Makita Trimmer Line: Choosing the Right String and Spool
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Makita is best known for professional-grade cordless tools, and its string trimmers are a favorite with homeowners who already use Makita batteries for drills and saws. Sooner or later every trimmer runs out of line, and that is when people start searching for Makita weed wacker string. Trimmer line looks simple, but three details decide whether it works well in your tool: its diameter (thickness), its shape (round or twisted) and whether you load loose line or snap in a pre-wound spool.
Only one of the six products below is genuine Makita, the 198859-8 line; the other five are third-party refills sold to fit Makita trimmers, and they differ mainly between thick 0.080-inch line, thinner 0.065-inch line and ready-to-use replacement spools.
Makita Trimmer Lines Compared
| Model | Made By | Diameter | Shape or Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 080 Twisted Trimmer Line T-03866 | DIFFWELY (third-party) | 0.080 in. (2.0mm) | Twisted, loose roll | 175 ft |
| T-03866 Twisted String Trimmer Line Compatible | DairrrFuuu (third-party) | 0.080 in. | Twisted, loose roll | 175 ft |
| T-03361 0.080″ Round Trimmer Line | Follde (third-party) | 0.080 in. | Round, 1 lb spool | 400 ft |
| 195858-1 String Trimmer Line Head Fit (6 pack) | FurnyQuaint (third-party) | 0.065 in. (1.6mm) | Pre-wound spools | 27 ft per spool |
| Fit for MAKITA Trimmer String Trimmer (4 pack) | FurnyQuaint (third-party) | 0.065 in. (1.6mm) | Pre-wound spools | 27 ft per spool |
| Makita 198859-8 String Trimmer Line | Makita | 0.065 in. | Spiral, loose line | About 50 ft (15M) |
DIFFWELY 080 Twisted Trimmer Line T-03866 for Heavier Weeds
Diffwely
080 Twisted Trimmer Line T-03866 for Makita Gas and Electric Grass Trimmer
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
080 Twisted Trimmer Line T-03866
Best for: Heavier weeds on standard trimmer heads
Pros
- 080 inch twisted line
- 175 ft roll
- Ten-point twist for less noise
Cons
- Third-party, not Makita-made
- Weight listed two ways
The 080 Twisted Trimmer Line T-03866 is made by DIFFWELY, not Makita, and is sold as a replacement matching the T-03866 twisted line number. Each roll is 2.0mm (0.080 inch) in diameter and 175 feet long. The listing describes premium co-polymer nylon that is sharper than traditional line, a core that resists breakage, and a ten-point twist design that makes less noise and drag than other shapes while delivering a straight cut.
The listing says it fits all standard trimmer heads, including Makita string trimmers, for both gas and electric tools, and suggests it is a good choice for heavier weeds and commercial work. It gives the weight as 1/2 pound in the features but 7.4 ounces in the specs. Before buying, check that your Makita trimmer head accepts 0.080-inch line, since some smaller battery trimmers are designed for thinner line. This roll suits a homeowner with thick weeds and a trimmer rated for heavier line.
DairrrFuuu T-03866 Twisted String Trimmer Line for Makita Cordless Trimmers
Dairrr Fuuu
Dairrr Fuuu T-03866 Twisted String Trimmer Line Compatible with Makita Cordless Trimmers 0.080", 175’ Weed Wacker String Replacement, Weed Eater String of Green Premium Nylon, 1/2 lbs, 1Pack
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
T-03866 Twisted String Trimmer Line Compatible
Best for: Makita cordless owners wanting twisted line
Pros
- 080 inch, 175 ft
- Undulated twist for quieter cutting
- Bright green, easy to see
Cons
- Third-party, not Makita-made
- Weight listed two ways
The T-03866 Twisted String Trimmer Line Compatible with Makita cordless trimmers is from DairrrFuuu, a third-party brand. It is 0.080 inch thick and 175 feet long in bright green, made from co-polymer nylon with plasticized materials added for impact strength and flexibility. The listing says it fits most standard trimmer heads.
Its twisted design has an undulated, or wavy, surface that the listing says runs quieter, cuts more precisely, reduces turbulence and vibration, and extends runtime. It claims 30% higher cutting efficiency than standard line, a figure from the seller rather than an independent measure. The title lists 1/2 pound while the specs list 5 ounces. This roll suits Makita cordless owners who want twisted line and like a line color that is easy to spot in the grass. It is nearly identical in size to the DIFFWELY roll, so choose between them by availability and packaging.
Follde T-03361 0.080″ Round Trimmer Line for Bulk Refills
The T-03361 0.080” Round Trimmer Line from Follde is a third-party refill matching the T-03361 round line number. It is 0.080 inch thick and comes on a 1-pound spool holding 400 feet, more than twice the length of the twisted rolls, so it suits people who trim often or maintain a larger property.
The line is copolymer nylon described as flexible and abrasion resistant, and it is bright green so you can see when it needs replacing. The listing suggests soaking the line in water for at least half an hour before use to make it more durable. It says the line fits Makita cordless trimmers and all standard trimmer heads. Round line is the classic shape: it is durable and less likely to break against fences or walls, but it tends to tear grass rather than slice it as cleanly as twisted line.
FurnyQuaint 195858-1 Replacement Spools 6-Pack for Quick Swaps
The 195858-1 String Trimmer Line Head Fit for Makita is a pack of 6 pre-wound replacement spools from FurnyQuaint, plus 1 cover and 1 spring. A pre-wound spool is a small reel that already has line wrapped on it, so instead of winding line by hand you snap the new spool into the trimmer head. Each spool holds 27 feet (8.3 meters) of 0.065-inch (1.6mm) nylon line, and the spool cover is ABS plastic.
The listing names fit for Makita 18V models DUA181Z, DUR181RF and DUR181, and says it replaces spool numbers 195858-1 and 196146-9. Installation needs no special tools. This pack suits owners of those listed models who dislike winding line and want enough spools for a full season. If your trimmer is not on that list, loose line is the safer choice.
FurnyQuaint Replacement Spools 4-Pack for a Smaller Supply
The Fit for MAKITA Trimmer String Trimmer spool pack is the smaller FurnyQuaint option, with 4 pre-wound spools, 1 cover and 1 spring. The spool details match the 6-pack: 27 feet of 0.065-inch line per spool, a rugged ABS cover and durable nylon line, with fit listed for Makita 18V DUA181Z, DUR181RF and DUR181.
The title describes the spools as autofeed replacements, and the listing again notes no special tools are needed. This pack suits someone trying pre-wound spools for the first time, or with a small yard that will not use six spools in a season. For heavier use, the 6-pack gives more line per order.
Makita 198859-8 String Trimmer Line for Genuine Makita Fit
Makita
Makita 198859-8 String Trimmer Line,15M .065", Blue
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Makita 198859-8 String Trimmer Line,15M .065″
Best for: Makita cordless owners wanting genuine line
Pros
- Genuine Makita line
- 065 inch for battery trimmers
- Easy loading
Cons
- Only about 50 ft
- Description mixes in trimmer head details
The Makita 198859-8 String Trimmer Line,15M .065″ is the only genuine Makita product in this list. It is blue nylon line, 0.065 inch in diameter and about 50 feet (15 meters) long, with a spiral shape. The listing says .065-inch line is ideal for battery-powered equipment, loads easily into the trimmer head and is for use with Makita cordless string trimmers.
The description on this listing actually talks about a Makita bump and feed trimmer head, with an 8mm x 1.25mm arbor and a mention of the Makita 12V max CXT trimmer model RU03Z, which seems to be copied from a different product. Treat the feature list as the description of the line. This line suits Makita cordless owners who want the brand’s own refill. At about 50 feet it is a short roll, so heavy users may want a bulk option.
How to Choose the Right Makita Trimmer Line
Start with diameter. Diameter is how thick the line is, and your trimmer’s manual or head will list a range. Thinner 0.065-inch line spins easily and saves battery, which is why Makita describes it as ideal for battery-powered tools. Thicker 0.080-inch line handles heavier weeds but needs a trimmer powerful enough to spin it. When comparing 0.080 vs 0.065 trimmer line, always follow the size your trimmer head accepts.
Next, pick a shape. Round line is tough and long-lasting. Twisted line has a spiral or wavy surface that the listings say cuts more cleanly and runs quieter. If you are shopping for a new trimmer along with line, our guide to a cordless weed eater explains what to look for.
Then choose the format. Loose line on a roll is the most economical for people who do not mind winding. Pre-wound spools, like the FurnyQuaint packs, are faster to swap but must match your exact trimmer model.
Finally, decide on genuine versus third-party. The Makita 198859-8 is the brand’s own line. The others are compatible refills that list Makita fit, so double-check diameter and model numbers. Anyone comparing battery platforms can also read about a 20-volt weed wacker in our related guide.
FAQ
Which trimmer line fits Makita trimmers?
Check your trimmer’s manual for the accepted diameter. The genuine Makita 198859-8 line is 0.065 inch for Makita cordless trimmers, while the third-party 0.080-inch lines list Makita compatibility for heads that accept thicker line.
Is 0.080 or 0.065 trimmer line better?
Neither is better for every tool. 0.065-inch line suits lighter battery trimmers and regular grass, while 0.080-inch line is sturdier for thick weeds if your trimmer supports it.
What is the difference between twisted and round line?
Round line is simple and durable. Twisted line has a spiral shape that the listings say cuts more cleanly with less noise and drag.
Which lines are genuine Makita?
Only the Makita 198859-8 line. The others are made by DIFFWELY, DairrrFuuu, Follde and FurnyQuaint to fit Makita trimmers.
Do the replacement spools fit every Makita trimmer?
No. The FurnyQuaint listings name Makita 18V DUA181Z, DUR181RF and DUR181. For other models, the listing does not specify fit.
Should I soak trimmer line before using it?
The Follde listing recommends soaking its round line in water for at least half an hour before use to improve durability.
