Residential String Trimmer

Bolens BL160 Straight Shaft Trimmer

A straightforward, lightweight trimmer engineered for the homeowner who needs reliable performance without the complexity. Its balanced design and easy starting make it a practical choice for regular yard maintenance.
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A detailed view of the Bolens BL160 string trimmer's engine and shaft assembly.
Key Specifications

Built for Dependable Performance

The BL160 combines a lightweight 2-cycle engine with thoughtful design features like a straight shaft and adjustable handle. This combination delivers reliable power while keeping you comfortable and in control for efficient trimming around your property.
Easier Yard Care

Lightweight Power for Comfortable Cutting

Experience easier trimming and less fatigue with a lightweight, balanced design that provides clear visibility and consistent cutting power for a cleaner, more manageable yard.

Lightweight, Reliable Engine

The 25cc engine provides dependable cutting performance while remaining light enough for comfortable, extended use without straining your arms or back.

Efficient 16-Inch Cutting Swath

Get your trimming done more efficiently with a wide 16-inch cutting path that clears more grass and weeds with each pass.

Clear View of Trimming Area

The straight shaft design lets you see exactly where you’re cutting, improving accuracy along fences, flower beds, and other landscape edges.

Adjustable Handle for Comfort

Adjust the handle position to fit your height and style, reducing vibration and helping you stay comfortable throughout the job.
A Bolens BL160 string trimmer balanced on a lawn, highlighting its lightweight design and straight shaft.
A close-up of the Bolens BL160 trimmer head cutting grass along a garden edge, demonstrating its 16-inch cutting swath.

Ideal for Everyday Residential Yard Tasks

Regular Lawn Edging

Perfect for weekly trimming of lawn edges along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds to maintain a neat, manicured appearance without strain.

Clearing Tough Spots

Easily cuts through thick grass and weeds in hard-to-reach spots like around trees, fence posts, and deck supports where a mower can’t go.

Small to Medium Yard Maintenance

Great for maintaining small to medium-sized yards where a lightweight, easy-to-start trimmer makes routine upkeep quick and simple.

Prepare Your Trimmer for the First Cut

Follow these simple steps to get your BL160 String Trimmer ready for its first use and to ensure it continues to deliver reliable performance season after season.
A person's hands pouring 2-cycle oil into a measuring cup next to a gas can, demonstrating fuel preparation.

Mix Fuel and Oil Properly

Locate the fuel cap and mix the correct 2-cycle oil with unleaded gasoline at the ratio specified in your owner's manual. Proper fuel mixing is essential for engine health.

A close-up of a string trimmer head with the cutting line installed, ready for use.

Check the Cutting Line

Before your first start, ensure the trimmer head is clear of debris and the cutting line is properly installed and extended to the correct length for optimal cutting performance.

Hands adjusting the handle lock mechanism on a string trimmer shaft.

Set the Handle for Comfort

Adjust the multi-position handle to a setting that feels comfortable for your height and grip preference. A proper handle angle helps reduce fatigue and improves control.

A person holding a string trimmer in a ready-to-use position, standing at the edge of a lawn.

Begin Trimming with Control

Move to your trimming area and hold the trimmer with a balanced grip. Engage the throttle smoothly to begin cutting, guiding the head along the edge you want to trim.

A clean string trimmer stored neatly on a wall hook in a garage after use.

Clean and Store After Use

After use, empty any remaining fuel from the tank and run the engine until it stops. Clean grass clippings from the trimmer head and guard to prevent buildup and corrosion.

A warranty card or document placed next to a string trimmer, symbolizing product coverage.

Understand Your Warranty

The 2-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for normal residential use. Keep your proof of purchase to ensure coverage is available if needed.

Owner Experiences

Real Trimmers, Real Results

Hear from homeowners about how the BL160’s lightweight build and easy starting have made their weekly trimming routine more manageable and less physically taxing.
I've used the BL160 for two seasons now, and it starts up reliably every time I need it. The lightweight build makes it easy to handle around my flower beds and along the driveway without getting tired halfway through.
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Mike T.
My old trimmer was heavy and hard to control, but the BL160's straight shaft lets me see exactly where I'm cutting. It's made edging along the sidewalk much cleaner and more precise than I expected from a homeowner model.
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Sarah K.
The 16-inch cutting path gets my small backyard done quickly, and the adjustable handle is a real plus. It helps me maintain a comfortable grip even when I'm trimming around the deck posts and other tight spots.
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David R.
I appreciate how the spring-assisted pull makes starting so much easier. For a 2-cycle engine, it's remarkably straightforward, which is a big relief for someone like me who doesn't use equipment every day.
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Linda M.
It's a dependable tool for regular yard maintenance. The balanced design reduces strain, and the cutting power is consistent. I've found it handles thick patches of weeds well, making my weekly trimming routine much more efficient.
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Chris P.
Common Questions

Your Questions, Answered Helping you make a confident choice

The BL160 uses a 2-cycle engine, which requires mixing oil with gasoline. This is common for lightweight, high-revving trimmers as it provides reliable power and easier starting for occasional homeowner use.
Yes, the straight shaft design is specifically engineered to give you a clearer line of sight to the trimming area, making it easier to see exactly where you’re cutting along edges and obstacles.
The spring-assisted pull mechanism is designed to make starting the trimmer easier by reducing the resistance you feel when pulling the cord. It’s a helpful feature for getting started quickly.
Yes, the Bolens BL160 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty. This provides peace of mind against defects in materials and workmanship for normal residential use.
The multi-position adjustable handle allows you to rotate and lock the handle into different positions. This helps you find a comfortable grip angle that reduces vibration and operator fatigue during longer trimming sessions.
The 16-inch cutting swath is well-suited for small to medium-sized residential yards. It provides a good balance between efficient cutting width and maneuverability around garden beds and walkways.
A Bolens BL160 string trimmer displayed with its key components visible for a product overview.
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