Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Good choice for regular lawn trimming
• Quiet and Energy Star rated
• Adjustable handle
• Cordless

What the reviewers don't like:

• Only appropriate for light trimming - not weeds or tall grass
• Automatic line feed gets mixed reviews
• Short 20 minute runtime per charge

Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 review highlights

We found the best review of the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer at Consumer Reports, where editors rate and rank it in comparison with 43 other models – but only two other cordless trimmers. For more detail and a longer-term perspective, owner reviews at several retailer sites prove useful.

Reviews give the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 top ranking among cordless string trimmers, but recommend it only for trimming well-kept lawns. Its quiet performance and light 7-pound weight are big advantages, and it’s easier and less expensive to use than a heavier gas trimmer. The main drawback lies with the NiCd batteries, which provide less power to the trimmer as their charge fades – and have very limited run time even on a fresh charge. If you don't mind being tethered to an extension cord, the Stihl FSE60 (*est. $110) is much more powerful and can handle tall grass and weeds. It's also highly rated in reviews.

Also see full report: String Trimmers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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String Trimmers
Editors of Consumer Reports
Apr. 2008

Based on objective tests done in the fall of 2007, editors compare the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 Cordless String Trimmer with 43 other string trimmers – but only two other cordless models. All the trimmers are ranked based on specific ratings for trimming power, edging and other factors.

2. Amazon.com
Black & Decker NST2018 Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

More than 200 owners review the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer, giving it a 4 out of 5 star average rating. One owner says the 12-volt cordless trimmer actually gets more work done per charge; another says that it is great for moderate jobs, but fibrous stems can be a problem.

3. HomeDepot.com
Black & Decker NST2018G Reviews
Contributors to HomeDepot.com

At the time of this report, just a handful of owners review this Black & Decker cordless string trimmer, giving it reasonably high ratings. One owner says it can trim 250 linear feet on one charge, but other owners say battery quality control may be a problem.

4. Walmart.com
Black & Decker GrassHog 18-Volt Cordless Trimmer Reviews
Contributors to Walmart.com

Relatively few string trimmers have accumulated many owner-written reviews here, but the 18-volt Black & Decker has enough to make its high average rating significant. One owner has used it for four years, and most are quite satisfied; one experienced quality-control issues.

5. Sears.com
Black & Decker 18 Volt 12-inch Cordless Grasshog Trimmer/Edger
Contributors to Sears.com

Only a handful of owners review this cordless string trimmer here, giving it a perfect 5-star rating at the time of this report. Owners say they love the trimmer’s light weight and find both power and run time fine.

6. About.com
Cordless String Trimmers
David Beaulieu
Sept. 2004

Though the title makes this review look like a comparison report, it’s really a brief single-product review of the Black & Decker NST2018 Grass Hog with a few comparisons with the less expensive CST2000 string trimmer. Both pros and cons are noted. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com are owned by the same parent company, but are not related editorially.)

7. Ace Hardware.com
Black & Decker Cordless String Trimmer (NST2018) Reviews
Contributors to AceHardware.com

The Black & Decker NST2018 gets distinctly mixed reviews from a few owners here. Some owners are satisfied, but some disappointment is expressed about both power and run time.

Also see full report: String Trimmers

Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 Review