Craftsman Cordless 10 in WEEDWACKER String Trimmer and Edger

When I first got my hands on the Craftsman Cordless 10 in WEEDWACKER String Trimmer and Edger (Model CMCST915C1), I was immediately drawn to its lightweight design and cordless convenience. As someone who has wrestled with gas-powered trimmers and their temperamental starting processes, the idea of a battery-operated tool seemed like a breath of fresh air. However, my experience with this tool was a mixed bag.

One of the primary selling points of this trimmer is its automatic feed system, which is supposed to extend the trimmer line without manual intervention. Unfortunately, this feature didn't live up to its promise. The line often failed to advance, causing frequent interruptions in my work. I found myself manually adjusting the line more often than not, which was quite frustrating. This is especially problematic when you’re in the middle of trimming and have to stop repeatedly to fix the line.

The trimmer’s 10-inch cutting swath is adequate for small to medium-sized yards, but the power behind the cuts left much to be desired. With a no-load speed of 9000 RPM, I expected it to handle grass and weeds with relative ease. However, the tool struggled with thicker patches and often stalled out. This lack of power significantly slowed down the trimming process, and I had to move at a snail’s pace to avoid stopping the motor. When it did stall, the motor would stop completely, requiring me to restart it, which drained the battery faster than expected.

Battery life is another critical aspect of any cordless tool, and here, the WEEDWACKER fell short. The 20V 1.5Ah battery provided me with approximately 15-20 minutes of runtime, which is insufficient for larger yards. For a small yard, it might just be enough, but for anything more extensive, you'll need additional batteries or extended breaks for recharging. The charger itself is rather fragile-looking, and the charging process is not particularly fast, which adds to the downtime.

When it comes to edging, the turn-to-edge feature is a nice touch in theory, allowing for convenient transitions between trimming and edging. However, in practice, the lack of power made edging a frustrating experience. The trimmer barely made a dent in the grass along my sidewalk, and any attempt to edge deeper resulted in immediate stalling.

Storage is made easier with the compatibility with the VERSATRACK system, which is a nice bonus if you already use Craftsman’s storage solutions. The lightweight design and ease of handling are definite positives, making it easy to maneuver around the yard without much physical strain.

Durability is another area where the WEEDWACKER falls short. After just a few uses, parts began to show signs of wear and tear. The spool feed mechanism, in particular, is prone to breaking, causing the line to either not advance at all or to eject all at once. This issue seems to be a recurring problem and significantly impacts the usability of the tool.

Noise levels are relatively high for a battery-operated tool, with the string slapping against the guard and creating an unpleasant sound. This, combined with the vibrations, makes for an uncomfortable user experience over extended periods.

Despite its shortcomings, there are a few redeeming qualities. The tool is easy to assemble and start, making it user-friendly for those who might be intimidated by more complex gas-powered models. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for older users or those with physical limitations.

In conclusion, the Craftsman Cordless 10 in WEEDWACKER String Trimmer and Edger offers some convenience and ease of use, but it falls short in critical areas such as power, battery life, and durability. While it might suffice for very small yards and light-duty tasks, it is not robust enough for more demanding jobs. The frequent need to manually adjust the line, combined with the short battery life and lack of cutting power, makes it a less-than-ideal choice for most homeowners.

I cannot recommend this tool for anyone looking for reliable and efficient yard maintenance. There are better options available on the market that offer more power, longer battery life, and greater durability. Investing a bit more in a higher-quality trimmer will save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.