Spring is on its way here in Kansas, but it hasn’t arrived yet, so I can’t do a video review showing really cool weeds, but, since all of our snow had melted by this morning, I was able to experiment with this a bit on an early patch of grass in our front yard.
the Black & Decker 24-Volt Cordless String Trimmer and Edger (NST1024) provides unmatched power and convenience in a battery-powered, easy-to-operate design. This high-performance tool offers two cutting modes for improved control, making it the perfect solution for those in search of a reliable, powerful, environmentally friendly string trimmer.
ASSEMBLY: There were three parts to assemble together, the cover and the front “bale” handle needed to be assembled to the basic edger.
The cover for the edger went on using ONE Phillips head screw. It assembled easily.
The bale handle was supposed to go on equally easily, however I ran into a slight snag, when the hex wrench (included in the top handle) wouldn’t come out. I finally was able to pry it loose using a flat-head screwdriver. After that, it was a simple matter of removing the four screws, lining it up where I wanted it on the edger, and replacing the hex nut screws.
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BATTERY: The battery comes without a full charge and it is recommended that you charge it completely before using it. The recommended time is 10 hours. The length of time the battery operates is based on speed. Information on Amp Hours and run time are included in the specs above.
Tim from “Tooltime” (Home Improvement) would get really excited about this tool, because not only does this powerful trimmer/edger have a 24 volt battery (instead of the standard 18 volt), but it also has 2 speeds! At the top speed, it will cut 60 square feet a minute – and spins at 9000 RPM. It made ME feel pretty powerful just turning it on!
The lower speed is intended for regular use and will conserve your battery.
USAGE: When I tested it, on the lower speed, it cut the small patch of grass that had already come up easily AND did a nice job of edging along the sidewalk (it changed positions with the push of a button). The 13″ swath is a nice size for a bit of grass trimming. Also, the safety switch can be held from either side, and it fit my small hand easily, making my task a bit easier Black & Decker NST1024.
Without any really big weeds to check it out on, I took a small tree branch (about 1/4 inch) and let loose. It went straight through without breaking the string. I am now looking forward to “hitting the big weeds” with it this summer and watching them fall as easily as the tree branch.
But the best part of all (for me at least) is its adjustability. I’m short and my husband is tall. This often means that equipment that I buy doesn’t fit him, and I am unable to use equipment that he purchases. In this case, both the length of the handle is easily adjustable (a simple twist lets you expand or contract), AND the bale handle can be adjusted to the location that best suits your physical characteristics.
I was a little worried about the weight (about 2 pounds heavier than the standard one), but it wasn’t the problem I expected. AND, it’s a lot more handy for the area I normally “trim” since the yard area extends 60 feet – and the electric trimmer I’ve used in the past uses a 50 foot extension cord – so I’m always short a few feet, and I have to unwind and rewind the extension cord without “trimming it” along the way.
I’ve used battery-powered Black and Decker products in the past (including a hedge trimmer) and I have been pleased with the long-term battery use. Since this is a new battery, I will update my review if I experience any problems with it over the long haul.
However, after checking it out on my “early spring lawn,” I am more than impressed with the power and capabilities of this trimmer/edger.
My only negative comment is that while it is advertised as “environmentally friendly,” I do have to admit that an electric trimmer/edger with an extension cord does NOT have a problem of battery disposal – which is an environmental concern. It most likely IS more environmentally friendly than a gas powered trimmer.
Five Stars!