can rotate them so one is always ready, and the shared platform means a future purchase such as a hedge trimmer needs no new charger. Keep the sweeper nozzle clear of grass clippings so it does not lose air speed.

What works

  • Two batteries and a sweeper in one kit
  • Automatic line feed supplies string as needed
  • Converts to a wheeled edger
  • Light and quiet for small yards

Watch out for

  • 20V power suits ordinary weeds only
  • Sweeper adds a second tool to store

Spec sheet

Tools
String trimmer, edger and sweeper
Feed
Automatic line feed (AFS)
Batteries
Two, with charger
Conversion
Wheeled edger mode
Platform
20V MAX
06
Black+Decker 40V MAX LCC340C String Trimmer and Sweeper Combo, Battery and Charger
40V MAX classAFS feed130 mph sweeperKit
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Best for: Households building a 40V Black+Decker tool set.

The LCC340C pairs the LST140 trimmer with the LSW40 sweeper, both on 40V MAX. The trimmer has a power drive transmission and automatic feed spool, and the sweeper moves air at up to 130 mph, which is enough to clear light debris from hard surfaces.

Compared with the 20V combo it has more battery energy and a stronger trimmer, but only one battery in the kit. That means one session at a time, and a recharge before you start the sweeper if the trimmer drained the pack. The price tier is the highest in the lineup because it includes two tools.

It makes sense if you already own 40V tools or plan to build a set around the platform. Clean the spool housing, store the battery indoors and check the sweeper intake for clogs. Otherwise the 13 inch 40V kit above is the simpler choice. If you buy this one, consider a spare battery from the start, because a single pack serving two tools is its real weak point. A spare also lets you edge and sweep in one visit without waiting for a recharge.

What works

  • Trimmer and sweeper share one 40V battery
  • Power drive transmission and AFS feed
  • Sweeper air speed up to 130 mph
  • Battery and charger included

Watch out for

  • Only one battery for two tools
  • Highest cost in the lineup

Spec sheet

Trimmer
LST140 with POWER DRIVE
Feed
Automatic feed spool
Sweeper
LSW40, up to 130 mph air
Platform
40V MAX
Kit
Battery and charger included

Spec sheet decoder

What the numbers on the box really mean

The specs manufacturers lead with, translated into what they tell you about real-world performance.

Cutting swath

The diameter of the circle the line cuts. A wider swath covers more per pass but needs more torque.

Watch forThe 40V models are 13 inches and the EASYFEED 20V model is 12 inches.

Power drive transmission

A gear stage that raises torque at the string without a bigger motor.

Watch forListed on the 40V trimmers and the EASYFEED 20V model.

PowerCommand dial

A selector that trades speed and torque for runtime.

Watch forOn the telescoping and far-reach 40V models.

EASYFEED

A push-button line advance that removes bumping.

Watch forListed on the 12 inch 20V trimmer.

Sweeper air speed

The speed of the air from a sweeper nozzle. It matters more than volume on hard surfaces.

Watch forUp to 130 mph on the LSW40.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Black and Decker Cordless String Trimmers

Cutting power

We compared swath, platform voltage and transmission. The 40V models with a 13 inch swath and power drive led.

Feed and control

We looked at feed systems and power dials. EASYFEED and the PowerCommand dial scored highest.

Adjustability

We compared shaft options. The telescoping model scored highest for fit.

Kit value

We counted batteries and extras. The 20V combo with two batteries scored well.

Ownership

We considered line cost, battery storage and parts. All use common Black+Decker spools and batteries.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right Black and Decker Cordless String Trimmers

By Lawn Size

SituationPickWhy
Small lawnBlack+Decker 20V EASYFEED 12 in.Light, push-button feed
Medium lawnBlack+Decker 40V 13 in. kitWider swath, indicator
Large lawn with long edgesBlack+Decker 40V telescopingPower dial for runtime
Yard with hard surfacesBlack+Decker 20V comboIncludes a sweeper

By Budget

SituationPickWhy
Lowest costBlack+Decker 20V EASYFEEDEntry 20V
Low with two batteriesBlack+Decker 20V comboTwo batteries and sweeper
Mid kitBlack+Decker 40V 13 in. kitBattery and charger
PremiumBlack+Decker 40V comboTrimmer and sweeper

20V vs 40V

20V MAX

The EASYFEED and combo kits are lighter and cheaper. They suit small lawns and ordinary weeds.

40V MAX

The 13 inch kits and combo have more battery and a wider swath. They suit larger lawns and tougher growth.

Choose 20V for a small lawn and 40V for anything over a quarter acre.

Shaft Type

SituationPickWhy
Tall or short userBlack+Decker 40V telescopingAdjustable
Under hedgesBlack+Decker 40V far reachLong shaft
Average heightBlack+Decker 40V 13 in. kitStandard
Light handlingBlack+Decker 20V EASYFEEDLight

For Edging Specifically

Look for

Look for quick trimmer-to-edger conversion and a wheel guide. Edging puts the line vertical and wears it fast, so automatic feed helps.

In this comparison

The 40V 13 inch kit converts in seconds, and the 20V combo adds a wheeled edger and a sweeper. Either handles driveway edges well.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more if your lawn is large or your edges are long. The 40V telescoping model's power dial stretches runtime.

Save if

Save if your lawn is small. The 20V EASYFEED does the job and is lighter.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

The upkeep that decides whether this machine lasts two seasons or ten.

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Clear grass from the guardAfter each useWet clippings pack under the guard and strain the motor. Brush them out with the battery removed. Packed grass also holds moisture against the housing, which over a season can corrode the motor contacts and shorten the tool's life.
Replace the lineWhen it shortensShort line cuts a narrow swath and loads the motor unevenly. Fit fresh line before it reaches the guard edge.
Check the telescoping clampBefore each useOn the adjustable model a loose clamp lets the head droop. Tighten it.
Store batteries indoorsWinterCold lowers capacity. Keep them at half charge.
Clean the sweeper intakeEach seasonLeaves clog the intake and cut airflow. Clear it with the battery removed.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Black+Decker trimmer is best for a small lawn?

The 20V MAX EASYFEED 12 inch is light and has a push-button feed, which removes bumping. For a lawn over a quarter acre, the 40V 13 inch kit is better.

What does the PowerCommand dial do?

It switches between maximum power for thick weeds and maximum runtime for long edges. It lets one battery serve both jobs. Start on the runtime setting for a long edge and flip to power only where the string slows in thick growth, so you do not drain the pack early.

Do I need a combo with a sweeper?

Only if you have paths and drives to clear after edging. For a lawn only, a single trimmer is lighter and cheaper.

Can these cut thick weeds?

They handle ordinary weeds and grass. Thick brush and woody stems need a brushless or gas trimmer. Forcing a line trimmer through woody growth wraps the head and can burn out the motor, so cut those stems first with loppers.

How long does a battery last?

It depends on speed and growth. The 20V models run shorter than the 40V ones, and the high-power setting drains faster.

Are the batteries interchangeable?

Only within the same platform. 20V MAX and 40V MAX packs do not fit each other's tools.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more black and decker cordless string trimmerson Amazon →
James Miller, Lead Machine Editor

About the author

James Miller

Lead Machine Editor, MachineFanatic

James Miller leads MachineFanatic's buying guides, turning spec sheets, manuals and owner feedback into clear verdicts on power tools, outdoor power equipment, shop machines and kitchen machines.

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