Most people don’t think much about their weed eater strings until it’s all gone. Then, you’ve got to replace it with more. Generally, you are going to use the same brand and appropriate size, but this might not be possible.
In fact, you can choose any brand you like. It’s our goal to help you find the best weed eater string. We do this by learning about the different types and how to install it. Then, we talk about 10 different products and help you pick a winner.
Table of Contents
Understanding Different Types of Weed Eater String
You should never assume that the line spool is going to work with your current device unless you know it’s the best type. There can be slight variations in shape and diameter, rendering the weed eater useless because it doesn’t have the right string.
In a sense, there are just two ways that trimmer lines can vary. The most important factors to consider here are the shape and size of the line.
Some brands may offer specialty lines of different materials or unique fittings, but they often don’t matter when it comes to the type of weed eater string you buy.
Shapes
You may believe that there are a few generic shapes for the weed eater line, but this is incorrect. Most brands do feature standard forms throughout, but each brand might also make its own unique shape so that you must buy it.
That way, it is more proprietary and ensures that the manufacturer makes more money. Of course, there are many shapes out there, but these are the most common of options:
Round
Most people just need an all-purpose trimmer line, which is the basic round shape. It’s standard and comes in many at-home weed eaters. The round lines are sturdy enough that they cut well without breaking too fast, so it works for the entire season.
Square
When you need a medium or heavy-duty line, a square shape might be best. It cuts through thicker weeds than the round option. Plus, it makes heavier cuts in whatever you’re clearing away. However, it can damage sensitive items, such as shrubs, trees, and the like.
Multi-sides
Similar to the square line, the multi-sided line works for bigger or more substantial jobs. It’s also stronger for brush and thick weeds. You may get a cleaner cut with this line, but it is fragile. If it comes into contact with the curb or driveway, it is going to break.
Twisted/X
If you notice the line is twisted, it is going to provide even more cutting strength. They can be more expensive than others, but you get many advantages, too. For example, the line is going to cut through virtually anything, and there isn’t going to be as many vibrations coming through. They’re often used by professional providers.
Jagged or Serrated
Some lines have serrated edges like a saw or knife. This ensures better cutting power and can cut faster than other shapes. Still, it might snag on weeds and pull the weed eater downward. It’s harmless, but you must have the strength to prevent it.
Sizes
The size is also important. When lines are thinner, it’s not going to get through heavy brush as easily. Large lines don’t break as easily, either.
Your weed eater may only accept specific sizes. Make sure you read the instruction manual to find out what line range is most suitable for your model. However, you can install a new head for the trimmer to change the size, as well.
0.065 through 0.080 is suitable for light work (grasses)
0.085 to 0.105 works well for grasses and non-woody weeds
0.110 and higher is ideal for heavy work, such as thin brush, weeds of any kind, and grass.
The 10 Best Weed Eater Strings on the Market
Now is the time to learn more about the 10 different weed eater strings. Check out the table below to find quick information or read the entire review.
The Magnum Gatorline line from Oregon comes in a variety of lengths. It features high-cutting efficiency. This means that you get a straighter, cleaner cut without as much effort as a traditional line.
The inner core is made to be durable and can resist breakage. Therefore, the line is going to last much longer. Plus, you aren’t going to have to wind spools all of the time.
This is a square shape trimmer line, so it can slice through your vegetation evenly and cleanly. It features a 0.95-inch diameter, which is popular for heavy weeds and commercial work.
Of course, this product fits a variety of trimmer models. These can include Echo SRM, Stihl FS, Ryobi, Troy Bilt, and so many others. However, you should make sure that your model can use 0.95-inch trimmer line with the square shape.
2. Husqvarna Titanium Force String Trimmer Lines
With the Husqvarna brand, you get trimmer line that has better performance and a longer life span. It also makes the trimmer head go faster. This product is made in the USA, so you can support the economy while trimming your lawn.
The design for this line is based on new technology. That’s how it can provide better performance and level flight characteristics. Of course, you don’t have to do as much work because you’ve got high efficiency for cutting when you choose the right materials.
This brand features a patented design, which means the lines are low-noise. You’re not going to hear the whirring or cutting as much. In fact, it can reduce your noise levels by around 50 percent, giving you a better environment in which to work.
Still, protective gear should be worn at all times. This includes gloves and safety goggles. It works best to cut grass because of the round shape.
3. Anleolife Commercial Square String Trimmer Line
When it comes to choosing a trimmer line, you may want to consider the Anleolife brand. There are a variety of sizes, and you get between 1 and 3 pounds, depending on the scale. You can also choose a 5-pound, 0.095-inch diameter commercial product.
If that weren’t enough, you’ve also got the option of choosing different colors. The red one works well for most people because it contrasts with the grass and weeds nicely.
This is a multi-side shape, so it can cut through thick grass and heavy weeds efficiently and quickly. Also, it is going to take less time to get the job done.
It is made using nylon 66 copolymer and plasticized materials. Therefore, it is stronger and has more impact power. You can use this as a replacement for all of your electric and gas trimmers, such as echo, Ryobi, and Stihl.
4. Cyclone Commercial Grass Trimmer Line
The Cyclone brand also has a multi-sided trimmer line. It’s designed for light commercial work. With the six-bladed shape, which is patented, you can ensure that you’ve got enough cutting power for whatever you need to do.
It also features copolymer nylon in a proprietary blend. Therefore, it’s durable and high-strength. You can use it with any trimmer that requires 0.95-inch diameter lines.
Most people like the fact that it is bright orange. That way, it’s easier to see while you’re installing and using it. Plus, you get 140 feet of product, which means you don’t have to replace it as often.
This product comes as a single pack or in a four-pack. If you weed eat a lot of yards, it might be ideal to buy in bulk. That way, you never run out when you need it the most.
5. DEWALT DW01DT802 String Trimmer Line
The Dewalt brand is well-known for providing some of the best trimmer lines on the market. It is a twisted line, which means it uses a variety of impact-resistant and flexible materials. Of course, this means that you can easily cut through anything, even if it is thick or cumbersome.
There are two different sizes, including 0.095- and 0.080-inch diameters. You can choose 144 feet for the 0.095-inch option. If you need a 0.80-inch diameter line, you can pick between 225 and 50 feet.
This line is considered to be aerodynamic. That means it is suitable for cordless trimmers and provides excellent cutting efficiency.
Most people use this trimmer line to edge or trim the grass. However, you can cut down high weeds with it, as well.
6. Maxpower 333695 Residential Grade Round Trimmer Line
When it comes to trimmer line, most people don’t think of the brand name. However, the one from Maxpower might be suitable, regardless of the job at hand.
You get one 3-pound spool of the round-cut trimmer line. This is the most basic and popular shapes because it can be used for most household needs.
One spool comes with 855 feet of line, which is 0.95 inches in diameter. It is best to check with the owner’s manual of your weed eater to ensure that this line is going to fit.
Since it comes with the spool, it is much easier to install. You get about 42 refills for your trimmer head. This means you can buy less trimmer line and still weed-eat whenever the need arises.
Of course, it’s made in the USA, so it is designed for durability. This also means that you can support your local economy when you buy it.
7. Oregon Super-Twist Magnum Gatorline String Trimmer Line
When you want a twisted shape, the Oregon brand has what you need. You’re going to find that this product is highly efficient and gives you straighter cuts with minimal effort.
Of course, it’s also durable because of the inner core. That ensures that it doesn’t break as frequently, which means you get to use the same line for longer.
We like the 866-foot option, which is 0.95 inches in diameter. However, there are other lengths available. That way, you can get the one you need most.
Since there is a twisted shape, you get a less noisy product and less drag, as well. Use it early in the morning without waking the neighbors or your family. You can even use it along the flower beds because of the straight cut feature.
The bigger diameter and twisted shape allow it to be used as a light commercial weed eater. However, it works well for homeowner use, as well.
8. Rotary 12179 Vortex Trimmer Line
If you’re looking for something completely different in trimmer lines, the Rotary brand might be what you want. This Vortex line is shaped similar to a vortex, so it’s considered a jagged line. It comes on a spool, so all you have to do is unravel what you need, install it into the trimmer head, and go.
The diameter is 0.95 inches, which is what many home-use trimmers need. However, you should check the owner’s manual of your weed eater to ensure that it is correct and accurate.
In one spool, you get 1,140 feet of trimmer line. This means that you aren’t going to need to buy replacements that often. The spool itself weighs 5 pounds.
9. Arnold Maxi-Edge Commercial Grade Trimmer Line
Arnold also makes a trimmer line, but it is designed for commercial use. It is 0.80 inches in diameter, and it can fit almost any curved or straight shaft trimmers. However, you should ensure that your owner’s manual lists the diameter size range.
The line itself is green, and it is considered multi-sided. It is actually a star shape with six points.
This ensures that you can cut through anything you have on the property. However, it can snag around thick weeds, so be careful when using it.
One container has 280 feet of product. This means that it is 14 refills for most trimmer heads. You also get a cutting tool to ensure that it is cut with precision and ready to go into the head smoothly.
10. Weed Warrior Bi-Component Twist Trimmer Line
The Weed Warrier brand is a twisted trimmer line. It features a red core with a silver tip. Therefore, it is going to be longer-lasting than some of the other options.
It also has multiple components, so it’s more durable. If you’re a commercial landscaper, this might be the best option for you. Since it has nylon resins and is scientifically engineering, it lasts much longer.
Of course, the goal of the line is to cut everything on the first pass while ensuring evenness. Most commercial users are going to like how well this works for edging and trimming.
The twisted design ensures maximum aerodynamics, which reduces line flutter. There are also fewer vibrations, making it highly efficient. In fact, you can get a level cut with 15 percent longer run time of the machine.
This brand is designed to be compatible with all types of string trimmers. This includes Husqvarna, Stihl, Redmax, Echo, Ryobi, and many others. Also, it is made in the US.
How to Install a Weed Eater Line?
When you have a single-line trimmer, it is important to prepare the line sufficiently. You are going to need a specific length and width for your trimmer. Make sure that you read the owner’s manual to find out the diameter you require and how long it should be cut.
1. Often, you need to cut between 10 and 25 feet. However, this can vary, so you should check the owner’s manual to be sure. Alternatively, you can cut it a bit longer than you think you need and trim it up later, but this can be wasteful.
2. You should ensure that the trimmer engine is off and unplugged if necessary. The gearbox should be cool to the touch. This prevents accidents.
3. Now, you can remove the trimmer head from the piece, as well as the retaining cap. Usually, you press one or more tabs or unscrew the device. Make sure that you’re not putting too much pressure on the trimmer head, or else you might break it.
4. Find the starter hole from the spool. Insert the tip of your line into the trimmer, going in the direction of the printed arrows. Wrap it in straight, neat rows because this is going to prevent it from jamming later.
Once you get about 5 or 6 feet of line left, snap the retainer of the spool. This is going to keep it in place for you.
5. Make sure that the retainer has the slot facing outside the head. Replace your spool into your trimmer head. Now, remove the line from its retainer, pulling it all the way through the slot for smoothness, and then reattach your retaining cap.
Sometimes, you might have a double-line trimmer, so changing the line might be a little different.
You are still going to prepare the line with the right length and width. We discussed this in step one above. Of course, you’re also going to turn off the engine and let it cool.
Follow the directions above to remove the retaining cap, as well. Everything should have been the same up until now, but here is where it changes:
1. Find the starter holes within the spool. There should be two starter holes here. Make sure you’re inserting the trimmer line into one of them only, winding it in the same direction as the arrows.
You still want to wrap in neat and straight rows to reduce the risk of jamming later. Snap the line into the retaining cap on your spool when there are about 5 or 6 feet of line left. Now, you are going to do the same thing with the second line.
Now, the line ends are sure to be at opposite ends of the spool, which matches the eyelets on the trimmer head’s outside area. If that isn’t the case, you might have done it incorrectly and should start over.
2. You should remove the lines from the retainers now. Thread everything through the head’s eyelets. Replace the spool in the trimmer head, pulling the lines through the slots, and then reattach the cap.
Video Guide How to Replace String Trimmer Line
How Often Should I Replace My Weed Eater Line?
You should know that there’s no specific time frame that must go by before having to replace the trimmer line. In a sense, you’ve got to replace it once it has run out. The line doesn’t go bad like perishables.
You’re going to know when the weed eater line is gone because it isn’t going to work correctly. Sometimes, you might see a small bit of line from the base of your weed eater. Always check to see how much line is left before you start weed eating for the first time that day.
Some people find that they are replacing the weed eater line more frequently than they should. It is frustrating to wind trimmer line around the spool all the time. Here are some tips to reduce how often you need to replace the line:
The first thing you should do is use the right weed-eating technique. However, you also have to consider the string type and spool size. We covered these topics earlier.
Weed Eating Techniques
It’s best to keep the string parallel with the ground when you’re tapping it to get more string. That way, it’s only hitting grass.
You may also want to pay closer attention to the weed eater. Hear the humming sound and make sure that you know what it sounds like when the trimmer is out of string.
Resist the urge to overfeed the string. It wastes it, and you are going to have to replace it that much faster.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best weed eater string, there are many things to consider. We believe that the right choice for most people is going to be the 22-895 by Oregon. It’s round, so it works for most household-use trimmers.
You can choose from a variety of lengths, and they are all 0.95 inches in diameter. This is the most common option.
Those who need something stronger might like the Weed Warrior brand. Just make sure that your trimmer can use a serrated trimmer line. Otherwise, you may buy something that you cannot utilize for its intended purpose.
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