How Do You Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? 20V/60V Models Covered

Introduction

If you own a Dewalt 20V or 60V weed eater, you’ll eventually need to restring the trimmer line as it wears down from cutting grass, weeds, and small brush. Restringing is a simple, low-cost maintenance task you can complete at home in 10 to 15 minutes, no professional help or specialized tools required. If you’re wondering How Do You Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater?, this comprehensive guide covers every step for both 20V and 60V models, plus pro tips to speed up the process and avoid common errors that can lead to tangles, jams, or premature line wear.

• Understanding Dewalt Weed Eater Trimmer Lines
• Tools and Materials You’ll Need
• Safety Precautions Before Starting
• Step-by-Step: 20V Model Restringing
• Step-by-Step: 60V Model Restringing
• Pro Tips for Smooth Restringing
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Dewalt Weed Eater Line Capacity Comparison
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding Dewalt Weed Eater Trimmer Lines

Before restringing your Dewalt weed eater, it’s important to use the correct line type and size for your model. Using incompatible line can cause poor cutting performance, premature wear, or even damage to the trimmer head, and may void your warranty.

Line Types Compatible with Dewalt Models

Most Dewalt 20V and 60V weed eaters use standard polymer trimmer line, available in round or square cross-sections. Round line is affordable and works well for light residential trimming of grass and thin weeds. Square line has sharper edges that cut cleaner through thicker vegetation, making it ideal for medium to heavy use. Higher-end 60V models support serrated line with small teeth that slice through woody brush and thick stems. Always check your user manual for the exact recommended line type and diameter for your specific model.

20V vs 60V Line Specs

20V models are designed for light residential use, so they typically use 0.080-inch line, with a spool capacity of 10 to 12 feet for single-line heads and 20 to 24 feet for dual-line heads. 60V models are built for heavier commercial or large property use, so they use thicker 0.095-inch line, with a capacity of 12 to 15 feet for single-line heads and 24 to 30 feet for dual-line heads. 20V and 60V spools are not interchangeable, even if they hold the same line diameter, as the spool size and head housing dimensions differ between the two platforms.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Restringing a Dewalt weed eater requires no special tools, just a few basic supplies. Gathering everything before you start will make the process faster and more efficient.

• Replacement trimmer line (correct diameter for your model, 0.080 inch for most 20V models, 0.095 inch for most 60V models)
• Flathead screwdriver or the included Dewalt line cutting tool (attached to most trimmer bodies)
• Clean rag (to wipe debris from the trimmer head)
• Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp line edges)
• Optional: Replacement spool if your current spool is cracked or damaged

Safety Precautions Before Starting

While restringing is low-risk, these simple safety steps will prevent injury and avoid damage to your tool. (See Also:Why Is My Weed Eater Blowing White Smoke)

1. Disconnect the battery from the weed eater before touching the trimmer head to prevent accidental startup.
2. Place the weed eater on a flat, stable surface to keep it from tipping over while you work.
3. Wear work gloves to avoid cuts from sharp new trimmer line.
4. Clear built-up grass and debris from the trimmer head before disassembling it to avoid getting dirt in internal components.

Step-by-Step: How Do You Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? 20V Models

All 20V Dewalt weed eaters use a similar bump-feed trimmer head design, so the restringing process is nearly identical across all 20V models, with only minor variations for single-line vs. dual-line heads. Follow these steps to restring your 20V Dewalt weed eater quickly and correctly.

Removing the Old Line (20V)

1. Locate the small plastic release tab on the bottom of the 20V trimmer head, usually positioned on the side of the housing.
2. Press the release tab and pull the spool straight out of the head. Wiggle it gently side to side if it’s stuck from built-up debris.
3. Pull all remaining old line off the spool. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry out any line stuck in the feed ports, being careful not to damage the plastic.
4. Wipe the spool and head housing with a clean rag to remove grass, dirt, and debris.

Prepping the New Line (20V)

1. Cut a length of new line equal to your spool’s capacity: 10 to 12 feet for single-line heads, 20 to 24 feet total for dual-line heads. Check your user manual for the exact length if unsure.
2. Fold the line in half to mark the center point for dual-line heads. Single-line heads do not require folding.

Loading the Line into the Head (20V)

1. Align the center notch on top of the spool with the folded center of the line (dual-line) or the end of the line (single-line).
2. Wrap the line tightly around the spool in the direction of the arrow printed on the spool (almost always clockwise for 20V models). Wrapping in the wrong direction will cause immediate tangling.
3. Leave 4 to 6 inches of line sticking out of each side (dual-line) or 6 to 8 inches from the feed port (single-line), then tuck the ends into the notches on the spool edges.
4. Ensure the line is wrapped tightly and evenly, with no loose or overlapping sections.

Reinstalling the Head (20V)

1. Align the spool with the head housing notches, making sure the line ends stick out of the bottom feed ports.
2. Push the spool firmly into the housing until you hear a click, confirming it’s locked in place.
3. Pull the loose line ends to confirm they feed smoothly through the ports. If they don’t, remove the spool and rewrap the line to fix tangles.
4. Reconnect the battery to the weed eater, then test the feed by bumping the bottom of the head on the ground while the trimmer is running at idle speed. The line should advance 2 to 3 inches each time you bump it. If it doesn’t, double-check that the line is wrapped in the correct direction and that the spool is fully locked into place.

Step-by-Step: How Do You Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater? 60V Models

60V Dewalt weed eaters are built for heavier-duty use, so their trimmer heads are slightly larger and have a higher line capacity than 20V models. The restringing process is similar to 20V models, but there are a few key differences in spool size and locking mechanism. Follow these steps to restring your 60V Dewalt weed eater correctly.

Removing the Old Line (60V)

1. Locate the spool release button on the bottom of the 60V trimmer head. Press it while rotating the spool counterclockwise to unlock it.
2. Pull the spool straight out of the head housing once unlocked.
3. Remove all old line from the spool, and use a flathead screwdriver to clear any stuck line or debris from the feed ports.
4. Wipe the spool and housing clean with a rag to remove dirt and grass.

Prepping the New Line (60V)

1. Cut a length of 0.095-inch line equal to your spool’s capacity: 12 to 15 feet for single-line heads, 24 to 30 feet total for dual-line heads. Check your user manual for exact specs.
2. Fold the line in half to mark the center for dual-line heads, or cut a single length for single-line heads.
3. If using serrated line for thick brush, ensure the serrated edge faces outward when wrapping.

Loading the Line into the Head (60V)

1. Align the center notch on the 60V spool with the folded center of the line. Note that 60V spools are larger than 20V spools and are not interchangeable.
2. Wrap the line tightly around the spool in the direction of the printed arrow (almost always clockwise for 60V models). Wrap evenly to avoid loose sections.
3. Leave 6 to 8 inches of line sticking out of each side (dual-line) or 8 to 10 inches from the feed port (single-line), then tuck the ends into the spool notches to secure them.

Reinstalling the Head (60V)

1. Align the spool with the head housing notches, making sure the line ends stick out of the bottom feed ports.
2. Push the spool into the housing, then rotate it clockwise until you hear a click, confirming it’s locked in place.
3. Pull the loose line ends to confirm they feed smoothly through the ports. If they don’t, remove the spool and rewrap to fix tangles.
4. Reconnect the battery, then test the feed by bumping the head on the ground at idle speed. The line should advance 2 to 4 inches per bump. If it doesn’t, check the wrapping direction and spool lock.

Tips for Smooth Restringing

Follow these pro tips to make restringing faster, extend line life, and reduce jams and tangles.

• Wrap the line tightly around the spool as you load it. Loose wrapping is the most common cause of jams and tangles.
• Don’t overfill the spool. Overfilling causes line to rub against the head housing, leading to premature wear and jams. Stick to the recommended line length for your model.
• Use only high-quality Dewalt-approved or reputable aftermarket line. Cheap low-quality line breaks easily and can damage your trimmer head.
• Store extra line in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure and extreme temperatures make line brittle and prone to breaking.
• Test the line feed after restringing before using the weed eater, to avoid stopping mid-job to fix feeding issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These common restringing errors can lead to poor performance, frequent line breakage, or tool damage. Avoid them to keep your weed eater running smoothly.

• Wrapping the line in the wrong direction: This is the most frequent error. Always check the arrow on the spool before wrapping, and test the feed after installation to confirm it works.
• Using the wrong line size: Too-thin line breaks easily when cutting thick vegetation, while too-thick line strains the motor and may not fit through feed ports. Use the exact size recommended for your model.
• Overfilling the spool: Overfilling causes excess line to rub against the head housing, leading to jams and wear. Stick to the recommended line length.
• Skipping battery disconnection: Accidentally starting the weed eater while working on the head can cause serious injury. Always disconnect the battery first.
• Reusing damaged spools: Cracked or warped spools won’t hold line securely, leading to tangles. Replace damaged spools instead of reusing them.

Comparison of Dewalt Weed Eater Line Capacities

Line capacity varies slightly between Dewalt 20V and 60V models, depending on whether you have a single-line or dual-line head, and if you use standard or heavy-duty serrated line. The table below outlines the typical specs for each model configuration to help you choose the right line and spool for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Restring My Dewalt Weed Eater?

Restringing frequency depends on usage and vegetation type. For light residential use (1 to 2 times per month), restring every 2 to 3 months. For heavy commercial use (weekly or more frequent), restring every 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll know it’s time when the line is worn down to less than 2 to 3 inches, breaks frequently during use, or doesn’t advance properly when you bump the head on the ground. (See Also:Can You Store Weed Eater Vertical Or Horizontal)

What Line Size Should I Use for My Dewalt Weed Eater?

Most 20V models use 0.080-inch line, while 60V models use 0.095-inch line. Some compact 20V models use 0.065-inch line for very light trimming tasks. Always check your user manual for the exact recommended line size, as using the wrong diameter can damage the trimmer motor or cause frequent breakage.

Can I Use Aftermarket Line in My Dewalt Weed Eater?

Yes, high-quality aftermarket line that matches your model’s recommended diameter and type works fine. Avoid cheap no-name line, which is often brittle, breaks easily, and can damage your trimmer head. Choose aftermarket line from reputable brands that list Dewalt compatibility to ensure the best performance.

Why Is My Line Breaking So Fast After Restringing?

Fast line breakage after restringing is usually caused by one of four issues: using the wrong line size, wrapping the line too loosely around the spool, cutting vegetation that’s too tough for your current line, or using low-quality brittle line. Fix the issue by using the correct size, wrapping tightly, upgrading to heavier line for thick brush, or switching to higher-quality line from a reputable brand. (See Also:How To Rethread A Husqvarna Weed Eater)

Conclusion

Restringing a Dewalt weed eater is a simple, low-cost maintenance task you can complete at home in minutes. The process is nearly identical for both 20V and 60V models, with only minor differences in spool size and line capacity. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, using the correct line for your model, and avoiding common mistakes like wrong-direction wrapping or overfilling the spool, you can keep your weed eater running smoothly and extend the life of your trimmer head. If you’ve been asking How Do You Restring a Dewalt Weed Eater?, this guide has provided all the information you need to complete the task quickly and correctly, whether you have a 20V MAX model for light residential use or a 60V MAX model for heavy commercial work. With regular maintenance like restringing, your Dewalt weed eater will stay in top condition for years of reliable, efficient performance.