Black & Decker 5.0 Amp 13 in String Trimmer/Edger

First impressions and setup

I reached for this corded trimmer because I wanted something light, simple, and reliable for weekly maintenance without fussing with batteries or mixing fuel. Out of the box, it’s a straightforward setup: attach the guard, click the auxiliary handle into place, pop in the included spool, and you’re ready. The overall build is lean and purposeful, with a 13-inch cutting swath that suits typical suburban lots and tight areas around beds and fencing.

At 6.6 pounds, the tool is genuinely manageable. The adjustable shaft and multi-position handle let me dial in a comfortable stance whether I’m trimming flat lawn edges or reaching under shrubs. I’m 5'9", and I could set it up to keep my back straight; shorter users should also find enough range to avoid hunching. Vibration is mild for an electric trimmer, and the motor’s tone is more of a hum than a wail—ear protection still recommended, but it’s neighbor-friendly.

Power and performance

A 5.0-amp motor with Black & Decker’s POWERDRIVE transmission is doing the work here. On typical lawn grass, borders, and stringy weeds, it has the punch to keep the line spinning with authority. Along sidewalks and driveways, it cuts cleanly without bogging as long as I keep a steady pace. In thicker patches—think overgrown fescue or a tangle around the fence corners—it will slow if I try to chew too aggressively, but feathering the throttle and taking a couple of passes keeps it on track.

This class of corded trimmer isn’t a brush cutter, so woody stems, heavy thistles, and ornamental grasses at full maturity are outside its comfort zone. For weekly or biweekly maintenance on most lawns, it hits the right balance of speed and control. The 13-inch path finds a sweet spot: big enough to cover ground without losing precision around plantings.

The automatic feed system

The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) is refreshingly hands-off. Instead of bumping the head, the line advances as needed. I didn’t have to stop mid-job to fuss with feed; the system kept the line at an effective length, which helps keep the motor from bogging and avoids ragged cuts. I did notice that over a longer session—say, 30–40 minutes of mixed trimming and edging—the tool uses a predictable amount of line. That’s normal for auto-feed designs, but it’s a good reminder to keep an extra AF-100 spool on hand. Swapping spools takes under a minute, and respooling line yourself is doable if you’re budget-conscious.

I only encountered one brief jam when I clipped a bit of hidden garden twine. Clearing it was straightforward: power off, flip the latch, pull the tangle, re-seat the spool, and go.

Trimming in tight spots

Visibility is better than you might expect from a guarded head. The guard is compact enough to let me see the line’s contact point along pavers and around tree roots. The head sits at a height that makes it easy to skim over mulch without kicking debris. I also appreciated the shaft’s adjustability when reaching beneath shrubs—shortening the tool lets you work closer without lifting the head and scalping the grass.

The included edge guide on the guard helps with straight runs near hardscapes. It’s subtle but useful: it keeps the line at a consistent offset from concrete, so I wasn’t constantly re-aligning my stance.

Edging mode

Converting to an edger is a quick twist-and-click maneuver. In edging mode, the tool runs vertically with the edge guide acting as your rail. On sidewalks and driveway borders, it produces clean edges at a pace that matches the motor’s power. It shines on grass that’s maintained weekly; if you’ve got months of overgrowth spilling onto concrete, plan on a slower first pass or two. I prefer edging after a mow when the lawn is dry—that’s when this trimmer makes the crispest, least fuzzy edge.

One small note: the tool is light enough that it’s easy to tip or drift when you’re first learning the balance in vertical mode. After the first session, muscle memory kicks in and it becomes second nature.

Cord management and extension leads

Corded trimmers live or die by cord ergonomics. The retention clip on this one is effective at preventing accidental unplugging, but the cavity is tight. If you use a heavy-duty extension cord with an oversized or lighted end, you may find it doesn’t seat cleanly. Standard, compact molded plugs fit best. I had the best results with a 14/3 outdoor-rated cord in the 50–100 ft range—stout enough to avoid voltage drop but not so bulky that it tugs on the handle.

As with any corded tool, plan your route before you start. I work away from the outlet, keeping the cord looped over my shoulder when trimming along beds and always pivoting the head so I’m not cutting toward the cord. After a couple of uses, cable management becomes habit.

Comfort and control

Ergonomics are a strong point. The adjustable shaft locks firmly, and the pivoting handle lets you find a neutral wrist angle whether trimming horizontally or edging vertically. The balance places most of the weight over the cutting head, which helps steady the line along fence posts and rock borders. The auxiliary handle is broad enough to accommodate gloves and doesn’t spin under torque.

Switch placement is natural for a forefinger grip. The motor’s ramp-up is nearly instantaneous, so there’s no waiting for speed when you pulse the trigger around delicate areas.

Durability and maintenance

Fit and finish are typical of modern homeowner-grade lawn tools: sturdy enough for routine use, with plasticky panels where weight savings matter. The guard has held up to incidental impacts with pavers and edging stones. The motor housing stays cool during typical sessions, and the vents don’t clog easily—just brush off clippings when you’re done.

The biggest consumable is line. Keeping a spare spool avoids mid-session trips to the shed. Beyond that, there’s not much to maintain: no carburetors, no batteries to manage, and no fuel storage. If you store it in a dry spot and avoid leaving the spool under tension, it’s the kind of tool that’s ready to go whenever you are.

Where it fits in a yard-care setup

This corded trimmer is ideal for small to medium yards where an outlet and a sensible cord run can reach your work area. It’s a good fit if you value light weight, low maintenance, and consistent power. If you have a deep lot or lots of obstacles where a cord becomes a hassle, a battery platform may be more convenient. For aggressive brush, you’ll want a higher-powered option.

For weekly lawn care—cleaning up mower misses, tracing beds, and edging pavement—it delivers. It’s especially friendly for users who prioritize lighter tools and straightforward controls.

Pros

• Light, adjustable, and easy to handle for extended sessions
• Reliable automatic line feed minimizes interruptions
• Quick, positive switch between trimming and edging modes
• Cord retention prevents accidental unplugging
• Consistent power with no battery management

Cons

• Tight cord retention area prefers standard-size plugs; bulky/lighted ends can be a struggle
• Not suited for woody weeds or heavy overgrowth
• Auto-feed uses a steady amount of line; keep a spare spool on hand

Recommendation

I recommend this corded trimmer for homeowners who want a light, uncomplicated tool for routine trimming and edging on small to medium lawns. It’s easy to set up, comfortable to use, and the automatic feed system works as intended, which keeps the job moving. You’ll need to choose a standard-sized extension cord to fit the retention clip cleanly and accept that a cord has inherent limitations. If those tradeoffs fit your yard and workflow, this trimmer is a dependable, budget-friendly way to keep edges crisp and grass in check week after week.