How Long Should Trimmer Line Last. Replacing string trimmer line

How Long Should Trimmer Line Last?

Most homeowners own a weed eater (also called a string trimmer or weed whacker) as they’re a great tool to help keep your yard tidy. But one of the most frustrating things about them is when the trimmer line runs out or breaks and you’re only midway through a garden clean-up! So how do you figure out how long the trimmer line should last so you can be prepared? On average, a spool of trimmer line should last two to three months assuming an hour of use every week for most casual users. This can vary depending on the model of weed eater used, how strong the line is, and the type of grass and weeds you’re cutting with it. As there are so many factors involved, I’ve written this post to show you how to get the most mileage out of your trimmer string. I’ll cover topics like why it breaks, how to tell when it’s time to replace it, and what to do to make it last longer. Keep reading to find out all you need to know before your next session tidying up the lawn or clearing those weeds around the yard.

How Long Does Trimmer Line Last Before It Needs Replacing?

The length of time a spool of trimmer line lasts largely depends on the type of grass and weeds you’re cutting, as well as how often it’s used and the power of your weed eater. For most homeowners who use their string trimmer once a week for an hour or two, you will usually get two to three months of weed eating out of a spool of standard quality line. Of course, this can vary and if you’re cutting thick weeds or hardy grasses then it might need replacing sooner. On the other hand, if you’re doing very light clearing work and your yard is small, then the nylon string may last for the whole growing season. Lawn care professionals will get through their line much quicker of course and often use a heavy-duty string which works well with their more powerful tools and lasts longer.

When Should I Replace The String On My Trimmer?

One of the most obvious signs that you need some new line is when it runs out of course! I always check before I start trimming to see if there is enough line left on the spool to complete the job. That way I don’t have to stop and fiddle with threading new string on or changing the spool halfway through! If you have plenty left but it keeps breaking a lot more than normal, then that’s an indication the trimmer string may be old, poor quality, or degraded in some way. If that’s the case then you may need to replace it. If you want to learn about the various reasons why your trimmer line can break prematurely, check out this article. It’s also a good idea to change the trimmer line if you notice that it isn’t cutting as efficiently as usual. If you find yourself having to go over areas multiple times or your trimming job looks uneven then this could be a sign the string is worn and needs replacing.

Is It Better To Use A Thicker Trimmer Line?

As a general rule, thicker lines will last longer than the more lightweight versions, but you must make sure that your weed eater can handle it.

What Are The Different String Sizes?

Trimmer line comes in several different sizes that are often put into 3 categories:

Top Reasons String Trimmer Line Not Feeding — String Trimmer Troubleshooting

If your whacker can handle it, I suggest using the 0.095-inch string as it’s strong enough to handle most situations and lasts well, but still has enough flexibility to use all around the yard.

You can also buy string in a range of different shapes such as round, twisted, serrated, etc. but that’s a topic for another day!

If you don’t know how to choose the right type of trimmer line, you can read all about it in this article I wrote.

Final Thoughts

I hope that by now you have a good idea of how long your trimmer line should last and how you can get the most out of the spool you’ve got loaded up.

Just follow my tips for the best ways to make it last as long as possible and check you’re using the right size for both the job in hand and the model of weed eater you have.

Lastly, a good trimming technique is as important as anything, and avoiding those hard or sharp objects around your garden can really make all the difference so keep a look out as you work!

Hi! I’m Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. I’ve created this site to share my experience, and to help people choose the right tools for the job. Thank you for stopping by!

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Hi! I’m Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. I’ve created this site to share my experience, and to help people choose the right tools for the job. Thank you for stopping by!

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How to Maintain Your String Trimmer

Make sure the string trimmer engine is off and cool to the touch. Open the filter cover and remove the air filter.

Wash it in detergent and water. Rinse it and let it dry.

Lightly coat the filter with clean motor oil to keep debris from getting sucked into the engine. Squeeze the air filter to distribute the oil, and to remove any excess.

Put the filter back in the trimmer and close the filter cover until the lock tab snaps into place.

Replacing the String Trimmer Spark Plug

Your string trimmer’s spark plug will only last so long – check it at least once a season.

Make sure the engine is off and cool to the touch. Then remove the spark plug boot and clean around the area, then remove it with a 5/8-inch socket – check to see if it’s fouled, blackened, corroded or damaged.

If needed, replace it with the model specified for your trimmer – use a feeler gauge to set the gap according to the manual – don’t over tighten.

Finally, put the spark plug boot back on.

Replacing the grass trimming line

When you come to the end of the line, get familiar with the string trimmer parts and follow these steps and you’ll be back to trimming in no time.

Step 1: Removing the inner reel

• Hold the outer spool with one hand and unscrew the bump knob counterclockwise.
• Make sure the bolt inside moves freely. If the bump knob’s damaged, replace it.
• Remove the inner reel from the outer spool, and then remove the spring from the inner reel.
• Use a cloth to clean the inner reel, spring, shaft and inside of the spool.
• Check the indexing teeth and holding slots for wear. If they’ve seen better days, replace the inner reel, outer spool or both.

Step 2: Winding line onto the reel

If you’re using a new prewound inner reel, go ahead and skip to step 3. If you’re winding the line yourself, you’ll be using either single line or split line. Let’s go over the winding process for both.

Option 1: Winding single line

To wind a single line, first cut a 12-foot length of new line. Fold the line in half to create a loop in the middle.

Insert the loop into the slot in the split wall.

3.Wind the line tight in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel until about 6 inches of line remains. Keep the top half of the line above the split wall and the bottom half of the line below the split wall.

Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two holding slots. Now you’re ready to reinstall the inner reel.

Option 2: Winding split line

If you’re doing a split line, cut a 6-foot length of new split line. Split each end about 6 inches.

Using one split end, insert one line into the top hole and the other line into the bottom hole in the inner reel.

Wind the line tight in the direction shown on the bottom of the inner reel. That split wall will divide the line on its own. Wind until it’s completely divided and you’ve got about 6 inches of line left.

Insert the two 6-inch sections into the two holding slots. Now you’re ready to reinstall the inner reel.

Step 3: Installing the inner reel

Place the spring inside the inner reel and insert the inner reel into the outer spool. Push the inner reel and outer spool together.

Pass the two line ends through the eyelets in the outer spool.

While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, firmly pull the two line ends to release them from the holding slots.

While holding the inner reel and outer spool together, screw on the bump knob. Done.

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How To Replace Trimmer Line

String Spool Disassembly

Do not push center spool in. Hold the outer cutter housing firmly and turn the spool clockwise until the slack is taken up. Continue further clockwise with a hard snap to release the spool from the housing.

– Remove the remaining worn line from the spool.

String Spool Loading

Thread the line through the cutter spool hole until both ends of the line are an equal length. Keep the lines separated while winding the line in the direction of the arrow on the spool. Twisted line will cause a feeding problem.

Approximately 6 inches (150mm) of line should extend from each spool slot (A).

Whether using the 2-prong or 4-prong cutter head, it’s important to align the pegs (C) and eyelet (B) on the cutter housing with the slots in the cutter spool.

Line Trimmer Head Housing Assembly

Feed the ends of the lines through the eyelets on the cutter housing, allowing for approximately 6 inches (150 mm) of additional line. When using the 4-prong cutter head, hold the housing firmly, twisting the spool counterclockwise until the pegs lock the spool into the housing. Lightly pull on the trimmer lines.

When using the 2-prong cutter head, firmly grasp the lines and tug at the ends with a quick snap and the spool will automatically lock into place. Cut the lines to about 4 inches (100 mm) long. CAUTION: Inspect the cutter head assembly for secure fastening before use.

Reference: STRING LOADING PROCEDURE FOR TRIMMER CUTTER HEAD by Kawasaki

What Size String Trimmer Line Should You Use?

When it comes to keeping a lawn neat and tidy, the string trimmer shines as a multi-purpose workhorse. Depending on the application, one could use it to mow down hard-to-access areas, trim up grass and weeds that a mower can’t quite reach, clear out thicker brush, and edge out lines for a cleaner-looking yard. So, what size string trimmer line should you use for trimming grass?

The answer lies with how you intend to use your string trimmer. Read on.

The Role of the String Trimmer Head

Generally speaking, a string trimmer uses a monofilament line to cut through grass, weeds…whatever. By spinning that line at a high speed, the cutting head generates enough centrifugal force to hold the line out at a stiff, horizontal angle. This lets it cut through most grasses quite easily.

The height and arc of the string trimmer are manually adjusted by the operator, making the trimmer quite useful for cutting around trees, walls, rock beds, etc. In addition, you can turn a string trimmer vertically to use it as an edger against sidewalks and driveways.

On many gas models, both the cutting heads and lines can be switched out. This lets them accommodate a variety of line gauges. Not so much with battery-powered models.

Check the user manual (or with your dealer) to see what gauges your cutting head can handle. Thinner spooled line, thicker pre-cut line, serrated and square lines—even blades or chains could be used if you have a strong enough system. Each string trimmer line size also comes in a variety of shapes, thicknesses, and materials.

With that said—which strong trimmer line size and type work best for which applications?

String Trimmer Line Size Means Thickness

This probably comes as no surprise to anyone, but the general rule with string trimmer line size is that the tougher the application, the thicker the line needs to be. A larger diameter line increases the power and durability of the line, which leads to less breakage and wear-out.

Thicker line, however, requires more power to drive it at the same speed.

String trimmer line comes in a range of thicknesses or sizes. For light work, such as trimming grass, 0.065″-0.085″ should be sufficient. For thicker grass and weeds, a line in the 0.085″-0.110″ range will get the job done, and for thicker underbrush, anything thicker than 0.110″ will work.

One note for the cordless string trimmer users: thicker strings will have an effect on your power and runtime. As the thickness of the line jumps up, more wind resistance affects the cutting head, slowing down the speed at which the engine can rotate the cutting head. Higher voltage and beefier cordless trimmers (see: the EGO Power Head String Trimmer) will probably be able to manage thicker gauge string trimmer line more efficiently, but lower voltage models might struggle with a thicker line. Generally, it’s best to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for string size.

String Trimmer Line Shaping

The shape of the line also affects the cutting efficiency. String trimmer line comes in a variety of shapes: round, twisted, square, star shaped, and serrated. Rounded line is the most common type available, but it because it lacks a cutting edge, it rips the grass rather than cutting it. Twisted line is a bit better, as the shape has a little more of a cutting edge to it.

Some line comes in a square or star shape. The edges of these string trimmer lines are sharper than rounded trimmer line, and cut through the grass rather than tear at it. Serrated line is also an option when it comes to a sharper trimmer line. It has teeth, similar to a kitchen knife, and “saws” through heavier grass and weeds with relative ease.

Check Out These STIHL Trimmer Line Options

As an example of how the shape of trimmer line can vary—even from a single manufacturer, check out these options STIHL has for its customers:

The shape of the line optimizes it for different applications. Some shapes are only available in certain diameters. Others come in a wider variety. Trimmer line can be formulated to resist fraying and splitting or for durability, noise reduction, strength, and temperature resistance.

String Trimmer Line Material

Nylon line is the most common line available, but it tends to wear out and break quickly on anything but lighter duty jobs. Manufacturers have come out with a variety of alternatives for heavier duty jobs, however. Some examples include reinforced composite nylon, internally reinforced nylon, and aluminum additives for added strength.

Although not line in the technical sense, some of the beefier string trimmers can work with nylon, or even metal, blades. All of these options improve the durability of the light gauge nylon string, but if the vast majority of your trimming work centers on light grass clipping, you can probably get by with inexpensive nylon line.

Final Thoughts

So, what type of string trimmer line size should you use? The easiest answer: probably the heaviest and sharpest gauge that my trimmer can effectively turn without losing power to wind resistance. Assuming your string trimmer has the power, you won’t lose much cutting efficiency by using a heavier line. When you need to jump over to heavier duty trimming work, that ensures you won’t have to mess around with changing your line to handle it.

For most homeowners, round nylon line probably suffices for the vast majority of simple trimming needs. You might need something heavier for edging and clearing out underbrush. However, for handling grass around the house and yard, light gauge round nylon trimmer line does the trick.

Of course, this assumes normal wear and tear on the line won’t bother you too much. If you want to spend less time re-spooling your cutting head, switching to a more durable material is a good, though pricier, option.

Clint DeBoer

When he’s not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years. Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film video editing, color correction, and digital video MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified. After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades. Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.

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