Best Trimmer Line for String Trimmers What Is the Best Line for You. String for string trimmer

Best Trimmer Line for String Trimmers [What Is the Best Line for You?]

Looking to tackle those pesky weeds and grasses that are creeping into your yard? Buckle your seat belts, as I’m here to tell you all about the best string trimmer lines for your weed eater.

But with so many different types of trimmer lines available on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Well, I’ve taken it upon myself to find the best trimmer line for your trimming needs.

From twisted nylon to co-polymer, I’ve tested and evaluated the most popular trimmer lines on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your string trimmer. Whether you’re a casual weed whacker or a landscaping pro, I’ve got something for you.

So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the world of trimmer line to find the best one for your weed eater.

I’ll be looking at a variety of factors, including durability, ease of use, noise level, and cutting power, to determine which trimmer lines are worth your hard-earned money. And I’ll even throw in a few tips and tricks for choosing a string size and shape at the end.

So, without further ado, here’s the best trimmer line for string trimmers.

Our Best String Trimmer Line

Before we get into all the details, here’s a quick overview of the string trimmer lines I tested and ranked for this review:

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5 reasons why this is the Best String Trimmer #shorts

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Compatible with BlackDecker String Trimmers (8-Line Spool 1 Cap 1 Spring)

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Trimmer Line Reviews

Want all the details? Well, here are the pros, cons, and features of all the string trimmer lines that I tested:

Best.095 Trimmer Line: Oregon 22-895 Magnum Gatorline Trimmer Line.095-inch

I loved that this line has a weld-resistant outer sheath, as welding can quickly ruin lower-quality trimmer line. At such high speeds, your line is prone to heating up, and when it gets too hot, the line can melt and fuse together.

It’s not completely irreparable, but it’ll sure put the fire hose on your plans to spend the day gardening. This is a large part of why the Oregon 22-895 is my best 095 string trimmer line.

Embedded inside that sheath is a tough inner core that’s not going to wear down quickly. Sometimes, I thought it could be a little too tough – more on that in a moment – but it does mean you get more for your money. Also, with it being a square-shaped line, you’ll get a cleaner finish on your grass when you’re done, though other shapes are available in the same brand.

Though you get less line in this spool than you might in competing brands, it goes much further. One thing worth mentioning is that you should avoid getting too close to small decorations like stakes around a flower bed. This line doesn’t break easily, so it’s got the potential to yank a stake straight from the ground and wield it like a high-speed weapon.

Pros

• A specialized outer layer prevents welding from ruining your plans.
• Aside from grass, this line can easily handle weeds and smaller branches, even those with tougher or wood-like stems.
• A high-strength core runs through the center, reducing the speed of fraying and breakages, letting you go for longer.
• This line is square-shaped and as you’ll remember from the above, this means a cleaner cut.

Cons

• Comes with fewer feet of trimmer line than your typical spool at this price range.
• Will strip the bark straight from a tree trunk or the skin from your ankles, so tread carefully.
• Increased strength against breakages means that it could wrap around and suck up small objects like a weapon.
• Sometimes even the guard blade struggles with the strength of this line and you may need to use line cutters.

Best Commercial: Desert Extrusion Cyclone.065 Commercial Trimmer Line

Cyclone is another twisted string trimmer line that’s best for heavy-duty cutting. It’s super strong and super sharp, so be careful where you point it!

If you use a 0.065-inch string trimmer line regularly, you know that it often just doesn’t hold up for too long. But this line really takes things up a notch, giving you great durability despite the string’s thinness.

It’s also commercial grade, and you can also get this trimmer line in various thicknesses, which is great news considering its strength.

Pros

• Very durable
• USA-Made
• Comes in 0.065-inch, 0.08-inch, and 0.095-inch diameters so you can get the perfect match
• Tough enough for commercial applications and plenty tough for residential ones.

Cons

• The thinner 0.065 inch line is known to bind up on some weed eaters.
• The line can stick to itself, but a quick spray of machine oil or WD40 will fix the issue immediately.

Best 0.08 Inch: Arnold Maxi-Edge.08-Inch Commercial Trimmer Line

The great thing about this 0.80 trimmer line is that it’s suitable for your backyard yet tough enough for commercial-grade tasks. So if you’re a landscaper who doesn’t tire of seeing the outdoors even after a long day at work, then you can kill two birds with one stone using this string.

I’d suggest avoiding this line for lawns that are less well-established and filled with debris, like rocks or branches. Multi-sided lines are meant to be more resistant to breakages, but I found this line to split against hard objects just as easily as rounded lines that I’ve tried. You’ll get a cleaner cut, but don’t bank on your line lasting longer.

Also, multi-sided lines can be prone to binding, which is essentially that super-annoying thing that happens to your Apple earbuds any time you stuff them in your You don’t want to spend an eternity unbinding the line when you’re halfway through trimming the lawn. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t buy multi-sided, but it’s a risk with certain spools.

Don’t let these drawbacks put you off, as this did win me over for second place on my quest for the best trimmer line. I really liked how it comes with a cutter, as the guard blade on some trimmers can become dull and too weak to cut through tougher lines over time. That’s certainly a risk here, as this commercial trimmer line can take punches from chain-link fencing and come out fighting.

Pros

• The package includes a line cutter for trimming your line.
• Produces an overall neater finish than round trimmer lines.
• Its toughness is suited to commercial-grade tasks as well as your yard.
• Commercial grade means that it can stand up to abuse from rocks, chain-link fencing, and other tough obstacles.

Cons

• I couldn’t really feel a difference in longevity compared to the round line.
• It’s tough enough to chew up any wooden fence posts that dare stand in the way of your trimmer.
• Multi-sided trimmer lines can be prone to binding. It didn’t happen to me, but bear this in mind.

If you’re a lawn care newbie, here’s how to restring your weed wacker

Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

It’s always time to give your lawn care equipment a little TLC so it’s ready to use when you need it most. One simple task you should learn how to tend to is knowing to restring a weed wacker when it runs out of string.

This way your weed wacker will always be ready to tackle weeds and grass.

The absolute easiest way to replace the string is to just purchase a pre-strung replacement weed trimmer head for your model, like this one for my Milwaukee.

However, that gets expensive, particularly because restringing your old trimmer head is so very easy to do.

How to restring a weed wacker

Step 1: Remove the trimmer head

Uncertain how to remove the trimmer head? Check your manual.

The actual method for this will vary based on your weed wacker or string trimmer. In most cases, you’ll be able to remove the trimmer head by pressing on two tabs and then pulling the head away from the machine.

Others may require loosening a bolt or screw to take it off. If you’re uncertain, check the manual for your weed wacker.

Step 2: Measure and cut the string

Keep a knife or scissors handy to cut the string.

Once the trimmer head is removed, measure out the inches of string that you need. The trimmer head should say on it what gauge string to use, and what length will fit on the spool. If not, refer to your user manual to find the string size you need.

You should be able to cut the string with a pair of scissors or a knife.

Check if your weed wacker is a single or dual cutter. Dual cutters will need two lengths of string.

Step 3: Insert the string into the line holder

This is a step that will vary based on your machine. The trimmer head will have a hole for you to insert the string into that will secure it in place while you wind.

If your trimmer head is fully enclosed, this will likely be the same hole that it sticks out of when cutting. If the trimmer head is open, then this will likely be a small hole at the base of the spool.

If you have a dual-cutter machine, insert the string into both line holders.

Pro tip: When it comes to how to restring a weed wacker, to avoid having to restring mid-trim, have a second trimmer head strung and ready to go so you can just pop it on and keep cutting.

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Step 4: Wind the string around the spool

Keep your string tight and neat so it doesn’t tangle.

If your trimmer head is open, you will need to wrap the string around the spool by hand. While wrapping, make sure to keep the string neat so that it doesn’t tangle on the spool.

Also, don’t wind too tightly, or the string might not come out when you tap the weed wacker on the ground.

For spools with a double string, you can probably wind both strings at the same time—just make sure that they don’t get tangled.

If you have an enclosed trimmer head, you’ll probably need to put the head back onto the weed wacker and then wind it. There should be arrows on the trimmer head that indicate the wind direction.

Step 5: Install the trimmer head

Check to see if everything is in the proper place before you start cutting.

If you haven’t already installed the trimmer head to wind it, install it onto the weed wacker. Make sure that you put the string through the appropriate hole or holes so that it will cut properly.

Don’t worry about leaving the perfect amount of string outside the trimmer head. Just turn the weed wacker on and tap it on the ground a few times to extend and then automatically cut the string to the proper length.

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were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Is there a difference between Round, Square or Twisted Trimmer Line?

Here is what you need to know about the shape of trimmer line and how it affects the cut.

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How much does shape matter in commercial trimmer line?

It’s no secret, there is no shortage of shapes when it comes to weed eater string. There are nearly as many shapes of weed eater string as there are letters in the alphabet.

But in general, there are 4 different types of trimmer line:

So does the shape of the trimmer line determine how well the string performs? Yes, it certainly does.

And finding out which trimmer line works best is an essential part of getting the right gear for your company.

The shape of the string can change 3 major factors while operating your weed eater.

Which weed eater string shape offers the best cut?

Star Shaped Line Offers Cleanest Cut

There is a lot of debate over which string is the best for commercial use. And ideally, you want a line that cuts grass cleanly, without tearing or harming the grass.

But bear in mind. That depending on your needs, the sharpest is not necessarily the best line. Especially when it comes to cutting larger weeds down.

Stop Wasting Trimmer Line!

Pro Tip! What a string offers in sharpness it frequently gives up in strength and longevity.

According to Research, Star Shaped Line Offers Cleanest Cut

According to a test done by the YouTube channel Smarter Everyday, star-shaped line offers the cleanest cut. This reduces damage to the grass blade, and will likely result in a healthier lawn. So if your goal is an incredibly healthy, perfectly manicured lawn. Star-shaped trimmer line may be your best bet.

However, our research suggested that lawn care professionals greatly prefer Echo’s Black Diamond (⬥), and Stihls X-line (x). While the test performed by Smarter Everyday determined that Cyclone’s star shape created the sharpest cut. It did not test X-line or Black Diamond. And it is possible that one of these shapes may actually offer a sharper cut of the grass.

For the Sharpest Cut We Recommend:

So which trimmer line shape is quietest?

️Twisted Line is the Quietest️

When it comes to the sound put off by your string trimmer, it largely comes down to the type of string you use.

In general, the less air resistance, the less noise a string makes.

Twisted trimmer line is generally the quietest. This is due to the fact that the twisted line offers less air resistance. This may make twisted trimmer line a good option if you have a lot of properties in small residential areas where sound may be a concern.

However, round lines like Husqvarna’s Titanium Blend are also much quieter than other string shapes.

For the Quietest Cut We Recommend:

Which weed eater string shape lasts the longest?

◍ Round Strings Typically Last Longer ◍

It’s simple, round string typically offers the best longevity of any shape.

Think about it.095 is a measure of the thickest part of a trimmer line. So a.095 star-shaped trimmer line is much less dense, than a round.095 line. As a result, star shaped or similar multi-sided lines are going to break apart faster.

Round line will last the longest as it is as thick as possible all the way around.

It’s true, a.095 round line is truly.095 all the way around. BUT. the round shape does not provide the best structure for actually cutting grass. And creates a rather abusive cut.

It’s a toss-up which brands round line will last the longest. And it will largely depend on the type of grass, weeds, or brush you are cutting.

For example, tests by the Youtuber Project Farm have shown that STIHL’s Premium Round line (◍) lasts longer on brush than all the others he compared in the test, but performed poorly when exposed to concrete.

Inversely, Husqvarna’s Titanium Blend (◍) outperformed the competition when it came to exposure to concrete, and performed poorly on cutting brush.

The Exception to the Rule- Wire Fencing

There always has to be an exception to the rule. And when it comes to wire fences, round line may not be the longest lasting. According to research by Project Farm. The two longest-lasting strings when it comes to wire are Max Power (️) and Weed Warrior (▲).

It appears wire fencing changes the playing field substantially when it comes to string longevity. Perhaps it is because a stiff string will attempt to wrap around the wire and inevitably break. Whereas a flexible line will not be stiff enough to wrap around, and will instead brush past.

Whatever the case, Husqvarna’s Titanium Blend (◍) did come in at 3rd in tests against wire fencing. So it still does well, but for one reason or another other shapes appear to work better.

So if you have to trim around a lot of wire fencing, you will likely want to consider this.

For the Longest Lasting Line We Recommend:

Why the Sharpest Cut Matters

Look, you probably already know this but, when your lawn mower blades are dull. They tear rather than cut the grass. This can lead to damaged grass blades. and may even create an opening for fungus or other grass diseases to enter your client’s lawn.

The same is true when it comes to your weedeater string. If your line is not cutting the grass, but rather is tearing it. You are not providing the optimal cut for your clients. While this may not matter to many lawn care companies. The fact of the matter is, if you are after a premium quality cut, you should consider a good weed eater line that will assist you on your mission.

The Best Trimmer Line Shape

Often there is a toss-up between the sharpness of the cut and the longevity of the line.

Which may be why Echo’s Black Diamond is so highly rated among lawn care pros. Its diamond/square design makes it nearly as thick as round line, but it provides a cutting side which gives it a literal edge over round line. Additionally, Black Diamond is twisted, making it run quieter.

However, choosing the best shape will greatly depend on the circumstances you find yourself in while cutting lawns.

Now that you are armed with the best trimmer line, it’s time to make sure you have a great commercial-grade weed whacker.

The best weed eater string can provide maximum performance from a string trimmer and a great-looking landscape.

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The string in your weed trimmer head can have a big impact on weekly yard work. Using the wrong string causes constant breaks or sticks inside the spool housing, forcing you to stop and reload frequently. But, the right pick provides ease of use and clean cutting, every time.

Keep reading to learn about the key features to consider when shopping, and then explore the picks for the best weed eater string options on today’s market. An in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting went into assembling the list of top picks.

• BEST OVERALL:Cyclone Desert Extrusion CY095S3.095″ x 855′
• RUNNER UP:Oregon 20-020 Magnum Gatorline Supertwist
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Maxpower 333695 Residential Grade Round.095-Inch
• UPGRADE PICK:Oregon 22-855 Heavy-Duty Professional Magnum
• BEST COMMERCIAL:Oregon 22-595 Gatorline Heavy-Duty Professional
• BEST FOR EDGING:Husqvarna String Trimmer Line.095-Inch
• BEST FOR TALL GRASS:Arnold Maxi Edge.095-Inch x 100-Foot Commercial
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Weed Warrior 17067.080” Diameter x 100’ Bi-Component
• BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:Maxpower 333180 Residential Grade Round.080-Inch
• BEST FOR THICK BRUSH:Oregon 22-955 Gatorline Heavy-Duty Professional

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Weed Eater String

Before buying string for your weed trimmer, consult the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the string sizes that will fit your power equipment. With that information in hand, there are five aspects of weed trimmer string to consider while you shop: shape, durability, material, weld resistance, and line size.

Shape

Weed trimmer string is available in round, square, multi-sided, twisted, and serrated shapes for different types of yard work. The shape of the string affects performance in several ways, including the cleanness of the cut, the durability of the string, and even noise level. It is important to match the shape with the application for which you’ll be using the string.

• Round string comes in all sizes. It is economical, durable, and easy to reload. A round string is best for lawns with mostly grass and just a few weeds. It is not as efficient on weedy properties because the smooth edges tend to tear through weeds rather than cutting cleanly. A round string is also more likely to overheat and weld together when trimming along concrete walls or fences.
• Square string features four hard edges to slice cleanly through tough weeds and light brush. It offers more cutting power than round string but is more likely to break against hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and brick. This is a good option for maintaining weedy, overgrown spaces.
• Multi-sided string is best for yards with heavy weeds and thick grass. The sharp edges cut through weeds for a cleaner look. This string breaks more easily than round string while trimming along hard surfaces, so it may not be the best choice in areas with a lot of obstacles to work around.
• Twisted string provides a cleaner cut than a round string in thick weeds and has comparable durability around hard surfaces. The reduced air resistance makes it operate with less noise and vibration of the trimmer head than other string shapes. Combined with an electric or cordless trimmer, twisted string can be a great choice when noise is a concern.
• Serrated string features a somewhat flat profile, with teeth along the narrow edges. It offers aggressive cutting application for tough weeds and brushy areas. This string is great for rough work in large spaces, but it may not be the best choice for a clean-cut appearance in a residential setting.

Durability

Consistent use with brush, heavy weeds, and hard surfaces is where the difference in durability becomes apparent. A more durable string allows you to do more work per spool.

The durability of trimmer string varies based on its material, shape, what you’re trimming, and friction with fixed surfaces like stone and concrete. Given the same shape and material, the thicker the string, the more slowly it will wear out.

For the greatest durability, round string is the standard. Combining more material with less surface area, it has a longer wear time. Round string made of reinforced nylon or non-nylon polymer, or string with a hardened core material, will provide greater durability than basic nylon.

Material

Basic trimmer string is made of hardened monofilament nylon. This material has been the industry standard for years, but manufacturers are making constant improvements to increase durability and capability. Plain nylon line is still effective, but stronger materials are now available.

Better materials, like reinforced composite nylon have a greater more cutting power and breakage resistance. Some products include strengthening materials like aluminum that are incorporated into the nylon or a hardened core material to prevent breakage. Other trimmer strings are made from non-nylon polymers or copolymers for added strength.

Welding Resistance

Welding occurs when a trimmer string overheats inside the trimmer head and sticks together on the spool. It is caused by operating the trimmer at high speed while cutting along a resistant surface like a fence or concrete sidewalk for an extended time.

The added friction causes excessive heat buildup, which softens the string and eventually causes it to stick together. A welded line does not feed out of the spool, so you’ll have to remove it and restring the spool.

While the materials used to make trimmer strings are all reasonably weld resistant, some string types have a higher degree of resistance than others. Given the same material, shaped line is more weld-resistant than round because of the increased surface area. Round string has the least amount of surface area, allowing heat buildup to occur more quickly.

Line Size

Every string trimmer, whether cordless, plug-in electric, or gas-powered, has limitations on line size. Line diameter is a good indicator of durability. Assuming the same material and shape, a thicker line lasts longer. Thicker line also costs more.

Consider the cutting conditions, how often you want to reload, and how much you want to spend when deciding on the right line thickness. Not all sizes fit all trimmers, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions before purchasing string for your trimmer.

Light-duty weed eater string of.065-inch to.085-inch diameter is suitable for small and medium yards with few weeds. Medium-duty trimmer string of.085-inch to.110-inch diameter is a good choice for larger yards and yards with thick grass and more weeds.

Heavy-duty string greater than.110-inch diameter is best for large properties with heavy weeds, including woody plants, lots of fences, and edging.

Our Top Picks

Check out the following list of some of the best weed eater string on the market. These products all represent quality, value, performance, and meeting users’ real-life needs.