Black & Decker Hedge Trimmer, Rotating Handle, Dual‑Action Blades, 3.3‑Amp, 24‑Inch

Why I reached for this trimmer

I keep a mix of boxwood, holly, and privet along a long fence line, and my old hedge trimmer finally started to struggle with older woody growth. I wanted something light, long enough to reach the top and back of deeper shrubs, and simple to maintain. That’s what drew me to this Black & Decker trimmer: a 24‑inch dual‑action blade paired with a 3.3‑amp motor, a rotating rear handle, and a full‑bale front grip. After several sessions across early‑season flush growth and mid‑summer thickening, here’s how it fared.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, the trimmer is straightforward: plug in, twist the rear handle to the angle you want, and go. The full‑bale front handle gives lots of grip options for overhead and vertical cuts, and the rear handle’s 180° rotation is genuinely useful—much more than a gimmick. I found myself setting it around 90° for vertical face cuts on hedges; that kept my wrists neutral and helped maintain a straight plane.

At about 7.5 lb, it’s balanced enough to use with one hand on the front bale for light shaping, though for controlled, flat cuts, two hands stay steadier. The trigger and lock‑off are well placed; the lock‑on is handy for long, uninterrupted runs along a hedge top, though I still use it sparingly for safety.

One gripe: mine didn’t include a blade sheath. The manual references one, but it wasn’t in the box. That’s inconvenient for storage and transport. I ended up buying a generic 24‑inch scabbard; a simple split‑PVC guard works in a pinch as well.

Cutting performance

This trimmer’s sweet spot is live growth and medium‑woody stems typical of since‑last‑season maintenance. New growth on boxwood and privet disappears in a single pass, and holly tips fall cleanly without chewing. Dual‑action blades help because the opposing movement counters vibration; it’s easier to keep a flat, consistent plane on long hedges when the tool isn’t buzzing your hands numb.

On thicker material, the 3.3‑amp motor and blade geometry favor patience over brute force. Here’s what I observed:

• Up to 1/2 inch: no drama, especially in softer species. Clean, crisp cuts.
• Around 5/8 inch: still doable, but you’ll feel the motor load; a steady, deliberate pace keeps it moving.
• 3/4 inch: possible on softer, greenish stems if you “nibble” from two angles; older hardwood at this size is better handled with loppers or a pruning saw to avoid stalling.

I did force a bind once when a forked twig wedged between teeth. Unplug, clear with a gloved hand, a drop of oil, and it went back to work. That’s par for the course with any hedge trimmer when you push into awkward branch crotches.

The 24‑inch bar is a standout. The extra reach lets you bridge dips and humps to keep faces truer, and it saves trips up the stepladder for shorter hedges. If you’re used to a 20‑inch trimmer, you’ll appreciate how much faster long hedges go when you can span more surface in each pass.

Vibration, noise, and control

Compared with single‑action trimmers I’ve used, vibration here is notably lower. That matters during long sessions; I didn’t feel the forearm buzz that often creeps in after 20 minutes with cheaper tools. Noise is moderate—quiet enough to chat over briefly but still loud enough that I wear ear protection. The lower vibration, combined with the rotating handle, directly translates to cleaner results; I could feather a soft chamfer on boxwood without leaving scallops.

Living with a cord

Corded tools are a tradeoff: unlimited runtime and lower weight versus cable management. This trimmer’s built‑in cord retainer actually works; it kept my 14‑gauge extension from yanking free. For 50 feet and under, 14 AWG is fine; for longer runs, 12 AWG helps keep voltage drop at bay, especially when pushing thicker cuts. I drape the cord over my shoulder and work away from the outlet, which minimizes tangles and keeps the line behind the blade.

For large properties with scattered shrubs, cordless can be more convenient. But if your hedges are along a fence or foundation with easy outlet access, the cord becomes a non-issue after the first pass or two.

Safety and usability touches

• Lock‑off prevents accidental starts—useful when repositioning on a ladder.
• Lock‑on reduces hand fatigue on long, flat runs. Use it judiciously.
• The front hand guard is clear enough to maintain sight of the blade tip.
• The full‑bale handle plus rotating rear handle helps maintain body alignment and reduces awkward wrist angles in vertical trimming.

These are simple features, but together they make the tool easier and safer to control—especially helpful for beginners trying to maintain straight lines.

Maintenance and durability

The hardened steel blades arrive sharp. I treat blades like a cutting tool, not a battering ram: a quick wipe, a few drops of light oil before and after use, and a pass with a fine file on the top edges every few sessions keeps them keen. Check the blade bolts occasionally; mine stayed tight through multiple outings. As with any hedge trimmer, avoid chewing into compacted grit or fence wire; that’s what dulls edges fast.

I haven’t had issues with the gearbox or motor under normal loading. If you encounter a stall, stop and clear it rather than “hammering” the trigger; that protects the drive train. The 2‑year limited warranty is a fair safety net for a light‑duty homeowner tool.

What I’d change

• Include a blade sheath. It’s a small part that makes storage safer and blades last longer.
• A tad more motor headroom would help with older woody hedges. I’d gladly accept a few more ounces for a stronger drive on the same 24‑inch platform.
• Paint a small alignment mark on the housing to help keep hedge faces square at common handle angles (45°, 90°). You can add your own with a Sharpie.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners maintaining small to medium hedges and shrubs.
• Anyone who values a long bar for faster, flatter results on straight runs.
• Users who prefer lighter weight and infinite runtime over cordless convenience.
• Gardeners who trim regularly and avoid letting branches age into thick hardwood.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Folks tackling neglected, woody hedges with frequent 3/4‑inch cuts—use a more powerful trimmer or pair this with loppers.
• Those without easy outlet access across the trimming area—or anyone who simply doesn’t want to wrangle a cord.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Long 24‑inch dual‑action blade makes quick, clean work and reduces vibration.
- Rotating rear handle and full‑bale front grip improve comfort and control.
- Light for its reach; easy to manage along vertical faces and overhead.
- Cord retainer and well‑placed controls add real usability.
- Good value for a dedicated hedge tool.

Cons:
- No blade sheath included with mine; plan to buy or improvise one.
- Limited muscle on older, hardwood stems approaching 3/4 inch.
- Cord management is a reality—plan your route and cord gauge.

Final recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker trimmer for homeowners who want a lightweight, long‑reach, corded tool for regular hedge maintenance. It excels at shaping and maintaining hedges and shrubs with branches up to about 1/2–5/8 inch, delivers clean results with low vibration, and the rotating handle genuinely improves ergonomics. You’ll need to add a blade sheath and accept that very woody, thick stems still call for loppers or a more powerful trimmer, but for routine trimming, it’s a confidence‑building, efficient choice at a reasonable price.