DeWalt’s Folding String Trimmer Isn’t a Gimmick—Here’s How It Performed in Our Testing

7 min readString trimmers keep your lawn tidy and deliver crisp edges along flower beds and sidewalks. But for all the benefits of string trimmers, the one downside is that some of them are fairly long, and due to their length, can be tricky to store or fit in your car.One company trying to change that is DeWalt, with its DCST926 20V string trimmer. With an easy-to-use latch, you can fold your string trimmer in half to make it convenient to store and easy to transport.Most string trimmers don’t fold or reduce at all, while some that do fold in the middle (like the Ego Power+ Line IQ) require a screwdriver or wrench. One exception is the Worx WG170, which telescopes down to a petite 36 inches. But the Worx is also shorter, with a full foot less reach than the DeWalt DCST926, and not nearly as sturdy. The DeWalt DCST926 offers the best compromise of power, convenience, and portability.Having spent weeks with the DCS926, I’m happy to say that DeWalt’s folding string trimmer isn’t just a gimmick—this is a quality tool that provides a genuinely useful benefit for storage and transportation.ProsFolding design reduces space in storage without compromising safetyTrimming performance not compromised by designAdjustable trimming widthConsSecondary grip requires tool to adjustKey SpecsWeight11 lbVoltage20VBattery5 AhCutting Width13 or 15 inchesHow I TestedI tested the DeWalt by tackling a number of trimming and edging jobs around my property and in nearby fields. I used it to trim back tall grass and thick weeds. To test its edging ability, I trimmed along flower beds and concrete pads, searching out areas of long-neglected sidewalk so I could see how well it would cut through thicker sod. In all of these areas it did well, showing it had plenty of power for an average suburban lawn.To test durability, I dropped it from waist-height onto a concrete driveway, then continued to trim. I also intentionally ran it into metal lawn furniture, to see if it pulled out of my hand or damaged the trimmer. In both tests, the DCST926 impressed with its durable construction.Lastly, I asked friends and family to try it out, so that I could see how users of different skill levels and body types reacted to the trimmer. This helped identify two weak spots: the difficulty of adjusting the secondary grip and lack of a shoulder strap.Dan StoutDespite being the hallmark feature being its ability to fold in half, the DCST926 is legitimately a solid string trimmer.Plenty of Power for Most Yards, and Built to LastThe DeWalt DCST926 is intended for typical suburban lawn care, and its 20V system has plenty of power to handle most yards. The included battery is rated at 5 Ah, providing a generous runtime between charges. The exact runtime depends on what tasks you’re tackling. DeWalt lists a no-load runtime of 55 minutes, but in my tests, it typically lasted 40 to 45 minutes before needing a recharge. (Note that’s 40 to 45 minutes of runtime, which might last a couple of hours as you walk from area to area that needs to be trimmed.)If you need to hack through thick overgrowth, you’ll be better off with a model with a heftier motor (such as our Best for Tough Jobs pick, the 60V DeWalt DCST972X1).The DCST926 stood out for its sturdy, solid construction. It came out of the drop test with only a few scuff marks, and the battery housing took the brunt of the fall, protecting the more vulnerable battery from damage.The downside of that beefy construction is added weight. Coming in at 11 pounds with the included battery, it’s bulky enough that you’ll notice it after 20 minutes or so of use. The DCST926 did not come with a shoulder strap, and I couldn’t find any connection point to connect one – something to consider if you find using a string trimmer tough on your back. One of my volunteer testers said this was a deal breaker for her.A related issue is the relative difficulty of adjusting the off-hand grip. Instead of loosening with a latch or even a wing nut, making an adjustment requires using a tool to loosen four separate bolts. If you share yard care with a spouse and want to adjust the grip, it’s a hassle. And if the secondary grip shakes loose halfway through a job, you’ll grind to a halt unless you happen to have an Allen wrench in your pocket.Both the weight and secondary grip will be more or less important depending on the individual user. What all my testers found was that the DeWalt DCST926 performed well and has a clever, well-designed folding feature. In short, it’s made for regular use, and to withstand dings and drops that come with using a tool in the real world.Folds in Half for Compact Storage and Easy PortabilityThe length of traditional string trimmers makes them tough to fit into the cargo area of cars or even small SUVs, and they take up more space than you’d think in a garage or shed. The DeWalt DCST926’s folding design makes storage and transport easier.The DCST926 has a base length of 64 inches, but it folds down to a much leaner 37 inches. It easily fits into the back seat of a car, and I had no trouble sliding it into a variety of storage spots on my garage walls and shelves.Dan StoutThe folding mechanism locks the trimmer securely in the open position, ideal for safety. We strongly advise removing the battery when the trimmer is folded as the tool could still be activated in that configuration.In practice, I liked this feature more than I thought I would. I found the folding mechanism easy to use, and I appreciated several clever touches that show that it wasn't a last-minute addition to the design.For example, the release latch is secured with a safety, meaning it won’t accidentally fold it in half while trimming around your roses. Even better, the fully encased hinge doesn’t expose the interior cabling when folded, protecting it against snags or tangles (a problem I’ve run into with other foldable trimmers).Lastly, once folded, the battery housing snaps into place on the debris shield. This prevents it from unfolding during transport and – more importantly – requires you to disconnect the battery before folding for storage.That last point is essential because the DeWalt DCST926 is still fully functional while it’s folded. It’s important to take the battery off to avoid accidentally activating it. After all, there is absolutely no situation in which you’d ever want a string trimmer accidentally turning on in your back seat.Cutting Width Adjusts to Balance Speed and Power A string trimmer’s cutting width determines the speed with which you’ll be able to move through a project. The wider the cutting swath, the more power is required to keep the edge of the string moving at a cutting velocity. The DeWalt DCST926 has an unusual feature that allows users to adjust the cutting width, letting you decide if you want more cutting power or faster cutting time.On all string trimmers, the cutting width is maintained by a small blade embedded on the debris shield (the semi-circular plastic part that protects the user from flying grass clippings). When the string is advanced, it strikes the debris shield blade, trimming it to the proper length.The DeWalt DCST926 has a trim blade sharpened on both sides. Users can unscrew the blade and rotate it so that it sits one inch closer to the edge of the debris shield. This results in a two-inch increase in cutting diameter, moving it from 13 to 15 inches.Since you'll need a screwdriver to make this change, it's not the kind of thing that you'll do on the fly. Most users will find a cutting width that works for them and stick with it. Still, nice to have the option to customize this element of the trimmer.It’s Easy to Advance and Reload The String As with all string trimmers, the DeWalt’s nylon cutting line will wear away with use. To advance more string, the DCST926 uses a bump head. Simply tap the head against the ground during use, and the string will extend and be cut to length by the trim blade. Bump heads are a very common type of string advancement, and once you get used to it, it's an easy and efficient system.Dan StoutThe DCST926 has a bump feed head and is easy to reload with fresh string without taking apart the head.Sooner or later all the string will be used up. When that happens, the DeWalt uses a speed feed system, meaning that you can slide a pre-cut length of string through the eyelets and hand-turn the head to wind the string. There’s no need to remove the spool housing or replace the spool.Is DeWalt’s Folding String Trimmer Right for You?The DeWalt DCST926 is perfect for homeowners who have a standard to large yard (an acre or less) with a need to trim back grass and small weeds. It's ideal for those who have tighter storage space, or want to easily move a trimmer from location to location.It may not be the right choice for you if you suffer from back pain, have concerns about using a trimmer with no shoulder strap, or consistently run into very thick undergrowth or vine tangles that require a professional-grade trimmer.It's also a good choice for those who anticipate their tools taking a fair amount of physical abuse. As someone who often drives around with a truck bed full of tools, I know the frustration of finding that my gear has been smashed, bent, or crushed. The DeWalt DCST926 is sturdy enough to withstand more than an average share of tool abuse.Other String Trimmers We LoveIf you want a portable string trimmer on a budget, the WG170 is a great option. It retracts to 36 inches in length, and weighs in at just over six pounds.The WG170 is a 3-in-1 design. It can be used as a traditional string trimmer, an edger, or a small lawn mower. It’s not as powerful or robust as the DeWalt DCST926, but at less than $100, it’s one of the best values on the market.The DeWalt DCST972X1 is designed for tackling thick weeds, saplings, and vine tangles. It’s more than most homeowners need, but if you have wooded areas or need to clean up a long-neglected property, it has the power to cut back wild growth.It comes with a FlexVolt battery that is able to be swapped between 60-volt and 20-volt DeWalt tools.Ego brought extreme convenience to this string trimmer by addressing two common headaches for new users: line feed and replacement. The Line IQ technology automatically feeds out as the line is used, eliminating the need for manual bump head feeding. When you run out of line, simply feed a precut length through the head and press the rewind button located at the end of the shaft. The string zooms into the head in seconds.The Ego’s telescoping shaft lets you adjust the length to suit your tastes, while a lightweight carbon-fiber shaft keeps the weight from getting out of control. (And with the chunky battery, that’s a wise design choice.)A former residential remodeler and maintenance manager, Dan Stout has worked in nearly every part of the construction and DIY industry, from project planning and permitting to plumbing, drywall, carpentry, and more. He loves to write about the weird history of everyday objects, and to help readers make informed decisions about their homes.Colin Aylesworth attended Binghamton University and is a Deputy Editor with the Gear team at Popular Mechanics and Runner’s World, where he has been since 2022. Prior to joining Hearst Magazines, he worked for 11 years at U.S. News and World Report on the autos team. His personal pursuits fit in well with the work he does for PM and RW. Aylesworth was on his college’s club rowing team and has maintained a routine running habit through most of his adult life as a means of getting exercise and spending time outdoors. Running creates a hearty appetite, which brings us to Popular Mechanics. That publication's expertise in the area of grilling is relatable to Aylesworth, who is an adherent to charcoal grilling. In fact, he’s been primarily using the same Weber charcoal kettle he bought on Craigslist in 2012. Aylesworth also has experience in the lawn mower industry. Not only has he been mowing his and neighbor’s lawns during adolescence, one of his more recent endeavors is a side gig of repairing and restoring gas lawn mowers given up by their previous owners. Since joining PM, he has gotten more involved with the publication’s mower testing efforts and especially enjoys testing out new electric and zero turn mowers.