How To String A Dewalt Weed Eater [Step By Step Guide]

A weed eater is a handy tool that helps you to cut weeds and grass in the areas your lawn mower can't reach. For it to work effectively, you need to replace the string when it's required, damaged or worn out. To help you string your weed eater properly, we researched to show you how it's done.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to string your Dewalt weed eater:

Switch off or unplug your machine.
Remove the spool cap.
Remove the current string.
Align the inner spindle with the outer spindle.
Cut the required length of the string.
Feed the string into one eyelet so it comes out the other end.
Align an equal length of string on each side.
Rotate the outer spindle clockwise to wind up the string.
Place back the spool cap.

Keep reading to learn how to string your Dewalt weed eater, as well as ways of troubleshooting common problems. We also discuss methods of making your trimmer last longer and if it is necessary to soak it in water. Lastly, we mention the trimmer string considered to provide the cleanest cuts.

How Do You String A Weed Eater?

If your machine has run out of string, then it's time to replace it. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to string a Dewalt weed eater:

Take off the battery or unplug your machine.
Release the spool cap by pushing inwards the buttons that are on each side of the cap.
Remove the current string.
Align the inner spindle's eyelet with the outer spindle's eyelet.
Cut a piece of string that is no longer than 25 feet.
Take one of the string and feed it into one side of the outer eyelet and let it go through the inner spindle and out the other eyelet on the opposite end.
Align the string equally on each side.
Grab the outer spindle, and rotate it clockwise to wind up the string.
Put back the spool cap and push it inwards to close it. You should hear a click as you close it.
You can now use your weed eater.

The video below shows you how to string a Dewalt weed eater.

How To Troubleshoot Common Problems With Trimmer String

Problems can occur with the trimmer string when using your weed eater. Some of the most common and how to troubleshoot them include:

String Or Trimmer Line Is Not Feeding

When the string in your weed eater is stuck and does not feed, you should open it up, examine it, and troubleshoot. The most common reasons that cause this to happen include the following:

Worn Out Or Clogged Trimmer Head

A trimmer head clogged with grass or any other debris will not work. You should therefore clean it. Scoop out the grass and anything else that is inside it. In addition to unclogging it, replace the head if it is worn out.

Damaged Trimmer Head Or Spool

Check out this Dewalt trimmer head on Amazon.

A cracked, chipped, or broken trimmer head or spool can prevent the trimmer line from feeding. These parts are affordable, like the Dewalt trimmer head shown above, which you can order online or purchase from your local hardware shop.

Wrong Size Of String

You can find this Dewalt trimmer line on Amazon.

If you have the wrong size of the string, too thick or thin, it will not feed properly. Check the manual to know the right diameter for your weed eater. Don't exceed the recommended thickness, and neither should it be too thin.

String Wound Too Tight

Winding the string too tight or loose may also cause the trimmer to get stuck in the trimmer head.

Low-Quality String

If you have tried bumping the weed eater and the string does not come out, you may want to check if it has melted. Unfortunately, if this happens, there is a high chance you are using low-quality string. Thus, you should upgrade to a higher-quality one.

How Can You Make Your Trimmer String Last Longer?

If the string in your weed eater is running out very fast, causing it not to last long, you may have strung it incorrectly. You could also be using a string that is thinner than what is recommended in the manual.

You could also be using the wrong shape of string or the wrong technique of trimming.

To stop your string from getting short too quickly, try out the following methods:

Use Correct Technique

Check out this Dewalt weed eater on Amazon.

While using your weed eater, ensure the string is parallel to the ground, particularly when bumping the spool to feed more string.

Use the Correct Size Of String

Use the correct string diameter if you want your trimmer string to last long. Ideally, there are three sizes of trimmer lines. You need to know which size to use for your type of weed eater. They include:

Light string - This ranges between 0.065 to 0.08 inches in diameter. This is the best for trimming grass and weeds around your house, making the lawn near the walkway, driveway, or fence neater.
Medium string ranges between 0.008 to 0.110 inches in diameter and is most suitable for trimming weeds with tough stems.
Heavy string - This one has a diameter that is above 0.110 inches. It is mainly used in commercial areas, where vegetation and bushes are usually thick.

Use Correct Shape Of String

Just like the diameter of the string, the shape of the string you use can determine how long it lasts. Let's check out a few below:

Round String

This shape of a string is best used to trim grass and weeds near fences, trees, and concrete. Even so, it cannot effectively cut grass because it lacks a cutting edge causing it to rip the grass instead. On the upside, it does not break easily if you hit it against a hard surface such as concrete or trees.

Twisted String

This string is stronger than the round-shaped string, which you can use to cut thicker weeds more efficiently. It also does not break easily when it comes into contact with a hard surface like concrete.

Multi-Sided String

This type of string has multiple edges that are available in the shape of a square, star, or pentagon. It has more effective cutting power that you can use to cut overgrown, thick, and heavy vegetation.

However, it breaks easily if accidentally struck on a hard surface such as a rock, concrete, or fence.

Serrated String

This works like a serrated knife, like the one you use to cut bread. It easily cuts through heavy and thick vegetation and grass.

Which Shape Of String Offers The Highest Quality Cut?

We've gone through the different shapes of trimmer strings above. However, which one provides the cleanest cuts?

There is a lot of discussion on this, and it is thought that the star-shaped string cuts the best. It cuts the grass without causing much damage to the blade so that your lawn is neat and tidy.

Is It Necessary To Soak Trimmer Strings In Water?

Trimmer strings are made from nylon, a hygroscopic material. When it's humid, it absorbs moisture. Likewise, when it's hot it loses moisture, which can cause it to become brittle and hence break easily.

To stop the breakage, you can soak it in water for at least 24 hours before using it. Look for a big bucket and add enough water to submerge the spool of string. Afterward, remove it from the water and string your weed eater.

It can also be a good idea to soak the string after purchasing it from your dealer. It's difficult to know how long it has been in the shop before buying it.

In Closing

A weed eater is a wonderful tool that reaches places that your lawn mower cannot. It is lightweight and easy to use. Stringing this machine may look easy, but it can be challenging for some.

We have provided a step-by-step guide to help you with this task, and you should become an expert within a short time.

The string can become brittle due to losing moisture when it's hot. This can cause it to become brittle and can break easily. It is, therefore, a good idea to soak it in water for some hours before using your machine.

Below are more of our previous posts that you may want to read:

Echo Weed Eater Won't Start

How Long Does Dewalt Battery Last