Black & Decker String Trimmer, 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch

A lightweight corded trimmer that’s easy to live with—if you accept its limits

I spent a couple of weeks putting this Black+Decker corded trimmer through regular yard duty: weekly grass trimming around beds and fences, plus edging along about 120 feet of sidewalks and driveway. The short version is that it’s light, simple, and plenty capable for small to mid-size lawns. It’s also unapologetically plastic, the automatic feed can eat line faster than you’d like, and it’s not built for heavy brush. For many homeowners, that trade is acceptable. For others, it won’t be.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, assembly is straightforward: attach the guard, click on the auxiliary handle, set the telescoping shaft, and you’re ready to go. The cord retention clip is effective—you loop your extension cord through and it stays put, which prevents those annoying mid-cut unplug events.

At 6.7 pounds, it’s very manageable. The adjustable height and pivoting handle let me find a comfortable stance quickly. Balance is slightly head-heavy (as most trimmers are), but because it’s so light, fatigue was minimal even after 30 minutes of trimming. If you’re used to gas tools, this feels almost airy by comparison.

My measured cutting swath was closer to 13 inches, which aligns with the spec sheet. That’s a good size for residential trimming; it’s narrow enough to be precise around plantings but wide enough to make progress in open areas.

Power and cutting performance

The 6.5-amp motor and POWERDRIVE transmission keep the head spinning at a consistent rate under moderate load. In typical lawn grass (fescue and bluegrass mix), it cuts cleanly and doesn’t bog. Around fence posts and landscape edging, I could lean in a bit without a dramatic drop in speed.

Where the limits show is in heavier material. Thicker weeds and dense, overgrown patches are doable, but you’ll want to take shorter passes and let the tool maintain RPM. If you force it, you’ll trigger the automatic feed more often and burn through line quickly. It’s not a brush cutter; treat it like a light-duty trimmer and it behaves accordingly.

Noise is modest for a string trimmer—more of a high-pitched whir than the harsh rasp you get from gas. Vibration is low, and the trigger response is crisp.

Automatic Feed Spool: convenient, with caveats

The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) is the biggest quality-of-life feature. There’s no bumping—when the system senses the line is short (typically via load and spool rotation), it advances fresh line. When it works as intended, you just keep cutting.

Two realities to note:
- It can advance more frequently if you’re constantly starting/stopping or pushing the head hard into tall grass, since both behaviors create conditions that trigger feed.
- Pre-wound spools are convenient but add up cost-wise. The trimmer ships with an AF-100 spool; winding your own line onto empty spools is the economical route and also lets you control how tightly it’s wound, which can reduce unnecessary feeds.

I found line usage reasonable during steady trimming, but edging and heavy cuts used noticeably more. Technique helps: maintain continuous cuts, avoid aggressive on/off cycling, and let the motor recover speed before re-engaging thick patches.

Edging ability

Converting to edger mode is fast: twist the head and roll along with the integrated wheel. The wheeled guide is the standout here—it stabilizes your pace and angle, making straight lines easy on sidewalks and driveways. On lawn edges with a defined trench, it produces a neat, crisp line. In neglected edges with encroaching turf, plan on a slower first pass to open the line, then a cleanup pass for polish.

Because it’s lightweight, it’s less fatiguing to edge longer runs than heavier tools. The tradeoff is that line consumption is higher in edger mode, especially if you’re cutting into compacted soil or thatch.

Build quality and durability

The construction is mostly plastic, which keeps weight down and cost accessible. Fit and finish are fine for the price class, but you can’t mistake it for a pro-grade tool. The guard and shaft locks are secure, and the head rotation mechanism feels positive.

Two wear points stood out in my use:
- The spool cap takes the brunt of contact if you get too close to rough surfaces. Avoid dragging it along concrete or fencing, and it will last longer. Having a spare cap on hand is cheap insurance if you edge frequently.
- The motor housing has vents that need to stay clear. I had no overheating issues, but I let the tool idle between long edging runs and brushed off debris around the vents. This is a light-duty motor—overworking it in dense brush or using it continuously at stall-like loads is unwise.

The two-year limited warranty is a welcome safety net for a corded tool in this class.

Corded realities

The upside of corded is obvious: unlimited runtime and consistent power. For small yards with accessible outlets, that’s fantastic. You don’t manage batteries, and there’s no engine maintenance. The cord retention clip genuinely helps keep the plug secure.

The downside is maneuvering a cord around beds, trees, and fences. You do get used to working away from the outlet and flipping the cord behind you as you move, but it’s a learned habit. Use a quality outdoor-rated extension cord and keep it out of the cutting path; the guard will help, but it’s not magic.

Maintenance and consumables

• Line: Stick with the recommended spool format. If you wind your own, keep the wraps even and snug. Uneven winding leads to tangles and extra feeding.
• Cleaning: Wipe down the guard and head, and clear the vents after each session. Grass dust accumulates fast during edging.
• Fasteners and caps: Check the guard screws and the spool cap seating occasionally. A loose cap can cause feeding issues or accelerate wear.

These small habits make a real difference in day-to-day reliability.

What it does best

• Weekly lawn maintenance on small to medium yards
• Precise trimming around beds, posts, and landscaping features
• Clean, straight edging on hard surfaces with the wheel guide
• Low-fatigue sessions thanks to light weight and good ergonomics

Where it struggles

• Thick, woody stems or brushy overgrowth
• Users who edge long, neglected borders every session—the line usage adds up
• Rough contact with hard surfaces, which can accelerate spool cap wear
• Anyone who can’t easily manage an extension cord across their property

Practical tips from use

• Trim first, edge second. You’ll have fewer stop/starts and save line.
• Keep a spare AF-100 spool and one extra cap. They’re small and prevent a session-ending hiccup.
• Use steady passes and avoid stabbing into tall clumps. Let RPM do the work.
• In edger mode, keep the wheel pressed lightly against the surface and walk at a consistent pace—your lines will be straighter and cleaner.

Verdict and recommendation

I recommend this corded trimmer for homeowners with small to mid-size lawns who want a lightweight, plug-in tool for routine trimming and clean edging. It’s comfortable to handle, cuts reliably within its power class, and the wheeled edger mode is genuinely useful. The automatic feed is convenient, though you’ll want to manage technique and consider winding your own spools to keep costs in check.

I wouldn’t recommend it if you routinely tackle heavy weeds or brush, or if you dislike managing an extension cord. In those cases, a more powerful trimmer—either a higher-amp corded unit, a robust cordless model, or even gas—will be a better fit. For everyday lawn care, though, this Black+Decker corded trimmer hits a practical balance of weight, performance, and price, provided you respect its limits and keep up with the small maintenance details.