Best Reviewed
String Trimmers
- Cordless grass trimmer Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 *Est. $100
- Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds Stihl FSE 60 *Est. $120
- Best-value gas trimmer Hitachi CG22EASSLP *Est. $190
- Propane string trimmer Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC *Est. $140
Get info about new reports and updates
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Easy to maneuver
- Adjustable shaft and trimmer head
- Only suitable for light trimming
- Auto line feed doesn't work well
- Short battery life
The 18-volt Craftsman 74815 cordless string trimmer gets good reviews from owners who like its ease of use and versatility, but this 4.0 amp unit isn't powerful enough for heavy yard work. It comes with a telescoping shaft that adjusts 16 to 25 inches to accommodate different user heights, and the adjustable four-position trimmer head makes hard-to-reach fence and flower-bed areas more accessible. The Craftsman 74815 also comes with an edge guide and a one-hour charger, yet the weak nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery is this unit's biggest flaw, according to owners. Among cordless string trimmers, we found the best reviews for the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 (*Est. $100).
We found a comparison review of the Craftsman 74815 cordless string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org and at ThisOldHouse.com, where the Craftsman 74815 is included in a test of four 18-volt Ni-Cd string trimmers. Several owner reviews at Sears.com provide user insight.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors compare the Craftsman 74815 with 39 string trimmers, including eight other cordless models, based on objective tests. Trimmers are rated on multiple criteria such as trimming and edging ability, ease of use and how well they handle tall grass and weeds.
Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2011
2. Sears.com
The Craftsman 74815 receives an average overall score of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 60 owners with mixed opinions. Most say it's easy to handle and performs light trimming well, but lacks power for tougher jobs. Others find the adjustable shaft convenient, but complain that the battery doesn't hold a charge beyond 15 minutes and that the auto feed doesn't advance.
Review: Craftsman 18V Cordless 12'' Line Trimmer, Contributors to Sears.com
ThisOldHouse.com enlists readers with varied lawn expertise to test four 18-volt string trimmers. One professional landscaper recommends the Craftsman 74815 for homeowners with small to midsize lawns "looking to 'go green.'" He also finds that the adjustable cutting head makes the 74815 easy and comfortable to use. But this brief capsule review doesn't include an assessment of battery life or testing methodology. However, because of the credibility of the television show and website, this recommendation has merit.
Review: Cordless String Trimmers, Sal Vaglica
String Trimmers Runners Up:
4 picks including: HomeDepot.com…
3 picks including: Amazon.com, This Old House…
3 picks including: Lowes.com, BackyardBoss.com…
2 picks including: LawnSite.com…
2 picks including: GardenWeb.com, This Old House…
2 picks including: Amazon.com…
2 picks including: This Old House, Sears.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick including: BackyardBoss.com…
1 pick including: HomeDepot.com…
