Trimmer Line Thickness and Purpose: The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Line

Are you struggling with your lawn? It could be your trimmer line. Let's talk about how the thickness of your trimmer line can make a difference. Choosing the right thickness is important for lawn care. A thicker line can handle tough vegetation and last longer. It also gives a cleaner cut and won't get stuck in long grass or weeds.

But a thinner line has its benefits, too. It's more flexible, so you can easily get into tight corners and edges. Plus, it's lighter and won't strain your trimmer's motor. Understanding how trimmer line thickness affects lawn care will help you pick the best one for your needs. Let's dive into more detail about trimmer line.

What Is Trimmer Line, and What Is It Used For?

Trimmer line is used to cut grass, weeds, and light brush in areas where a traditional lawn mower cannot reach. It is the strong, flexible cutting tool used by a string trimmer (also known as a weed eater or weed whacker).

The line is typically made from durable nylon or polymer materials. It is housed in the trimmer head and, when powered by a motor or engine, spins at extremely high speeds. The line works on the principle of impact cutting; the rigidity and speed of the line’s tips allow it to cleanly slice through vegetation like grass and soft weeds.

The specific type of trimmer line you use is crucial because different shapes (such as round, square, or twisted) and thicknesses are available for specific cutting needs. Choosing the right line is important for efficient trimming, as the thickness (diameter) directly impacts its cutting power, durability, and the strain placed on your trimmer's motor.

Now that we understand its function, let's explore how to choose the right line thickness for your specific trimming needs.

Types of Trimmer Line Thickness

There is a selection of trimmer line thicknesses. The usual thickness varies from 0.065 inches to 0.170 inches. Each thickness has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation and the size of the lawn.

If you have heavy work to do, use trimmer lines that are 0.095 inches or thicker. They're tougher and can handle thick grass and dense weeds. These lines give you a cleaner cut and won't wear out as fast. If you go for a thicker line, ensure your trimmer has enough power to handle it.

However, thinner lines, at 0.065 inches, are more flexible and easier to navigate. They're great for maneuvering around tight spots and obstacles. Thinner lines are also lighter, putting less strain on the trimmer's motor and making it more comfortable to use for longer periods of time.

Consider your needs when selecting the trimmer line diameter.

Let's discuss what to think about when choosing trimmer line thickness.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Trimmer Line Sizes

To choose the correct trimmer line thickness, consider the vegetation in your lawn, property size, trimmer power, and budget. 

Lawn size: A thinner trimmer line may be sufficient for small to medium-sized lawns. However, a thicker line will provide better cutting power and durability if you have a large lawn or regularly deal with dense vegetation.

Vegetation type: Different grasses and weeds require different cutting power levels. A thinner line may be enough for thin grass and light weeds, but a thicker line is recommended for thicker grass, heavy weeds, or brush.

Trimmer power: The power of your trimmer's motor is an important factor to consider when you choose trimmer line thickness. Thicker lines require more power to cut effectively without getting tangled or bogged down.

Low-voltage (up 24 volts) and small gas-powered trimmers (20 cc) work best with medium or small-sized trimmer lines. Thicker lines need more powerful engines that spin fast enough for the trimmer lines to cut through grass and weeds. High-voltage (56 volts or 120-volt corded electric) and heavy-duty gas trimmers (more than 35 cc) can capably handle lines with thicker diameters.

Source: Family Handyman

Budget: Thinner lines are cheaper than thicker ones. Before making a purchase, consider your budget and how often you'll use the trimmer.

Use this trimmer line sizes chart in inches and mm to pick the right trimmer line size for your trimmer.