How Long Should a Trimmer Line Last? Definitive Answer

The weed trimmer line is great for cutting weeds, grass, and many other plants. However, it’s not one of the strongest materials in a lawn care shed. Using a low-quality trimmer line can prevent your weed whacker from cutting through the debris, so it’s best to choose high-end lines.

A trimmer line should last about three to six months if you cut the weeds weekly. A high-quality trimmer line spool lasts longer than low-quality strings, but it also depends on how often you trim the weeds. Soak your trimmer line in water to make it last longer.

In this post, we’ll show you how often you should replace your trimmer line, why it runs out quickly sometimes, and whether or not thicker trimmer string lasts longer than the normal lines. We’ll also provide some tips to keep your trimmer line lasting as long as possible.

How Often Should You Replace Trimmer String?

You should replace trimmer string spools once every 90 to 180 days if you use the trimmer weekly. Overusing the trimmer string greatly increases the chance of it breaking while you’re using it. If you don’t replace it often enough, the ends will fray, and it won’t chop through the weeds.

If you leave your trimmer outside, it could be exposed to excess heat and moisture. Rain can ruin a lawnmower, weed eater, trimmer line spool, and more. It’s important to lay a tarp over the equipment and spools or store them in a shed or garage for the best outcome.

Remember, trimmer string comes in spools of various sizes. You might have to replace the spool more often if you use small spools. For more reasons why your trimmer line runs out too quickly, try some of the ideas in the next section.

Why Does My Trimmer Line Run Out So Fast?

Your trimmer line runs out so fast because the cap is broken, the spool is too short, or the guard is damaged. The cap holds all of the trimmer lines, so it loosens and damages the string if it’s chipped or malfunctioning. A short spool provides a shorter, inadequate trimmer line.

Here’s why trimmer line runs out fast:

• Your weed trimmer line is too thin for the weeds you’re cutting. If you use thin weed trimmer lines, you’ll end up overworking the motor. This process can cause the weed eater to overheat, leading to much bigger problems than replacing the line every so often. Getting thicker lines can fix this common issue.
• You chose low-quality trimmer line, which is known to break within a couple of uses. Not all string trimmers are made the same. In fact, there are more low-end models than anything else. Make sure you check the reviews of the trimmer line and cross them with the brand’s trustworthiness.
• The trimmer line spool is only a handful of feet, which means you have to run back to a yard care place to get more of it. You can choose small spools that weigh less than a quarter of a pound. On the other hand, there are some spools that weigh over one pound and have up to 415 feet of trimmer line.
• The trimmer string isn’t soaked or treated to last longer. Soaking the weed trimmer lines in water can make a significant improvement. If you’re interested in this method, we’ll cover it in a bit in this article. All you need is a bucket or tub of water and a lot of patience.
• The spring, cap, or lever on the weed trimmer is broken. E Replacement Parts shows these parts are responsible for pushing the trimmer line through the machine and under the guard. If any of them are loose, damaged, or functioning improperly, the trimmer will use too much line.

Trimmer line is often known for running out quickly. If you use it too often or incorrectly, you’ll run through it much quicker than you intended to. Fortunately, we’ve provided a few methods to make yours last longer (as well as the aforementioned tips).

Does Thicker Trimmer Line Last Longer?

Thicker trimmer line lasts longer because it’s much more durable and less susceptible to wear and tear. If your trimmer lets you use thick lines, you will be able to cut through large weeds, dense grass, and more. However, they usually don’t last longer than three months or so.

The Oregon Gatorline 1-LB Spool has over 400 feet of 0.08-inch trimmer line. It’s suitable for the vast majority of weed trimmers and lasts much longer than low-end string. You can also grab a half-pound spool if you don’t need too much of it. This bright green trimmer line is easy to see, preventing mistakes and helping you attach it quickly.

Most trimmer lines are about 0.065 inches. Anything around that size or thicker will last much longer than thin, fragile strings. The company, length, and thickness are all worth considering before you choose a spool of trimmer line. Durable trimmer line can often be more effective, precise, and easier to control than metal blades.

That being said, there’s no denying that a trimmer line can’t be as tough as metal. It might be better for your lawn, but don’t you want to make your weed eater lines last longer? If so, review the five-step process below.

How Do I Keep My Trimmer Line From Getting Brittle?

To keep your trimmer line from getting brittle, follow these steps:

1. Fill a five-gallon bucket with water all the way up. The water should be at room temperature. Anything too hot will damage the line, and anything too cold won’t be effective enough to make it worth your time. You can also use an airtight plastic tub if you have multiple spools or sets of trimmer line.
2. Submerge a spool of trimmer lines or each individual line in the bucket. As the line absorbs moisture, it becomes stronger and much more flexible. The edges won’t fray, the ends won’t snap, and they’ll slice through the weeds much easier than untreated trimmer lines.
3. Wait for 24 hours before removing the trimmer string. According to Lawn EQ, you can leave your trimmer line in the bucket as long as you’d like to. They go on to say that many people keep their trimmer line stored in water to make them ready to go whenever they need them.
4. Dry all of the trimmer line. The trimmer line shouldn’t be dripping when you attach it to the weed eater. If it’s too wet, it’ll send water all over the place and make a mess. Pull out as much line as you need, dab it with a towel (don’t squeeze it, though), and attach it to the trimmer.
5. Test the trimmer line on a low-sitting pile of weeds. It’s crucial to find a test spot prior to using the soaked lines elsewhere. Weed eaters can damage vinyl fences, sidewalks, and many other places if they’re used improperly. Test patches help you know where to set the guard and how far away you should be.

Keeping this process in mind will help you get the most out of your trimmer line. It’s important to let them soak long enough to gain the effects. A short session won’t do anything other than make the strings wet, which wastes your time.

Final Thoughts

Trimmer line isn’t made to last forever, but there’s no reason it should break every time you use it. The string is surprisingly strong, especially if you soak it in water to make it less brittle. Don’t forget to choose a trimmer line that’s specifically made for your weed eater.