Thanks to the latest technology, we can enjoy the flexibility of string and sharpness of blades collectively.
Yes, your guess is absolutely right, we are going to talk about string trimmer plastic blades.
String trimmer plastic blades are also known as nylon blades, brush cutter plastic blades, and push N load trimmer blades.
CONCLUSION
String trimmer plastic blades perform best for grass, weeds, and small trees. They are durable, easy to replace, safe, and economic. To maximize their life soak 24 hours in water before first use.
WHAT IS A STRING TRIMMER
A string trimmer is a simple tool for cutting grass and weeds. It is also known as a weed trimmer, weed eater, and brush cutter.
A string trimmer is handy for cutting grass and weeds near obstacles and irregular surfaces.
As the name indicates a string trimmer uses a nylon string to cut grass. When a trimmer uses blades instead of string we usually call it a brush cutter.
Now, most trimmers can use both string and blades. Although the trimmer head for string and for the blade is different. But this is not an issue.
Replacement trimmer heads for blades are easily available. By just replacing the string trimmer head with a blade trimmer head, you can convert the string trimmer into a brush cutter.
STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES
These blades are composed of high-quality plastic.
They are flexible and can cut grass, weeds, and small branches of trees. Plastic blades are particularly useful for trimming around trees, against walls, and other hard objects.
Upon hitting any hard object their self rebound property prevents damage and knocking of trimmer.
Plastic blades are safer for operators than metal blades. As there is no hazard of flying pieces when the blade hits stones or any hard object.
String trimmer plastic blades are easy to load and replace. They are small in size and lightweight.
Now there is no hassle of replacing strings again and again. Feeding the spool head, and replacing the string during trimming is a technical and tiresome process.
Easy to load plastic blades save this time and energy consumption. If the blade is damaged during trimming, it will hardly take 5 minutes to replace it with the new one.
Usually, three or more blades are used in the trimmer heads.
MATERIAL OF STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES
The basic material for string trimmer plastic blades is Nylon. To enhance its features other chemicals are added to it.
Nylon is a polymer of higher molecular weight amides. It is resistant to water, heat, and chemicals.
These features increase the life of the blades.
HOW TO GET LONG LIFE OF BRUSH CUTTER PLASTIC BLADES
As they are composed of nylon, they give better performance if soaked in water.
Soak the blade in water for 24 hours before first use. It will improve the performance and life of the blade.
As blades are composed of nylon they become soft and more flexible in the water.
If not dipped in water, blades will be brittle and will break upon hitting hard surfaces.
ARE STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES UNIVERSAL?
We can say yes. All the plastic blades fit in the plastic trimmer head. This head fits easily on the trimmer, particularly on cordless trimmers.
CAN WE USE STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES FOR EDGING
No, They are not recommended for edging. They are not as hard as metal blades.
They can cut grass and weeds. But during edging blade has to encounter hard soil and stones. So plastic blades are not suitable for edging.
ARE STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES BETTER THAN METAL BLADES
Both metal blades and plastic blades have their own specialties.
Metal blades are hard and strong. They can cut grass, weeds brushes, and tree trunks. They can be used for edging.
Plastic blades are moderately hard and flexible. They can cut grass, weeds, and small branches.
But plastic blades can neither cut tree trunks nor they can be used for edging.
So we can say in some aspects metal blades are better, while in other plastic blades are a better choice.
HOW TO INSTALL TRIMMER HEAD
To install a plastic blade trimmer head, unscrew the nut of the string trimmer head.
Remove the string trimmer head.
Put the plastic blade trimmer head and screw the nut.
HOW TO INSTAL AND REPLACE STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES
Plastic blades are also called push N load blades.
It means to install the blade, just push the button in the trimmer head, insert the blade and leave the button. You are done. It takes a few seconds.
Replacement of the blades is done in hardly 2 to 5 minutes.
To replace a blade, push the button in the trimmer head, remove the old blade, load the new one and release the button. It’s all.
COMPARISON BETWEEN STRING TRIMMER PLASTIC BLADES AND METAL BLADES
Let’s compare some of the important characteristics of plastic blades and metal blades.
PLASTIC BLADES VS METAL BLADES
PLASTIC BLADES |
METAL BLADES |
SIZEThey are small in size, usually 3 to 11 inches. |
SIZEThey are large in size. Mostly circular blades are used. |
TASKSThey are best for cutting grass and weeds. But they are unable to cut tree trunks. |
TASKSThey can easily cut grass, weeds, and tree trunks. |
HARDNESSThey are soft and flexible. So they rebound on hitting stones, walls, concrete, driveways, or any other hard surface. |
HARDNESSThey are hard. They usually damage or break on hitting stones, walls, or any other hard object. |
DURABILITYThey are long-lasting if used carefully. Plastic blades are resistant to water and chemicals so there are no chances of rusting. |
DURABILITYThey are also durable, depending upon the quality of the blade. They get rust when existing in wet conditions or wet grass accumulated for a long time. |
COSTThey are cheaper than metal blades. |
COSTPurchase cost is higher than metal blades. |
SAFETYSafety is the major advantage of plastic blades. Blade fitting and operation are safe. There is no hazard of flying pieces of stones or broken blades when hitting any hard object. |
SAFETYThese blades demand great care. They are sharp so they must be handled with care. Upon hitting any hard object pieces of stones fly, which can cause injury. The operator’s legs and feet must be covered for safety. |
SHARPENINGThey have a self-sharpening system. So no need for sharpening. |
SHARPENINGThey get blunt on regular use. So they need sharpening at regular intervals. |
REPLACEMENTBlade replacement is handy. Usually trimmer head contains load buttons. You just push the button and insert the blade. Some trimmer heads have nuts. Unscrew the nut, insert the blade and screw it. |
REPLACEMENTThis blade replacement is also easy but not like plastic blades. Firstly you have to lock the blade, then unscrew the nut and washers. Then insert the new blade and washer and screw the nut again. |