Brush Cutter & String Trimmer Accessories Price Comparison
Compare 185 brush cutter & string trimmer accessories from Makita, Stihl, DeWALT and more — find the best price across top UK retailers.
Brush Cutter & String Trimmer Accessories price comparison UK
Replacement cutting line, extension poles, throttle cables, blade heads — the accessories market for brush cutters and string trimmers is surprisingly deep. With 185 products listed across brands from Makita to Stihl, prices stretch from 5 £ for a basic spool of nylon line all the way to 114 £ for premium multi-tool attachments. The spread tells a story: most buyers are here for consumables, but a significant chunk of the catalogue covers serious upgrade hardware.
Makita dominates this category with 67 products — more than a third of the entire range — and commands a noticeably higher average price than Bosch or Black & Decker. That gap isn't arbitrary. Makita's accessories are engineered to tight tolerances for their own tool ecosystem, and the difference shows in fit and longevity. Bosch and Black & Decker, by contrast, sit firmly in the budget-to-mid tier, which makes them perfectly sensible choices for occasional garden use. Stihl, with 36 products averaging close to Makita's price point, is the natural pick for anyone already invested in Stihl's petrol-powered range.
One thing worth flagging: compatibility is the single biggest pitfall in this category. A cutting line at 9 £ might look identical to one at 7 £, but the wrong diameter or spool format will leave you frustrated in the garden. Always cross-reference your machine's model number before buying — and if you're shopping for a brush cutter or string trimmer itself, it's worth checking which accessories are readily available for that model before committing.
DeWALT's presence here is smaller in volume but punches above its weight at the premium end, particularly with its SplitBoom attachment system. If you run a multi-tool platform, the DeWALT and Makita attachment ecosystems offer the best long-term value — one powerhead, multiple heads. For those maintaining larger plots, it's also worth browsing lawn mowers and power hedge trimmers to round out your garden toolkit. Black Friday and the January sales remain the best windows to stock up on consumables like cutting line in bulk.
How to Choose the Right Brush Cutter & String Trimmer Accessory
Most people only think about accessories when something breaks or runs out — which is exactly the wrong time to be making rushed decisions. The difference between a well-matched accessory and a generic substitute can mean a seized head, a snapped cable, or a motor running under strain. Here's what actually matters when buying in this category.
Compatibility with your specific machine model
This is non-negotiable. Accessories in this category are not universally interchangeable — a Makita spool won't fit a Bosch head, and a DeWALT throttle cable won't connect to a Stihl. Before anything else, locate your machine's model number (usually on a label near the motor housing) and match it exactly. Brands like Makita and Stihl use proprietary fittings precisely to maintain performance standards. Buying a generic alternative to save a few pounds often costs more in the long run if it damages the head or causes premature wear.
Cutting line diameter — and why it matters more than you'd think
Line diameter directly affects cutting power and motor load. Most domestic string trimmers run on 1.3 mm to 1.6 mm line; semi-professional machines handle 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm; heavy-duty brush cutters go up to 3.0 mm or 3.5 mm. Fitting line that's too thick for your machine will overwork the motor and cause overheating. Too thin, and it snaps constantly on anything tougher than soft grass. Check your machine's manual — the correct diameter is always specified. Nylon line is standard; nylon-reinforced or composite line with a twisted profile lasts longer on brambles and coarse vegetation but costs more per metre.
Spool length and how long it'll actually last you
A 15 m spool might seem adequate, but if you're trimming a large garden perimeter, you'll burn through it in a single session. For regular use on a medium-to-large garden, look for spools of 40 m to 100 m — the cost per metre drops significantly at higher lengths, and you won't be stopping every 20 minutes to reload. Pre-wound spools (ready to drop in) are more convenient; bulk line on a reel is cheaper if you don't mind winding it yourself.
Attachment system for multi-tool platforms
If you own a split-shaft or multi-tool machine from DeWALT, Makita, or Husqvarna, the attachment ecosystem is where real value lies. A single powerhead can accept a string trimmer, brush cutter blade, hedge trimmer, or pole saw — each sold as a separate attachment. These attachments sit at the higher end of the price range (often over 24 £), but they eliminate the need to buy multiple complete tools. The DeWALT SplitBoom and Makita's multi-tool range are the most widely stocked in the UK. Just confirm your powerhead's generation before ordering — compatibility isn't always cross-generational.
Blade type for tackling tougher vegetation
For anything beyond grass — brambles, thick weeds, woody stems — a metal blade is far more effective than nylon line. 2-tooth and 4-tooth blades suit general brush clearing; 8-tooth or circular saw-type blades handle denser scrub and small saplings. The trade-off is weight and vibration: metal blades require a harness and add fatigue on long sessions. They're also not compatible with all machines — your brush cutter needs a blade-rated gearbox and guard. If your machine is line-only rated, don't fit a blade regardless of what fits physically.
Build quality of replacement heads
A cutting head takes constant impact — stones, roots, hard ground. Cheap plastic heads crack within a season; heads built from reinforced composite or aluminium with ball-bearing internals last considerably longer and feed line more reliably. Automatic and semi-automatic feed systems are worth the small premium over manual bump-feed heads if you're using the machine regularly — fumbling with a manual reload mid-job is genuinely frustrating. Stihl and Makita OEM heads are the benchmark here; third-party alternatives vary wildly in quality.
- Consumables and basics (From 5 £ to 7 £) : Replacement cutting line, small spools, and basic fittings. Bosch, Black & Decker, and Makita's entry-level line products sit here. Fine for occasional use or topping up stock — don't expect premium line durability at this price.
- The practical sweet spot (From 7 £ to 9 £) : Mid-length spools, better-quality nylon line (reinforced or twisted), and some replacement heads. This is where most buyers should be shopping for regular garden maintenance. Makita, Bosch, and DeWALT all have solid options in this band.
- Upgrade heads and specialist line (From 9 £ to 24 £) : Quality replacement cutting heads, longer bulk spools, and Husqvarna or Gardena accessories. Worth spending here if you use your trimmer weekly — the durability difference over budget options is tangible.
- Multi-tool attachments and professional kit (Over 24 £) : DeWALT and Makita multi-tool attachments, professional-grade brush cutter heads, and high-capacity accessories. Only makes sense if you already own a compatible multi-tool platform. The DeWALT Brush Cutter Attachment and Makita's 191F65-0 live here — serious kit for serious gardens.
Top products
- DeWALT DT20652-QZ brush cutter/string trimmer accessory Brush cutter line (DeWALT) : DeWALT's own-brand cutting line with strong retailer coverage — a reliable choice for DeWALT trimmer owners who want guaranteed compatibility. Not the cheapest line on the market, but the quality consistency justifies the modest premium.
- Makita E-01797 brush cutter/string trimmer accessory Brush cutter line (Makita) : One of Makita's most widely stocked cutting line products, available from five retailers and priced accessibly. Excellent value for Makita machine owners — this is the sensible first buy before experimenting with third-party alternatives.
- Bosch F016800183 brush cutter/string trimmer accessory (Bosch) : Bosch's budget-friendly accessory with solid availability. Good for occasional domestic use on Bosch trimmers, but don't expect the same durability as Makita or Stihl equivalents on heavy vegetation.
- DeWALT DT20685-QZ brush cutter/string trimmer accessory Brush cutter extension pole (DeWALT) : The standout mechanical accessory in the top-by-offers list. If you run a DeWALT SplitBoom system, this extension pole genuinely extends the tool's reach and versatility. Pointless if you don't own a compatible DeWALT multi-tool platform.
- DeWALT Brush Cutter Attachment (DeWALT) : The most capable product in this selection — a proper metal-blade brush cutter head for the DeWALT multi-tool system. Priced at the premium end, but if you're clearing serious scrub rather than lawn edges, this is the right tool. Only buy if your powerhead is blade-rated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which cutting line diameter is right for my trimmer?
Check your machine's manual or the label on the cutting head — the correct diameter is always specified by the manufacturer. As a rule of thumb, electric and battery trimmers typically use 1.3 mm to 1.6 mm line, while petrol-powered machines and brush cutters handle 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. Fitting the wrong diameter risks either constant snapping (too thin) or motor overload (too thick).
Can I use a generic cutting line instead of the branded OEM spool?
Yes, but only if the diameter and spool format match your machine's specifications exactly. Generic line is often cheaper per metre and perfectly adequate for light domestic use. The risk is with pre-wound spool cassettes — cheap versions sometimes have inconsistent winding that causes the line to tangle or jam the feed mechanism. For bulk line on a reel, quality generic nylon is generally fine; for drop-in cassettes, OEM or a reputable brand like Makita or Stihl is safer.
What's the difference between a string trimmer attachment and a brush cutter attachment?
A string trimmer attachment uses nylon line to cut grass and light weeds; a brush cutter attachment uses a metal blade to tackle heavier vegetation — brambles, thick scrub, and woody stems. Brush cutter attachments require a machine with a blade-rated gearbox and the appropriate safety guard. They're not interchangeable, and fitting a metal blade to a line-only machine is a safety hazard. If you need both functions, a multi-tool platform like the DeWALT SplitBoom is the most practical solution.
Are DeWALT and Makita accessories compatible with each other?
No — DeWALT and Makita use different proprietary coupling systems and they are not cross-compatible. Each brand's multi-tool attachments only work with that brand's powerheads. Within each brand, compatibility can also vary by generation, so always verify your specific powerhead model number against the attachment's compatibility list before purchasing.
Should I avoid buying brush cutter accessories from unknown brands?
For cutting line, unknown brands carry relatively low risk — the main concern is diameter accuracy and line quality. For mechanical components — cutting heads, throttle cables, extension poles — we'd be more cautious. Poorly made heads crack under impact, and a substandard throttle cable can fail mid-use or cause erratic speed control. Stick to recognised brands (Makita, Stihl, Bosch, DeWALT) for anything structural. The price difference rarely justifies the reliability risk.
How often should I replace the cutting line on my string trimmer?
There's no fixed interval — it depends entirely on how often you use it and what you're cutting. A good indicator is when the line is consistently snapping before reaching its minimum working length, or when the auto-feed is struggling to advance new line. For a typical UK garden trimmed weekly during the growing season, a 25–30 m spool will last most of the summer. Buying a longer spool (50–100 m) at the start of the season is more economical than buying multiple short ones.
Do brush cutter accessories in 2026 need to meet any UK safety standards?
Yes — accessories sold in the UK should comply with EN 60335-2-100 (the safety standard for garden machinery) and carry CE or UKCA marking. Metal blades in particular must meet specific impact and balance standards. Reputable brands like Makita, Stihl, and Bosch include this compliance as standard; if you're buying from an unfamiliar source, check the product listing for explicit mention of UKCA or CE certification before purchasing.