Is the CRAFTSMAN CMEHTS8022 Hedge Trimmer Worth It? A Corded 22-Inch With a Branch Saw

Who This Trimmer Is For

A hedge that needs regular shaping plus the occasional thick cane is an awkward combination for a trimmer that only does one job. CRAFTSMAN built the CMEHTS8022 around solving that: a 22-inch dual-action blade for the bulk of the hedge and a POWERSAW branch cutter at the tip for the stems the main blade cannot handle, all on a corded 3.8 amp motor.

This review is based on the maker’s published specifications and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run this product ourselves.

What You Get

The trimmer ships with the 22-inch dual-action blade assembly and the integrated POWERSAW branch cutter built into the tip of the housing. It runs on a 3.8 amp corded motor and is rated for a 3/4-inch cut capacity through the main blade. The listing does not state blade coating, tool-free cleaning, or a specific weight figure, so those details are not confirmed beyond what CRAFTSMAN publishes on the product page.

Cutting Power

A 22-inch blade is a practical middle length, long enough to even out a hedge face in fewer passes than a short 17 or 18-inch trimmer, without the extra swing weight of a 26-inch blade. The dual-action design, where both sides of the blade move, is generally smoother through the cut and lower vibration than a single-action blade, and CRAFTSMAN pairs it with a 3/4-inch capacity rating that covers typical boxwood, privet, and similar hedge growth without bogging the motor down.

The Branch Saw

The POWERSAW feature is what separates this model from a plain hedge trimmer. Built into the tip, it is rated to cut branches up to 1.5 inches thick, which covers the occasional woody cane that grows up through a hedge and that a standard blade would just mash rather than cut cleanly. It will not replace loppers for real pruning work, but it removes the need to set the trimmer down and fetch a saw for the few thick stems every hedge seems to grow.

Power Source and Handling

Being corded means no battery runtime to track and no pack to charge before a job, which is an advantage for an occasional-use tool that might sit in the garage between sessions. The trade-off is the cord itself: a corded trimmer needs the user to manage the lead so it stays clear of the blade path, and reach is capped by outlet location and extension cord length. The full bale handle gives two points of grip for control while working along a hedge face, which matters more as the blade gets longer.

Living With It

Corded electric trimmers are generally lower maintenance than gas models since there is no fuel or spark plug to manage; wiping the blade down after use and keeping it lightly oiled is the main upkeep. CRAFTSMAN’s warranty terms are listed on the product page and are worth checking before buying, since corded outdoor power tools commonly carry a limited warranty window that is shorter than the tool’s expected working life.

Alternatives to Consider

The BLACK+DECKER 17-Inch corded hedge trimmer is a lighter, cheaper option for a smaller hedge without the branch saw feature. The DeWalt DCHT821B 20V MAX cordless trimmer suits a buyer who wants to skip the cord entirely and already has 20V batteries. For a hedge that regularly grows canes thicker than 1.5 inches, a dedicated pole saw or hand loppers will do a cleaner job than any integrated trimmer saw.

Verdict

Buy the CRAFTSMAN CMEHTS8022 if the hedge is within reach of an outlet, the growth includes the occasional thick cane, and a built-in branch saw beats fetching a second tool. Skip it if the hedge is far from power or regularly grows wood thicker than 1.5 inches, where a cordless trimmer or a separate pruning saw fits better.