How To Choose The Correct Size Line For Your DeWalt String Trimmer

There can't be many enthusiastic gardeners who don't own a string trimmer (or weed whacker, if you prefer). These versatile tools are well-known for ripping through grass and weeds and creating razor-sharp garden edges. DeWalt is a popular brand, often rated among the best of this type of tool, and with a reputation for high performance.

Every string trimmer needs the line replaced eventually, and it's useful to know how often to do this. It's also vital to know the correct size. Using the wrong diameter line can lead to a host of problems, including uncomfortable vibration, poor cutting performance, and increased load on the motor, which will make the battery drain more quickly.

The easiest way to know how to choose the correct line for your DeWalt string trimmer is to refer to your owner's manual, which will have the relevant information. There should also be a label on the tool. If you don't have either, and you have a current DeWalt model, you can check the string-trimmer section of the brand's website. DeWalt 20V Max string trimmers usually take 0.080-inch line. Most of the 60V Max models also take this size, but the heavy-duty 17½-inch model takes 0.095 or 0.105-inch line. DeWalt's discontinued gas string trimmers generally used 0.095-inch line, but if you're unsure, the best bet is to contact your local DeWalt service center.

While it's always a safe bet to load DeWalt's own brand line onto your string trimmer, and pre-loaded spools are the easy way to do it, if you know how to restring your weed whacker, there's no reason you shouldn't use line from other companies. It's always recommended to buy from a quality brand to avoid frustrating breakages, and well-respected names like Oregon, STIHL, and Husqvarna all provide alternatives.

Using the correct size line for your DeWalt string trimmer is one aspect that will affect performance, but the shape of the line also has an impact. Round line is the common choice and usually the most affordable. One variation on this has small grooves that make it quieter than normal. It's useful in areas with noise restrictions. Square line is often recommended for thick vegetation because it has four sharp edges. 

A pentagon or star-shaped line is another popular choice for heavy growth. For really aggressive cutting, you might try a serrated line. It works much like a saw blade. While you're shopping, you might want to investigate alternate brands of line and the wide variety of cutting performance that's available. Shaped lines may cost a little more, but they might also make life a whole lot easier.