Black & Decker Electric 2-In-1 Trimmer/Edger

Why I reached for this corded trimmer

After too many weekends wrestling with finicky gas carbs and half-charged batteries, I went back to basics and put a simple corded trimmer/edger to work. This Black & Decker trimmer isn’t flashy. It doesn’t promise brush-cutter power or app connectivity. What it does bring is light weight, consistent power from the wall, and quick switching between trimming and edging. For small to mid-size yards, that combination can be exactly what you need.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, assembly took just a few minutes: snap on the guard, route the extension cord through the cord-retention clip, and you’re ready. The unit is notably light at about 4.8 pounds, which matters when you’re working along fences or flower beds for longer stretches. The auxiliary handle lands comfortably under the lead hand and gives decent leverage for sweeping arcs.

The cutting swath is 12 inches—compact by today’s standards—which is both a limitation and a perk. It won’t mow down large areas fast, but it’s easier to maneuver in tight spots and around plantings. The motor draws 3.5 amps. On paper that’s modest; in practice it’s enough for grass, thin weeds, and general yard cleanup if you use sharp line and sensible technique.

One thing to note: the shaft is fixed. At my height (5'11"), I found the working angle comfortable, but taller users may wish for more adjustability. The build is mostly plastic, which keeps weight down but also means you should avoid treating it like a contractor-grade tool.

Trimming performance

For routine trimming—fence lines, around raised beds, and along the base of a retaining wall—the trimmer cuts cleanly with a smooth, even feel. Being corded, it spools up to full speed quickly and stays there. In normal lawn grass, I could keep a steady walking pace without bogging.

Where it shows its limits is in dense, wet growth or knee-high patches that you let go for too long. The motor will slow if you feed it too aggressively. Two things help:
- Take partial passes, nibbling the top layer before dropping to the base.
- Keep the line length correct; too much line increases drag and drops speed.

The guard is small enough to give a decent sight line to the string, which I appreciate for accuracy, but as with any open guard, wear eye protection.

Edging mode and the edge guide

Flipping into edging is quick and intuitive. The edge guide acts like training wheels against sidewalks and curbs. It’s a simple wire guide, not a driven wheel, but it keeps your path straight and prevents gouging the concrete. Along a crisp sidewalk edge, I got neat results. Along garden borders with soft soil and wandering edges, I still prefer to freehand and adjust my angle by eye; the guide is less useful there.

Edging performance mirrors trimming: clean and tidy in typical turf, but if your edge has hard-packed soil or roots, plan on two slow passes.

Bump-feed and line management

This model uses a bump-feed spool. When the string shortens, you tap the head lightly on the ground to advance line. It’s a classic, simple system that works well if you develop a light touch. Two observations from use:
- An overzealous bump will dump more line than you need, which wastes string and robs the motor of rpm. A light tap while the head is spinning is all it takes.
- Keep the spool wound neatly. Sloppy wraps or crossing loops lead to jams and inconsistent feed.

Pre-wound spools are convenient but add up fast if you trim often. I strongly suggest buying bulk line and re-spooling yourself. Keep tension on the line as you wind, and follow the direction arrows on the spool. It takes five minutes and saves money.

The spool cap is a wear item. If you habitually drag the head along concrete or use the cap as a curb guide, it will scuff and eventually thin. Keep the head just off the surface and let the edge guide do its job—your cap will last longer.

Corded realities

The cord retention clip is simple and effective. Loop the extension cord through the built-in retainer before plugging in and accidental disconnects are rare. That said, you still have a tail to manage. Planning your path matters:
- Start near the outlet and work away so you’re not stepping over the cord.
- Use a bright, outdoor-rated extension cord sized appropriately for the run. For anything over 50 feet, I prefer 14-gauge to minimize voltage drop.

The upside to the cord is consistency. No battery fade, no fumes, no start-up ritual. If your yard layout supports corded tools, it’s refreshingly hassle-free.

Heat and durability

Run long enough in hot weather and any small corded trimmer will warm up. On a sweaty afternoon cutting tall, thick growth continuously for 20–25 minutes, I noticed the housing getting quite warm near the motor vents. Short breathers and a quick brush of the intake slots kept temperatures in check. A light-duty trimmer like this is happiest with intermittent use—trim a section, pause while you clear clippings or reposition the cord, then continue.

As for durability, this is a consumer-grade tool. The plastics are not brittle, but they’re not industrial either. The guard flexes a bit on impact, and the head hardware is lean to keep weight down. Treat it with the respect you’d give a lightweight drill: it will hold up to regular yard work, but it’s not built for brush clearing or daily commercial use.

Ergonomics and fatigue

Weight is the headline here. At under five pounds, I can run it longer than most battery or gas units without feeling it in my shoulders. Vibration is low, and the motor’s electric hum is conversation-level—much kinder on neighbors than a two-stroke. The auxiliary handle gives a secure left-hand grip, though it lacks fine adjustability. Balance is slightly head-heavy, which feels normal for string trimmers and aids gentle bump-feeding.

One caveat: because the shaft doesn’t telescope, very tall users may find themselves hunching for awkward angles, especially in edging mode.

Maintenance and upkeep

Keeping this trimmer in shape is straightforward:
- Blow out or brush the air vents after each use to maintain cooling.
- Inspect the spool cap and bump knob for wear.
- Re-spool neatly with quality line; avoid bargain-bin string that frays easily.
- Check the guard screws occasionally; vibration can loosen fasteners over time.

Replaceable parts like the spool and cap are easy to source. Beyond that, there’s not much to service.

Where it fits

This trimmer is a great match for:
- Small to medium suburban yards with accessible outlets.
- Homeowners who prioritize light weight and simplicity over brute power.
- Routine maintenance: grass trimming, walkway edging, and light weeds.

It’s not a great match for:
- Overgrown lots, heavy brush, or thick invasive weeds.
- Users who can’t practically manage an extension cord.
- Very tall users who need a longer or adjustable shaft.

The bottom line

The Black & Decker corded trimmer/edger trades headline-grabbing power for light weight, simplicity, and consistency. Within its comfort zone—regular lawn trimming and tidy edges—it does the job cleanly and without fuss. The 12-inch swath and 3.5-amp motor set expectations: this is a light-duty tool. Respect those boundaries, feed the line properly, keep the vents clear, and it will serve reliably.

Recommendation: I recommend this trimmer for homeowners with small to mid-size yards who want a lightweight, no-battery, no-gas solution for routine trimming and edging. It’s easy to handle, inexpensive to run if you re-spool your own line, and delivers neat results without much maintenance. If you regularly tackle tall, dense growth or don’t want to manage a cord, look toward a higher-powered battery model or a gas trimmer instead.