A good trimmer string delivers a beautiful landscape and the highest efficiency level from your machine. However, there are plenty of different string sizes and shapes available. At the same time, you have a number of different trimmers too. This makes choosing a string difficult. So, can you use the same string on all kinds of trimmers?
Trimmers don’t all use the same string since most trimmers have a specific range of line sizes or styles that they support. Most household-level trimmers can accommodate line sizes up to 0.085” in diameter. In contrast, more costly or bigger models may often accommodate lines up to .155”. You should consider the shape and size while deciding which trimmer strings you should use.
Your trimmer’s cutting performance and its longevity are significantly impacted by the trimmer string you choose. So, it’s necessary to check out various styles and shapes of lines that may go well with your trimmer. Read until the end to figure out your options for multiple styles and sizes and whether they suit your trimmer!
How To Choose the Right Strings For Your Trimmer?
Trimmer lines are available in various forms and diameters suited for heavy or lighter tasks. Before deciding on your string shape or diameter, you should consider their dimensions and the grass height.
New string varieties might help you finish the task quicker and with a cleaner, smoother cut.
To discover which string shape and diameter suits your device better, always consult your owner’s handbook before buying a trimmer string.
Here are two important factors to consider:
1. Line Diameter
Limitations on line size apply to all string trimmers, be they cordless, corded electric, or gas-powered. Durability may be well predicted by line diameter.
A thicker line holds up better over time, assuming that the size and shape remain the same. Therefore, thicker lines are usually expensive.
As I mentioned, trimmer line is available in a wide range of diameters and line weights. You will need a greater diameter to cut through thicker grass and weeds, while a less heavy string should be utilized in places with a small amount of grass.
However, each trimmer has a maximum line diameter; consult your trimmer’s manual for recommendations on your model.
Diameter sizes come in three basic measurements and work requirements:
| Diameter | Purpose | Details | Suitable for |
| Small diameter
0.065 – 0.080 inches. |
Light-medium work | A light-duty trimmer string within the diameter range of 0.065 inches – 0.085 inches are suitable for yards that are either small or medium in size and don’t have thick weeds. | Residential yards, front, and backyards are optimal if you want to experiment with this string diameter. |
| Medium diameter
0.085 – 0.105 inches |
Medium-heavy work | For bigger yards and gardens with dense growth and more weeds, a medium-duty trimmer string with a thickness of 0.085 inches – 0.110 inches is an excellent option. | The best lawns for this string size are those with larger front and rear yards, thick vegetation, and little to no commercial activity. |
| Large diameter
0.110+ inches |
Heavy work | A heavy-duty string with a diameter greater than 0.110 inches is optimal for the thick growth of weeds, including woody bushes, numerous fences, and edges. | Suitable for huge yards, golf courses, and other locations requiring much cutting in commercial landscaping. |
2. Line Styles or Shape
The style or shape of the trimmer line is just as relevant as the diameter, depending on how intensive trimming is required. You may select off-brand trimmer strings since most styles and sizes are interchangeable. However, a broader or heavier line might not suit all string trimmers.
Here are a few options you can choose from:
Round trimmer line
Performs best in home and household applications. The basic form is more durable for usage close to concrete, trees, and fences as it doesn’t degrade or break as quickly as other styles. The round line often lasts the longest, and replacement is a piece of cake.
Twisted trimmer line
It’s stronger and has a superior cutting edge than a round line. This trimmer line, typically used to clip back heavy, dense weeds, provides clean cuts while lowering noise levels and vibration.
The increased tensile strength also reduces line damage and failure when it strikes hard surfaces.
Squared trimmer line
It has four pointed edges cutting through the grass instead of shredding it. The Square trimmer line chops heavier plants more quickly. It performs well on moderate-to-heavy, thick, grown plants and foliage thanks to its increased cutting force.
Multi-sided trimmer line
Has several edges that effectively and rapidly cut through tougher weeds and heavier vegetation. Nevertheless, it is more likely to break when it strikes concrete, boulders, or stones.
Serrated trimmer line
It’s similar to a serrated knife in action. It efficiently cuts through thick grass and weeds, producing a good cut and shortening your workday. However, like most of the fancy line variants out there, it tends to break easily if it comes in contact with something hard such as concrete, wooden fences, etc.
You can experiment with it, just be aware of its limitations.
Final Thoughts
Consider your weeds’ density and the string guidelines in the manufacturer’s handbook before selecting a trimmer line. By using a good trimmer line, you may decrease your cutting time in significantly. Choose the string lines and sizes that fit your trimmer, then choose what would work best, given your property’s size and growth.