If you use your string trimmer with any frequency, the trimmer line will eventually start to wear out and need to be replaced. We’ve researched and reviewed five excellent replacements to keep your string trimmers and weed whackers working their very best.
Choosing the best string trimmer line for your home use will depend highly on your garden or yard and the type of weeds and grass you need to cut. In this article, we’ll review the different shapes and sizes available and recommend some of our favorite trimmer lines for the job.
Editor’s Note: Our writer’s research and recommend the best products for your home, farm, and garden. Links to these products are included in this article where you can learn more about each product. We may receive commissions on purchases made through these links.
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How to Choose the Best Trimmer Line
String trimmer lines come in many different weights, shapes, and sizes. Where light grass and weeds will be easily cut with a thinner round line, once you move into thicker weeds or bramble, you may need a sharper or thicker line to do the job.
To choose the best trimmer line for the job, here are the questions you’ll need to be answered to make the best choice.
What types of string trimmer line is best for each garden job?
Your garden or lawn may have a variety of weeds, grass, and bramble that needs to be trimmed. The type of string trimmer line you choose should match the type of grass and weeds growing in your yard.
The five types of string trimmer line are:
- Round: The standard shape is a round line because it doesn’t wear easily and is used for lighter weeds and residential use. Easy to replace, this is a good general type for easier work.
- Square: Sharp and effective, square line is strong and provides precise cuts. You can use this product for commercial work or thicker grass.
- Twisted: The twisted line is going to be used for thicker weeds and reduces noise production. Heavy-duty, it provides clean cuts and doesn’t break as easily if you hit rocks or concrete.
- Serrated: Commercial landscapers will often choose a serrated line for thicker weeds. The serrated edges provide additional cutting power for more intense yard work.
- Star: Star or multi-sided line is what you’ll want for medium thickness grass and weeds. The line will cut through thicker grass easily, but the line will break easily if you hit sidewalks or stone.
What are the different string trimmer line sizes or weights?
Line sizes, more specifically diameter, can be classified into three main categories:
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
Light trimmer lines, or those with thicknesses of 0.065” to 0.080”, are designed for lighter weeds and is often the top choice for residential usage.
Medium weight is 0.085” to 0.105” thick and can handle light commercial work and heavier weeds. These medium lines are a good compromise between strength and price.
Heavyweight trimmer line is 0.110” or thicker. More expensive yet more durable, these lines are used for industrial and commercial landscaping. If you have a larger space or thick grass and weeds, a heavy weight trimmer line will work best.
Are all string trimmer brands the same?
String trimmer lines are, for the most part, interchangeable. EGO has its own OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version, but you can use non-OEM lines in a lot of models. You will have to pay close attention to the thickness of the line you choose. If the line is too thick, it may not fit in all string trimmers.
Our Choice for the 5 Best String Trimmer Lines for Your Garden or Yard
1. Oregon 22-895 Magnum Gatorline Trimmer Line
Product Specs
- Manufacturer: Oregon
- Model: 22-895
- Line Shape: Square
- Diameter: .095”
- Length: 685-foot
Our choice for the best overall string trimmer line.
The Magnum Gatorlie provides a 685-foot trimmer line with a 0.95” diameter that can be used for medium grass workloads. You can confidently use this line on low grass, grass with weeds, and dry, rocky soil.
You cannot use this line on brambles.
Thick and transparent, the line features a black inner core for added strength when cutting. This particular trimmer line is square, but you can choose round or SuperTwist lines.
An outer shell is also present and prevents the line from welding when in use. Welding occurs when the line gets very hot and melts back into itself causing your trimmer to stop working.
Why We Like It
- Breakage-resistant string for smoother operation
- Black inner core adds to the string’s flexibility and strength
- Donut packaging for few tangles
Our Verdict
Oregon’s string trimmer lines offer smooth operation, fewer tangles, and also breakage-resistant string for less line replacement and trimming interruption.
2. Husqvarna Titanium Force String Trimmer Lines
Product Specs
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Model: 639 00 51-02
- Line Shape: Round
- Diameter: 0.095”
- Length: 140-foot
A great choice when you need to keep the noise down when using your trimmer.
Husqvarna’s Titanium Force is a round, 0.095” diameter string trimmer line that comes with its own cutter for faster line replacement. Patented technology allows the line to produce 50% less noise while the polymer makes this one of the most durable lines available.
Versatile, the string can fit into all standard trimmer heads.
While the length of the line isn’t as long as others on our list, the durability allows this string to be used for miles of cutting along roadsides and in big campgrounds.
Why We Like It
- 50% noise reduction thanks to a patented design
- Commercial-grade polymer for high-end durability
- Fits all standard heads for greater versatility
Our Verdict
Titanium Force provides low noise production, fits all standard heads, and is a great choice for commercial use and larger spaces, such as campgrounds.
3. Maxpower 333695 Residential Trimmer Line
Product Specs
- Manufacturer: MaxPower
- Model: 333695
- Line Shape: Round
- Diameter: 0.095”
- Length: 855-foot
A great value for the price.
Maxpower provides a great compromise between price, length, and durability. The 0.095” nylon line comes in a round shape and allows for 42 refills. The line is made in the USA and features a bright orange color.
Strong and affordable, this is the perfect trimmer line for consumers that will be using their weed eater for residential use, and when a heavy-duty line is not required.
Why We Like It
- Provides 42 refills and designed for bulk usages
- Best budget buy for residential consumers
- A good compromise between price and durability
Our Verdict
MaxPower’s residential round trimmer line is an ideal choice for light residential work with 855-foot of length for years of line for smaller gardens or yards.
4. EGO Power+ AL2450S 50M 2.4mm Premium Quality Twist Line
Product Specs
- Manufacturer: EGO
- Model: AL2450S
- Line Shape: Twisted
- Diameter: 0.095”
- Length: 160-foot
Our choice for the best twist line.
EGO Power’s trimmer line provides added durability and sharper cuts thanks to the twist line. The 160-foot line and 2.4mm gauge allow the Power line to last for years before needing replacement. EGO fits perfectly in most EGO trimmers and provides the best compatibility with the lowest amount of breakage.
A little bit more pricey than other lines, the trimmer line is more durable and often lasts longer.
Why We Like It
- Long-lasting trimmer line due to twisted shape
- OEM string for EGO string trimmers
- 2.4mm gauge lasts for years
Our Verdict
EGO weed eaters are fickle and a lot of string trimmer lines will break in the unit. EGO Power trimmer lines fit most EGO models and the 2.4mm gauge lasts for years.
5. Arnold Maxi-Edge Commercial Grade Trimmer Line
Product Specs
- Manufacturer: Arnold
- Model: WLM-H80
- Line Shape: Star
- Diameter: 0.080”
- Length: 140-foot
Best 0.080” trimmer line
Arnold’s line is an affordable 140-foot line with seven refills. The unit has a 0.080” thickness and features a six-star design and a cutting tool. Ample refills allow the line to be used for light commercial usage.
Polymer material and the star shape allows for trimming thicker patches with greater ease.
Why We Like It
- Stronger and more durable than most OEM lines
- Seven refills provide long-lasting usage
- Star design provides precise, clean cuts
Our Verdict
Arnold’s 0.080” line provides enough length and ample durability for light commercial use or ample residential usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep the string trimmer line from sticking?
Even the best trimmer line tends to stick together. One trick that a lot of people use is to spray the line with WD-40. The WD-40 keeps the line from sticking together. You may also have an issue with your string trimmer’s head that’s causing the problem.
If you’re using the right string and use WD-40, it will keep the majority of sticking to a minimum.
How to replace my string trimmer line?
You’ll eventually need to replenish your string when using a string trimmer. To replace the trimmer line, follow these steps:
- Power down your unit.
- Remove the bump knob.
- Cut a new line of 10 to 20 feet.
- Wind the trimmer line onto the spool properly.
There are also automatic loading spools where you remove old string line and pop new ones in easily.
You can watch a YouTube video from Home Depot that shows you how fast and easy it is to replace the string trimmer line.
How do I choose which trimmer line I need?
If this is your first time using a string trimmer or weed eater, you’re probably wondering what line you’ll need to replace the one that came with your unit. The thickness will depend on your needs. A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need the following line for your string trimmer:
- .080 mm for lighter work
- .095 mm – .105 mm for medium work
- .110 mm+ for thicker work including brambles
Each line shape will make different cuts. Square lines will be sharper than round lines. The round trimmer line you use provides more tearing vs. a cutting approach.
If your original line worked well, you can always replace it with the same thickness and shape.
Is a thicker trimmer line better?
String trimmers require thicker line for thicker grass and weeds. In general, if you need to cut through brambles, you’ll need to have the .110 mm or thicker line. Thicker doesn’t mean that the line is better.
You likely want to buy the thickest and sharpest line that your weedeater can handle without losing power in the process.
Residential users can use nylon lines which provide enough durability to work through most simple trimming work. You’ll save some money on the line while losing some durability with lighter nylon lines.
Summary
Each of our string trimmer line reviews provides a great option for keeping grass and weeds out of your lawn. If you need a commercial-grade line, you’ll want to purchase thicker, more expensive lines that can withstand thick brambles and extensive usage.
And if you decide you new a new string trimmer, check out our reviews of The 5 Best Electric String Trimmers.