The lawnmower reigns supreme in many backyards, but for hard-to-reach places, like fence edges or around delicate plants, string trimmers come to the rescue. They are ideal tools for maintaining a pristine yard. However, to ensure your string trimmer lasts, you'll need replacement trimmer string. In this review, we'll explore the best trimmer strings of 2024. From durability to length, we'll
cover everything you need to know about this product, starting with our top pick, the Oregon Gatorline Trimmer String. It has a strong exterior and a powerful inner core, both ready to provide exceptional performance.
Our Top Picks For Trimmer Strings
A Buyer's Guide to High-Quality Trimmer Strings
Welcome to our ultimate buying guide for trimmer strings! Whether you’re tackling unruly weeds or sculpting the perfect lawn edge, the right trimmer string can make all the difference. There are different shapes and types of trimmer string, or trimmer lines, available on the market today, and choosing the right one for your string trimmer may be daunting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect trimmer string. With our expert advice, you’ll be equipped to achieve professional-level results in your yard maintenance endeavors.
Shapes of Trimmer Lines
Round trimmer lines
This is the standard type that works with almost all string trimmers. The shape allows for minimal tangling and an effective tear through thinner grass and lighter weed plants. Most of the options are highly durable as well and work effectively on the central lawn. However, if the aerodynamics are not properly accounted for, these strings can heat up your string trimmer. They’re also not as effective on heavier weeds near fences or on other hard surfaces.
Square trimmer lines
These trimmer lines come with four sharp edges to help provide cleaner cuts. The extra edges certainly make them more suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as handling a long-ignored lawn. A square trimmer line can trim longer grass and also cleanly cut larger weed plants without putting in excessive effort. However, this type is not as durable as the round strings. There have been multiple instances of the string trimmer line wearing out quickly when used on harder surfaces.
Multi-sided lines
More advancements in the field have led to better string trimmer lines with multiple edges. The rough design combined with six or eight edges makes for a faster, heavier, and cleaner trim. These trimmer lines are mostly used in commercial fields that have excessive growth. They work best in open areas without any hard diversions or obstacles!
Twisted string lines
As the name suggests this design accommodates a twisted shape to get a better grip on thicker surfaces. These trimmer lines are usually used for clearing out the thick grass and weeds that grow on an unused property. They cleanly cut through the surface leaving a uniform yet rough look on the lawn. The lack of noise made when loaded into an electric string trimmer also makes this option quite feasible.
Serrated trimmer lines
The final type provides more power and is generally used when preparing the lawn for completely fresh growth. The serrated trimmer lines come with very sharp and pointed edges that completely cut through the vegetation, thick weeds, and smaller bushes. It won’t be wrong to say that they leave behind a tattered look. However, the sharpness allows for a quick and effective trim on rough and heavy plantations.
Other options like the X-Line trimmer lines or the spiral-shaped lines are just advanced versions of the common round and square strings.
Features To Look Out For
Now that you’re clear on the types of trimmer string available, we can jump onto the important qualities that make a high-performing option stand out from the regular ones.
Materials used
Nylon trimmer lines are the most common accessories in this regard. They’re not only economical but also widely versatile and work with almost all string trimmers. The tough exterior allows for cleaner trims on light weeds and makes for a generally durable product. Some manufacturers prefer a copolymer design that mixes elements like aluminum with nylon to enhance the functionality and resistance of the strings. More advanced options are made using titanium, which improves the usage efficiency and is capable of working on the hardest of surfaces. It also ensures a longer product life cycle.
Heat and welding resistance
The concept of friction comes in handy when using a string trimmer. More common models bump on easily to softer surfaces but struggle when placed against concrete fences. You might have to press upon the machine while doing so or while working on dense weed plants. This creates ample friction within the head and leads to the string lines getting sticky. Eventually, the entire thread welds onto the spool making it useless. Therefore quality materials like nylon and copolymers make for more resistant lines that can withstand some heat and friction.
Diameter and thickness
The dimensions of a trimmer line will determine its capacity to function on a particular texture. Thinner threads varying from 0.065 to 0.8 inches work well on regularly maintained lawns. They can provide a nice clean trim to softer grass while whacking smaller weed plants. However, you’d ideally want to go for thicker options when working on dense vegetation and thick grass. The thickness also adds to the trimmer line’s durability and resistance.
Spool price
We always recommend going for spools that provide a greater length of spring lines at a more reasonable price. Keep all the quality checks in mind and then opt for a product that provides the best value and quantity for the money spent on it.
How to String a Weed Whacker
Once you buy a new trimmer string, you’re going to have to put it in your string trimmer. This video from Stoney Ridge Farmer will show you how:
People Also Asked
Is a square trimmer line better than a round one?
Round trimmer lines are generally more common and preferred for maintaining a home lawn. Although the square lines are more effective on dense landscapes, they're not as durable and strong as round ones. Therefore, the latter type is preferred for everyday use, and more advanced options like multi-sided lines are utilized for heavy-duty tasks.
What should I do to keep my trimmer string from getting dry?
Trimmer string can spin around at a very fast pace. This can cause excessive friction and lead to the material drying up. The most common counter technique for this challenge is soaking the string in clean water. You can do this before and after the usage for better grip and functionality!
What can I do to reduce the noise of my string trimmer?
The easiest solution to this problem is to use a better quality trimmer, head, and trimmer string. An electric trimmer makes way less noise than a gas-powered one. Similarly, a titanium round string or a multi-sided line will generally lead to better usage within the head and hence reduce sound emission.
How do I keep my trimmer string from frequently breaking?
Firstly, always buy the best quality trimmer string, as they're more resistant to wear and tear. You can also take some advanced precautionary measures to elongate the product's life. Make a habit of occasionally cleaning the trimmer head so that the dirt and grass edges do not get in the strings's spinning route. Give the trimmer a proper rest after every use and opt for accessories recommended by the trimmer brand.