The most effective corded electric string trimmers make up for the lack of portability that accompanies being tethered to an outlet with a bunch of impressive and easy-to-use features. And the Worx WG102 4.5-amp electric string trimmer offers more than enough cool features to make it a worthwhile investment, all for less than 60 bucks.

Worx hangs its hat on the ergonomic design of its tools, and this model comes with several body-friendly touches. The adjustable handle and telescoping shaft combine to offer an excellent amount of control and comfort for users of just about any height or arm span. And the shaft can be tilted up to 90 degrees to position the cutting head at an angle that lets you access hard-to-reach areas or trim hilly terrain without straining.

The niftiest feature of the Worx WG102 4.5-amp electric string trimmer, though, is how easily it transforms into a walk-behind rolling edger. All you do is rotate the handle and tilt the cutting head so the twin wheel set is positioned to guide the tool along the side of a driveway, patio or sidewalk. Several smaller features also add to this model's attractiveness. It's easy to assemble, weighs just 7 pounds, and comes with a 20-inch pigtail cord, which -- unlike some competitors' -- gives you enough slack to comfortably secure it to an extension cord.

Its biggest downside is the pretty average 4.5-amp motor, which provides enough juice for light to moderate trimming tasks, but not much more. (Worx also offers a 6-amp model for bigger jobs.) With a tool that's this easy to use, you might expect a super-advanced spool-replacement system. But the Worx WG102 string trimmer uses a fairly standard drop-in-and-thread-through-eyelet system. Not bad, just not as impressive as you'd expect from a tool this focused on making life in the backyard so simple.

The Worx WG102 4.5-amp string trimmer is covered by a 2-year consumer or light-duty trade warranty.


Pros: Ergonomic and adjustable design, versatility
Cons: Moderate-power motor, standard spool-replacement system