How to replace a trimmer line
Are you planning to replace the trimmer line in your brush cutter or grass trimmer? We show you what to consider when doing so.
15.10.2024
Overview: How to replace a trimmer line
- Different STIHL mowing heads, mowing lines and line spools are suitable for different applications
Soak mowing line in water for 24 hours before winding or use
- To replace the trimmer line, you will either need to open the STIHL trimmer head or simply insert the line to load it.
Wind the mowing line on by twisting the head
Alternatively, you can use a pre-filled spool
The best mowing line for each brush cutter or grass trimmer depends on the power of the tool. General information: The thicker the diameter of the mowing line, the more powerful the brushcutter, clearing saw or grass trimmer should be.
The right trimmer line for an application depends on the vegetation in the area to be mown. Longer grass requires a thicker line.
Replacing your trimmer line: methods for STIHL trimmer heads
There are basically three different methods for winding trimmer lines onto a STIHL trimmer head.
Standard trimmer heads: First remove the trimmer head from the brushcutter and open it. You can then wind the replacement trimmer line onto the exposed spool. The arrows help you to wind the trimmer line in the right direction. If you would prefer not to do this yourself, a STIHL dealer near you will be happy to help.
Comfort trimmer heads: With these trimmer heads, you can conveniently wind on the trimmer line from the outside. Simply insert the desired length of line into the trimmer head, then wind it around the line spool by turning the underside of the trimmer head. This winds the line onto the spool with no need to take the head apart. The only thing you need to be careful of here is ensuring that equal lengths of trimmer line protrude from both sides of the trimmer head before winding. Trimmer heads with the comfort feature are identified by the letter “C” in the model name.
There is also a third option for replacing the trimmer line that is suitable for both standard and comfort trimmer heads: open the trimmer head and insert a pre-filled spool.
Video guides
Here you will find guides on how to load your trimmer line into your brush cutter and grass trimmer heads.
The right mowing line for the job
Are you planning to replace your trimmer line and wondering which line is best for your STIHL brushcutter? As a general rule of thumb, the longer and denser the grass is, the thicker the line should be. STIHL trimmer lines come in different colours, each representing a specific diameter, for better recognisability and orientation. For example, red mowing lines always have a diameter of 2.7 millimetres.
But be aware: the thicker the line, the more power you need to achieve a clean cut. So understanding which trimmer line is right for you means considering both the mowing heads and the appropriate line trimmers, clearing saws and brush cutters.
Preparing the trimmer line for winding and proper storage
Last but not least, to ensure appropriate storage and optimal preparation of your mowing line, we recommend that you soak the trimmer line in water for 24 hours before use.
Mowing lines lose moisture and thus elasticity over time. Immersing them in water helps them to recover both, which ensures they wear out slower.
There’s no need to unwind the thread for soaking: you can simply place the loaded spool of trimmer line directly into water.
Doing this also means you won't have to worry about storing your line: you can simply leave it in your grass trimmer until the next time you use it.
