Black & Decker 3.2-Amp Hedge Trimmer, 17"

Why I reached for this compact corded trimmer

I maintain a mix of boxwood, spirea, and a few stubborn privets along a small suburban lot. I wanted something light, simple, and predictable for routine shaping without babysitting batteries or fussing with gas. This corded Black & Decker trimmer hit the right notes: plug it in, squeeze the trigger, and start cutting. After several sessions on spring flush and mid-season touch-ups, I have a clear picture of where it shines—and where it doesn’t.

Setup and first use

Out of the box, there’s nothing to assemble. It’s a straightforward tool: a 3.2‑amp motor driving 17-inch dual-action, hardened-steel blades. At 4.3 pounds, it’s immediately manageable. I ran it from a GFCI outdoor outlet using an outdoor-rated extension cord and was trimming in minutes. There are no extras in the package, so plan on your own cord; I had good results with a bright, heavy-duty one that’s easy to keep in view.

If you’re new to corded yard tools, a couple of habits go a long way:
- Use the right gauge cord for the length (thicker for longer runs).
- Throw the cord over your shoulder and keep it trailing behind you.
- Work from the outlet outward so you’re never stepping into slack.

Cutting performance

For regular hedge maintenance and shaping, this trimmer cuts above its weight. The 17-inch dual-action blades feel “calm” in the hands, and they leave clean edges on new growth. Light, leafy material disappears quickly; I could sweep along a 10-foot boxwood run and clean it up in one pass per face.

When you encounter firmer stems, the 3.2‑amp motor holds its own up to about 1/2 inch with confidence. The stated maximum is 5/8 inch, and that’s accurate: it will bite through if you place the branch near the rear of the blades and let the teeth do the work. Past that, I grab loppers. If your shrubs routinely carry thicker, woody growth (older privet, holly, or lilac), expect to alternate between this trimmer and hand tools.

Feed rate is predictable. It doesn’t surge or stall when you meet denser patches; it just slows slightly, which gives you good feedback. I prefer this behavior over an overpowered tool that tears rather than cuts.

Vibration, balance, and fatigue

Compared with older single-action trimmers I’ve used, this one transmits noticeably less vibration. The dual-action design—both blade rails moving in opposite directions—reduces that tingling in your hands and forearms over longer sessions. Combined with the 4.3‑pound weight, I found I could trim overhead and at shoulder height without feeling cooked afterward. The body is compact and easy to pivot for vertical faces, top edges, and rounding corners.

Controls are simple and confidence-inspiring. The lock-off switch prevents accidental starts, and the main trigger has a positive, progressive feel. The handle geometry gives a secure grip in multiple positions, which helps when shaping curves or working in tight spaces.

Precision and reach

A 17-inch blade is a deliberate design choice. You give up a bit of reach and speed compared to a 22–24-inch trimmer, but you gain control. It’s easier to see exactly what you’re trimming, which matters when you’re refining a line or working near fencing and downspouts. I found the shorter blade especially handy around walkways and in tight shrub groupings where a longer bar would be clumsy or risk nicking what you want to keep.

If you maintain long, tall hedges, a longer blade will cover more face area per pass and could save time. For small to medium plantings, the 17-inch length is a practical fit.

Corded reality check

Being tethered is the trade-off. In a compact yard, it’s a non-issue after you build the muscle memory to keep the cord behind you. On larger lots with obstacles, you’ll spend more time managing the line. The upside is consistent power for as long as you need, no charging downtime, and no battery degradation over the years.

Noise is moderate and much quieter than gas. It’s still a cutting tool—wear ear and eye protection—but I could carry on normal conversation distance away.

Maintenance and durability

The blades are pre-hardened and listed as rust-resistant. After multiple sessions, edge retention has been good; they’re still cutting cleanly without tearing. You can extend that life by wiping down the blade after use and applying a light oil. If you occasionally clip gritty material or run the blades through dusty hedge faces, that quick post-use wipe makes a difference.

As with any corded tool, inspect the power cord and plug for wear, and store the trimmer in a dry spot. The two-year limited warranty is standard for a homeowner-grade tool and appropriate for the class.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Lightweight, well-balanced, and easy to control
- Dual-action blades reduce vibration for more comfortable sessions
- Clean cuts on fresh growth; credible performance up to the rated 5/8-inch capacity
- Simple operation with a safety lock-off and reliable trigger
- No batteries to charge or manage; consistent power from start to finish

Limitations:
- Cord management is a factor, especially in complex landscaping
- 17-inch blade sacrifices reach and speed versus longer models
- Not intended for frequent cutting of thick, woody branches

Comparisons and choosing the right tool

If you love the idea of cord-free mobility and have modest workloads, a mid-tier battery trimmer is attractive—but you’ll pay more for the tool and batteries, and you’ll track battery health over time. For larger, older hedges or frequent hard cuts, a more powerful corded unit (longer blade, higher amp rating) or a gas trimmer will chew faster, albeit with more weight, noise, and maintenance.

This trimmer hits a sweet spot for small to medium shrub maintenance where precision, ergonomics, and simplicity outrank brute force. The 17-inch blade and light weight make it especially suitable if you value control or if you’re sensitive to tool vibration and fatigue.

Tips from the field

• Use an outdoor-rated extension cord sized for your run; err on the heavier side for 50+ feet.
• Keep the cord draped over your shoulder and work away from the outlet.
• Let the tool cut—don’t force it through thicker stems; give it a second to chew.
• Clean and oil the blade after use to preserve sharpness and reduce sap buildup.
• Pair it with bypass loppers for anything beyond 5/8 inch to keep your cuts clean and the motor happy.

Bottom line

I like this trimmer for what it is: a light, capable, corded workhorse for routine hedge and shrub care. It’s comfortable, easy to control, and it delivers clean cuts on the kind of growth most homeowners face several times a season. The dual-action blade design keeps vibration down, and the 3.2‑amp motor has enough reserve to handle the occasional thicker stem without drama. You’ll have to live with a cord and accept the shorter blade’s reach, but those trade-offs buy you simplicity, low fatigue, and consistent performance.

Recommendation: I recommend this trimmer to homeowners with small to medium hedges who want a lightweight, plug-in tool for regular maintenance. It’s a great fit if you value control, reduced vibration, and never having to worry about battery charge. If your landscaping includes long hedgerows or frequent cuts beyond 5/8 inch, consider stepping up to a longer, more powerful model or a cordless/gas alternative. For everyday shaping and tidy edges, this one earns a spot on the hook in the garage.