Black & Decker High Performance 7.2A 14" String Trimmer

First impressions and setup

I put this corded trimmer to work on a typical weekend cleanup: tall grass around a split-rail fence, a patch of volunteer thistle near the compost bins, and tidy edging along a driveway. Out of the box, setup is minimal. The guard snaps on, the DF-080 spool drops in, and the front T-handle adjusts without tools. At 8.5 pounds, it’s not featherweight, but the balance is good and the cushioned grips make it easy to control.

The adjustable shaft height is a highlight. I shared the trimmer with a neighbor who’s a few inches shorter, and both of us were able to dial in a comfortable stance in seconds. The full-length trigger is another smart touch: you can choke up or slide back along the grip and still keep the motor engaged without contorting your wrist.

Power, torque, and cutting performance

A 7.2-amp motor on paper doesn’t sound dramatic, but paired with the belt-drive transmission, this trimmer delivers more torque at the head than most light-duty corded units. That torque shows up when you bury the head into dense, mature grass or stringy weeds. Where many trimmers freewheel and fray, this one keeps the line speed up enough to actually sever stems cleanly.

With a dual 0.080-in. line and a 14-inch cutting swath, it clears a surprising amount of material per pass. Around chain-link and fence posts, I could lean in without the head bogging or glaringly slowing, which is usually where underpowered trimmers show their limits. Woody stems up to pencil thickness were manageable. Larger, fibrous stalks required a brief pause and re-attack, but the tool never felt like it was over its head.

The cutting head’s guard does a decent job keeping debris off the operator while still letting you see your cut. Like most guards, it’s a balance: you’ll still get the occasional pebble flicked toward your shins. Long pants and eye protection are a must.

Line wear is about what I expect with a dual-line head—faster than single-line in abrasive conditions, but the payoff is more even cutting and better acceleration through heavy patches. Swapping spools is simple and tool-free, and DF-080 spools are common at hardware stores. I didn’t experience inconsistent line length while cutting; the trimmer kept a steady cut radius through a couple of typical yard sessions.

Edging with the flip-up guide

For edging, the flip-up guide gets you most of the way there. Flipping it into place takes seconds, and it gives a visual and tactile reference along sidewalks and driveways. It’s great for touch-ups and keeping a previously established edge crisp.

Where it falls short is long, first-pass edging on overgrown borders. Without a guide wheel, you’re relying on your arms to maintain vertical alignment and depth. That’s fine for 15–20 feet, but over a long stretch you’ll feel it in your forearms and shoulders, and slight waviness can creep in. If you need perfectly straight, deep edges every week, a dedicated edger or a trimmer with a wheel-assisted guide will be more efficient. For routine maintenance, the guide on this trimmer is perfectly adequate.

Ergonomics and control

The “feel” matters on a trimmer, and this one is thoughtfully put together. The T-handle up front offers multiple grip options, and the rubberized surfaces damp vibration and give a secure hold even with sweaty hands. The head angle and shaft length combine for a natural, slight forward cant when trimming and a comfortable vertical posture when edging.

Over a 30–40 minute session, fatigue was reasonable. The 8.5-pound weight sits close to the body, which helps. If you plan to run it for an hour or more, a basic shoulder strap (not included) clipped around the shaft will further reduce strain. Vibration is low for a string trimmer; the electric motor and belt drive run smoothly with none of the harsh buzz you get from some gear-driven heads.

Noise

It’s not a quiet tool, but it’s quieter than gas. There’s a distinct whir from the belt drive and the typical high-pitched swish of the line. I measured it casually with a smartphone app at ear level and saw mid-to-high 80s dB while cutting dense grass. It’s backyard-friendly, but I still recommend hearing protection if you’re trimming for more than a few minutes.

Corded realities: the good and the trade-offs

Unlimited runtime is the biggest perk. There’s no battery to manage and no gas to mix—just plug in and go. The motor doesn’t fade as you work; power is consistent from the first cut to the last. That consistency is especially noticeable when edging, where a slow motor can tear rather than slice the turf.

The downside is obvious: you’re tethered. Cord management takes a bit of practice. I loop the extension cord through the handle as a simple strain relief to keep it from unplugging and to route it behind me. For a 7.2-amp draw, a 14-gauge extension cord is fine up to about 50 feet; step up to 12-gauge if you’re running longer to avoid voltage drop and a sluggish motor. Plan your path so you’re always edging or trimming away from the cord to keep it clear of the head.

If your yard layout requires hopping fences or you’re frequently jumping between distant areas, corded may frustrate. In a typical suburban lot with exterior outlets, it’s easy to live with.

Durability and maintenance

The plastic housings feel robust, and the head took a few knocks against stone edging without cracking. The belt drive is sealed, so there’s no maintenance there. After a couple of sessions, I checked for heat soak—some corded trimmers get hot at the head or motor. This one stayed warm but not alarming, and performance didn’t taper.

Maintenance is straightforward: keep the guard clean so the cut-off blade does its job, inspect the line and spool occasionally, and blow off dust and clippings after use. The spool cover snaps on firmly and didn’t loosen during use. I appreciate that the line size is a common 0.080-in.; it’s a sweet spot for durability without overloading a mid-amp electric motor.

Where it fits best

This trimmer shines in small to medium yards where you want reliable power, no fuss, and the ability to knock down more than just grass tips. It’s strong enough for thick grass, dandelions, and most yard weeds, and it can tidy up along fences and around beds with authority. It’s not a brush cutter—woody saplings and heavy thickets are outside its lane—but for residential upkeep, it’s got headroom to spare compared to many light-duty electrics.

If vertical edging is your main task and you want laser-straight lines across long sidewalks, a wheeled edger is more efficient. If you hate cords or have a sprawling property, a battery or gas unit may fit better. But if continuous power and low maintenance are priorities, this is a compelling, capable option.

Pros

• Strong torque from the belt-drive with a 7.2-amp motor
• Dual 0.080-in. line and 14-inch swath clear material quickly
• Comfortable ergonomics with an adjustable shaft and cushioned grips
• Simple, tool-free spool changes; common DF-080 line size
• Flip-up guide helps with routine edging
• Unlimited runtime and consistent power

Cons

• No guide wheel; vertical edging over long runs takes effort
• Cord management adds complexity and limits range
• Noise is modest but not quiet; hearing protection recommended
• Dual-line heads can consume line faster in abrasive conditions

Recommendation

I recommend this trimmer for homeowners who want a dependable, corded solution with real cutting muscle. The combination of a torquey belt drive, a generous 14-inch swath, and comfortable ergonomics makes it effective for weekly yard care and occasional heavier patches. You trade the freedom of cordless for unlimited runtime, and the edge guide is better for maintenance than for carving new lines, but those are reasonable compromises at this power level. If your yard has accessible outlets and you value consistent performance without battery or fuel hassles, this trimmer is a smart, workhorse choice.