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

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.

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.

Stop Being Confused About String Trimmer Line

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.

The Best Weed-Eater String That Gets the Job Done Faster—2023 Buyer’s Guide

Weed-eater string for your weed whacker or trimmer may seem like a small thing to buy, but having the right string for the job can help you get more work done with less effort. String shape, material, durability, welding resistance, and line size are all important things to consider, and this updated buyer’s guide will help you choose the best weed-eater string for the task at hand.

It may seem like a small thing, but what kind of string you use in your weed eater (also called a weed whacker or string trimmer) can have a big impact on your gardening.

Heading out to your yard to maintain it should be an enjoyable—or at least hassle-free—experience. But we all know that using the wrong products can make yard upkeep a very frustrating experience.

And if you’ve ever been trimming your weeds only for the string to break or stick inside the spool, you know what I mean.

Best Trimmer Line? Let’s Find Out! Round 2: Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Oregon, Shakespeare, Weed Eater

When this happens, you have to keep stopping to reload the string, which not only makes the job more time-consuming, it can lead to a rough and uneven cut.

The right kind of trimmer string is long-lasting and not easily breakable. It should provide clean and easy cuts, be able to handle thicker weeds and grass, and be quick and easy to reload when needed.

If you’ve recently purchased a new string trimmer (or if you’re in the market for one, here’s my guide to the best cordless trimmers and weed eaters), it likely came with a spool of string to start you off. But these strings aren’t always the best for the job, so it’s worth knowing what else is out there when it comes time to replacing them or buying more.

Below, you’ll find some of the best weed-eater strings available, as well as a buyer’s guide with key features to look out for.

Disclosure: All products on this page are independently selected. If you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Best weed-eater string

Maxpower Residential Grade Trimmer Line

If you like getting your money’s worth, look no further than the Maxpower Residential Grade Trimmer Line. A massive 855-foot roll, it can reload your trimmer 42 times at only 31.76 per roll—that’s 0.76 per refill!

But don’t let the low price dissuade you. This is a great quality product, tearing through dense, heavy vegetation as well as doing an impressive job trimming grass and small weeds. It also offers great abrasion resistance and tensile strength while trimming around concrete walls, curbs, and stone.

• Holds up well on concrete: This trimmer line has an edge over others in that it can hold up well on concrete and chain-link fences.
• Long-lasting: Worry no longer about restringing after each job, as this impressive trimmer line can last up to six jobs.
• Classic round shape: This shape feeds better and can be more aerodynamic than other shapes. It also increases RPMs and cutting power.
• Bright, vibrant color is easy to see: The vibrant orange string is easier to see among the grass so you know where you’re going with it.
• Durable: This string is tough, while not being so heavy that it reduces RPMs.
• May fuse in the spool: Some customers have reported that the string starts to fuse in the spool after 30 to 40 minutes of use. This may be because the spools will get hot after about 45 minutes of continual use.

• Includes (1) 3 lb. Spool of round cut trimmer line
• Measures 855″ In length 095″ in diameter
• Approximately 42 refills
• Made in the USA

Cyclone Commercial Grade Grass Trimmer Line

With a copolymer formulation, the Cyclone Commercial Grade Grass Trimmer Line is sure to accomplish any trimming task.

It is stronger and has more abrasion resistance than old-fashioned nylon string, which makes it longer lasting. The round shape gives extra durability and makes sure this string can hold its own against abrasion when edging curbs and fence lines.

The six edges along the length of the string easily and effectively cut through tall, thick grass, heavy weeds, vines, and even woody seedlings. These edges also help keep the spool cool, so there’s no need to worry about welding. The product is extremely versatile, suitable for a small garden plot or even a few acres of land.

• Feeds smoothly: This string not only feeds smoothly but also does not break inside the spool nearly as much as other strings.
• Doesn’t get as tangled: Due to its ability to feed through smoothly, the string is less likely to get tangled.
• Doesn’t litter yards: To make for an even smoother experience, this string is one of the few that won’t litter your yard with broken pieces of line.
• Not suitable for concrete: While this string is incredibly versatile for use in most yards, it’s recommended that you keep it away from concrete and chain-link fences, as these will tear up the string quickly.
• 0.095 Inch Diameter and 855 Feet Long
• Special copolymer formulation provides longer lasting commercial cutting
• Patented 6 bladed shape for added cutting power
• Choice of landscaping professionals
• Made in the U.S.A.

Oregon 22-855 Heavy-Duty Magnum Gatorline Square Line

If you’re looking for weed-eater string for big trimmers and that can handle serious work, then look no further than the Oregon 22-885 Heavy-Duty Magnum Gatorline Square Line.

It offers all the high cutting efficiency you can ask for but without the exhausting work—just cleaner, straighter cuts. This is all thanks to the square profile.

It’s also incredibly durable, with an extremely strong inner core that resists breakage, giving you more time trimming instead of winding spools.

This string is perfect for work on large properties, heavy vegetation, and underbrush, as well as cleaning up vegetable gardens. However, not every trimmer will be able to handle the large.155-inch diameter of the string so before you buy, check your trimmer’s manual.

• High cutting efficiency: This string allows you to get cleaner, straighter cuts more easily than a traditional trimmer line.
• Durable: The incredibly strong inner core resists breakage and makes for longer-lasting lines.
• Square trimmer line: The shape of this line allows you to cut through vegetation with a clean, even pass and is ideal for professionals cutting through tough vegetation and underbrush.
• Fits several string trimmer models: This weed-eater string is versatile and is suitable for use in several trimmer models, including the Remington RM1159.
• Not kind to fences: Use with caution around lightweight wood fences, as this line may chip some softwoods or remove paint from fences.
• Keep out of sunlight: UV light will weaken the plastic and reduce the longevity of the line. It’s reommended to keep any unused line away from sunlight.
• High cutting efficiency – Magnum Gatorline allows you to get cleaner, straighter cuts with less effort than traditional trimmer line
• Durable.- High-strength inner core resists breakage which means that the line lasts longer and you spend less time winding spools
• Square trimmer line.- Slices through vegetation with a clean, even pass
• .155″ diameter trimmer line is ideal for professionals cutting tough vegetation and underbrush
• Fits several string trimmer models including, but not limited to: Remington RM1159

Husqvarna Titanium Force String Trimmer Lines

Made of a commercial-grade copolymer material for longer life and better performance, this trimmer string has excellent durability and longevity and is perfect for use in a steel-bladed edger. A steel-bladed edger is recommended for setting initial landscapes along curbs, borders, and walkways and is easy to maintain with a string trimmer.

This is also one of those rare string trimmer lines that hold up well against concrete and stone, thanks to its high-quality, abrasion-resistant material and round shape. The grooved string can accelerate fast and has level flight, making for quieter trimming and less fuel consumption.

For jobs that require a lot of edging, this string makes it quick and easy. Plus, the convenient line-cutting tool that comes with this string trimmer line makes it even easier.

• Long-lasting: This product has been designed with cutting-edge technology for better performance, longer use, and faster acceleration.
• High cutting efficiency: Cuts down on time spent getting rid of pesky weeds when paired with the right string trimmer.
• Low noise: The patented low-noise design of this string trimmer line reduces noise by 50%.
• Great for trimming grass: This product is best suited for trimming grass.
• Longer life, Better performance, Faster acceleration. Our design is based on cutting edge technology that delivers longer life, better performance, faster acceleration, level flight characteristics
• High cutting efficiency. Means less work possible with the right choice of materials
• Low-noise. The patented design on Husqvarna’s low-noise lines reduces the noise level by 50 % which gives a better working environment
• This product is best suited for trimming grass
• Made in the USA

Arnold Maxi Edge. 095-Inch x 100 Foot Commercial Trimmer Line

The Arnold Maxi Edge trimmer line has a near-universal fit and can be used in most gas string trimmers. Not only that, it can cut up to three times more area than economy lines. (However, results will vary depending on the cutting conditions and the type of trimmer head you use.)

There’s no need to worry about constantly re-stringing either, with 100 feet of string and 5 refills included. What’s more, this trimmer line also comes with a cutting tool for more efficient use.

• Comes with a special cutting blade: Due to the strength of the string, the Arnold Maxi Edge comes with a special cutting blade that is sharp enough to cut through it. Simple blades don’t do the trick!
• Star-shaped profile: The star-shaped profile ensures an effective cut and reduces breakage.
• Affordable: At 7.31, this is a terrific budget buy.

Buyer’s guide

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best strings on the market, here are a few important factors to consider when buying the best string for your trimmer.

I’ll take you through some key decisions to make as far as finding the right shape, material, durability, weld resistance, and line size. This last factor is crucial, and you should always take a look at your trimmer’s manual or check out the manufacturer’s website to find out what string sizes will fit your machine.

Shape

Trimmer string comes in round, multi-sided, and twisted shapes. The performance is affected by the shape in many ways.

The cleanness of the cut, the durability of the string, and the noise level are all affected by the shape of the string. Different shapes are suited for different jobs so it’s important to find a shape that will match the job you use it for.

Let’s start with a round string. It comes in all sizes and is durable, economical, and easy to reload. If you’re using your trimmer on grassy lawns with minimal weeds, then a round string is the best choice.

Since it tears through weeds rather than cuts cleanly, a round-shaped string is not recommended for particularly weedy areas. A round string is also more likely to overheat and weld together when trimming along fences and concrete walls.

Twisted string is more suitable for thick weeds, as it has a cleaner cut and is more durable around hard surfaces. It’s also quieter and less likely to vibrate than other string shapes due to its reduced air resistance. For the quietest experience, use a twisted string in an electric or cordless trimmer.

If you’re using your trimmer on yards with thick grass and heavy weeds, then a multi-sided string is the best choice. Its sharp edges cut through weeds for a cleaner look. However, if there are a lot of obstacles or objects to maneuver around, then a multi-sided string may not be the best choice as it breaks quite easily along hard surfaces.

Material

Basic trimmer string is made of hardened monofilament nylon, and this has been the industry standard for years. However, manufacturers are developing these products and making constant improvements to increase their capability and durability. So while plain nylon line is still effective, there are stronger materials out there.

For example, reinforced composite nylon is more resistant to breakage. Meanwhile, some products include materials like aluminum that are impregnated into the nylon to make it stronger.

Some trimmer strings are made from non-nylon polymers or copolymers as they are more durable, while some are made with hardened core material to reduce breakage.

But while all these options improve the durability of light gauge nylon string, if you’re mainly using your trimmer for light grass trimming, then a simple nylon line will do the job.

Durability

The test for durability comes with consistent use among heavy weeds and hard surfaces. A more durable string lets you do more work per spool, and the durability of the string varies on what material it’s made of, the shape of the string, what’s being trimmed, and friction with surfaces like stone or concrete. But the thicker the string is, the more durable it will be.

Round string tends to be the most durable. This is because it contains more material with less surface area and has a longer wear time. Round string that is made of reinforced nylon or non-nylon polymer, or a string with hardened core material, will be more durable than basic nylon.

Welding resistance

Welding occurs when the trimmer string gets too hot and sticks together on the spool. This happens when the trimmer is being operated at high speed while cutting along a resistant surface, such as a fence or a concrete sidewalk, for an extended period of time.

The added friction causes heat to build up, which softens the string and eventually causes it to stick together. To solve this problem, you will have to remove the spool and restring it.

Materials used to make trimmer strings are usually weld resistant, but some types of strings are more resistant than others. A shaped line is more weld-resistant than round because of the larger surface area. Round string has a smaller surface area which makes it overheat at a quicker rate.

Line Size

Another good indicator of durability is line diameter. Thicker lines last longer but also cost more. When deciding on the right line thickness for you, make sure to take cost, how often you want to reload, and your yard conditions into account. As previously mentioned, not all sizes fit all trimmers, so make sure to consult your trimmer’s manual before purchasing string for your trimmer.

For small to medium yards with few weeds, a light-duty weed-eater string with a diameter of.065 to.085 inch is suitable.

Meanwhile, a medium-duty trimmer string of.085 to.110 inch is recommended for larger yards with thick grass and more weeds.

For even larger properties that have heavy weeds, woody plants, and lots of fence lines and hard surfaces to trim along, a heavy-duty string greater than.110 inch in diameter is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install a new weed-eater string?

Some string trimmers require pre-cut lengths of line, while others use either one or two long lengths of line that wind onto a spool. This may require you to remove the spool from its housing, or you may need to load it in place.

For more information on your specific trimmer brand and model, consult your trimmer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Which way should I wind the weed-eater string?

You should wind the string in the opposite direction of its rotation. This is usually counterclockwise. You may be able to find an arrow on the spool that shows the proper direction to wind the string.

How often do I have to replace weed-eater string?

You should only ever need to replace the string when it runs out unless it’s not feeding properly. String that is old or has been exposed to the elements over time can become brittle and may need to be replaced as well.

How does weed-eater string work?

A string trimmer usually uses a monofilament to cut through grass, weeds, and small, woody plants. A cutting head spins at a high speed and generates enough centrifugal force to hold the line at a stiff, horizontal angle. This is what makes the cutting possible.

You can manually adjust the height and arc of the string trimmer for cutting around trees, walls, and rock beds. Trimmers can also be turned vertically to edge out lines near sidewalks and driveways.

On many trimmers, the cutting heads and lines can be switched out to accommodate a variety of line gauges. It’s recommended to check what gauges your cutting head can handle, but depending on the job, you’ll still have plenty of options available such as thinner, spooled line; thicker, pre-cut line; serrated and square lines; or you could even use blades or chains.