Black & Decker LST220 TYPE 1 trimmer Parts

For the Black & Decker LST220 line trimmer, use 0.065 inch (1.65 mm) round nylon monofilament trimmer line. Using heavier or serrated line can overload the motor and lead to overheating; the correct line size helps the EASYFEED spool feed smoothly.

Recommended line type (what to buy)

Use line that matches these specs:

• Diameter: 0.065 inch (1.65 mm)
• Shape: round
• Material: nylon monofilament
• Feed system: compatible with the LST220 self-feeding spool (EASYFEED)

For the exact spool and reloading steps for LST220, follow the instructions in the LST220 owner's manual.

What happens if you use the wrong line

Using the correct diameter matters because it affects both cutting performance and the load on the motor.

Line choice	What you may notice	Result
0.065 in round nylon	Smooth feeding, normal cutting	Best performance and motor protection
Heavier than 0.065 in	Sluggish cutting, poor feeding	Motor overload, overheating risk
Serrated or “aggressive” line	Excess vibration, inconsistent feed	Extra strain on spool and motor

Tips to make line last longer

Line wear increases when you trim against abrasive surfaces.

• Avoid dragging the line along sidewalks, curbs, and rocks
• Use light, controlled passes in heavy weeds (do not force the head)
• Keep the guard in place and the trimmer head clean
• Let the spool feed normally; do not “bump” the head on the ground
• Store line and spools in a dry place to reduce brittleness

Why it matters

The LST220 is designed around 0.065 inch round line; that size lets the self-feeding spool advance line correctly while keeping the motor load in the safe range.

Last updated: February 2026

Some landscapers remove the guard to improve sightlines and maneuverability when edging, and to run a longer cutting line for faster coverage. For the Black & Decker LST220, we recommend keeping the guard installed because it is designed to reduce the danger from thrown debris and to protect the user.

What the guard does on the Black & Decker LST220

The LST220 guard is a safety component, not just a shield. It helps control where debris goes and supports safe operation.

• Helps reduce the risk of stones, metal, and other objects being thrown at high speed
• Helps keep hands, feet, and bystanders farther from the rotating nylon line
• Provides the line cut-off blade that trims line to a safer, controlled length
• Supports safer edging mode use (where debris throw is more likely)

For guard installation and safety warnings, follow the LST220 owner's manual.

Why pros still remove it (common reasons)

These are the most common productivity reasons you will hear in lawn care work:

• Better visibility for cutting a straighter edge along sidewalks and curbs
• Easier access in tight spots (fences, shrubs, landscape borders)
• Less drag and less “bumping” against obstacles
• Ability to run longer line (more swath) for quicker trimming

Trade-offs: speed vs. safety

Removing the guard increases exposure to the rotating line and increases the chance of ricochet injuries, especially when edging near hard surfaces.

Setup	What you gain	What you risk
Guard installed (recommended)	Controlled line length, better debris control	Slightly less visibility in some angles
Guard removed	Visibility and access, sometimes faster coverage	More thrown debris, more injury risk, less line control

If you want cleaner edging without removing the guard

Use these adjustments first; they improve results while keeping the trimmer configured as designed.

• Convert to edging mode and use the edge guide correctly
• Keep bystanders at least 100 feet away when edging
• Use only .065 inch (1.65 mm) round nylon line to avoid overloading the motor
• Do not bump the head on the ground to feed line; let the self-feed work
• Trim away from solid objects to reduce ricochet

Why it matters

On the LST220, the guard and operating precautions work together to reduce thrown-object hazards and keep the cutting line at a controlled length. That matters most when edging, where hard surfaces can turn small debris into high-speed projectiles.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Black & Decker LST220 line trimmer, line breakage usually happens when the wrong line type is used, the line is worn too short, or you are trimming against abrasive edges (sidewalks, fences, rocks). This model is designed for automatic line feeding, so bumping the head can also contribute to problems.

Check the line type first (most common cause)

This trimmer is designed to use .065 inch (1.65 mm) round nylon monofilament line. Using heavier, serrated, or non-round line increases drag, can overwork the head, and makes the line snap more easily.

• Use .065 in round line only
• Avoid “heavy duty” or serrated line
• Replace old, brittle line (it breaks easier)
• If you want the simplest fix, use a factory-wound spool

Use the trimmer correctly to reduce snapping

Abrasive contact and side-loading the line are the biggest day-to-day reasons it breaks.

• Trim with the tip of the line, not the side
• Keep the head slightly above hard surfaces
• Slow down near concrete, brick, edging, and chain link
• Expect faster wear in thick weeds and along sidewalks

Do not bump the head to feed line on this model

The LST220 uses an automatic feed system; the manual warns not to bump the unit on the ground to advance line. If you bump it, you can shorten the line too much, jam the spool, or create uneven feed that leads to repeated breakage.

If the line is still breaking, service the spool area

A dirty or jammed spool can cause the line to snag, feed unevenly, and snap.

What to check	What to do
Spool and housing debris	Clean out grass, grit, and packed clippings
Lever movement in housing	Confirm the lever moves freely
Line winding	Rewind neatly so the line does not cross or bind
Line length at install	Trim so it just reaches the trimming blade

Why it matters

When the line feeds smoothly and stays at the correct length, the trimmer cuts efficiently and the motor runs cooler. That reduces nuisance breakage and helps prevent overheating from overloaded line.

For line specs, spool replacement steps, and feed troubleshooting, follow the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026