How to Replace STIHL PolyCut Blades

Replace STIHL PolyCut blades at the mowing head: turn the tool off, remove the retaining bolts on bolted heads, add grease around the bolts, insert matching replacement blades, tighten the bolts, and confirm that every blade moves freely. A PolyCut 2-2 head uses plastic blades that snap into place without tools.

The key is to identify the PolyCut head model, not just the trimmer model. Once you have the correct blades, this is a short maintenance job that can usually be done with the head still attached.

What STIHL PolyCut Blades Do

A STIHL PolyCut mowing head uses pivoting plastic blades to cut grass and light weeds. The blades wear down as they strike grass, stems, pavement edges, rocks, and other obstacles. A worn, cracked, missing, or poorly cutting blade should be replaced before using the trimmer again.

Some PolyCut heads secure blades with bolts. Others, including the PolyCut 2-2, use a tool-free snap-in blade design. The replacement process depends on the head design.

Choose replacement blades by the PolyCut head model stamped or molded on the mowing head, not by the trimmer’s name alone.

Match the Replacement Blades to Your PolyCut Head

Find the PolyCut model on the mowing head and use the matching blade package. If the marking is worn or unclear, consult the trimmer’s instruction manual.

PolyCut Head Model	Replacement Blade Package	What to Confirm
PolyCut 2-2	STIHL part 40080071000, an 8-blade package	Confirm the head model.
PolyCut 5-3, 6-3, 7-3, 10-3, 20-3, 40-3, or 41-3	STIHL part 41110071001, a package of 1 dozen blades	Confirm the exact head number before ordering.
PolyCut 6-2, 28-2, 48-2, 6-3, 7-3, 27-3, or 47-3	VXB’s alternative 24-pack of 145 mm PA66 nylon blades	Confirm both the head number and the package compatibility listing.

Do not assume that a blade that looks similar will fit or pivot correctly. The blade’s mounting shape and length must match the head.

How to Replace STIHL PolyCut Blades

Step 1: Shut Down and Prepare the Trimmer

Turn the trimmer off and wait until the cutting head has completely stopped moving.
If it is a corded electric trimmer, unplug it. If it is battery-powered, remove the battery.
Put on proper protective gloves before handling the blades or mowing head. STIHL specifically calls for gloves during trimmer-head and blade replacement.
Set the trimmer where you can reach the mowing head without pulling on the throttle, trigger, or power cord.

Keep the trimmer head on the shaft for a normal blade change.

Step 2: Remove the Worn Blades

Look at how the existing blades are retained before removing anything. A bolted PolyCut head will have bolts holding the blades in place.
On a bolted head, loosen and remove the retaining bolts, then remove the worn blades from their mounting positions.
Keep the bolts and any original retaining pieces together so they return to the same positions during reassembly.
On a PolyCut 2-2, release the worn plastic blade from its retaining point and pull it out of the head. The replacement blades for this head are designed to be changed without tools.

If a blade does not release easily, stop rather than forcing or cutting the plastic. Recheck that you are releasing the blade from its intended mounting point.

Step 3: Install the New Blades

On a PolyCut 2-2, push each new blade into its slot until it snaps securely into the head.
Repeat the process for every blade position on the mowing head.

On a bolted PolyCut head, place the matching replacement blades in their mounting positions, add grease around the bolts, then reinstall and tighten the bolts.

A properly fitted set should sit securely in the mounts while still being able to move through its intended pivot path.

Step 4: Check Blade Movement Before Restoring Power

With the trimmer still switched off and disconnected from power, move each blade through its normal travel by hand.
Make sure the blades move without resistance and are not trapped by a bolt, plastic edge, grass buildup, or debris.
Check that every bolt is installed and tight on a bolted head, or that every snap-in blade is fully seated on a PolyCut 2-2.
Reinstall the battery or reconnect power only after the head passes this check.
Operate the trimmer according to its instruction manual and stop immediately if the head vibrates abnormally or a blade does not remain in position.

A blade that binds can cut poorly and put unnecessary stress on the mowing head.

When the PolyCut Head or Trimmer Model Creates Confusion

Blade replacement depends on the fitted mowing head, with bolted versions using retaining bolts and the PolyCut 2-2 using snap-in blades.

You Do Not Need to Remove the Entire Head for a Blade Change

Bolted versions need their blade-retaining bolts removed, grease added around the bolts, and the bolts reinstalled after blade replacement; the PolyCut 2-2 uses snap-in blades.

Remove the entire head only when you are replacing the head itself, servicing a damaged attachment, or following the instructions for your specific trimmer. Head-removal directions vary by trimmer and head style, so using a generic removal method can damage threads or install the replacement incorrectly.

A Trimmer Model Name Does Not Identify the Blade

Check the mowing head fitted to your trimmer.

For example, guidance for the FSA 56 covers an AutoCut 2-2 pre-wound spool. If your trimmer has line exiting through eyelets rather than plastic pivoting blades, buy line or a spool rather than PolyCut blades.

A New Blade Will Not Seat

Stop if a new blade will not fully install, snaps back out, or rubs on the head.

Remove the blade and clean away packed grass from the mounting area.

Check the Finished Blade Replacement

Before putting the trimmer away or returning to yard work, use this quick check:

The replacement package matches the PolyCut head model.
Every old or damaged blade has been removed.
Insert and tighten the bolts to hold the blades firmly in place.
Snap-in blades are fully engaged on a PolyCut 2-2 head.
Every blade can move without resistance.
The head is completely reassembled and ready for use.

Keep the head model and replacement part number with the trimmer’s manual or maintenance supplies. That makes the next blade purchase much simpler and helps prevent buying a package based only on the trimmer name.

STIHL’s PolyCut blade-replacement directions call for gloves during trimmer-head and blade replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change plastic blades on a STIHL FS 60 trimmer?

First identify the PolyCut head before selecting a replacement blade. Turn the engine off, wear gloves, then either remove the blade-retaining bolts on a bolted PolyCut head or release the snap-in blades on a PolyCut 2-2. Install blades that match the model stamped on the head; on a bolted head, add grease around the bolts and reinstall and tighten them, then confirm that each blade moves freely before starting the trimmer.

How do I remove PolyCut blades from a gas STIHL trimmer?

Turn the engine off and wait for the mowing head to stop completely before handling it. On a bolted PolyCut head, loosen and remove the bolts, then lift out the worn blades; on a PolyCut 2-2, release each tool-free blade from its slot. Gas power does not change the blade style, so the head model determines the removal method.

Do I need to take the STIHL PolyCut head off to change blades?

No. STIHL’s blade-replacement process is done at the mowing head: remove the bolts on bolted versions, add grease around the bolts, replace the blades, reinstall the bolts, and check for free movement. A PolyCut 2-2 blade replacement is done by removing and snapping blades into the attached head without tools.

How long should I soak STIHL PolyCut blades?

No soaking time is part of STIHL’s PolyCut blade-replacement directions. Install clean, undamaged replacement blades that match the head model, then check that they move freely in the head. If a blade is bent, cracked, or will not seat securely, replace it rather than trying to soften or reshape it.

Can I use a 24-pack alternative blade set in a STIHL PolyCut head?

Only if its listed compatibility matches your exact head model. The VXB alternative pack contains 24 blades measuring 145 mm and lists PolyCut 6-2, 28-2, 48-2, 6-3, 7-3, 27-3, and 47-3 heads. Check both the package listing and the model marking on your mowing head before buying.