Buying guide for best DeWalt weed eaters
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DeWalt has a reputation for dependability and performance when it comes to outdoor yard tools. The company’s yellow power tools and accessories are as common in suburban garages as they are on professional job sites. Their selection of weed eaters is no exception, delivering power, flexibility and easy operation to property owners, landscapers, gardeners and contractors everywhere.
Are you hoping to keep your grass looking crisp and tidy all year long with a no-frills weed eater that won’t let you down? Are you in search of a one-tool solution for all your yard tasks, from edging to pruning to clipping? We’re here to talk about the excellent trimmers in DeWalt’s lineup and which one would be right for you.
Our top pick is the DeWalt 20V MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer. It’s a battery-powered weed eater that'll whip your lawn into shape in no time.
Editors' Picks
Weight: 9 lb | Item Dimensions: 39.13" L x 10.13" W | Cut Width: 14" | Power Source: Battery powered
The DeWalt 20V MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer is a practical choice for homeowners who want more capability than a basic light-duty model without stepping up to a heavier 60V tool.
Its brushless motor and 14-inch cutting swath are well suited to routine grass, edging and moderate overgrowth, while the variable-speed trigger and Hi/Lo switch let you balance cutting power against runtime. The folding hinge is especially useful in a crowded garage, and at 9 pounds, it's not too heavy for long jobs.
The main tradeoff is that the 20V platform doesn't have the same muscle as DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT trimmers, so thick, neglected growth may take more time. In addition, this tool-only option does not come with a battery or charger, so those need to be purchased separately. Still, the QuickLoad spool and compact folded size make it worth a look for small and midsize yards, especially if storage space matters.
Weight: 12 lb | Item Dimensions: 45" L x 14" W | Cut Width: 15" | Power Source: Battery powered
The DeWalt DCST970B FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless String Trimmer is a good cordless string trimmer for homeowners who want real cutting power without dealing with a cord.
The 60V FLEXVOLT platform is the big selling point, especially if you already have DeWalt batteries and chargers, and the 15-inch cutting width helps you cover more ground than smaller trimmers.
At 12 pounds, it isn’t especially light, but it’s still manageable for routine edging and trimming along fences, driveways and thicker growth. The tool-only setup also fits well for people already building around DeWalt's battery system.
Weight: 15 lb | Item Dimensions: 12.51" L x 10.47" W | Cut Width: 15" | Power Source: Battery powered
The DeWalt DCST970X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX String Trimmer is a smart buy for homeowners who want solid cutting power without dealing with a cord. The 60V MAX battery and brushless motor are built for tougher grass and heavier overgrowth, and the 15-inch cutting swath helps you cover more ground in less time.
A two-speed setup adds some control, and the lightweight, ergonomic design should make longer trimming sessions less tiring. The extra 225 feet of 0.080-inch line is a useful bonus if you burn through spool line quickly.
The main tradeoff is that it’s a more serious and pricier tool than a basic trimmer, so small-yard users probably won’t need this much machine. Battery runtime will still depend on how hard you’re working it, and the kit arriving in two boxes is a minor hassle.
It fits best for people already in the DeWalt system, or anyone who wants one cordless trimmer that can handle more than just light edging. For rougher yards, it’s easy to make the case.
Weight: 15 lb | Item Dimensions: 40"L x 10"W | Cut Width: 15" | Power Source: Battery Powered
This DeWalt DCST972X1 60V Cordless String Trimmer is a strong pick for anyone who wants real trimming power without dealing with a cord or gas. The brushless motor, 15-inch cutting width and adjustable 15-to-17-inch swath give it the reach and muscle to cut through thick grass and heavier overgrowth faster than a typical trimmer.
It also comes with the battery and charger, which makes the package more useful right away. The attachment-capable design is a big plus if you already use DeWalt outdoor tools, and the quick-load spool plus variable speed controls keep it practical.
The main tradeoff is that it’s not a light tool. At 15 pounds, it’ll feel bulky on longer jobs, especially next to smaller battery trimmers. Even so, the cordless convenience, solid runtime potential and compatibility with 20V MAX tools make it worth a look for bigger yards and tougher edging work. If you only have light trimming to do, there are cheaper options.
How we analyzed
We researched every DeWalt weed eater currently available to assemble our list of the top four models. During our research, we looked at each model’s battery power, spool options, cutting width, shaft type and price to determine which models provide the most value. And because it’s also important to be comfortable while you work, we considered whether each had an ergonomic design and how heavy it would be to carry.
Key considerations
Power
Weed eaters may be gas-powered, electric or manual. The only electric weed eaters DeWalt offers are those powered by a battery. These are better for the environment and create less air and noise pollution than gas-powered weed eaters. They are lighter, smaller and easier to store and transport. However, they aren’t ideal for large plots of land and may struggle with tough, dense weeds.
Notably, you will need to invest in a DeWalt battery and charger if you don’t already own these items. The lithium-ion battery can be used across various DeWalt products, provided the charge is the same.
Usage
Weed eaters are designed to help maintain boundaries in certain areas of a lawn or garden. However, they are not necessarily designed to manufacture those boundaries. That’s the job of an edger, which can dig several inches into the soil to create a barrier. While some companies offer trimmers that convert into edgers by swiveling their heads to the side, DeWalt currently does not.
The company does, however, offer weed eaters such as the DeWalt 60-Volt Max Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, which allows you to swap out trimmer heads for other tools including edgers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers and even leaf blowers.
With such a modular design, your weed eater can be just as handy pruning small, overhead tree branches as it is keeping weeds and overgrowth under control.
Spool options
Weed eaters trim grass with a nylon string that is housed in a spool at the base of the device. The nylon string wears down over time and requires a replacement spool.
Winding a new trimmer line into a weed eater’s spool can be a time-consuming and frustrating hassle. Thankfully, DeWalt offers a Quickload feature that makes refreshing your string as easy as threading it into the spool and winding it into the head with a ratcheting motion.
DeWalt trimmers feature bump-feed spools. While you’re working, you simply bump the trimmer head on the ground to release more string as needed.
Cutting swath
Most DeWalt string trimmers have a cutting swath of 12 to 17 inches. While that may not seem like a big range, every inch makes a difference when tending your lawn. Shorter lengths offer a bit more control and precision. Longer lengths may offer more protection and distance from encroaching weeds.
Weight
One of the perks of DeWalt weed eaters is portability. Generally, these tools weigh around 10 pounds and are easy to hold and wield with two hands. Keep in mind that bigger jobs require more energy, and creating precise boundaries calls for a steady handling of the machine.
Shaft
Some companies offer a choice of a straight or curved shaft, and DeWalt is no exception. However, DeWalt only offers curved shafts on its gas-powered trimmers. Straight shafts generally offer more flexibility on the job as well as the ability to access hard-to-reach places. Curved shafts generally offer more precision and control, but they may have difficulty accessing hard-to-reach places.
Features
Flexvolt
DeWalt offers 60-volt batteries that are backward-compatible and can work on devices using 20-volt batteries. This is especially useful if you need a powerful weed eater but own other DeWalt items that only require 20-volt batteries.
Bundles
DeWalt weed eaters are battery-operated, but not all units come with the battery. You may want to purchase a bundle that includes a battery and charger. Buying these items together should be cheaper than buying them separately. That said, you may want to forgo the bundle if you already have a battery and charger for another DeWalt device.
Folding shaft
Select models of DeWalt weed eaters have a folding shaft. The shaft locks into place when in use without sacrificing durability, and it can also be folded for easy storage and transport.
DeWalt weed eater prices
Inexpensive: The least-expensive weed eaters from DeWalt start around $130. These tools have smaller cutting swaths and don’t include a battery or charger.
Mid-range: For between $150 and $200, you can find DeWalt weed eaters with more power. These tools are suitable for jobs of small and medium size.
Expensive: For $200 and up, you’ll be able to buy bundles or kits that include the DeWalt weed eater as well as a battery, charger and even additional string spools.
Tips
- Cut the grass before trimming. Your lawn mower is a powerful device that can make trimming easier. Mow grass and weeds first. Then, use the weed eater for a more accurate trim.
- Assess the weed eater’s direction. The direction your weed eater rotates indicates the trajectory of cut grass and weeds. Keep that in mind when you’re walking so the grass goes where you want it to.
- Survey the area. Before you begin work, check the area for rocks, pebbles, roots and other debris. Some items could damage the weed eater, while others could be projected toward you or others.
- Remember to charge the battery. Get into the habit of charging your battery after use. A powerless battery quickly deters any outdoor maintenance plans. DeWalt weed eater batteries can take one to two hours to fully charge.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to maintain my battery-powered weed eater?
A. After using your weed eater, remove dirt, soil and other debris from the head so it doesn’t harden and disrupt future use. Store the weed eater in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat. The battery and charger should be kept in a similar space.
Over time, you will need to replace the spool, but otherwise, a DeWalt electric weed eater should require little to no maintenance.
Q. How safe are weed eaters to use?
A. Like most outdoor tools, weed eaters are relatively safe provided you understand how they work and take proper precautions. Even with a guard on the head, however, they can still fling dirt, pebbles and other debris. Protect your eyes, hands, wrists, feet and ankles, as these are the most sensitive or vulnerable areas of the body. Gloves, in particular, can help prevent your hands from getting sore.
As DeWalt weed eaters are battery-powered, you needn’t worry about cords tangling up, but it’s best to keep pets and children away while you’re working.
Q. What are the best ways to prolong battery life?
A. DeWalt advises you to avoid running the battery down completely. Turn off your device when you notice it weakening. You can leave the battery in the charger indefinitely, as the charger’s maintenance mode prevents damage from occurring. However, you should avoid charging the battery if it is warm or hot. Instead, leave it at room temperature for an hour or so first.
Prior to the off-season, fully charge your DeWalt weed eater battery before storing it. Once the battery is dead, it can be recycled.
Our expertise
Using a combination of in-house testing, trusted consumer feedback and a shared thrill of seeking out the absolute best products, devices and tools, BestReviews is your number-one resource when it comes to reviews you can count on. Our staff offers real advice from people who share your passions and seek to make every day a little easier, a little better and a lot more fun.
Derek Walborn is one of BestReviews’ trusted lawn, garden and DIY experts. Providing insight since 2021, Derek has written extensively on topics that range from home security systems and propane grills to the latest power tools and home-improvement gadgets.
