WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger Review: WG163 for Easy Lawn Maintenance
The WORX WG163 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger is designed for homeowners who want one compact battery-powered tool for two common lawn-maintenance jobs: trimming grass and weeds around areas a mower cannot easily reach, and creating cleaner edges along sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and other borders.
Instead of using a separate trimmer and edger, the WG163 can be converted between the two functions. Its combination of a 12-inch cutting diameter, 20V PowerShare battery system, adjustable shaft, pivoting head, support wheel, plant guard, and push-button line feed gives it a practical focus on convenience and maneuverability rather than the heavy-duty power of a large gas-powered trimmer.
WORX currently lists the WG163 as part of its 20V PowerShare range, while the manufacturer’s documentation identifies a 12-inch cutting diameter and 7,600 RPM no-load speed.
2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
The biggest reason to consider the WG163 is its two-in-one design. You can use it as a conventional string trimmer for grass and weeds, then change the head position to use it as a wheeled lawn edger.
For routine yard maintenance, this eliminates the need to store two separate tools. The conversion is designed to be straightforward, making it practical when you want to trim the lawn first and then clean up the borders.
WORX describes the system as a 2-in-1 tool that converts from trimming to edging, with the edger wheel helping guide the tool along a defined lawn border.
12-Inch Cutting Diameter
The WG163 has a 12-inch cutting diameter, which is a useful size for general residential lawn maintenance.
A 12-inch cutting path gives the tool enough coverage for quickly working around lawn edges, fences, garden borders, trees, posts, and other areas that a mower cannot reach.
It is also compact enough to maneuver around obstacles without the large cutting width associated with heavier professional trimmers.
The official technical documentation specifies a 12-inch / 30 cm cutting diameter and a 0.065-inch / 1.65 mm line diameter.
7,600 RPM No-Load Speed
The WG163’s motor reaches approximately 7,600 RPM at no load. This provides the rotational speed needed for its string-trimming system to cut grass and typical lawn weeds.
For normal residential maintenance, the combination of a 12-inch cutting diameter and 7,600 RPM makes the tool suitable for detail work after mowing and for keeping grass from spreading onto hard surfaces.
It should still be viewed as a residential cordless trimmer rather than a replacement for a high-powered brush cutter. Very thick woody vegetation, dense brush, or large overgrown areas may require a more powerful machine designed specifically for those conditions.
WORX PowerShare 20V Battery System
The WG163 belongs to the WORX PowerShare ecosystem. One of the advantages of this platform is that compatible batteries can be shared across a broad range of WORX tools.
WORX states that PowerShare batteries can be combined across its 20V, 40V and 80V tool systems, depending on the tool and battery configuration.
This can be particularly useful for someone who already owns compatible WORX equipment. Instead of maintaining a completely different battery and charger ecosystem for every outdoor tool, compatible PowerShare equipment can share batteries.
However, buyers should pay attention to the exact WG163 package. WORX sells several related WG163 variants, including tool-only versions and configurations supplied with batteries and chargers.
CommandFeed Line Control
The WG163 uses WORX’s CommandFeed system, which lets the user feed additional trimming line using a button rather than relying on the traditional bump-feed method.
This is one of the more convenient features of the tool because line length can be controlled when needed without having to repeatedly bump the trimmer head against the ground.
WORX describes CommandFeed as an on-demand line-feed system operated from the control button.
The system is particularly useful when the line becomes shorter during trimming and you want to restore the appropriate cutting length quickly.
Adjustable Telescoping Shaft
The WG163 is designed to accommodate different users through an adjustable telescoping shaft. This allows the overall length of the tool to be adjusted to suit the user’s height and preferred working position.
Adjustability is valuable for a tool that may be used for extended periods because an unsuitable shaft length can force the user to bend or reach unnecessarily.
WORX specifically identifies the telescoping shaft as a feature intended to adjust to the user’s height and posture.
Adjustable Auxiliary Handle
The auxiliary handle can also be adjusted to improve control. This gives the user another way to personalize the tool’s position rather than having to work with a fixed handle arrangement.
When trimming around trees, garden borders, fences, or uneven sections of lawn, the ability to change hand position can make the tool easier to guide.
Combined with the telescoping shaft, the adjustable handle makes the WG163 more adaptable than a basic fixed-length cordless trimmer.
90-Degree Pivoting Head
Another useful feature is the 90-degree pivoting head. The head can be adjusted to make it easier to reach areas that are awkward to approach with a conventional straight trimmer.
This is useful around sloping areas, fences, walls, borders and other difficult sections of the yard. WORX specifically highlights the pivoting head for hard-to-reach areas and different terrain.
The pivoting design also works naturally with the tool’s edging function because the cutting head needs to adopt a different orientation when used as an edger.
Wheeled Edging Function
When converted to edging mode, the edger wheel provides physical guidance along the lawn boundary. Rather than having to hold the cutting head at exactly the correct height and angle throughout the entire job, the wheel helps maintain a more consistent path.
This can be especially helpful along straight sidewalks and driveways where a clean, defined border is desirable.
The wheel also helps turn edging into a more controlled process for users who are less experienced with manually positioning a string trimmer.
Plant and Flower Protection
The WG163 includes a spacer/flower guard designed to help protect plants, flowers and lawn ornaments from the rotating cutting line.
This is an important feature when trimming around landscaped areas. String trimmers can quickly damage plants if the cutting head gets too close, so having a physical guide can provide an additional visual and physical reference.
The manufacturer’s current specifications identify the spacer guard as part of the tool’s design.
Lightweight Cordless Design
The WG163 is designed to be considerably easier to handle than many gasoline-powered trimmers. WORX lists the current WG163 configuration at approximately 5.29 pounds, while different WG163 sub-variants can have different weights depending on the battery configuration.
The cordless design also eliminates the need for a power cord running across the yard. This is useful around trees, fences and garden beds where a cord can become an obstruction.
There is also no gasoline to mix or engine fuel to store, making the tool straightforward for occasional residential lawn maintenance.
Useful for Small and Medium Lawn Maintenance
The WG163 is best understood as a maintenance trimmer. It is useful for the finishing work that remains after mowing rather than being designed to replace a mower or heavy brush cutter.
Typical applications include:
- Trimming grass around sidewalks
- Cleaning up driveway edges
- Trimming around trees
- Working around fences
- Maintaining flower-bed borders
- Cutting grass around garden structures
- Removing ordinary lawn weeds
- Edging hard-surface boundaries
- Reaching areas inaccessible to a mower
- Maintaining residential lawns between mowing sessions
Battery Convenience for Yard Work
One of the biggest practical advantages of a cordless trimmer is freedom of movement. There is no extension cable to drag across the yard and no gasoline engine to start.
For smaller jobs, this can make the difference between a tool that gets used regularly and one that stays in storage because setup is inconvenient.
The PowerShare ecosystem adds another benefit for existing WORX users because the same battery platform can be used with compatible WORX tools.
Runtime will depend heavily on the battery capacity, grass density, cutting conditions and how continuously the tool is operated. Buyers should therefore check the battery included with the exact Amazon package rather than assuming every WG163 listing has the same runtime.
Line Diameter and Replacement Spools
The WG163 uses 0.065-inch / 1.65 mm line. The official manual identifies the cutting line diameter and provides technical information for the WG163 family.
Having the correct replacement spool is important because the trimmer is designed around its specified line size and spool system. WORX also provides dedicated support documentation for spool and CommandFeed issues.
For regular lawn maintenance, keeping a spare compatible spool available can reduce interruptions when the installed line runs out.
Maintenance and Storage
Cordless trimmers generally require less routine maintenance than gasoline-powered equipment, but the WG163 still benefits from basic care.
After use, grass and debris should be cleared from the cutting area, guard and head. The line and spool should also be checked periodically for proper installation and wear.
Battery storage should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if the tool will remain unused for an extended period.
WORX’s support documentation includes troubleshooting information for issues such as the trimmer not operating, excessive vibration and CommandFeed problems.
Safety Features and Practical Use
The WG163 includes a safety guard and lock-off controls as part of its design. The manufacturer’s manual also emphasizes removing the battery before troubleshooting or working on the machine.
As with any string trimmer, appropriate eye protection, suitable footwear and awareness of nearby people, pets and objects are important. The rotating line can throw grass, stones and other debris, particularly when working close to hard surfaces.
The included flower/spacer guard can help around plants, but it should not replace careful operation around delicate landscaping.
Pros
- 2-in-1 design: Works as both a string trimmer and lawn edger.
- 12-inch cutting diameter: Provides useful coverage for residential lawn maintenance.
- 20V PowerShare: Compatible with the WORX battery ecosystem.
- CommandFeed: Push-button control makes line feeding convenient.
- Adjustable shaft: Helps accommodate different user heights.
- Adjustable auxiliary handle: Provides additional control and comfort.
- 90° pivoting head: Useful for different terrain and hard-to-reach areas.
- Edger wheel: Helps guide the tool along lawn borders.
- Plant guard: Provides additional protection around landscaping.
- Cordless operation: No extension cord or gasoline engine required.
- Relatively lightweight: Designed for easier residential yard maintenance.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Not a heavy-duty brush cutter: The 20V system and 12-inch cutting width are aimed primarily at residential trimming and edging.
- Battery runtime varies: Grass density, workload and battery capacity affect how long the tool can run.
- Check the exact bundle: WG163 variants can be sold with different battery and charger configurations.
- String line is consumable: Regular use means replacement spools or line will eventually be needed.
- Less suitable for very large properties: Users maintaining extensive or heavily overgrown areas may prefer a larger-capacity battery system or a more powerful trimmer.
- Safety still matters: The rotating line can throw debris, so protective equipment and careful operation remain important.
Who Is the WORX WG163 Best For?
The WG163 is particularly well suited to homeowners who want a simple cordless solution for regular lawn trimming and edging.
It is a useful choice for people who already own WORX PowerShare tools and want to expand their collection without adopting a completely different battery platform.
The adjustable shaft and handle also make it a practical option for households where different people may use the same lawn tool.
Who Should Consider a More Powerful Tool?
If the main requirement is cutting thick brush, heavy weeds, dense vegetation or large areas of neglected growth, a more powerful brush cutter or higher-voltage cordless trimmer may be more appropriate.
Likewise, people maintaining very large properties may prefer a wider cutting diameter and larger battery capacity to reduce the number of passes and battery changes required.
Final Verdict
The WORX WG163 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger is built around convenience. Its combination of trimming and edging functions means one tool can handle two important finishing jobs around a residential lawn.
The 12-inch cutting diameter, 7,600 RPM no-load speed, CommandFeed system, adjustable shaft, adjustable handle and 90-degree pivoting head give it a useful set of features for routine yard care. The edger wheel and plant guard further improve its practicality around sidewalks, flower beds and landscaping.
Its biggest limitation is also its intended purpose: this is a lightweight residential lawn-maintenance tool rather than a heavy-duty brush cutter. Buyers with small or medium lawn-maintenance needs are likely to get more value from its portability and convenience than someone who regularly tackles thick brush or extensive overgrown areas.
For homeowners looking for a cordless trimmer that can also create cleaner lawn edges without buying two separate tools, the WG163 offers a practical and flexible design.
Rating: 4.7/5
Trimming Performance: 4.7/5
Edging: 4.8/5
Ease of Use: 4.8/5
Adjustability: 4.8/5
Portability: 4.8/5
Battery Flexibility: 4.7/5
Overall: 4.7/5
Check the Current Price and Availability
If you are looking for a lightweight cordless lawn tool that combines string trimming and edging, the WORX WG163 is worth considering. Before ordering, check the current Amazon listing carefully to confirm the exact WG163 variant, battery capacity, charger inclusion and included accessories.
Product: WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger
Model: WG163
Power: 20V MAX
Cutting Diameter: 12 inches / 30 cm
No-Load Speed: 7,600 RPM
Line Diameter: 0.065 inches / 1.65 mm
Functions: String Trimmer + Lawn Edger
Key Features: CommandFeed, telescoping shaft, adjustable handle, 90° pivoting head, edger wheel, spacer/flower guard
Battery Platform: WORX PowerShare
Best For: Residential lawn trimming, edging and routine yard maintenance
Tags: WORX WG163, WORX string trimmer, WORX lawn edger, WORX 20V trimmer, cordless string trimmer, cordless lawn edger, 12 inch string trimmer, 2 in 1 trimmer edger, WORX PowerShare, electric weed trimmer, battery powered trimmer, lawn care tools, garden tools, WORX WG163 review
