How to Restring a Dewalt Electric Weed Eater? Easy

Introduction

Dewalt electric weed eaters are a top choice for homeowners and landscapers alike, known for their durability, power, and ease of use. Over time, the cutting string on these tools wears down, frays, or breaks from regular contact with grass, weeds, and hard surfaces. If you have ever wondered how to restring a Dewalt electric weed eater, you are in luck – it is a simple process that takes less than 10 minutes for most users, no professional help required. Restringing your tool regularly will keep it running at peak performance, extend its lifespan, and save you money on replacement parts and professional service calls. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from identifying when to restring to choosing the right string and avoiding common mistakes, so you can get back to trimming your lawn quickly and easily.

• Understanding Your Dewalt Electric Weed Eater
• Key Components for Restringing
• When to Restring Your Dewalt Weed Eater
• Tools and Materials You Will Need
• Step-by-Step Guide to Restringing a Dewalt Electric Weed Eater
• Choosing the Right Replacement String
• String Type Comparison
• Tips for Longer String Life and Better Performance
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing
• Troubleshooting Common Post-Restring Issues
• Maintenance to Reduce Restring Frequency
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding Your Dewalt Electric Weed Eater

Before you start the restringing process, it helps to have a basic understanding of the key parts of your Dewalt electric weed eater that relate to the cutting string. Most models feature a bump-feed or automatic-feed string head mounted at the bottom of the tool shaft. The string head houses a small spool that holds the cutting string, a feed mechanism that releases more string as it wears down, and a cover that protects the internal components from debris and damage. Knowing how these parts work together will make the restringing process far less confusing, and help you troubleshoot any issues that come up later.

Key Components for Restringing

The three main components you will interact with when restringing are the spool, the spool cover, and the feed slots. The spool is the small plastic cylinder that holds the cutting string, with an anchor hole in the center and notches that align with the head housing. The spool cover is the plastic piece that snaps or twists onto the bottom of the string head to hold the spool in place and keep debris out. The feed slots are small notches on the side of the head housing that the string tails sit in, allowing the string to extend smoothly when you use the tool. Most Dewalt models also have a small arrow printed on the spool that indicates the correct direction to wind the string – following this arrow is critical for proper feeding.

When to Restring Your Dewalt Weed Eater

Knowing when to restring your tool will prevent poor cutting performance and avoid damage to the motor or string head. You should restring your Dewalt electric weed eater as soon as you notice any of the following signs:

• The cutting string is frayed, split, or has visible wear and tear
• The string is shorter than 3 inches, which is too short to cut effectively and can cause the motor to strain
• The tool is not cutting evenly, or is tearing grass instead of slicing it cleanly
• You see smoke coming from the string head, which indicates the string is too short and the motor is overworking
• The string breaks frequently during normal use, even when cutting soft grass

Waiting too long to restring can cause the short string to get tangled in the spool, damage the feed mechanism, or overheat the motor, leading to costly repairs. It is a good idea to inspect the string before each use to catch wear early.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Resticng your Dewalt electric weed eater requires only a few simple tools and materials, most of which you likely already have at home. Having everything ready before you start will make the process faster and more efficient:

• Replacement cutting string: The correct diameter for your model (usually 0.065 or 0.080 inch) and 10 to 15 feet in length
• Small flathead screwdriver: For prying off or twisting the spool cover
• Wire cutters: For cutting the string to the correct length and trimming excess after restringing
• Work gloves: To protect your hands from sharp string ends and debris
• Clean cloth or small brush: For cleaning grass and dirt out of the string head housing

You do not need any special power tools or technical expertise to complete this task, making it an accessible DIY project for users of all skill levels.

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

Follow these simple steps to restring your Dewalt electric weed eater quickly and correctly, with no guesswork required. The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes for most users.

1. Disconnect power and prepare safely: Unplug your corded Dewalt electric weed eater from the outlet, or remove the 20V Max battery from your cordless model to prevent accidental startup. Put on a pair of work gloves to protect your hands from sharp string ends and any debris in the head. This step is the most important safety precaution you can take when working with power tools.
2. Remove the old spool and debris: Locate the spool cover on the bottom of the string head. For snap-on covers, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the cover off; for threaded covers, twist it counterclockwise until it releases. Pull out the old spool, then dump out any remaining string pieces, grass clippings, and dirt from the head housing.
3. Clean the string head housing: Wipe the inside of the head housing with a dry cloth or small brush to remove all stuck-on debris. Grass and dirt buildup can cause the new string to jam or feed incorrectly, so this step is critical for smooth operation after restringing.
4. Measure and cut the replacement string: Cut a 10 to 15 foot length of replacement string (most Dewalt electric weed eaters use this range) with wire cutters to avoid fraying the ends. Use the string diameter recommended for your model – 0.065 inch for light grass, 0.080 inch for thicker weeds – to avoid damaging the head.
5. Wind the string onto the spool: Insert one end of the string into the small anchor hole on the center of the spool, leaving a 2 to 3 inch tail. Wind the string tightly around the spool in the direction of the arrow printed on the spool (almost always clockwise for Dewalt models). Winding in the wrong direction is one of the most common causes of feeding issues after restringing, so double-check the arrow if you are unsure.
6. Seat the spool in the head housing: Leave a 6 inch tail of string at the free end, then align the spool with the notches in the head housing and snap or twist it into place. Make sure the string tails are seated in the feed slots on the sides of the housing so they can extend properly when you use the weed eater.
7. Feed the string through the eyelets: Pull the two string tails through the small eyelets on the outside of the string head, pulling them tight so they are even on both sides. This ensures the string extends equally when you cut, leading to an even cut pattern.
8. Reattach the spool cover: Press the spool cover firmly back into place until you hear a click (for snap-on covers) or twist it clockwise until it is snug (for threaded covers). Do not overtighten the cover, as this can crack the plastic or prevent the string from feeding.
9. Test the string feed: For bump-feed models, tap the bottom of the string head on the ground a few times to release string. For automatic feed models, pull the string manually to extend it. Trim any excess string with wire cutters, leaving 4 to 5 inches exposed on both sides. If the string does not feed, double-check that it is wound in the correct direction and seated properly in the feed slots.
10. Test the weed eater: Reconnect power by plugging the tool back in or reinserting the battery. Test it on a small patch of grass to confirm it cuts evenly and the string feeds properly. If you notice any issues, turn off the tool immediately and recheck the spool installation.

Choosing the Right Replacement String

Using the correct replacement string is just as important as following the restringing steps correctly. The wrong string can damage your tool’s string head, reduce cutting performance, and cause the string to break far more often than necessary. When selecting replacement string, pay attention to two key factors: diameter and material.

The diameter of the string determines its strength and cutting ability. Thinner string (0.065 inch) is best for light residential use, cutting grass and small, soft weeds. Thicker string (0.080 inch) is better for thicker weeds, overgrown grass, and commercial use, as it is stronger and less likely to break. Never use string thicker than the maximum rating for your model, as this can strain the motor and damage the spool.

String material also affects performance and durability. Standard round nylon string is the most affordable option and works well for light use. Polymer-coated nylon is more durable and resists fraying, making it a good choice for regular use. Square or star-shaped nylon cuts more effectively through thick, woody vegetation, as the sharp edges slice through stems more easily. For extremely heavy-duty use, steel-reinforced string is available, though it is more expensive and can damage the spool if used in a model not rated for it.

String Type Comparison

Tips for Longer String Life and Better Performance

With a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your cutting string and keep your Dewalt electric weed eater running at peak performance for longer:

• Always use the exact string diameter recommended for your model. Thicker string than specified will strain the motor and damage the spool, while thinner string will break too quickly.
• Clean the string head after every 2 to 3 uses to remove grass clippings and dirt that can cause jamming and premature string wear.
• Wind the string tightly around the spool when restringing to prevent it from slipping, which causes uneven feeding and frequent breakage.
• Avoid cutting against concrete, rocks, wooden edging, or other hard surfaces, as these will quickly fray and break your string.
• Store your weed eater in a cool, dry place when not in use. Extreme heat or cold can make nylon string brittle, leading to more frequent breakage.
• Inspect the string before each use for fraying or wear, and restring it as soon as you notice damage to avoid putting extra strain on the motor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restringing

Many users make simple errors when restringing their Dewalt electric weed eater that lead to poor performance or damage to the tool. Avoiding these common mistakes will make the process faster and extend the life of your equipment:

• Winding the string in the wrong direction: This is the most frequent mistake. If you wind the string counterclockwise instead of clockwise (the direction indicated on the spool), the string will not feed correctly when you use the tool, leading to uneven cuts and frequent jams.
• Using string that is too thick: A string diameter larger than what your model is rated for will put excessive strain on the motor, cause the spool to jam, and can even crack the string head housing. Always check your owner’s manual for the maximum allowed diameter.
• Skipping the cleaning step: Failing to remove old grass and debris from the head housing before installing a new spool will cause the new string to jam quickly, and can damage the spool over time.
• Leaving too much or too little string exposed: Exposed string longer than 6 inches will vibrate excessively and break quickly, while string shorter than 3 inches will not feed properly. Aim for 4 to 5 inches of exposed string after restringing.
• Overtightening the spool cover: Pressing or twisting the cover too hard can crack the plastic housing, leading to debris getting into the head and permanent damage to the tool.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Restring Issues

If you encounter issues after restringing your Dewalt electric weed eater, most problems are easy to fix with a few quick checks. Here are solutions to the most common post-restring issues:

• String will not feed: First, confirm the string is wound in the correct direction (check the arrow on the spool). Next, make sure the string tails are seated properly in the feed slots on the head housing. If the string is tangled on the spool, remove it and rewind it tightly.
• String breaks frequently: Check for debris stuck in the string head that may be catching the string as it feeds. Confirm you are using the correct string diameter and type for your model. Avoid cutting against hard surfaces until you have confirmed the string is installed correctly.
• Uneven cutting: Make sure both string ends are the same length. If one side is shorter, adjust the string to make them even. Also check that the string head is not bent or damaged from previous use.
• Motor strains or makes unusual noises: Turn off the tool immediately and unplug it or remove the battery. Check that the spool is installed correctly and not jammed. Remove any tangled string or debris from the head. If the problem persists, the motor may be damaged and need professional service.

Maintenance to Reduce Restring Frequency

Regular maintenance of your Dewalt electric weed eater will reduce how often you need to restring it and extend the overall life of the tool. After each use, wipe down the string head with a dry cloth to remove grass and dirt. Inspect the string for fraying or wear before every use, and restring it as soon as you notice damage. Avoid using the weed eater in areas with lots of gravel, rocks, or hardscaping, as these surfaces will wear down the string much faster. Store the tool in a dry, temperature-controlled area when not in use to prevent the string from becoming brittle. If the spool itself becomes cracked, warped, or worn out, replace the entire spool assembly rather than just restringing it, as a damaged spool will cause feeding issues no matter how well you install the string.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I restring my Dewalt weed eater?

The frequency of restringing depends on how often you use the tool and the type of vegetation you cut. For light residential use (cutting grass once a week), you will likely need to restring every 2 to 3 months. For heavy use (cutting thick weeds or overgrown areas multiple times a week), you may need to restring every 4 to 6 weeks. Always inspect the string before each use for fraying, wear, or length shorter than 3 inches, and restring it as soon as you notice damage to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the motor.

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

Yes, you can use third-party replacement string as long as it matches the diameter and type recommended by Dewalt for your specific model. Third-party strings are often more affordable than OEM Dewalt string, and many perform just as well. Just avoid using string that is thicker than the maximum rating for your tool, as this can damage the string head and motor.

What string size does my Dewalt electric weed eater use?

Most Dewalt electric weed eaters use either 0.065 inch or 0.080 inch diameter string. 0.065 inch string is best for light residential use, cutting grass and small weeds. 0.080 inch string is better for thicker weeds, overgrown grass, and commercial use. To confirm the exact size for your model, check the label on the string head or refer to your owner’s manual.

Why is my new string breaking immediately after restringing?

Immediate string breakage after restringing is usually caused by one of four issues: you used string that is too thick for your model, there is debris stuck in the string head that is catching the string, you wound the string too tightly around the spool causing it to snap when it feeds, or you cut against a hard surface like concrete or rock right after restringing. Double-check the string size, clean the head housing thoroughly, wind the string tightly but not overly tight, and avoid hard surfaces for the first few uses to resolve this issue.

Is restringing a Dewalt weed eater DIY-able?

Absolutely. Restringing a Dewalt electric weed eater is a simple DIY task that takes 5 to 10 minutes for most users, even those with no prior experience with power tools. It requires no special skills or tools beyond a small flathead screwdriver and wire cutters, and saves you $10 to $15 per restring compared to paying a professional service to do it for you. Following the step-by-step guide outlined earlier will ensure you get the job done correctly the first time.

How do I know if my weed eater has a bump-feed or automatic-feed head?

Bump-feed string heads require you to tap the bottom of the head on the ground to release more string as you cut. Automatic-feed (also called “auto-feed”) heads release string automatically as you work, without needing to tap the head. You can check your owner’s manual to confirm which type your model has, or look for a small bump button on the bottom of the head – if it has one, it is a bump-feed model. Most Dewalt electric weed eaters use bump-feed heads, as they are more durable and easier to service.

Conclusion

Restringing your Dewalt electric weed eater is a quick, easy, and cost-effective DIY task that anyone can complete with minimal tools and effort. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, choosing the correct replacement string for your model, and avoiding the common mistakes listed, you can keep your tool running smoothly for years. Regular maintenance and proper use will reduce how often you need to restring, saving you both time and money over the life of your weed eater. If you encounter any issues after restringing, refer back to the troubleshooting section for quick, simple fixes. With a little practice, you will be able to restring your Dewalt electric weed eater in just a few minutes, no professional assistance required.