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Friday, October 23, 2026

PThePickLedger

Edging is about head control and visibility, so this guide focuses on the edging mechanism each trimmer provides.

Best String Trimmer for Edging Sidewalks

Trimmers that double as edgers, ranked by how cleanly they cut along pavement.

PLThePickLedger ResearchEditorial teamUpdated Research-based assessment · The Best String Trimmers (2026)

Our top picks at a glance

Top Pick

Worx Worx WG163Worx Worx WG163

Small-yard owners who need a light trimmer that also edges sidewalks, and shoppers watching the price.

Best Power Edger

EGO EGO Power+ ST1521SEGO EGO Power+ ST1521S

Homeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-level cutting power and hate rewinding trimmer line.

Lightweight Option

DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922BDeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B

Existing DeWalt 20V Max battery owners who want a trimmer that shares batteries with their drills and saws.

Researched, not guessed Specs verified against manufacturer docs 3 picks, each matched to a specific buyer Updated 2026-10-18

The Worx WG163 is the best trimmer for edging because its head pivots 90 degrees into a dedicated edger position. No other model here has a purpose-built edging mechanism; the rest edge by rotating the shaft.

The short answer

The picks, ranked

Side-by-side comparison of every pick
PickVoltage platformCutting swathLine diameterBuy
Top PickWorx Worx WG16320V Power Share12 inches0.065 inch dual lineCheck price
Best Power EdgerEGO EGO Power+ ST1521S56V ARC Lithium15 inches0.095 inch dual lineCheck price
Lightweight OptionDeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B20V Max13 inches0.080 inch dual lineCheck price

Top Pick

Worx Worx WG163

12-inch 2-in-1 trimmer and edger at a budget price.

Worx Worx WG163
The 90-degree pivoting head converts to a dedicated edger, the only purpose-built edging design here.

Strengths

  • Pivoting head converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
  • Lightweight design is easy to carry and store
  • 0.065-inch dual line with Command Feed spool system
  • Lowest price of the proven models in this guide

Limitations

  • 12-inch swath means more passes on wide areas
  • 0.065-inch line is thin for heavy weeds
  • Not built for thick brush or commercial-duty work

What owners report

Commonly praised

  • Light and easy to handle, even for smaller users
  • It converts to a wheeled edger in seconds
  • The automatic line feed works reliably for most owners

Common complaints

  • Runtime per battery is short, around 20 minutes for some owners
  • The included charger is slow
  • It struggles with thick or woody growth

Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.

Key specifications for Worx Worx WG163
Voltage platform20V Power Share
Cutting swath12 inches
Line diameter0.065 inch dual line
Line feedCommand Feed push-button
Edging90-degree pivoting head

Best for: Small-yard owners who need a light trimmer that also edges sidewalks, and shoppers watching the price.
Skip if: You cut thick weeds or tall grass regularly, or your yard is larger than about a quarter acre.

Best Power Edger

EGO EGO Power+ ST1521S

15-inch Powerload head with automatic line loading.

EGO EGO Power+ ST1521S
Rotating the shaft puts the 15-inch head vertical; the thick 0.095-inch line cuts crisp lines along pavement.

Strengths

  • Powerload head winds trimmer line automatically, eliminating manual spool rewinding
  • Line IQ technology senses the load and feeds the correct line length without bumping
  • 15-inch cutting swath with 0.095-inch dual line handles thick grass and weeds
  • 56V ARC Lithium platform is shared across EGO blowers, mowers, and hedge trimmers

Limitations

  • Heavier and pricier than 20V-class trimmers
  • Best performance requires the larger 4.0Ah battery, which adds weight
  • Overkill for small yards under a quarter acre

What owners report

Commonly praised

  • Power that owners compare to gas trimmers, without fuel mixing or pull cords
  • One battery finishes a typical suburban yard
  • Quiet enough to use early in the day

Common complaints

  • Old line can get stuck inside the head and needs disassembly to clear
  • Reloading line is not as easy as the marketing suggests
  • It feels heavy on the shoulders during long sessions

Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.

Key specifications for EGO EGO Power+ ST1521S
Voltage platform56V ARC Lithium
Cutting swath15 inches
Line diameter0.095 inch dual line
Line feedPowerload auto-wind + Line IQ
Head typeBump-feed free, automatic

Best for: Homeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-level cutting power and hate rewinding trimmer line.
Skip if: You are locked into the DeWalt or Milwaukee 20V battery platform, or you trim a small yard where a lighter 12-inch tool is enough.

Lightweight Option

DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B

13-inch dual-line trimmer on the 20V Max platform.

DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B
Variable speed and light weight make controlled edging passes easy on long sidewalks.

Strengths

  • Runs on the 20V Max battery platform, so existing owners can buy the bare tool
  • 13-inch cutting swath with 0.080-inch dual line
  • Variable speed trigger gives control for trimming versus full-throttle edging
  • Lightweight and well balanced for extended use

Limitations

  • Bump-feed head requires stopping and bumping to advance line
  • Narrower swath than 15-inch class trimmers
  • High-drain trimming benefits from a 5.0Ah or larger battery

What owners report

Commonly praised

  • Strong cutting power with a responsive variable-speed trigger
  • Good runtime, especially with larger 20V packs
  • It folds for storage and uses batteries many owners already have

Common complaints

  • The front end feels heavy, which tires the arms
  • Several owners report the trimmer head wearing or breaking
  • Retail ratings are noticeably mixed compared with rival trimmers

Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.

Key specifications for DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B
Voltage platform20V Max
Cutting swath13 inches
Line diameter0.080 inch dual line
Line feedBump feed
Speed controlVariable speed trigger

Best for: Existing DeWalt 20V Max battery owners who want a trimmer that shares batteries with their drills and saws.
Skip if: You need maximum cutting width for large properties, or you prefer automatic line feed over bump feed.

Questions, answered

Is a trimmer edger as good as a dedicated edger?

For maintained edges, yes. The Worx pivoting head cuts a clean vertical line along sidewalks and driveways. Dedicated walk-behind edgers cut deeper, which matters only for overgrown or first-time edging.

What line works best for edging?

Thicker line holds its shape against pavement longer. If you edge often, a trimmer with 0.080-inch or thicker line will need fewer line advances.

How do the other trimmers edge without a pivoting head?

You rotate the shaft so the cutting plane is vertical and walk the line along the pavement edge. It works, but keeping a consistent depth takes practice compared to the Worx pivot.