String Trimmer Line Sizes Explained
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The short answer
Use 0.065-inch line for light grass, 0.080-inch for normal lawn edges and weeds, 0.095-inch for thick weeds and brush, and 0.105-inch for heavy clearing. Round line is quietest, twisted and serrated lines cut cleaner in thick growth but wear faster.
0.080-Inch Trimmer Line Bulk Spool
The standard diameter for normal lawn grass and light weeds.
Line diameter is the single easiest way to improve or ruin a trimmer's performance. Too thin and the line melts against fence posts; too thick and the motor labors, the head feeds poorly and you waste money on line the tool cannot use.
| Diameter | Best for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.065 in | Light grass, detail work | Small yards, flower-bed edges |
| 0.080 in | Normal lawn grass, light weeds | Most suburban trimming |
| 0.095 in | Thick weeds, fescue, fence lines | Heavy residential use |
| 0.105 in | Brush, saplings, thick stems | Clearing and pro use |
Line Shapes Matter Too
- Round line: cheapest, quietest, wears slowly. Best for normal grass.
- Twisted line: cuts cleaner, reduces drag, throws less debris. Good for weeds and edges.
- Serrated / saw-tooth line: aggressive cutting on woody stems. Wears fast and is noisy.
- Square / multi-sided line: bites into thick growth but can vibrate more than round.
Can Your Trimmer Handle the Line?
Check the head capacity, not just the motor. A 20V homeowner trimmer may list 0.080 as the max line. Forcing 0.095 through it strains the motor and the bump-feed mechanism. Most 40V and 56V trimmers handle 0.095 comfortably; 0.105 usually needs a pro head or a gas machine.
How to Reload Line Faster
- 1Cut a 10-foot length of line and find the center.
- 2Thread the two ends through the eyelets on opposite sides of the head.
- 3Wind both spools in the direction shown by the arrow on the head.
- 4Leave 6 inches sticking out; the trimmer will pull them to the right length on startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size line does an EGO string trimmer use?
- Most EGO trimmers ship with 0.095 line and accept up to 0.095. Check the head label, but 0.080–0.095 is the normal range.
- Is thicker trimmer line always better?
- No. Thicker line cuts better in weeds but loads the motor more, feeds poorly in light heads and costs more. Match the line to the job.
- Why does my trimmer line keep melting?
- Melting usually means the line is too thin for the load, you are moving too slowly, or the line is rubbing concrete and fences. Try a thicker line or a tougher shape.
- How long should trimmer line last?
- A spool can last one season of normal use or one afternoon of fence-line abuse. Buy line by the bulk roll once you know the diameter your head likes.
The Gear We’d Buy
Everything referenced in this guide, in one place.
0.080-Inch Trimmer Line Bulk Spool
StandardThe standard diameter for normal lawn grass and light weeds.
Typically $12 – $20
0.095-Inch Twisted Trimmer Line
Heavy dutyStep up to this for thick weeds, fence lines and edging against concrete.
Typically $18 – $28
0.105-Inch Trimmer Line
For brush, saplings and gas trimmers that can feed the larger diameter.
Typically $22 – $35
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Key Takeaways
- 0.080 inch is the right diameter for most suburban trimming.
- Move to 0.095 inch for thick weeds and fence lines.
- Match line diameter to the trimmer head capacity, not just the motor.
- Twisted line cuts cleaner; round line lasts longer and is quieter.
Reviewed by
The Lawn Tool Hub Test Bench
We buy, borrow and break lawn tools on our own yards — clay in the back, sand-cut Bermuda in the front — and write down what actually changed the result.
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Standard
0.080-Inch Trimmer Line Bulk Spool