Changing the thread on the lawn trimmer using the Makita DUR as an example: Here's how!

• April 16 2025
• 6 min reading time

Fitting the season, the tool world is once again mainly about garden tools! From hedge trimmers, over grass trimmers, up to sprayers and submersible pumps are currently being bought extensively.

In this article, we will particularly focus on the Tap and Go string heads for grass trimmers (here: Makita DUR Series). We will tell you what they are, what they can do and cost, and most importantly, how you change the strings, here in the blog!

Grass Trimmers, String Heads - What are they?

A grass trimmer serves, as the name suggests, to trim your lawn areas. The difference from a conventional lawnmower is the design. Instead of the thick and heavy body, the grass trimmer consists of a long, light pole, to which handles, the motor, and the trimmer head are attached.

This makes it more comfortable on the one hand, and on the other hand, you can also trim more precisely with such a device. This can be particularly useful if you want to remove something, for example, at edges or along the border of the area.

These are spots that a large lawnmower can hardly reach, which makes the cordless trimmer the number one choice.

Makita DUR Series - Probably the Most Popular Trimmer Range

To give the blog a common thread, we will focus for now on the cordless grass trimmers from Makita, as these are among the most widespread of their kind. However, the information from this article can largely be applied to grass trimmers from other manufacturers, such as Bosch, Stihl or Metabo!

Functions and Advantages of the DUR Series

• Length Adjustment: A crucial factor when deciding on the right grass trimmer is the length of the shaft. This is adjustable on all models within a range of 180mm, meaning the device is always perfectly adapted to your height.
• Mobility and Comfort: In contrast to the very heavy lawnmower that has to be pushed through the garden, a cordless grass trimmer weighs almost nothing. You can disassemble these machines and easily store them in the garden shed.
• Adapted Trimming: Through practical considerations, such as tilting and rotating cutting heads, you can perfectly trim your lawn even in difficult spots.
• Price-Performance Ratio: Cordless grass trimmers are much cheaper to buy than bulky petrol lawnmowers. Of course, you will opt for a mower if your lawn areas are really large, but for moderate garden sizes, you can save a few pennies with a trimmer!

Tap and Go String Heads

To top it off, there's the practical Tap & Go Feature on top, which makes the core of the cordless grass trimmer, the cutting head, very simple to operate and maintain.

The way a grass trimmer cuts grass is with a fast-rotating nylon string. Due to the speed, the string remains consistently at the same height and trims the lawn accordingly.

Changing the String - The Tap and Go 1-String Head

Step 1: Open String Head

To remove the spool from the head, you press the two clips (marked with stripes on the edge) together and thus release them from the housing. You now have the part in your hand onto which the string is wound.

Step 2: Remove the Old String

You unwind the old string from the spool and pull it out of the sleeves on the upper side of the spool.

Step 3: Fix the New String

Before you wind the string, it must be securely fixed. There are different systems for this; with Makita, it's a hole into which the string is clamped and then tightened.

Step 4: Wind the String

Now that it is fixed, wind the string neatly onto the spool. Make sure to always place the string next to each other and parallel.

Step 5: Reattach Spool

Reattach the spool to the machine.

Step 6: Tap, Go!

Switch on the trimmer and tap the string head once on the ground with the button. The Tap&Go function sets the string to the perfect length.

Changing the String on the Tap&Go 2-String Head

Step 1: Open String Head

As with the 1-string head, you press the clips and open the cover of the string head.

Step 2: Remove the Old String Residues

Unwind the old string residues from the spool and dispose of them.

Step 3: Position the String

Divide the string into two halves and position it in the divider of the string head.

Step 4: Wind the String

Wind the string in the direction of the marked winding direction and secure it in the designated holders.

Step 5: Threading

Push the string ends through the holes on the outer wall of the spool so that they are securely fixed.

Step 6: Assemble and Attach Spool

Put the cover back on, assemble everything, and attach the string head to the grass trimmer.

Step 7: Tap&Go

Switch on the trimmer and use the Tap&Go function to bring the string to the ideal length.

Choosing the Right String for Your Grass Trimmer

There are different types of strings you can use for your grass trimmer. The choice of the right string depends on various factors, such as the type of grass, the size of the garden, and the frequency of use. Generally, we recommend:

• Stronger Strings: For thick, tough grass or weeds.
• Thinner Strings: For finer grass or smaller areas.
• Multi-string: These often offer better wear resistance and longer durability.

Maintenance Tips for Your Grass Trimmer

So that your grass trimmer lasts long and works reliably, there are a few maintenance tips that you should regularly follow:

• Clean the cutting head regularly to avoid the accumulation of grass or dirt.
• Check the string for wear and replace it regularly to achieve optimal cutting results.
• Inspect the battery for corrosion or wear and charge it correctly to maximize its lifespan.

Safety Aspects When Working with Grass Trimmers

Safety should always be the top priority when working with grass trimmers:

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying stones or dirt.
• Ensure that no people or animals are in the work area.
• Use the device only in good condition to avoid injuries from defective parts.

Conclusion

Changing the string on Makita grass trimmers with Tap&Go function is simple and straightforward. With a little practice, you can always wind on a fresh string, so your trimming work always remains precise and efficient. Choosing the right string for your grass trimmer and performing regular maintenance ensures that you always achieve the best results.

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