Brush cutter line vs blade
The cutting tool matters as much as the machine. Here's when to use nylon line, when to fit a metal blade, and how the two differ on performance and safety.
In short:Nylon line cuts grass, soft weeds and edges and flexes off fences and walls, so it's the safer choice near obstacles. A metal blade — typically a 3- or 4-tooth blade of about 23–26 cm on the machines we review — cuts brambles, scrub and woody stems that line just flails against, but kicks back if it hits something solid, so it needs the correct guard, a bike handle or barrier bar, a harness and full protection. Only fit a blade the manual lists.
Most brush cutters can run either nylon line or a metal blade — and picking the right one for the job makes cutting faster and safer.
Side by side
| Nylon line | Metal blade | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Grass, soft weeds, edging | Brambles, scrub, woody stems |
| Near obstacles | Safe — flexes off fences/walls | Risky — can damage or kick back |
| Cutting power | Lower on tough growth | High — slices woody stems |
| Kickback risk | Low | Higher — needs care |
| Upkeep | Refill line often | Sharpen/replace blade |
Use line for…
Lawns, soft weeds and edging around obstacles — line flexes off fences and walls safely. Match the thickness to the growth (see our line guide).
Use a blade for…
Brambles, scrub and saplings — a 3- or 4-tooth blade for brush, a saw blade for woody stems, only where the manual allows it (see our blade guide). Many machines come with one: 23 cm on the Bosch AFS 23-37, 25.5 cm on the Einhell GC-BC 52, 26 cm on the Ryobi RBC36X26B. Always use a harness and full protection, and mind hidden stones.
The verdict
Keep line on for grass and edging; switch to a blade for brush and woody growth. The most versatile machines take both — learn to swap heads and you're ready for anything. See how to use a brush cutter.
Line-only and blade-equipped machines we review
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardena EasyTrim 25/18V P4A | Cordless | 18V P4A | Homeowners with 18V POWER FOR ALL batteries who want a light trimmer for grass and crisp edges |
| BLACK+DECKER GL9035 | Corded | Corded 900W | Tidy trimming and crisp edging on a small-to-medium lawn near a power socket. |
| Bosch AFS 23-37 | Corded | Corded 950W · Blade | Small plots near a power socket that still have tough or tall growth. |
| Ryobi RBC36X26B | Cordless | 36V MAX Power | Medium plots with tougher grass and light scrub, cordless buyers who still want a steel blade. |
| Stiga BC 545 B | Petrol | 42.7 cc · 2-stroke | Large or tough plots where you want a complete, brand-backed 42 cc petrol machine. |
| Makita DUR369AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | LXT battery owners who want professional cordless power for tough grass and scrub. |
The Gardena and BLACK+DECKER trimmers are line-only; the others are supplied with a metal blade. Fit a blade only to a machine whose manual allows it, with the specified guard.
Frequently asked questions
Line or blade for a brush cutter?
Use nylon line for grass and soft growth — it's safe near obstacles and fences. Use a metal blade for brambles, scrub and woody stems, where line just flails. Many machines take both, so you can switch to suit the job.
Is a metal blade dangerous?
A blade cuts far more aggressively and can kick back if it hits something solid, so it demands more care: a harness, full protection, correct technique and awareness of hidden stones and wire. Used properly, it's safe and far more effective on tough growth.
Can I put a blade on any brush cutter?
Only if the manual lists one for that machine, with the right guard. Line-only trimmers such as the Worx WG183E or EGO ST1300E can't take a blade; brush cutters like the Bosch AFS 23-37 or Makita DUR369AZ come with one.