Petrol trimmer lines: types and tips for choosing

In this article, we will talk about the characteristics (parameters) of the trimmer line, and also give beginners advice on the selection of such a unit. You will also learn how to correctly insert and wind the line on the brushcutter.

The main characteristics of the lines for trimmers are:

• the thickness of the thread itself;
• the shape of its section;
• line composition.

You can find out about the thickness of the thread specifically for your device if you read the performance characteristics of the trimmer. In case, for any reason, the characteristics are lost, you can always orient yourself in accordance with the marks on the universal bobbin. Usually, trimmers use threads with a diameter of 1.2-4 mm... However, many devices have different thread thickness.

It is not forbidden to use less line than stated by the manufacturer of your trimmer - you will not break the implement instantly, but significantly increase the engine wear rate. If the thread is thicker than necessary, in this case, the trimmer engine will work in an enhanced mode, respectively, overheat, and after a while it will break. It should be taken into account that here a lot also depends on the engine itself.

By the type of the engine itself, it is possible to easily determine the approximate size of the line. If the power of the unit, which is connected to the mains or is powered by a built-in source (conventional battery), is approximately 1 kW, then you should purchase a 2 mm line. In the case when the power is less than 500 W, a thread with a thickness of no more than 1.6 mm should be used.

Often they try to choose a line for an electric scythe or a trimmer with a "round section". This type is very common and inexpensive. Fresh grass with this thread will be excellent for mowing. The distinctly audible noise that a trimmer with such a line will make during operation is its main drawback. The level of this noise can be compared in strength with the noise of the engine itself of your device. If you want to minimize the volume of line noise, use a coiled thread. There are many more types of thread sections for petrol cutters with different operating principles (gasoline or electric).

How long the fishing line will serve you depends on its composition. Most often, manufacturers use nylon. Lines made of this material freely withstand high temperatures without losing efficiency, and are also elastic, which will not allow them to break easily. As well as high, low temperatures also do not affect nylon, a thread from this material will last you long enough.

Coax lines are among the strongest. These threads wear out for a very long time, as they have a hard core. Its main advantages are the highest strength, as well as a very low noise level (for nylon it is much higher). Recently, you can find lines in which manufacturers make aluminum inserts.

The reel is the main component of the brushcutter. It is equipped with a special line for cutting grass.This same line can serve you for a very long time, if you do not regret money on it (trimmer line is something that you should not save on). Currently, you can find different cutting threads, which differ in their section, composition and thickness. Often the line is sold in small or large skeins at specialist stores. If you want your mower to serve you for a long time, approach the choice of line with full responsibility (after all, due to the wrong choice, you can even break your device).

1. Never choose a thread for reasons of "economy". If you buy the cheapest and obviously the most substandard line, you can lose a lot more. As a rule, the best parameters are indicated on cheap ("Chinese") lines, but in fact they are completely different. The consequences of buying the cheapest threads can be both thread breakage and the fact that the brushcutter will fail. If the coil breaks down quickly, you will have to replace it again, which means spending even more money.
2. Buy lines only from specialized stores or from sellers in which you are 100% sure not to be deceived.
3. Always check the authenticity of your line. It's no secret that goods can be counterfeited, and reels are no exception. If you decide to buy a high-quality branded thread that will serve you for a long time, look for special holographic signs or codes on its packaging. With their help, you can easily check the authenticity of the line.
4. In addition to the advice above, if you are looking for a quality brand for long-term performance, choose a line from a German or Japanese manufacturer.
5. If your petrol cutter or trimmer has its own production of lines - no doubt, buy them, because the manufacturer took into account all the nuances for you in advance.
6. Do not forget that the line should correspond to all the hardware characteristics of your brushcutter as much as possible, so as not to cause damage to it.
7. It is best to buy 2 or 3 skeins of fishing line at once, intended for different purposes. One type of line will be more effective at cutting fresh young grass, the second will be more effective at cutting tough growth, and the third will help you cut all dead wood.

To do everything correctly and accurately, prepare a separate piece of line about 4 meters. The length may vary depending on the characteristics of your thread and the brushcutter itself. To find out exactly how much line you need, you can do the following simple step: wind the rig inside the spool so that it and the side protrusions of the spool are aligned. In this case, the equipment should not go beyond the side protrusions. What happened is the length you need, now you can refuel. The length of the segment also depends on the thickness of the fishing line - the thinner it is, the more it is needed, the thicker, the less.

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to properly fill the rigging into the guidance of your unit.

• Take the line you measured in the beginning and fold it in half. Make sure that one of the edges of the line protrudes 10-15 cm more than the second.

• Then you need to take the other end from the other side and fold it in half. Gently approach it, while making sure to maintain a 15 cm indent.

• Find a slot in the inner partition, and in it you need to place the loop that you got in step 2.

• Now you need to figure out the direction in which you will wind the line. Ignoring or improper performance of this point may result in your trimmer or brushcutter not functioning properly.Examine the surface of the coil to find out the direction you want. In 99% of the coils, an arrow is drawn there, which shows the desired direction.

• Instead of an arrowhead, there can be a letter designation (for example, WIND LINE), which also indicates the direction. If you are unlucky and there is no pointer on the reel, you will definitely find it on the head. The direction of its movement is drawn on each head, respectively, you need to wind in the opposite direction from what is indicated on the head.

• After you have determined the direction of winding, proceed to the process itself. It is necessary to carefully wind (thread) the thread along the appropriate spacer grooves. There is a groove inside for each end, do not forget to follow it. If suddenly they are not, put the equipment in the proper distribution order.

• Watch the moment when almost all of the thread is wound. When this happens, place in the side wall (special hole) of the aiming the part with the protrusion of 10-15 cm, and then repeat this action with the second end, putting it on the opposite side.

• Pass the ends of the thread into the special holes inside the drum, after inserting the spool itself into the head.

• Place the drum in its place, and then pull on the ends of the thread, thereby pulling them out of the walls of the spool. Now you can put the cover back in place.

The process of winding the line on a brushcutter or trimmer is complete, now cut off the ends of the thread, if suddenly their size does not suit you (or you simply made a mistake in measurements). You can put the drum already fully assembled on your unit. Now you can use it. Even a beginner can install a new line on his device, this rarely causes difficulties.

For the types of trimmer line, see the next video.