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This blog post covers how to change your trimmer line in just a few easy steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this guide will show you everything you need to know to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
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Why Change Your Trimmer Line?
Most gas trimmers come with a nylon line that’s about 0.80″ in diameter. This is good for general purpose use, but there are other types of trimmer line that can be better for specific tasks. In this article, we’ll go over some of the different types of trimmer line and when you might want to use them.
Worn out line
As you use your trimmer, the line will become worn down and frayed. Eventually, it will get so weak that it will snap easily. Not only is this annoying, but it can also be dangerous. A broken trimmer line can fly off of the spool and hit you or someone nearby.
You should aim to change your trimmer line before it gets to this point. How often you need to do this will depend on how often you use your trimmer and what type of vegetation you are trimming. For example, if you have a heavy-duty trimmer that you use every day to trim thick weeds, you will need to change the line more frequently than someone who only uses their trimmer once a week to trim their lawn.
There are a few signs that it is time to change your trimmer line:
-The line is frayed or damaged in any way
-The line is shorter than it used to be (due to wear)
-The line isn’t working as well as it used to (e.g. not cutting as cleanly)
Damaged line
One of the most common reasons to replace your trimmer line is because it has become damaged. Damaged line can cause a number of problems, including:
-Reduced cutting power
-Uneven cuts
-Increased chance of kickbacks
-Damage to your trimmer
If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to replace your trimmer line.
Need for a different type of line
While the type of trimmer you have will play a role in which line you need to use, there are other factors that may warrant a change in the type of line you use. The most common reason for changing trimmer line is because the area you are trimming has changed. For example, if you were trimming your lawn and then moved to trimming around trees and flowerbeds, you would want to switch to a thinner, more flexible line.
Other reasons for changing trimmer line include:
-Wear and tear: Over time, trimmer line will wear down and become frayed. When this happens, it is less effective at cutting and can cause damage to your trimmer.
-Breakage: Trimmer line can break if it hits a hard object or if it is old and brittle. If your trimmer line breaks frequently, it may be time to switch to a different type.
-Type of grass: The type of grass you are trimming can also affect which type of trimmer line you need. For example, thick, course grass will require a heavier, more durable line than thin, delicate grass.
How to Change Your Trimmer Line
Learn how to keep your trimmer running smoothly by changing the trimmer line. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. You will need a new spool of trimmer line and a screwdriver. Follow these steps and you’ll have a new trimmer line in no time.
Preparing the trimmer
Before you can replace the trimmer line, you need toropriately prepare the trimmer. This will involve understanding how your trimmer functions and identifying which parts will need to be replaced.
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions. This is one of the most important steps in preparing your trimmer for line replacement. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with valuable information about your trimmer, such as how to properly thread the line and how to replace the spool.
2. Identify the parts that need to be replaced. In most cases, you will need to replace both the spool and the trimmer line. The spool is located inside the trimmer head, and it holds the trimmer line in place. The trimmer line is what does the actual cutting; it is generally made from nylon or plastic and can be found in a variety of widths and thicknesses.
3. Remove any debris from the trimmer head. This step is important because debris can interfere with the proper functioning of your trimmer head, making it more difficult to replace the trimmer line. Use a brush or compressed air to remove any dirt, grass, or other debris that may have accumulated in the trimmer head.
4. Unscrew the retaining cap on the trimmer head. In most cases, this cap is located on top of the trimmer head and can be removed by hand; however, some models may require a screwdriver or other tool to remove it. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure how to remove the retaining cap on your model of trimmer.
5. Take out spool from inside of Trimmer head . Most spools are wound in a clockwise direction; however, some models may be wound in a counterclockwise direction—consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on your model of
Installing the new line
1. Remove the trimmer head from the trimmer body. On most electric trimmers, this is done by depressing a tab on the side of the head and then rotating it counterclockwise. On gas trimmers, you’ll need to unscrew the head from the body.
2. If there’s any old line left in the trimmer head, remove it.
3. Cut off a length of new line that’s about twice as long as the distance around the circumference of the trimmer head.
4. For electric trimmers, thread one end of the line through one of the holes in the side of the head, then pull it through until there’s about 6 inches of line protruding from the hole. Wrap this around the spool a few times, then thread it through the other hole and pull it tight. Trim off any excess line.
5. For gas trimmers, thread one end of the line through one of the holes in the side of the head, then pull it through until there’s about 6 inches of line protruding fromthe hole. Insert this into one ofthe notches onthe spool, thenwrapit arounda fewtimes and insertit intoanothernotch tolockit in place.Trimoffanyexcessline
Spooling the new line
Most trimmer models come with a spool of cutting line. You’ll need to remove the old line from the spool and replace it with the new line. To do this, first unscrew the spool cap and remove the spool. Cut away any remaining line from the spool, being careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges. Then, thread the new line through the eyelets on the spool and wind it around the spool in a clockwise direction. Once you have enough line wound around the spool, replace the spool cap and screw it back on.
What Type of Line Should You Use?
In order to change your trimmer line, you will need to know what type of line to use. There are many different types of trimmer line available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. This section will cover the different types of trimmer line and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Monofilament line
Monofilament line is most often used for general purpose lawn trimming. It is available in a variety of thicknesses, or diameters, to suit different needs. The heavier the gauge, or diameter, the more durable the line and the better it will hold up to wear and tear. However, thicker line is also more difficult to install and can cause more wear on your trimmer.
Monofilament line is made from a single strand of material, typically nylon or polypropylene. It has a smooth surface that helps it glide through grass without getting tangled or caught on obstacles. This type of line is a good choice for general purpose lawn trimming and can be used on most types of grass.
Multifilament line
Multifilament line, often called nylon line, is the most popular type of trimmer line. It’s made of many individual strands of nylon that are twisted together. The strands can be different diameters, which affects the amount of cutting power and durability. Multifilament line is available in a variety of colors, including clear and fluorescent.
Advantages:
-It’s less likely to break than other types of trimmer line.
-It handles well, so it’s easy to use.
-It’s gentle on plants and lawns.
Disadvantages:
-It can be more expensive than other types of trimmer line.
-It wears down quickly when used on tough or abrasive surfaces.
Braided line
Braided line is made from multiple strands of nylon that are twisted together. It is the most expensive type of line, but it is also the strongest and most durable. This type of line is often used by professional landscapers and gardeners.
If you need a line that can stand up to heavy use, braided line is a good choice. However, it can be difficult to work with because it is so strong. This type of line is also more likely to damage your trimmer if it gets caught in the motor.
How to Choose the Right Trimmer Line
Trimmer line is one of the most important parts of your trimmer. It helps you make clean, straight cuts, and allows you to get into tight spaces. The right trimmer line can make a big difference in the quality of your trim. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re choosing a trimmer line.
Consider the type of grass you’re cutting
The three main types of grass are thick, coarse grass; medium, normal grass; and thin, delicate grass. You will need to use a different thickness of trimmer line depending on the type of grass you’re cutting.
-Thick, coarse grass: 0.080 to 0.105 inches
-Medium, normal grass: 0.055 to 0.080 inches
-Thin, delicate grass: 0.030 to 0.055 inches
Consider the size of the area you’re cutting
Before you can choose the right trimmer line for your needs, you need to take the size of the area you’re cutting into consideration. If you’re only trimming a small area, then you won’t need as much line as you would if you were trimming a large area. The size of the cutting head on your trimmer will also play a role in how much line you’ll need.
Consider the type of trimmer you’re using
The three main types of trimmers are string trimmers, edgers, and brush cutters. Your choice of trimmer line should be based on the type of trimmer you’re using.
String trimmers are most commonly used for trimming lawns and cutting weeds along fences, sidewalks, and other areas where a lawn mower can’t reach. If you have a string trimmer, you’ll need to choose between round or square trimmer line.
Edgers are designed specifically for creating a clean, defined edge along sidewalks, driveway aprons, and planting beds. If you’re using an edger, you’ll need to choose between edging line or edging cord.
Brush cutters are heavy-duty machines that are typically used to clear thick brush and weeds. If you’re using a brush cutter, you’ll need to choose between metal blades or nylon cord.
