When it comes to weed eater string, also known as trimmer line, you cannot use just any size with your weed eater. The right size weed eater string is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Choosing the wrong trimmer line thickness can lead to frustrating jams, breaks, and poor cutting power. So what size string should you use with your weed wacker?
Page Contents
What factors determine weed eater string size?
There are a few key factors that determine the proper weed trimmer line size for your machine:
- Weed eater model and specifications – Most weed trimmers have a recommended cutting width or line diameter size specified in the manual. This is the optimum size for that particular model.
- Line type – Different line materials like nylon, polymer blends, or metal-reinforced can only be manufactured in certain sizes and have thickness limitations.
- Engine power – More powerful gas weed eaters over 25cc can handle thicker line than weaker electric models under 15cc.
- Spool size and shape – The trimmer head has a maximum capacity for how much line it can hold, affecting the thickness it can accommodate.
- Cutting job – Larger diameter line is better suited for tough weeds and woody stems than thin line ideal for grass and light vegetation.
Always check the manufacturer’s guide for recommended line sizes as the ideal diameter can vary greatly between trimmers. Using the wrong gauge that is too large or small for your model can impede performance.
Common weed eater string sizes
Here are some of the most common sizes of trimmer line and their typical applications:
| Line Diameter | Type of Trimmer | Cutting Job |
|---|---|---|
| .065″ to .080″ | Light duty electric & cordless | Grass, soft weeds |
| .095″ to .105″ | Mid-size electric & gas trimmers | Daily grass, heavy grass, light brush |
| .110″ to .130″ | Commercial & heavy-duty gas trimmers | Thick grass, tough weeds, brush |
.080″ line is common for light-duty homeowner trimmer models, while rugged commercial units often utilize .130″ line or greater for demanding tasks. Always consult your operator’s manual for the optimal cutting line size.
Using line that is too thick
Trying to use heavy-duty thick line in a smaller electric or battery-powered trimmer can cause problems:
- May not fit properly in trimmer head – Bulky line can be hard to install and jam the head.
- Causes excessive strain on motor – Thick line requires more power to cut, overworking a small electric motor.
- Increased twisting and tangling – Heavy line has more tendency to kink and tangle in light trimmers.
- Reduced cutting efficiency – Large line does not spin as fast, decreasing cutting speed and performance.
The best practice is to follow the manufacturer’s line recommendation to match the weed trimmer’s power output and head capacity. Using oversized line adds unnecessary wear while decreasing cutting effectiveness.
Using line that is too thin
Trying to use thin string designed for grass in a larger brush-cutting trimmer can also create issues:
- Not durable enough – Thin line breaks more easily when hitting woody vegetation.
- Lacks cutting power – Narrow gauge line cannot slice through thick stems and brush.
- Prone to frequent breaks – Light line splits and breaks excessively when overloaded.
- Gets wrapped around spool – Under-sized line can more easily over-wrap and bind on the trimmer head.
While thinner line feeds more easily, it lacks the toughness to withstand rugged trimming jobs. Matching line diameter to the machine’s cutting swath width is important for both performance and longevity.
Ideal line thickness for common trimmer sizes
| Trimmer Cutting Swath | Recommended Line Diameter |
|---|---|
| 10″ – 12″ | .065″ – .080″ |
| 13″ – 16″ | .080″ – .095″ |
| 17″ – 20″ | .095″ – .110″ |
| 21″ – 24″ | .110″ – .130″ |
Most manufacturers size the pre-cut lengths of line included with the trimmer to match the ideal thickness for that cutting width. Using lengths and gauges matched to the specs of that weed eater model provide the best cutting performance.
Factors that allow using a slightly larger line
In some cases, it may be possible to use a slightly larger line diameter than stock specifications recommend. Here are some factors that can enable upsizing of trimmer line:
- High-Powered Engine – Gas trimmers over 25cc can use more robust line than their rating due to more torque and RPMs.
- Aftermarket Head – Some replacement heads offer more line capacity to accommodate larger diameters.
- Specialized Tasks – Thicker line may be beneficial for unique jobs like brush clearing or severe trimming.
- Operator Experience – An experienced user can maneuver a machine to mitigate heavier line challenges.
However, even with above factors, upsizing more than .020″ over stock spec is not recommended. Extreme oversized line can overload the engine or create safety issues.
Ensure you have the correct line size
Here are some tips for ensuring you choose weed eater line that is sized properly for your trimmer:
- Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s size guidelines.
- Only use cutting widths and line diameters recommended for that model.
- Match the line to the power level of the motor (electric vs. gas engine).
- Select line material suited to the trimming tasks – nylon, polymer, etc.
- Consider environmental factors like temperature and moisture that affect wear.
- Buy spools of pre-cut lengths matched to the specs of that string trimmer.
Using the optimal weed trimmer line is vital for efficiency, safety, and equipment longevity. While you cannot use just any size universally, understanding the proper line sizing and following manufacturer recommendations will ensure your weed eater performs at its peak.
Conclusion
Weed eater string comes in a wide range of cutting diameters, but not just any size can be used universally. Choosing the correct trimmer line thickness specified for your particular model is crucial. Using undersized line can lead to breakage, while oversized diameters may overload the motor. Matching line size to the weed trimmer’s power output and designed capacities will provide reliable cutting performance. With so many factors at play, consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines on cutting width and line diameter is the best way to optimize your machine’s trimming capabilities while staying safe.