CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer Review: The Lightweight Workhorse for Your Yard?

There’s a certain point every spring when you look out the window and realize the tidy, dormant hedges of winter have exploded into a chaotic mess of green. What were once clean lines are now fuzzy, overgrown, and threatening to swallow the walkway. I remember wrestling with this exact problem last season. My old gas-powered trimmer was a beast—heavy, loud, and always a struggle to start. My arms would ache after just ten minutes, and the vibration left my hands tingling for an hour. Using manual shears was even worse, turning a 30-minute job into a grueling, multi-hour ordeal that left my back screaming. A neglected hedge isn’t just an eyesore; it can become a woody, unmanageable monster that’s far more difficult to reclaim later. Finding a tool that strikes the perfect balance between power, comfort, and simplicity is the key to winning this seasonal battle without sacrificing your weekend or your well-being.

What to Look for Before Buying a Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and achieving professional-looking landscaping results. For the average homeowner, it transforms the daunting task of shaping shrubbery from a physically demanding chore into a quick, satisfying project. The primary benefits are speed, precision, and reduced physical strain. A good trimmer allows you to create clean, uniform lines that manual shears simply can’t replicate, promoting healthier growth and dramatically boosting your home’s curb appeal. It’s the difference between a yard that looks “maintained” and one that looks truly manicured.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common challenges of suburban yard work: managing foundation shrubs, shaping boxwoods, or taming moderately sized privet hedges. They likely have a small to medium-sized property where access to an electrical outlet is never too far away. This user values simplicity and reliability; they want a tool that works every time they pull the trigger, without the hassle of mixing fuel, charging batteries, or performing complex engine maintenance. Conversely, a corded model might not be suitable for those with vast properties, extensive hedge lines far from the house, or for professional landscapers who need the unrestricted mobility and raw power of a high-end gas or battery model. For those users, a robust cordless platform or a commercial-grade gas trimmer would be a more practical investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size and weight of a trimmer directly impact user experience. The CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer features a compact 17-inch blade, which is ideal for maneuverability in tight spaces and for shaping smaller, more intricate shrubs. Its astonishingly low weight of 4.9 pounds is a massive advantage, minimizing arm, shoulder, and back fatigue during prolonged use, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is defined by motor power and cutting capacity. This model’s 3.2 Amp motor provides ample power for the most common residential hedge types like boxwood, holly, and yew. The 5/8-inch cutting capacity means it can comfortably slice through branches up to the thickness of a dime, which covers the vast majority of new and recent growth you’ll be trimming.
• Materials & Durability: Look for hardened steel blades for longevity and sharpness. The CRAFTSMAN features dual-action alloy steel blades, which not only stay sharp but also produce less vibration than single-action blades, leading to a smoother operation and cleaner cuts. While the body is primarily durable plastic to keep the weight down, the critical cutting components are built to last through many seasons of use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A tool should make your life easier, not more complicated. This trimmer’s ergonomic T-handle is designed for comfort and control from multiple angles. As a corded tool, maintenance is minimal—there are no batteries to charge or engines to service. Long-term care simply involves wiping the blades clean after each use and occasionally applying a light lubricant to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Understanding these factors will help you choose a tool that not only gets the job done but makes the process enjoyable. Now, let’s dive into how the CRAFTSMAN model performed in our hands-on testing.

While the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: The CRAFTSMAN CMEHT150

Pulling the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer from its box, the first thing that struck me was its weight, or rather, the lack thereof. At just under 5 pounds, it felt more like a toy than a serious piece of yard equipment. There is virtually no assembly required; you simply remove the blade guard, and it’s ready to go. The classic CRAFTSMAN red and black housing feels solid and well-molded, with no creaks or rattles. The T-handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, immediately giving a sense of control. Compared to bulkier cordless models or cumbersome gas trimmers, the CMEHT150 feels refreshingly simple and approachable. It’s a tool designed for pure function, stripping away unnecessary complexities in favor of a straightforward, user-friendly experience. Even the integrated VERSATRACK hook feels like a thoughtful touch—a simple, practical solution for tidy garage storage. My initial impression was that this tool is built specifically for the homeowner who dreads yard work because of heavy, intimidating equipment.

In the Trenches: A Detailed Performance Analysis of the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer

A tool can look great on paper, but the real test happens out in the yard, amidst unruly branches and awkward angles. We put the CMEHT150 through its paces on a variety of common garden shrubs, from delicate boxwoods needing precise shaping to a long, overgrown privet hedge that had been neglected for a season too long. Over several hours of testing, we developed a deep appreciation for its design philosophy, which clearly prioritizes user comfort and accessibility without making critical sacrifices in core performance. It’s a tool that understands its target audience perfectly and delivers exactly what they need.

Featherlight Power: Redefining Ease of Use

The single most defining characteristic of the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer is its astonishingly low weight. At 4.9 pounds, it feels less like operating power equipment and more like wielding a robust kitchen utensil. This isn’t just a minor convenience; it fundamentally changes the nature of the task. Where I would normally brace myself and plan for breaks when using a heavier trimmer, I found I could work with the CRAFTSMAN continuously without any significant strain on my arms, shoulders, or back. This lightweight design makes it an absolute dream for tasks that require extended reaching, such as trimming the tops of tall shrubs or shaping the back of wide hedges. The balance is superb, centered around the T-handle, which allows for confident, sweeping motions.

This ease of handling was echoed in user feedback we analyzed. One user noted it was so “fácil de manejar liviano” (easy to handle, lightweight) that it could be managed with a single hand. While we always recommend a firm, two-handed grip for safety and control, the sentiment is spot-on. The tool is so nimble and well-balanced that it feels effortless. This makes it an exceptionally inclusive tool, perfect for older gardeners, users with limited upper body strength, or anyone who simply wants to get the job done without feeling physically exhausted afterward. The psychological barrier to starting the chore is lowered when you know the tool itself won’t be part of the struggle. This focus on a comfortable, fatigue-free experience is arguably its greatest strength.

The Cutting Edge: Dual-Action Blades and Motor Performance

We were initially skeptical that a 3.2 Amp motor in such a lightweight package could deliver a truly effective cut. However, our skepticism was quickly put to rest. The motor provides a surprising amount of power, driving the 17-inch dual-action blades with confidence. We tested it first on some overgrown boxwoods, and it sheared through the new growth like a hot knife through butter, leaving a crisp, clean finish. The “dual-action” design is a critical feature here; because the two blades reciprocate in opposite directions, vibration is dramatically reduced compared to cheaper, single-action models. This translates to less hand fatigue and, more importantly, a healthier cut for the plant, as it minimizes tearing and jagged edges.

Moving on to a more challenging privet hedge, the trimmer continued to impress. It chewed through branches up to about a half-inch thick without any hesitation. When we pushed it to its stated 5/8-inch capacity on older, woodier stems, the motor audibly worked harder but still managed to get the job done, albeit with more effort. For its intended purpose—maintaining residential hedges and trimming seasonal growth—the power is perfectly matched. It’s not a brush-clearing monster, nor does it pretend to be. It’s a precision instrument for shaping and tidying, and in that role, the performance of its alloy steel blades and efficient motor is exceptional. For homeowners looking to maintain their landscape, this level of cutting performance is exactly what’s needed.

The Corded Conundrum: Power vs. Mobility

There is no getting around the central reality of this tool: it’s corded. For some, this is an immediate deal-breaker, but for many others, it’s a practical and intelligent trade-off. The most significant benefit is the unlimited, consistent power supply. There are no batteries to forget to charge, no runtime anxiety, and no gradual power fade as a battery depletes. The trimmer delivers 100% of its power from the moment you start until the moment you finish. Furthermore, the absence of a heavy lithium-ion battery is the primary reason this tool can be so incredibly lightweight. This is a choice, not a flaw.

The challenge, of course, is cord management. As one user rightly pointed out, you must “considerar comprar una extensión” (consider buying an extension cord). We recommend a bright-colored, 14- or 16-gauge outdoor extension cord to ensure safety and proper power delivery. During our testing, we employed the standard technique of draping the cord over our shoulder, which effectively keeps it behind us and out of the cutting path. While you must remain aware of the cord’s location, it quickly becomes second nature. For a typical suburban lot where trimming is confined to foundation shrubs and hedges within 100 feet of the house, the cord is a manageable inconvenience that is far outweighed by the benefits of low weight and endless runtime. The dependability of corded power can be a huge asset for those who trim infrequently and don’t want to worry about battery health.

Built for the Homeowner: Durability and Smart Features

CRAFTSMAN has a long-standing reputation for building durable tools, and this hedge trimmer feels like it continues that legacy, albeit in a modern, lightweight form. The alloy steel blades are the star of the show, designed to hold an edge and resist corrosion. After several hours of cutting, including some accidental contact with a hidden chain-link fence, the blades showed no signs of chipping or dulling. Maintenance, as mentioned, is refreshingly simple: a quick wipe-down and a spray of lubricant is all that’s required to keep it in prime condition for the next season. The robust plastic housing is more than capable of withstanding the bumps and scrapes of regular yard work.

Beyond the core components, a small but brilliant feature stands out: the integrated VERSATRACK hook. This might seem minor, but for anyone with a crowded garage, it’s a game-changer. This hook allows the trimmer to be hung securely on CRAFTSMAN’s VERSATRACK wall organization system (or any standard hook), keeping it off the floor and out of the way. It’s a thoughtful design choice that speaks to a deep understanding of the homeowner’s entire workflow, from use to storage. It’s these small, practical details that elevate a good tool to a great one and make the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer a standout in its category.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer is strongly supported by feedback from other homeowners. A recurring theme across multiple reports is the sheer ease of use. One user from Colombia celebrated it as a “buen producto fácil de manejar liviano,” which translates to “good product, easy to handle, lightweight.” They specifically mentioned being able to manage it with one hand, a testament to its excellent balance and minimal weight, which directly aligns with our findings on its fatigue-reducing design. Another piece of feedback highlighted its “precio accesible” or “accessible price,” confirming our assessment that this tool offers tremendous value.

This user also provided a critical piece of practical advice: “considerar comprar una extensión” (consider buying an extension cord). This isn’t a complaint but rather an essential tip for any potential buyer, reinforcing that the cord is the one major logistical element to plan for. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment centers on its core strengths: it’s light, easy to control, and affordable, making it a highly recommended tool for its target user.

How Does the CRAFTSMAN Compare? Top Alternatives Explored

While the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer excels in its niche, the market offers compelling alternatives for those with different needs. Understanding where it fits among its competitors is key to making the right choice for your specific yard and workflow.

1. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

For those who need more power and absolute freedom from cords, the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX is a formidable option. Its primary advantages are the powerful 40V battery system and a significantly longer 24-inch blade, allowing you to cover more area with each pass and cut through branches up to 3/4-inch thick. This model is built for larger properties and more demanding jobs. However, these upgrades come with trade-offs: it is substantially heavier than the CRAFTSMAN, which can lead to fatigue more quickly, and it carries a higher price tag. It’s the right choice for a user with a large yard who prioritizes cordless mobility and raw cutting power over light weight and low cost.

2. WORKPRO 12V Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer

The WORKPRO 2-in-1 tool occupies a completely different space in the garden tool arsenal. This is not a hedge trimmer for shaping a six-foot privet wall; it’s a precision instrument for detail work. With its interchangeable small shrubber blade and grass shear attachment, it’s perfect for manicuring ornamental grasses, shaping small container plants, or tidying up edges where a larger trimmer would be clumsy and overkill. It offers the ultimate in lightweight, cordless convenience for fine-tuning your garden. A gardener might own both the WORKPRO for detail work and the CRAFTSMAN for the main hedging tasks, as they serve entirely different purposes.

3. RYOBI ONE+ 22 in. Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The RYOBI ONE+ hedge trimmer presents a direct cordless competitor to the CRAFTSMAN, striking a middle ground between our other alternatives. Its 22-inch blade offers more reach than the CRAFTSMAN, and it provides the obvious benefit of cordless operation. Its biggest selling point is its integration into the vast RYOBI ONE+ 18V battery ecosystem. If you already own other RYOBI tools, you can purchase this “tool only” version for a fantastic value. It’s heavier than the CRAFTSMAN and relies on battery power, but it’s an excellent choice for a homeowner already invested in the RYOBI platform who wants a single-battery solution for all their yard work.

The Final Cut: Is the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer Right for You?

After extensive hands-on use and analysis, our verdict is clear: the CRAFTSMAN 17-inch Corded Hedge Trimmer is an outstanding tool for its intended audience. Its greatest strengths are its almost impossibly lightweight design, superb ergonomics, and surprisingly effective cutting power. It transforms hedge trimming from a dreaded, muscle-straining chore into a quick and satisfying task. While its performance is limited by its cord and it won’t fell a forest, it was never designed to. It was designed for the vast majority of homeowners with typical suburban yards who need to keep their shrubbery neat and tidy.

If you have a small to medium-sized yard, easy access to an outlet, and you place a premium on comfort and ease of use, this trimmer is one of the best values on the market. It eliminates the hassle of fuel, the weight of batteries, and the fatigue of heavy equipment. For maintaining the beauty of your home’s landscape without the struggle, we can wholeheartedly recommend it. If you’re ready to make your yard work easier, you can check the latest price and see its full feature set online today.