Choose the fishing line for the trimmer correctly

Electric and gasoline trimmers rely on nylon fishing line as a consumable item. The choice of this line will impact the quality of trimming and the lifespan of the tool. It also affects the user’s comfort when using garden tools. While it’s relatively easy to determine the size of the line needed, specialized stores offer a wide range of options, usually between 5 to 20 types. To make the right choice, it’s helpful to consider the advice of landscaping experts who have experience with adjacent territories and also gather feedback from other users.

Technical characteristics: size and length

The issue of selecting the right fishing line for a trimmer is highly relevant, as the tool’s manual and the packaging of the fishing line usually do not provide detailed specifications beyond the size and cross-sectional type. The first step is to determine the acceptable diameter of the line, which can be found in the trimmer’s user manual. Alternatively, users can take a small sample of fishing line from the package (often included with a new trimmer) and measure it using a caliper or ruler. If both instruments are unavailable, the appropriate dimensions can be determined based on the trimmer’s specifications.

1. For electric trimmers up to 500 W, a line with a diameter of 1-1.6 mm is suitable. This type of line is used for cutting lawn grass.
2. Electric trimmer with a power range of 500W to 1kW, designed for line sizes of 2-2.4mm. Suitable for handling small patches of thin grass and medium-sized overgrown weeds.
3. Gasoline trimmers and brushcutters require line sizes of 2.4-3.2mm. This thicker fishing line easily cuts through dry stems, weeds, and dense thickets.

Fishing line with a diameter larger than 3.2mm is rarely used, usually only on certain types of powerful chainsaws.

In conclusion, the tooling on the trimmer should match the power of the machine. If there are any doubts, it’s best to purchase a smaller diameter fishing line. Using a fishing line with a diameter larger than what is recommended can cause it to regularly wind up on the spool and perform poorly. Additionally, using a line that is too thick can put excessive strain on the engine, leading to rapid overheating.

In general, fishing line typically comes in standard packaging that holds 15 meters. However, there is a rare bobbin specifically designed for this purpose that can hold around 7-7.5 meters, which is approximately half the length. Alternatively, "bay" or "spool" packaging is also available, which can hold anywhere from 250 to 515 meters on average.

Additionally, it is important to consider the date of manufacture when purchasing fishing line. Aging nylon can cause it to shrink and become brittle. If you find yourself with old fishing line, soaking it in water for a few hours may help to restore some elasticity, although it may not fully regain its original state.

Types of cross-section

There are numerous varieties of fishing line available, and color can often be disregarded as there are no specific standards for color characteristics. The crucial factor to consider is the cross-section of the line, which is selected based on the type of vegetation.

1. The circle-shaped line is a versatile option. It creates a smooth cutting motion but produces more noise. Twisted lines, on the other hand, are quieter but tend to wear out more quickly, similar to other twisted lines.
2. A square or polygon-shaped line is more efficient than a round one. Its sharp corners allow for faster and more effective cutting of vegetation.
3. The star, ribbed, or twisted square-shaped line offers maximum efficiency and cutting speed.

It is crucial to understand that using metal wire, cables, or rods as a substitute for fishing line is absolutely prohibited. This kind of gear can easily slice through even leather shoes, resulting in severe injuries to the person handling it.

What fishing line is made of

Nylon (polypropylene or polyamide) is a versatile material that is used in the production of fishing line for trimmers. It is known for its strength, lightweight nature, resistance to wear, and affordability. In order to lower production costs, certain manufacturers incorporate polyethylene into the mix. However, this type of fishing line tends to wear out more quickly and is less resistant to overheating. This distinction between cheap and expensive string of the same variety is significant.

When it comes to fishing line with a thick cross-section (3 mm and above), it is common practice to incorporate a graphite or steel rod, which greatly enhances the cutting ability for all types of grass. The inclusion of a metal base significantly improves the aerodynamic properties of the fishing line, allowing for smoother and more efficient cutting of stems. Another option is a reinforced fishing line, where steel particles are evenly dispersed throughout the string. By adding these metallic fractions, the fishing line gains additional strength and resistance to wear and tear. While the two-component string is more expensive than regular nylon, it is primarily sought after for specialized outdoor improvement projects, such as those undertaken by utility companies.

Upgraded trimmer fishing line

The trimmer fishing line from the top manufacturers can be categorized into two types:

• Those with an ideal balance between price and quality;
• Those with the longest lifespan.

While there are numerous fishing line manufacturers, it is important to focus on brands that have a strong presence in specialized stores.

1. Champion – offers a wide range of fishing line options, from round nylon to solid two-piece cord. Users claim that Champion has the best fishing line in terms of price and quality.
2. Echo is a renowned brand that produces a wide range of fishing lines with different diameters and cross-sectional shapes.
3. Husqvarna is known for its high-quality fishing lines, although it may not be the most affordable option. It is mainly produced in Switzerland and other European countries.
4. Rezer is a top choice for budget-conscious anglers. It offers good quality fishing lines in a wide selection of colors, shapes, and sizes.
5. Siat – a reputable Italian manufacturer that provides high-quality fishing line for trimmers at an affordable price.

Optimal decision would be to select the shape of the fishing line cross-section according to the specific tasks. In general, all tasks related to site cleaning can be categorized into three main groups:

• regular maintenance of the lawn and garden paths;
• periodic cleaning of the area (approximately once a month);
• elimination of dry wood, weeds, perennial grass, and shrubs.

Square or polygonal fishing line is the optimal choice for removing robins, thick weeds, and dense thickets. This type of line has excellent aerodynamic properties, allowing it to effortlessly cut through different types of grass in a variety of conditions. However, one drawback of using a "star" or "ribbed" cross-section fishing line is that it tends to wear out relatively quickly. The grooves on the line reduce its thickness, making it more susceptible to fractures. Despite this, the shaped fishing line is highly effective, saving the user time by not having to repeatedly cut the same section.

It is highly recommended to use this type of fishing line exclusively for its intended purpose.

Typically, two-component fishing line, whether it is reinforced or has a metal core, is quite sturdy and thick. It has the ability to efficiently cut not only small grass, but also vegetation that is up to 2-3 cm in diameter. This strong string is commonly used for clearing the surrounding area and removing overgrowth along roads. In specific cases, the two-component fishing line can be quite handy when there is a need to quickly improve an area that has been neglected and has high, perennial thickets of various types of grass.

There is no definitive answer as to which fishing line is superior. There are types that are considered to be universal (round), and there are others that are more specialized (star-shaped). According to experienced gardeners, choosing the correct shape of the fishing line’s cross-section can help increase productivity and reduce the time needed to work on an area by around 25 percent.