I bet you’d agree that a Stihl weed eater is one of the most important tools in the gardening shed of any homeowner.
After all, it comes in handy for trimming grasses near delicate plants, under decks, along the fences, and in other hard-to-reach areas. But did you know that the string of the weed eater gets damaged with every use?
In case you’re wondering what size string for Stihl weed eater should you buy, then keep reading!
What Size String For Stihl Weed Eater
Though in existence since 1926, Stihl started manufacturing string trimmers soon after George Ballas invented one in the year 1970. And since then, the company has manufactured dozens of trimmer heads that are compatible with a variety of models sold by it.
String trimmers that rely on nylon cutting threads for functioning require the right size replacement strings for pulling off trimming tasks. Neither should the string be too long nor too large, or it will damage the engine, driveshaft, and gearbox. Not only that, but an oversized string will also entangle together in the spool and clog up, damaging the unit.
Stihl Trimmer Head Specifications
Out of the four trimmer heads manufactured by the brand, only the FixCut is compatible with a 0.130-inch string. That’s because the string is wrapped around a spool, and you’ll have to replace it yourself.
For the TrimCut head, the standard string size is 0.105 inches in diameter, however, you can use a 0.095-inch string. A few models of the AutoCut head run on 0.09 to 0.105-inch strings, while others are compatible with those that are 0.080 to 0.095-inch.
On the other hand, the SuperCut head uses only a 0.095-inch string, so make sure you get the same.
How To Choose The Right Size String For Stihl Weed Eater
1. String Diameters
Of course, there is no shortage of variety when it comes to trimmer heads, as Stihl manufactures plenty of them. Irrespective of whichever style you go for, every unit requires a string of a different diameter.
This means that if someone owns the Stihl AutoCut 25-2, they cannot go for any string they want. Rather, they’ll have to buy a line of either 9 or 8 inches.
And since every style differs from the other, I advise you to go through the manual or the package label properly to understand which one’s the right fit for your device.
2. Length Of The String
Alongside diameter, the length is another important factor that you must consider to determine the replacement string size for your Stihl Weed Eater. While some models and styles may call for longer strings, others might need short ones for functioning.
Ideally, the length of Stihl strings ranges from about 9 feet to more than 30 feet. These values are set forth by the company so that the head can handle them without difficulty. So, I suggest you either download the manual from the official website of the brand or go through the label on the package.
3. Restringing The Head
Nearly all Stihl Weed Eaters allow two options for restringing the trimmer head- restringing the spool in the head or replacing the entire spool.
Those who are unable to figure out the length and diameter of the string must check the head of the weed eater to identify its model number. After that, head over to any local home and garden store to purchase a pre-wound spool that is compatible with the device you own.
Also, I suggest you retain the spool package instead of throwing it away, so you can refer to the specifications mentioned on it when purchasing a new one.
String Problems Faced By Homeowners
Though the measurements mentioned on the package of each model are accurate, you may notice subtle differences in some instances.
At times, the head may not perform as smoothly as it did previously, or the string may entangle and clog the unit. Another common problem homeowners face is that the spool spins slower than it should.
In such cases, trimming the string a bit will put an end to such issues and improve the performance of the unit. Needless to say, don’t ever increase the length or diameter of the string from that mentioned on the package.
Summing It Up
On that note, it’s time to wrap my guide on the topic.
But before I sign off, here’s a last piece of advice - make sure you refer to the package or manual to determine the specifications of the replacement string. This way, you won’t waste your money buying the wrong one and invest in the right size string.
With that, I’ll call it a day. Take care, folks!