How To Choose The Right Weed Trimmer String For Your Lawn

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Less than five minutes into your task, you notice that your weed trimmer is no longer cutting. Your trimmer string has broken in record time. With a sigh, you adjust the spool, knowing this is just the first of many times you'll do this while you're trying to keep your lawn tidy. If only you'd bought better-quality string. Yet, the right kind of string for you depends on a few variables. Are you on a tight budget? What kind of material do you need it to cut? Are you only dealing with grass, or is there some tough plant matter that you'd like to tame with the same string?

We've narrowed the criteria down to two essentials: affordability and durability. And durability also depends on what you're trimming. After you've weighed your priorities, you not only have brands to choose among but also the string's design. Weed cutter strings come in different shapes and textures on the outside (and sometimes extra coatings) that make certain types better suited for different jobs. The diameter of the string also comes into play. What's more, some of these designs come with a higher cost. 

First, narrow down what shape and thickness will be the most appropriate for the plants you're dealing with. Next, decide what chunk of change you're willing to part with to get the job done. Trimmer line comes in a range of sizes, divided into categories to help you decide which diameter is right for your needs. Before springing for thicker varieties, make sure your trimmer is compatible with them.

Clean edging is the icing on the cake for a lush, green lawn, and the right trimmer line will help you achieve that. If you have a smaller lawn and rarely need to cut more than grass, opt for string that's between 0.065 to 0.08 in diameter. For larger lawns and occasional forays into other plant materials, try string of the 0.085 to 0.105-inch variety. In the off-chance that you have lots of green to maintain, a string with a 0.10-inch diameter could be your best bet. However, most residential jobs are manageable with thinner — and often cheaper — string.

When it comes to shape, round trimmer line is cheaper than other choices. For basic grass trimming, it does a decent job. Round strings tend to break less frequently and cut more quietly than other shapes. But, round string sometimes rips the grass rather than giving it a clean trim; this can lead to browning on the grass tips. Square, multiple-sided, and serrated lines are great cutters. Square and serrated lines cut heavy foliage fast. Multiple-point lines stay sharp a long time, but they often break faster.

Professionals tend to favor twisted line. Its cutting power is hard to beat. This type of string is among the more expensive products, and that might push you toward other options. Something to consider is that twisted line is lighter weight than other designs, sort of counterintuitive in that it cuts best of all shapes. Because of this, your machine doesn't have to work as hard to use it. The higher price on this string may even out, since it reduces the wear and tear on your trimmer.

All boiled down, there's not a huge price difference among most of the products. Keep it simple with a thick round line. Husqvarna Trimforce is an 0.08-inch product that will get the job done inexpensively. It's highly rated and rings up at $14.99 for 400 feet. If the thought of ragged, brown-tipped grass has you second-guessing the many pluses of round trimmer line, give square-shaped string a try. ANLEOLIFE commercial square 0.08-inch trimmer line is a top Amazon pick and runs $14.85 for 557 feet.

For hefty work, a highly rated, extremely durable product that's still very affordable is the Arnold Maxi Edge commercial grade trimming line. The string features a six-point star exterior that is a marvel for cutting the thick stuff for an impressive $9.80 for 440 feet of 0.065-inch line. If tackling heavy brush is one of your regular chores, it might be worth the extra expense of a top commercial-grade product. The Oregon Platinum Gatorline Supertwist trimmer line is twisted, as the name implies, and it's available in a variety of diameters from 0.095 inches and up starting at $15.99 for 145 feet. The Oregon Platinum also stands up brilliantly against heavy cutting. This might be more beefy than necessary for basic lawn needs, but its strength and reduced wear on your trimmer may make this tough product worth investing in. Protect your investment with this weedeater hack you need by soaking your line in water for 24 hours before using it. Do note that this trick may work best for monofilament line.