DeWalt 20V MAX 14-Inch Folding String Trimmer Kit

A compact trimmer with clever storage and a few caveats

I picked up the DeWalt 20V folding trimmer because space in my shed is at a premium and I’m already invested in the brand’s 20V batteries. After several weeks of trimming, edging, and chasing back overgrown sections along a fence line, I’ve formed a pretty clear picture of where this trimmer shines—and where it asks for compromises.

Setup and first impressions

The kit includes the trimmer, guard, auxiliary handle, a DCB115 charger, and a DCB205 5.0Ah battery. Assembly is straightforward: attach the guard and handle, charge the battery, and snap the shaft straight. DeWalt’s folding hinge is the signature feature here; folded, the tool really does get dramatically shorter for storage or tossing in a trunk. The latch is positive and confidence‑inspiring.

A brushless motor in the head, a variable-speed trigger, and a Hi/Lo switch round out the controls. The trigger safety is mounted below the handle. It works, but I find the placement a little awkward compared to top-mounted safeties.

One small annoyance: the trimmer doesn’t fully fold with the battery installed, so plan on removing the pack before stowing it in compact spaces.

Power, cutting performance, and runtime

For a 20V homeowner trimmer with a 14-inch swath, the power is solid. In Lo, it’s right where I want it for weekly touch-ups—efficient, accurate around beds, and gentle enough not to blast mulch everywhere. In Hi, it’s capable of knocking down thicker grass and light weeds without bogging. It’s not a brush cutter and it won’t plow through woody stems like a bigger 60V unit, but it holds its own for typical suburban maintenance.

The included QuickLoad head takes 0.080-inch line. On Lo with a fresh 5.0Ah pack, I routinely get a full front-and-back-yard session—around 35–45 minutes depending on how much edging I do. Running Hi continuously burns through the battery more quickly; expect roughly half that runtime if you stay in the throttle. The variable trigger makes it easy to feather the power and stretch the pack when you’re trimming in neat areas.

Noise is comfortably lower than gas, and vibration is minimal for this class, especially at partial trigger.

Ergonomics and handling

At 5’11”, I’m comfortable with the trimmer’s length and balance. The auxiliary handle has enough adjustability to dial in a neutral stance, and the overall weight feels reasonable with a 5.0Ah pack. If you’re well over six feet, the shaft may feel short, prompting a slight hunch during longer sessions. There’s no included shoulder strap, and while the trimmer doesn’t demand one for small yards, taller users might appreciate the option.

Balance is slightly head-heavy due to the motor placement, which I actually prefer for controlled edging. The guard’s cut-off blade keeps line length consistent, and the 14-inch swath hits a nice middle ground—wide enough to cover ground, narrow enough to work close to obstacles.

The folding hinge: storage win, reliability watch-out

The hinge is the reason to consider this model, and it does the storage job very well. The trimmer folds down to a surprisingly compact package, ideal for apartment garages, crowded sheds, or anyone who wants yard tools to disappear in a cabinet. The latch engages positively, and there’s no play when locked.

Because the hinge carries power and signal between the upper handle and the motor, it’s one area I pay attention to. On one occasion I experienced an intermittent no-start. Reseating the shaft and ensuring the latch was fully closed resolved it. Since then I’ve kept the hinge area clean and free of debris, and I snap it straight with a firm, single motion. It’s been reliable, but I’d call this an area to keep an eye on over the long term. If you don’t need the folding feature, a fixed-shaft trimmer removes this variable entirely.

Line head and feeding

DeWalt’s QuickLoad head is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. You cut a length of 0.080 line, thread it through to the midpoint, and twist the cap to wind it—no disassembly or fiddling with little arrows. Reloads take under a minute on the tailgate.

Feed during use has been mostly predictable with a clean wind and decent line. I had a couple of instances where the line didn’t advance on the first bump; both times I’d wound the spool loosely. Packing the line tightly when reloading helped. My practical tips:
- Stick with quality 0.080 round line for the smoothest feed.
- Wind the line firmly and evenly; avoid crossing wraps.
- Keep the bump cap clean—dust can make things sticky.

Durability-wise, the bump cap shows wear faster than I’d like when you regularly edge on concrete or tap aggressively. After a season of mixed use, mine is scuffed and thinning at the contact points. It’s replaceable, but if you spend a lot of time along sidewalks, plan on that expense over time.

Cooling and maintenance

With the motor located down by the head, the cooling vents live right where dust and chaff fly. After 15–20 minutes in dry, weedy sections, the vents collect fuzz. It takes ten seconds with a brush or a shot of compressed air to clear them, and I’d make that part of your routine—especially if you run in Hi for extended stretches. Left packed with debris, the housing does get warm.

Outside of that, routine care is straightforward: keep the QuickLoad head free of gunk, check the hinge latch for grit, and store the tool clean and dry. I avoid spraying water directly into the motor vents.

Value and ecosystem

At a listed $239 as a kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger, the DeWalt 20V folding trimmer is competitively priced, particularly if you’re already in the 20V ecosystem and can share packs. The 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction window are reassuring on a tool with a moving hinge in its electrical path. If you need more muscle for heavy, infrequent knockdowns or you regularly tackle thick, mature weeds, stepping up to a higher-voltage, rear-motor trimmer makes sense, but you’ll pay more in price and weight.

What I’d change

• Move the trigger safety to a more natural top position.
• Extend the shaft length or offer an extension option for taller users.
• Improve bump-cap wear resistance for frequent sidewalk edgers.
• Ensure the hinge’s electrical connection is foolproof against partial engagement.
• Allow full folding with a battery installed for quicker stow-and-go.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with small to medium yards who want a compact, easy-to-store trimmer.
• Anyone already using DeWalt 20V batteries and looking to add a capable yard tool.
• Users prioritizing quick line reloads and a lighter, quieter alternative to gas.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Tall users who prefer a longer reach without hunching.
- Those needing maximum power for heavy brush or thick, neglected areas.
- Folks who don’t value the folding feature and would rather have a fixed-shaft design with fewer potential failure points.

The bottom line

I like the DeWalt 20V folding trimmer for what it is: a compact, competent yard tool that makes weekly maintenance simple and storage easier than most. The brushless motor, variable trigger, Hi/Lo control, and QuickLoad head add up to a pleasant user experience, and the included 5.0Ah battery delivers respectable runtime. It does ask for a bit of care—keep the vents clean, wind the spool properly, and ensure the hinge is latched firmly.

Recommendation: I recommend this trimmer to homeowners with modest yards who value compact storage and are already in the DeWalt 20V system. It’s a strong fit for weekly trimming and edging, with enough headroom for occasional overgrowth. If you’re taller, plan long sessions, or frequently push into heavier material, consider a longer, fixed-shaft or higher-voltage alternative to avoid the ergonomic and durability trade-offs.