Black & Decker 9-Inch 12-Volt Cordless Trimmer Edger CST1000
by Black & Decker
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Product Details
Manufacturer: Black & DeckerBrand: Black & Decker
Edition: Lawn & Patio
Model: CST1000
Publisher: Black & Decker
Studio: Black & Decker
Music Label: Black & Decker
Product features:
- Convenient, cordless design and 9-inch cutting path for fast, effective trimming
- Unique spool system uses centrifugal force to automatically feed out more line when you need it
- Head rotates 180 degrees for switching from trimming to edging
- Weighs just seven pounds and offers an adjustable handle for excellent control and reduced operator fatigue
- Includes 12-volt battery, charger, wall-mount charger bracket, and 2-year warranty
- Black & Decker AF-100-3ZP 30-Feet 0.065-Inch Line String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 3-Pack
- Black & Decker AF-100 String Trimmer Replacement Spool with 30 Feet of .065-Inch Line
Description of Black & Decker 9-Inch 12-Volt Cordless Trimmer Edger CST1000
What sets this trimmer apart from the pack is its clever AFS line-feed system. It automatically senses when more line is needed and feeds it in fractional increments without bumping through centrifugal force. The spool is surprisingly easy to replace, too. When you?re done trimming, convert the unit to an edger by rotating the Groom 'N' Edge head 180 degrees in just a few seconds. Unlike other trimmers, this one has an auxiliary handle that adjusts to the user?s height. A sturdy guard protects you from flying debris, a good thing because the motor keeps the string moving at 11,800 rpm. The flip-down edge guide makes edging a snap. The 12-volt battery will charge overnight in the wall-mount stand. Relatively light at 10 pounds, it?s a great dual-purpose tool for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van HesteThe Black & Decker CST1000 Trimmer Edger brings the convenience of cordless performance to a variety of tasks around the yard and garden. Offering a wide, nine-inch cutting path, a flip-down edge for precision cutting, and a unique Groom'N'Edge head that can be easily rotated 180-degrees for quick, clean edging, this tool runs on a rechargeable 12-volt battery that makes tangling with extension cords and worrying about spilled gasoline a thing of the past. And it employs Black & Decker's Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system, which uses centrifugal force to dispense more line whenever you need it for added predictability and dependability--no bumping required. Also offering a convenient trigger start, the CST1000 weighs just seven pounds and its design includes an auxiliary handle that can be adjusted based on your height for improved comfort and control while you work. The trimmer edger comes with a 12-volt battery, a charger, and a charger bracket that allows you to mount the charger on a wall near an outlet for easy access. This dependable tool is backed by a 2-year warranty
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Black & Decker 9-Inch 12-Volt Cordless Trimmer Edger CST1000
Customer Review: 4 1/2* Tool's Out for Summer
Summary: 5 Stars
Purpose and General Instructions
This product is very useful if you have a small lawn that overruns its borders (use the edger) or that is too uneven or bumpy to cut effectively with a lawn mower (hence the trimmer). Because it runs on rechargeable internal batteries, you don't have to hook up an extension cord to use it. These tools generally work with a small spool (as on a fishing pole) wound about with plastic cutting line (thicker than fishing line) that whirls around and cuts the lawn. For some reason, many models require that you literally bump the end of the tool on the ground to advance the line as it wears down, but here the line advance automatically as you use it. B & D uses the "auto-feed" as a selling point; however, some people dislike the lack of control over advancing the cutting line.
Assembly
I had no problem putting it together, although the instructions are somewhat unclear because of the accompanying tiny picture. I had to look at the outside of the box to determine where to place the green plastic safety catcher. The catcher itself is a little bit tricky to set up, but after a few tries it went on. This alone should not discourage you from buying the product.
Power
A 12-volt battery initially requires a full 24-hour charge. This did the job, and it took only about an hour to recharge it for subsequent use. The manufacturers suggest that you permanently attach the recharger to a wall, and keep the trimmer/edger mounted on it, recharging, when not in use (There are no memory effects; therefore, you don't have to wait for the power to completely run down before recharging.) Given space limitations, and a reluctance to keep it plugged in at all times, I ignored this suggestion.
Field Test
Unlike other reviewers reporting here, I've had no problems with the "non-bump" autofeed. Since the lawn was fairly overgrown, there were thick clumps for the edger to cut--this load consumes more power. Hence, the tool began to lose substantial power after about 30-40 minutes of heavy use. Edging requires a light touch, and repeated paring back of the overgrown areas. The metal guide is somewhat useful, but it's more effective to look at the results and continue or modify the placement and/or angle of the cutting assembly. As I have used these before, I can attest practice produces better results. Additionally, edging should be easier now that I've trimmed back the worst areas.
The trimmer is much easier to use because you immediately see the results. The trimmer (converted from the edger by rotation-a very easy task) cuts through relatively thick suburban blades, trims ivy, and can go under overhanging roses that a lawnmower can't reach. It also quickly spot-cuts areas that one's lawnmower (I have a non-power reel mower) leaves behind. Overall, it's a better trimmer than edger, but I'm sufficiently satisfied with both functions, especially after clearing away the really overgrown areas.
Safety
The machine won't work without depressing a safety button. This puts a strain on your finger, and you may have to rest it after a few minutes use. There's probably a way to rig this so that the button is always pressed down, but that would ruin any chance of suing the company should anything untoward ever happen.
Disadvantages
The primary disadvantage is the weight of the tool, weight that you hold at a distance from your body, thus creating more of a strain. I found that between my finger holding down the safety and the tool straining my back, I had to take breaks after every 10 minutes or so. There are lighter electric models. Amazon.com used to sell a 9 inch (plenty of width, by the way) corded model by this company which felt substantially lighter, but these have become increasingly more difficult to find. One other disadvantage is the cost of the replacement cutting spools.
Advantages
I find that not having to hook up a long extension cord makes it much more likely that I will use the trimmer/edger. The tool saves much time and effort compared to using manual cutters, and it's cheaper and less polluting than gas-powered ones. If you have a small to medium size house lawn (not a large field), and you have a need for trimming or edging (either for aesthetics or to keep an overgrown lawn from rotting wooden borders around your lawn), and you feel the convenience for weight tradeoff is worth it, then I would recommend buying the trimmer/edger. It seems a bit expensive for what you get; try waiting for a sale if possible. Overall, this has proven itself a handy tool.
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