When it comes to choosing the right trimmer line for your weed eater or weed whip, two of the most common sizes you’ll come across are .080 gauge and .065 gauge. But what exactly is the difference between these two trimmer line sizes and how do you know which one is best for your needs? Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at .080 vs .065 trimmer line to help clear up the confusion.
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Trimmer Line Sizes Explained
First, let’s cover the basics of how trimmer line sizes work. The numbers .080 and .065 refer to the thickness or diameter of the trimmer line in inches. So:
- .080 trimmer line has a thickness of 0.080 inches
- .065 trimmer line has a thickness of 0.065 inches
In other words, .080 line is thicker than .065 line. The thicker the line, the more rugged and durable it will be.
Trimmer line comes in a range of sizes, usually from about .055 inches up to .155 inches. Thicker line is able to cut thicker, tougher vegetation while thinner line is ideal for lighter duty trimming jobs. The two most common sizes tend to be .065 for general home use and .080 for tougher jobs.
Key Differences Between .080 vs .065 Trimmer Line
Now that we’ve explained the meaning behind the numbers, let’s look at some of the key differences between these two popular trimmer line sizes:
Thickness and Durability
The main difference between .080 and .065 line is the thickness, with .080 measuring 0.015 inches thicker than .065. This makes .080 line significantly more heavy duty and durable than .065 line.
.080 trimmer line is less prone to breaking and can handle tougher weeds and brush much better than thinner line. It will also last longer before needing to be replaced.
Cutting Ability
Again, the extra thickness of .080 line gives it an advantage in cutting ability over .065 line. The thicker diameter allows .080 line to spin faster and generates more force. This makes it better at slicing through thick, woody stems and vegetation. .065 line can still cut through thinner weeds and grass, but may struggle with woody brush.
Wear on Trimmer
The increased thickness and durability of .080 line also leads to more wear and tear on the trimmer itself. The thicker line requires more power from the trimmer motor to spin it fast enough to cut properly. Using .080 line over extended periods can cause extra strain on trimmer components and may lead to faster wear out of parts like the motor, gear head or drivetrain.
.065 line is easier for most weed trimmers to handle and spin, putting less demand on the machine.
Line Speed
With the increased thickness of .080 line also comes decreased line speed compared to .065 line. The lighter .065 line can reach higher speeds as it’s rotated by the trimmer. This can result in faster, more efficient cutting, especially on lighter grass and weeds.
However, for tougher jobs, the extra thickness and strength of .080 line makes up for the slightly slower line speed in most cases.
Cost
In general, .080 trimmer line costs a little more per foot than .065 line. This is because it requires more raw material to manufacture and holds up better over time. So while you may pay a little more upfront for .080 line, you’ll also get longer life out of it before having to replace it.
When to Use .080 vs .065 Line
Now that you understand the key differences between the two, when should you opt for each thickness?
.080 Trimmer Line
.080 line is ideal for use in the following situations:
- Cutting thicker, woody weeds and brush
- Clearing overgrown areas or areas with heavy vegetation
- Trimming areas with tough stems and stalks
- Using on commercial-grade trimmers or heavy duty home trimmers
- Need maximum durability from trimmer line
The extra thickness and strength of .080 trimmer line allows it to take on the toughest weeding and trimming jobs without breaking frequently. It’s the go-to choice when you need extra cutting power.
.065 Trimmer Line
On the other hand, situations where .065 line will work well include:
- Trimming grass
- Light duty weed trimming
- Using on lower power electric or battery powered trimmers
- Trimming around delicate objects like flower beds where thinner line is safer
- Need trimmer line that can feed at faster speeds
For routine lawn edging and trimming jobs, .065 trimmer line usually gets the job done. It’s ideal for use in home trimmers and areas with lighter vegetation. The thinner profile causes less damage if it contacts fences, trees, etc.
Trimmer Line Comparison Chart
Here is a quick comparison chart summarizing some of the key differences between .080 and .065 trimmer line:
| .080 Trimmer Line | .065 Trimmer Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.080 inches | 0.065 inches |
| Durability | High – Very durable | Medium – Less durable than .080 |
| Cutting Ability | Excellent – Slices thick vegetation with ease | Good – Handles grass and light weeds well |
| Wear on Trimmer | Causes more wear and tear on trimmer parts | Less demanding on trimmer |
| Line Speed | Slightly slower speed due to thickness | Able to reach faster speeds |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive per foot | Less expensive per foot |
Features to Look for in Trimmer Line
When shopping for new trimmer line, keep the following features in mind for best performance:
Material
Trimmer line is typically made from nylon or polyester. Nylon is more flexible while polyester is extra strong and rigid. For home use, nylon is recommended for ease of handling and feeding through trimmers. Polyester works well for commercial applications.
Shape
Most trimmer line is round, but some brands offer square, twisted or multi-sided shapes. These are designed to stay rigid and resist wrapping around the trimmer head better than round line.
Incorporated Cutting Features
Some premium trimmer lines add cuttings, serrations or abrasive particles to enhance cutting action. This helps slice through vegetation quicker and easier.
Line Feed
Look for trimmer line optimized for use in bump head or automatic feed head trimmers. This ensures smooth, trouble-free feeding during trimming.
Safety Tips
When using any trimmer line, keep the following important safety precautions in mind:
- Wear protective eyewear to prevent debris from getting in your eyes
- Wear long pants and closed toe shoes to protect your legs and feet
- Make sure the trimmer guard is in place before use
- Keep the trimmer line at proper length – don’t use lines that are too long
- Avoid trimming in the rain or wet conditions when possible
- Be aware of your surroundings and look for any debris you could throw with the spinning line
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance away when trimming
Conclusion
When it comes to heavy duty weed and grass trimming, .080 gauge line is the best choice. It has the thickness and durability to slice through thick vegetation without breaking down too quickly. For lighter yard work, .065 line gets the job done more economically. Consider the types of trimming jobs you need to perform, your trimmer model and features like cutting ability, wear and tear on the trimmer, line speed and cost to decide which size suits your needs best. Choosing the right trimmer line thickness goes a long way towards achieving faster, easier trimming results.