How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? Model-Specific Easy Steps

Introduction

Dewalt is one of the most trusted names in power tools, and their line of weed eaters (also called string trimmers) are beloved by DIYers and landscaping professionals alike for their durability and power. But like any tool with a rotating trimmer line, the line will wear down over time from hitting rocks, thick grass, and other debris. Many owners assume they need to replace the entire spool when the line runs out, but that’s an unnecessary expense. Learning How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? is a simple, 5 to 15 minute skill that will save you money, reduce plastic waste, and get you back to trimming your lawn in no time. This guide covers model-specific steps for all popular Dewalt weed eater lines, including 20V MAX, 40V MAX XR, and corded models, so you can follow along no matter which tool you own.

• Why You Should Restring Your Dewalt Weed Eater Instead of Replacing the Spool
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater
• Safety Precautions to Take Before Starting
• Understanding Your Dewalt Weed Eater’s Spool Type
• Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt 20V MAX Weed Eater
• Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt 40V MAX XR Weed Eater
• Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt Corded Weed Eater
• How to Troubleshoot Common Restringing Issues
• Tips and Best Practices for Extending Your Weed Eater Line Life
• Frequently Asked Questions About Restringing Dewalt Weed Eaters
• Conclusion

Why You Should Restring Your Dewalt Weed Eater Instead of Replacing the Spool

It’s easy to assume that when your weed eater runs out of line, you need to buy a whole new spool assembly, but restringing is almost always the better choice. First, it’s far more cost-effective: a replacement Dewalt spool costs between $15 and $30, while a spool of replacement trimmer line costs $5 to $10, and that one spool of line will give you enough for 3 to 5 full restrings. Second, it’s better for the environment – replacement spools are made of plastic, so reusing your existing spool reduces plastic waste over time. Third, restringing is fast: the entire process takes 5 to 15 minutes, which is much quicker than ordering a new spool and waiting for it to arrive. Finally, learning How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? gives you the ability to make quick repairs mid-job if your line breaks unexpectedly, so you don’t have to pause your landscaping work for hours.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater

Before you start, gather all the supplies you’ll need to avoid interruptions mid-process. You likely already have most of these items on hand:

• Replacement trimmer line (correct diameter for your Dewalt model – most 20V MAX models use 0.080” line, while larger 40V MAX models use 0.095” line; check your user manual for exact specifications)
• Sharp scissors or heavy-duty line cutter
• Small flathead screwdriver (for prying off the spool cover)
• Clean, dry rag (to wipe away grass clippings and debris from the spool head)
• Work gloves (to protect your hands from sharp trimmer line edges)
• Optional: Line winding tool (makes winding line tight and even, especially for larger spools)

Using the correct line diameter for your model is critical – line that is too thick will strain your weed eater’s motor, while line that is too thin will break easily during use.

Safety Precautions to Take Before Starting

Weed eaters are powerful tools, so taking a few simple safety steps will prevent injury and damage to your tool:

1. Disconnect all power sources first: For cordless models, remove the battery from the tool and store it in a separate area away from your work space. For corded models, unplug the weed eater from the outlet. This prevents accidental startup while you’re working on the spool.
2. Wear work gloves: New trimmer line has sharp edges that can cut your fingers, especially when you’re pulling it tight to wind it onto the spool.
3. Work in a well-lit, flat area: Small parts like spool covers and line clips can be easy to lose on uneven ground or in low light.
4. Let the tool cool down first: If you just used your weed eater, the motor and gear housing can get very hot during use. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before handling the spool head to avoid burns.
5. Keep children and pets away: Small parts can be choking hazards, and sharp line can cause injury if handled incorrectly.

Understanding Your Dewalt Weed Eater’s Spool Type

Dewalt uses two main types of trimmer spools across their weed eater lineup, and the restringing process varies slightly depending on which type you have. The table below breaks down the key differences between the two spool types to help you identify which one you have before you start:

Bump feed spools are the most common for residential use, as they are simple to operate and restring. Automatic feed spools are better for larger properties, as they eliminate the need to stop and bump the head to release line, but they require a slightly more precise restringing process to align the line correctly with the feed mechanism. Knowing your spool type is the first step in learning How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? correctly for your specific model.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt 20V MAX Weed Eater

The Dewalt 20V MAX line of weed eaters (including models DCST920, DCST922, and DCST925) all use the bump feed spool design, making restringing quick and straightforward. Follow these steps for your 20V MAX model:

1. Remove the spool cover: Locate the spool cover on the bottom of the weed eater head. Use your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the cover off – it clicks into place with small plastic clips, so apply even pressure to avoid breaking the clips.
2. Remove the old spool and clean the head: Pull the empty spool out of the head. Cut off any remaining line with your scissors and discard it. Wipe out any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the inside of the head with your clean rag to prevent jams later.
3. Prepare the new line: Cut a 10ft length of 0.080” diameter replacement line (the standard size for 20V MAX models). Fold the line in half to find the midpoint – this ensures you have equal length line on both sides of the spool.
4. Wind the line onto the spool: Insert the midpoint of the folded line into the slot on the center of the spool core. Wind one end of the line around the spool in a clockwise direction, and the other end in a counterclockwise direction – this opposite winding prevents tangling when the line feeds out. Leave 6 to 8 inches of line hanging out of the small slots on either side of the spool.
5. Reinstall the spool: Align the small tabs on the edge of the spool with the slots inside the weed eater head, then push the spool in firmly until you hear a click, indicating it is locked in place. Make sure the loose ends of the line are sticking out of the feed holes on the sides of the head.
6. Reattach the spool cover: Snap the spool cover back onto the head, pressing firmly around the edges until it clicks into place.
7. Test the feed: Reconnect the 20V MAX battery to the weed eater, turn on the tool, and tap the bottom of the head firmly on a hard surface 2 to 3 times. The line should extend evenly from both sides. Trim a small patch of grass to confirm it is working correctly before resuming full use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt 40V MAX XR Weed Eater

The larger Dewalt 40V MAX XR weed eaters (including models DCST940 and DCST941) use a slightly larger bump feed spool designed for heavier use. The restringing process is similar to the 20V MAX, with a few small adjustments for the larger spool size:

1. Disconnect power and release the spool assembly: Remove the battery from the tool, then locate the small locking tab on the side of the spool head. Press the tab down firmly, then pull the entire spool assembly straight out of the head. Some 40V MAX models require you to twist the spool counterclockwise after pressing the tab to release it fully.
2. Remove the old spool and clean the head: Take the old spool out of the assembly, cut off any remaining line, and discard it. Wipe the inside of the spool head and the feed mechanism clean with your rag, making sure no grass or dirt is blocking the line feed channels.
3. Prepare the replacement line: 40V MAX models use thicker 0.095” diameter line to handle thicker vegetation. Cut a 12ft length of line, then fold it in half to mark the center point.
4. Wind the line onto the spool: Insert the folded center of the line into the slot on the spool’s core. Wind each end of the line around the spool in opposite directions (one clockwise, one counterclockwise), keeping the line tight as you wind to avoid slack. Leave 8 inches of line extending from the small slots on either side of the spool.
5. Reinstall the spool assembly: Align the tabs on the spool with the slots in the head, then push the spool in firmly until you hear a click. If your model requires twisting to lock, turn the spool clockwise until it is secure. Make sure the loose line ends are fed through the feed holes on the sides of the head.
6. Test the feed: Reconnect the battery, turn on the weed eater, and tap the head on a hard surface 2 to 3 times to extend the line fully. Test cut a small patch of thick grass to confirm the line is feeding correctly and holding up to heavier use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt Corded Weed Eater

Corded Dewalt weed eaters like the DCMHT773 use an automatic feed spool, which has a slightly different restringing process than bump feed models. Follow these steps for your corded model:

1. Unplug the tool and remove the spool cover: Make sure the weed eater is unplugged from the wall outlet. Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry the spool cover off the bottom of the head – it is held on with small plastic clips, so take care not to break them during removal.
2. Remove the old spool and clean the feed mechanism: Pull the old spool out of the head, cut off any remaining line, and discard it. Wipe the automatic feed arm and line channels inside the head clean with your rag – automatic feed spools are more prone to clogs from grass and dirt, so make sure the feed arm moves up and down freely before proceeding.
3. Prepare the replacement line: Corded Dewalt weed eaters use 0.080” diameter line. Cut two separate 10ft lengths of line (you do not fold these in half for automatic feed spools, as each side uses its own independent line).
4. Wind the line onto the spool: Insert one end of the first line into the small slot on one side of the spool core. Wind the line tightly around the spool in a clockwise direction, leaving 6 inches of line hanging out of the slot. Repeat this process with the second line on the opposite side of the spool, winding it clockwise as well. Do not cross the two lines over each other while winding, as this will cause jams.
5. Reinstall the spool and cover: Align the tabs on the spool with the slots in the head, then push the spool in firmly until it clicks into place. Make sure the loose ends of both lines are fed through the small holes on the sides of the head. Snap the spool cover back on until it clicks securely.
6. Test the automatic feed: Plug the weed eater back into the outlet, turn it on, and press the trigger. The line should extend automatically after 2 to 3 seconds of use. Test cut a small patch of grass to confirm the feed is working correctly before resuming full use.

How to Troubleshoot Common Restringing Issues

Even if you follow the steps correctly, you may run into a few common issues when restringing your Dewalt weed eater. Here’s how to fix them:

• Line won’t feed out: First, confirm you wound the line in the correct direction (clockwise for most Dewalt spools). If the winding direction is correct, check that the spool is fully clicked into place and that the line ends are fed through the correct holes in the head. For bump feed models, make sure you are tapping the head firmly on a hard surface, not soft grass, to release line.
• Line breaks frequently while trimming: This is almost always caused by using the wrong line diameter for your model, or winding the line too loosely on the spool. Double-check that you are using the exact line size recommended in your user manual, and wind the line as tightly as possible to avoid slack.
• Line feeds out too much or too little: For bump feed models, adjust the line length knob on the head (if your model has one) to set your desired cutting width. For automatic feed models, check that the feed arm is not stuck with grass or dirt, and that the line is not tangled around the feed mechanism inside the head.
• Spool won’t click into place: Make sure the tabs on the spool are fully aligned with the slots in the head, and that no debris is blocking the slots. If the plastic clips on the spool cover are broken, you will need to replace the cover before the spool will lock into place.

Tips and Best Practices for Extending Your Weed Eater Line Life

Once you’ve mastered How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater?, follow these tips to make your line last longer and reduce how often you need to restring:

• Always use the correct line diameter for your model: Using line that is too thick will strain your weed eater’s motor and cause the line to break more easily. Check your user manual for the exact recommended size for your specific model.
• Avoid trimming near hard surfaces: Hitting concrete, rocks, brick, or fence posts will wear down the line much faster and can cause it to break mid-use. Keep a 2 to 3 inch gap between the line and hard surfaces when trimming edges.
• Wind the line tightly on the spool: Loose line tangles easily and feeds unevenly, leading to more breakage. Use a line winding tool if you have one to get a tight, even wind every time.
• Store replacement line in a cool, dry place: Extreme heat or cold can make plastic trimmer line brittle, causing it to break more easily during use. Keep spare line in a shaded, temperature-controlled area like a garage or shed.
• Clean the spool head regularly: Grass clippings and dirt can build up in the feed mechanism, causing line to jam or feed unevenly. Wipe out the inside of the head every 3 to 4 uses to keep it running smoothly.
• Don’t overfill the spool: Winding too much line on the spool will cause it to overlap and tangle. Stick to the recommended line length for your model, usually 10 to 12ft total, to avoid overfilling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restringing Dewalt Weed Eaters

How often do I need to restring my Dewalt weed eater?

It depends on how often you use the tool and what type of vegetation you are trimming. For average residential use (1 to 2 hours per week, trimming regular grass and weeds), you will need to restring every 2 to 3 weeks. If you are trimming thick, woody vegetation or using the tool for commercial landscaping work, you may need to restring every few days.

Can I use third-party replacement line for my Dewalt weed eater?

Yes, as long as the line is the correct diameter for your specific model. Third-party replacement line is often cheaper than OEM Dewalt-branded line, and works just as well for most users. Just avoid cheap, low-quality line that is brittle and breaks easily, as this can damage your tool’s feed mechanism.

Why does my line keep jamming after I restring it?

Jamming is almost always caused by tangled line or line that is wound too loosely on the spool. Make sure you wind the line tightly in the correct directions, and that the line ends are fed through the proper holes in the head. You should also check that the feed mechanism inside the head is not clogged with grass or dirt.

Do I need to replace the entire spool if it’s damaged?

If the spool itself is cracked, or the tabs that hold it in place are broken, you will need to replace the entire spool assembly. But if only the line is worn out, you can simply restring the existing spool to save money. Most Dewalt spools are designed to be reused dozens of times over the life of the tool.

How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? with a bump feed vs automatic feed – are the steps different?

Yes, the steps are slightly different depending on your spool type. Bump feed spools require you to fold the line in half at the midpoint and wind the two ends in opposite directions, while automatic feed spools use two separate lines wound in the same direction. The rest of the steps (removing the spool, cleaning the head, testing the feed) are the same for both spool types.

Conclusion

Restringing your Dewalt weed eater is a simple, low-cost skill that every owner can learn in just a few minutes. Whether you have a 20V MAX, 40V MAX XR, or corded model, following the model-specific steps in this guide will have you back to trimming your lawn quickly and easily. Remember to always follow safety precautions, use the correct line diameter for your model, and follow the best practices outlined above to extend the life of your line. If you run into issues, refer to the troubleshooting section to fix common problems fast. Mastering How to Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? will save you money on replacement parts, reduce plastic waste, and keep your tool running at peak performance for years to come.