Spool & Line

About Spool & Line

Spool and line products are essential replacement components for electric and cordless grass trimmers, designed to keep your lawn edges neat and tidy without the constant expense of replacing entire trimmer heads. These pre-wound spools combine a plastic spool housing with nylon cutting line already wound and ready to fit, offering a convenient solution for both professional gardeners and DIY enthusiasts. The line diameter and length vary depending on your specific trimmer model, with common sizes ranging from 1.5mm to 2mm thickness and lengths from 2.5m up to 10m per spool.

Tooled-Up.com stocks an extensive range of compatible spool and line replacements for all major grass trimmer brands, including Flymo, Ryobi, Qualcast, Black and Decker, and Worx models. These replacement spools are manufactured predominantly by ALM, a leading UK-based brand specialising in garden machinery accessories and consumables. Using the correct spool and line specification for your trimmer model ensures optimal cutting performance and prevents damage to the trimmer head mechanism.

When your grass trimmer line runs out or breaks during use, having the correct replacement spool to hand means you can get back to work within seconds rather than spending time manually rewinding line onto an empty spool. Each product is designed as a direct replacement for specific trimmer models, with part numbers cross-referenced to original manufacturer specifications to guarantee compatibility and performance.

Jargon Buster

• Line Diameter: The thickness of the nylon cutting line, typically measured in millimetres (1.5mm, 2mm, etc.). Thicker line is more durable and suited to tougher vegetation, whilst thinner line is ideal for light trimming and finishing work around delicate plants.
• Pre-wound Spool: A complete replacement unit with cutting line already wound onto the spool housing, ready to install in your trimmer head without the need for manual threading or winding.
• Spool and Line vs Line Only: Spool and line products include both the plastic spool housing and the cutting line, whereas line-only products require you to manually wind the line onto your existing empty spool.
• Auto-feed System: A mechanism that automatically releases more cutting line as it wears down, typically activated by tapping the trimmer head on the ground whilst in operation.
• Reflex System: A specific type of trimmer head design, particularly common on Black and Decker models, which uses spring-loaded spools for quick line replacement.
• OEM vs Compatible: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by the trimmer brand itself, whilst compatible parts are manufactured by third-party specialists like ALM to the same specifications, often at a more economical price point.

Who Uses Spool & Line?

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers: Tradespeople who maintain multiple properties and require reliable, quick-change replacement spools to minimise downtime between jobs.
• Grounds Maintenance Contractors: Workers responsible for maintaining parks, sports facilities, business premises and public spaces who need bulk supplies of compatible spools.
• Domestic Gardeners: Homeowners who maintain their own lawns and borders, typically requiring replacement spools once or twice per growing season.
• Allotment Holders: Gardeners managing larger vegetable plots who use grass trimmers for pathway maintenance and edge trimming around growing beds.
• Garden Maintenance Teams: Local authority workers and estate management staff who maintain communal green spaces and require standardised replacement parts.
• Property Maintenance Professionals: Multi-trade contractors who include grass cutting and garden tidying as part of broader property maintenance services.

How to Choose the Right Spool & Line

Selecting the correct spool and line for your grass trimmer requires careful attention to compatibility. The most important factor is identifying your exact trimmer model number, which is usually found on the rating plate or in your user manual. Each spool is designed to fit specific models, and using an incorrect size can result in poor performance or damage to the trimmer head.

Line diameter is the next critical consideration. At Tooled-Up, the most common sizes are 1.5mm for lightweight domestic trimmers and 2mm for more powerful models tackling tougher vegetation. The line length determines how long you can work before needing another replacement – longer spools (6m-10m) offer better value and fewer interruptions, whilst shorter spools (2.5m-3m) are more economical for occasional users.

Check whether your trimmer uses a single-line or dual-line cutting system, as this affects which spool type you require. Additionally, verify the spool housing design – some trimmers use Reflex systems with spring-loaded mechanisms, whilst others use traditional auto-feed systems. Cross-reference the ALM part number with your original manufacturer's reference number to ensure perfect compatibility. Many products list multiple compatible model numbers in their descriptions, making identification easier.

Consider purchasing spools in multi-packs if you use your trimmer frequently, as this reduces the per-unit cost and ensures you always have spares available during the busy growing season. For professional users, bulk purchasing of the same spool type across multiple identical trimmers simplifies inventory management and reduces procurement costs.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Trimmer Heads: Complete cutting head assemblies for when the spool housing mechanism becomes worn or damaged beyond economical repair.
• Bulk Nylon Line: Economy line sold on larger spools or reels for users who prefer to wind their own spools manually, available in various diameters and profiles.
• Spool Covers and Guards: Replacement protective covers for trimmer heads that have become cracked or lost during operation.
• Trimmer Blades: Metal or plastic blade attachments that convert your line trimmer into a brush cutter for tackling heavier vegetation and woody growth.
• Safety Goggles and Face Protection: Essential PPE to protect against flying debris and line fragments during trimming operations.
• Battery Packs: Spare batteries for cordless trimmer models, ensuring continuous operation without waiting for recharging.
• Shoulder Straps: Ergonomic harnesses that distribute the weight of heavier trimmers, reducing operator fatigue during extended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my trimmer spool and line?

This depends on usage frequency and the vegetation you're cutting. For typical domestic use, one or two spools per growing season is normal. Professional gardeners may require weekly replacements during peak summer months. Replace immediately if the line becomes brittle, breaks frequently, or shows signs of wear.

Can I use any spool and line on my grass trimmer?

No – you must use a spool specifically designed for your trimmer model. Using incompatible spools can damage the auto-feed mechanism, cause the spool to jam, or result in poor cutting performance. Always check the compatibility list or cross-reference your model number before purchasing.

What's the difference between 1.5mm and 2mm cutting line?

The diameter affects cutting power and durability. 1.5mm line is ideal for light grass trimming, lawn edges, and finishing work around flower beds. 2mm line is more robust, suited to tougher grass, weeds, and longer growth. Using line that's too thick for your trimmer model can overload the motor and reduce performance.

Are ALM spools as good as original manufacturer parts?

ALM manufactures high-quality compatible replacement spools in the UK to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. They're designed as direct replacements and typically offer better value whilst maintaining comparable performance and durability. Many professional users prefer ALM products for their reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Why does my trimmer line keep breaking during use?

Common causes include using worn or sun-damaged line, hitting hard objects like walls or paving, incorrect line diameter for your trimmer model, or running the trimmer at excessive speeds. Store spare spools away from direct sunlight to prevent the nylon from becoming brittle, and always check for obstacles before trimming.