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Quick answer
Use the diameter your trimmer head is approved for first. Within that, STIHL's mowing line guide puts 1.4–2.7 mm line (which includes .080 in, about 2.0 mm) at short grass and small gardens, and 2.4–3.3 mm (which starts at .095 in, about 2.4 mm) at tall grass and large gardens.
Trimmer line (Oregon Gatorline range):
Oregon Gatorline round, square and twistWhere each size sits
| .080 in | .095 in | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeters (converted) | 2.03 mm | 2.41 mm |
| STIHL mowing line band | Short grass, small gardens | Short grass or tall grass, large gardens |
| STIHL heads with it as standard (examples) | AutoCut 2-2, C 5-2, C 6-2 | AutoCut C 26-2, SuperCut 20-2, TrimCut C 32-2 |
| STIHL heads listing it as optional (example) | AutoCut C 12-2 | AutoCut C 6-2 |
Can you put .095 in a head made for .080?
Only if the manual or head card lists it. STIHL's chart shows some heads, like the AutoCut C 6-2, accept .095 as an option, while others list .080 only. STIHL says not every diameter is approved for every trimmer. Husqvarna says the recommended diameter depends on your model and the trimmer head fitted.
If .080 keeps snapping
Before going thicker, check the causes makers list: hard surfaces, a worn head, old dry line. See line keeps breaking. For thick weeds, a shaped line may help more than size. See round vs square.
How we work: size bands come from STIHL's mowing line sheet; head sizes from STIHL's selection chart. We don't test trimmer line ourselves. Sources are listed below.
Questions people ask
Should I use .080 or .095 trimmer line?
Use what your head is approved for. STIHL's mowing line guide puts 1.4–2.7 mm line (including .080) at short grass and small gardens, and 2.4–3.3 mm (from .095) at tall grass and large gardens.
Can I use .095 line in a .080 trimmer?
Only if your manual or head card lists it. STIHL's chart shows some heads, like the AutoCut C 6-2, take .095 as an option, while others list .080 only.
What is .095 trimmer line in mm?
About 2.4 mm. .080 inch is about 2.0 mm.
Sources
Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Sizes come from STIHL; shapes from Oregon and STIHL; breakage causes from Echo, Husqvarna and Ryobi. Stop the engine or remove the battery before opening the head.
