Buying guide for Best BLACK+DECKER edgers
Lawn maintenance is a time-consuming yet satisfying endeavor. Creating a healthy, attractive outdoor space is rewarding both during the process and when you enjoy the results. An important tool to wield in the battle against overgrown, unruly lawns is the edger, and one of the most popular and trusted names in lawn and garden tools is BLACK+DECKER.
A edge creates a distinct division between different areas in your lawn and property, whether it’s to cut back grass creeping onto sidewalks and driveways, or to make sure gardens and other plants have their own designated spaces. An edger is an easy-to-use power tool that digs down into the ground to create this demarcation
BLACK+DECKER offers well-priced, powerful edgers that are simple, lightweight, and effective, but you have many choices, in part because most edgers serve other functions, too. Our buying guide outlines what you need to know about BLACK+DECKER edgers to help you make the best choice for your lawn-care needs. Check out some of our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Power
Lawn-care equipment is either manual, powered by gas, or electric. Generally, gas-powered tools like edgers are more powerful and more expensive. They’re also louder. Manual edgers require more effort on your part but are much simpler to use and cheaper.
BLACK+DECKER makes electric edgers. While they may not always have as much power as some gas options, they’re better for the environment, lighter, and generally less expensive. BLACK+DECKER edgers either use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or are corded.
Battery: Battery power is measured in volts, and most BLACK+DECKER edgers are 20, 40, or 60 volts. Many BLACK+DECKER power tools, including edgers, run on lithium-ion batteries. These tools tend to be more popular because you don’t have to deal with an extension cord. They require recharging, but you can save some money if you already have other compatible battery-powered BLACK+DECKER lawn tools and a charger.
The batteries may take a few hours to fully charge and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on capacity and use. While the initial cost may be high, batteries have a long shelf life and can be more cost-effective over time.
Corded: For these edgers, the power is measured in amps, and BLACK+DECKER’s are 3.5 to 6.5 amps up to around 12 amps.
Blade vs. string
Some edgers use a blade and some use string to perform the job. Edgers with a blade are more expensive, but they’re more powerful and dig into the soil more deeply and easily.
String edgers can double as string trimmers. In edgers with string, the string will wear down over time and require you to buy replacement spools. Note that the spool on BLACK+DECKER string edgers has an automatic feed system. This removes the hassle of having to pause to unspool more string.
Cut path
The length of the exposed string or the width of the blade determines the edger’s cut radius or path. Most blades and strings are adjustable. Longer strings and larger blades have a wider effective path, but they may be harder to control for a perfectly manicured edge.
Weight
BLACK+DECKER edgers don’t weigh a lot in general, but when you’re working with a tool for a long time, especially on a hot day, every extra pound can make a difference. Power directly corresponds with weight, and the more powerful edgers are heavier than the less powerful ones. Some are as light as 4 pounds, while others are closer to 12 pounds.
Did You Know?
When your edger finally wears down or it’s no longer needed, you can recycle it! BLACK+DECKER has partnered with recycling programs to boost sustainability.
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Features
Combination tools
Most BLACK+DECKER edgers are able to also function as one other garden tool.
Edger plus trencher: Some BLACK+DECKER edgers with blades are also trenchers, which can dig much deeper and wider channels in your lawn. This is useful if you have a more elaborate or intricate garden or if you need to bury cables or wires under the lawn.
Edger plus string trimmer: Most BLACK+DECKER edgers can be converted to string trimmers, which can be used to keep weeds from encroaching on your lawn. The string spool rotates from vertical for edging to horizontal for trimming. While you use an edger to create a boundary, you can use a trimmer to maintain that boundary.
Adjustability
Power: Some BLACK+DECKER edgers come with a handy feature that allows you to allocate the power depending on the task. For difficult spots, you can increase the power and use more of the battery. For easier jobs, you can go into a power-saving mode so the battery will run longer.
Depth: Most BLACK+DECKER edgers allow you to adjust the depth of the blade or the length of the string depending on how you want your lawn to look.
Comfort: You can adjust the length of the edger to make it easier to hold and use. You may also be able to adjust the handle so you can use your right or left hand.
Bundles
Some BLACK+DECKER edgers come in bundles or kits so you can get all your needed accessories at once. Bundles likely feature a combination of battery, battery charger, and string spool. These options tend to be cheaper than buying all the items separately.
Get into the habit of immediately charging the battery after you use the edger. This saves time in the future and is especially important if you have multiple tools that use the same battery.
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BLACK+DECKER edger prices
Inexpensive: For under $50, you can find a simple, effective edger with less power and a smaller cut path than some other options.
Mid-range: Most edges cost between $50 and $100. These have an average to above average power supply, a sizable cut path, and may come with some extras.
Expensive: Spending over $100 gets you a high-powered edger plus trimmer or trencher, too. This range also includes bundles with batteries and spools.
Did You Know?
Grass clippings can be left on the lawn as fertilizer provided they aren’t too long. However, some people don’t like the messy appearance.
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Tips
- Mow your lawn first. Save time and energy by mowing your lawn before edging it. Edging first can leave you with uneven spots but doing it after you mow allows you to fix any blemishes.
- Wear protective gear. Consider protecting your eyes, wrists, and ankles when using an edger in case any twigs and debris fly up at you. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if the weather calls for it.
- Clean off the edger’s path. Remove any rocks, roots, or other items that may disrupt or damage your edger or obstruct its path. Take special care around mailboxes or near sewers.
- Edge when the soil is moist. Edging is most easily accomplished when the soil is slightly moist. Overly wet, dry, or frozen ground can slow down the process, create a mess, or even damage the edger.
FAQ
Q. How deep should I edge my lawn?
A. Most people opt for an edge about 2 inches deep around their lawn and flower beds. This is a typical depth for most edgers, and it doesn’t tend to take a lot of effort on your part. This is also generally recommended for those who haven’t edged their lawn before, but you might choose a deeper or shallower edge.
Q. How long do BLACK+DECKER lithium-ion batteries last?
A. There are a lot of factors that go into how long a battery lasts, and it’s not always easy to gauge. You can expect your battery to last anywhere from 3 to 6 years with regular use. Store the battery with its tool or on the charger in a cool, dry place. While it’s useful to have a backup battery on hand, make sure it’s regularly used or it will slowly drain over time.
Q. How do edgers help protect my lawn?
A. While most people think that edgers are purely for aesthetics, they do serve a function in lawn maintenance. By cutting back the grass along the edges of sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds, you prevent weeds and grass from encroaching and potentially damaging those areas.
