Restringing a DEWALT weed eater is a crucial maintenance task that ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your yard equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a homeowner tackling yard work, understanding the process of restringing your weed eater can save you valuable time and effort. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and troubleshooting techniques to help you restring your DEWALT weed eater with ease and efficiency.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a replacement trimmer line, a trimmer line winder, safety glasses, and work gloves. Additionally, refer to your DEWALT weed eater’s user manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. Once you have everything ready, proceed to the following steps to restring your weed eater safely and effectively.
Firstly, unplug the weed eater from its power source or remove the battery to prevent accidental starting. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris during the restringing process. Locate the trimmer head of your weed eater and remove the cover. This usually involves pressing a release button or unscrewing a retaining nut. Once the cover is removed, you will have access to the trimmer line spool.
Safety First: Preparing for Restringing
Before you embark on restringing your Dewalt weed eater, there are a few essential safety precautions to observe. These measures will safeguard your well-being and ensure a successful restringing process.
1. Disconnect the Power Source
Foremost, disconnect the weed eater from its power source. This could be a battery pack or an electrical cord. Make certain that the weed eater is completely unpowered before proceeding.
To disconnect a battery pack, simply detach it from the weed eater. If you’re dealing with an electrical cord, unplug it from the outlet. Double-check that the power switch is in the “off” position.
2. Wear Protective Gear
It’s advisable to wear protective gear when working with the weed eater’s line. This includes safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy work boots. Safety glasses shield your eyes from any flying debris, while gloves protect your hands from cuts or burns.
3. Clear the Work Area
Create a safe workspace by clearing the area around the weed eater of any obstacles or debris. This will prevent tripping hazards or potential damage to the weed eater or yourself.
Additionally, it’s prudent to remove any excess line that may be protruding from the weed eater. This will prevent entanglement and streamline the restringing process.
Unloading the String and Spool
Unloading the string and spool from your DeWalt weed eater requires careful attention to ensure that you avoid damaging the components. Follow these steps to remove the spool and string safely:
- Disconnect the weed eater from its power source.
- Locate the spool cover, which is usually a round or square plastic cover on the side of the weed eater head.
- Remove the spool cover by twisting or pulling it off the weed eater head.
- Remove the spool by pulling it out of the weed eater head.
- Remove the string from the spool by cutting it with a pair of scissors.
Detailed Instructions for Unloading the String and Spool
- Disconnect the power source: Before you begin any maintenance or repair work on your weed eater, it is crucial to disconnect it from its power source to avoid any potential electric shocks or accidental start-ups.
- Locate the spool cover: The spool cover is located on the side of the weed eater head and is typically made of plastic. It serves as a protective housing for the spool and string.
- Remove the spool cover: Depending on the model of your DeWalt weed eater, the spool cover may be attached to the head by a twist-lock mechanism or by small screws. If it is secured with screws, use a screwdriver to remove them.
- Remove the spool: Once the spool cover is removed, you can pull the spool out of the weed eater head. It is usually held in place by a small spring or plastic tabs.
- Remove the string from the spool: The string is wrapped around the spool. To remove it, cut the string using a pair of scissors. Be careful not to cut the string too close to the spool, as this could damage the spool.
Removing the Bump Cap Assembly
The bump cap is a plastic piece that covers the trimmer head and feeds the line when it gets low. To remove the bump cap assembly, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the trimmer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the two screws that secure the bump cap assembly to the trimmer head.
3. Carefully pry the bump cap assembly away from the trimmer head, using a small screwdriver or putty knife if necessary. Be careful not to damage the bump cap or the trimmer head.
Once the bump cap assembly is removed, you will see the spool of trimmer line. The spool is held in place by two small screws. To remove the spool, follow these steps:
1. Remove the two screws that secure the spool to the trimmer head.
2. Carefully lift the spool out of the trimmer head.
3. Inspect the spool for damage or wear. If the spool is damaged, it should be replaced.
Installing the Bump Cap Assembly
With the string head removed and the new string assembled, it’s time to install the bump cap assembly.
Locate the bump cap assembly on the string head. It’s the part that contains the spring and the cap that releases the string when bumped on the ground.
Align the bump cap assembly with the holes on the string head.
Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them securely. Make sure the bump cap is firmly attached to the string head.
Now, insert the string ends into the slots on the bump cap. Make sure the strings are evenly distributed in the slots.
Pull the string tightly and push the bump cap down until it snaps into place. This will secure the string in the bump cap and prevent it from unraveling.
Testing the String Head
To test the string head, hold the weed eater upright and gently pull the strings. The strings should extend and retract smoothly.
If the strings are not extending or retracting properly, adjust the tension by turning the adjustment knob on the bump cap assembly.
Once you’re satisfied with the tension, you’re ready to start using your weed eater.
Adjusting the String Length
Once the trimmer head is open, you’ll see the ends of the trimmer line sticking out. Grasp each end and pull it out until several inches of line extend beyond the head. If the line is shorter than the desired length, remove the spool and pull out more line from the inside. If the line is longer than desired, simply trim it back with a pair of scissors or wire cutters.
Measuring the Correct Length
There are several ways to measure the correct string length for your weed eater. One way is to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations, which can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on the trimmer itself.
Another way to measure the string length is to wrap the line around the spool and pull it out until it extends about 6 inches beyond the head. This will give you a good starting point for the string length. You can then adjust the length as needed to suit your personal preference.
The table below provides a helpful guide for measuring the correct string length for different trimmer head sizes:
| Trimmer Head Size | String Length |
|---|---|
| 12-inch | 15 feet |
| 15-inch | 18 feet |
| 18-inch | 21 feet |
| 20-inch | 24 feet |
Troubleshooting Restringing Issues
1. The string is too short.
The string should be long enough to reach from the spool to the cutting head and back again, with a little bit of slack. If the string is too short, it will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
2. The string is too long.
If the string is too long, it will wrap around the spool and cause the trimmer to stall. Trim the string to the correct length before restringing.
3. The string is not threaded correctly.
The string must be threaded through the spool and the cutting head in the correct order. If the string is not threaded correctly, it will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
4. The spool is not wound correctly.
The spool must be wound in the correct direction. If the spool is not wound correctly, the string will not be able to feed properly and you will not be able to trim.
5. The cutting head is not installed correctly.
The cutting head must be installed correctly in order for the string to reach the cutting head. If the cutting head is not installed correctly, the string will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
6. The trimmer is not turned on.
Make sure that the trimmer is turned on before you start trimming. If the trimmer is not turned on, the string will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
7. The trimmer is not running at the correct speed.
The trimmer must be running at the correct speed in order for the string to reach the cutting head. If the trimmer is not running at the correct speed, the string will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
8. The trimmer is not held at the correct angle.
The trimmer must be held at the correct angle in order for the string to reach the cutting head. If the trimmer is not held at the correct angle, the string will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
9. The trimmer is not used correctly.
The trimmer must be used correctly in order for the string to reach the cutting head. If the trimmer is not used correctly, the string will not be able to reach the cutting head and you will not be able to trim.
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| String is too short | Replace with new string |
| String is too long | Trim excess string |
| String is not threaded properly | Rethread string according to manufacturer’s instructions |
| Spool is not wound correctly | Rewind spool in the correct direction |
| Cutting head is not installed correctly | Reinstall cutting head |
| Trimmer is not turned on | Turn on trimmer |
| Trimmer is not running at the correct speed | Adjust trimmer speed |
| Trimmer is not held at the correct angle | Adjust trimmer angle |
| Trimmer is not used correctly | Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use |
Tools and Materials
Before you begin restringing your DeWalt weed eater, gather the following tools and materials:
- DeWalt weed eater
- New trimmer line
- Wrench or pliers (optional)
Safety Precautions
Always follow these safety precautions when restringing your weed eater:
- Wear safety glasses.
- Unplug the weed eater from the power source.
- Allow the weed eater to cool down completely.
How to Restring a DeWalt Weed Eater
- Remove the bump cap and spool cover.
- Remove the empty spool from the weed eater.
- Cut a piece of trimmer line to the desired length, typically around 15-20 feet.
- Thread one end of the trimmer line through the hole in the center of the spool.
- Wrap the trimmer line around the spool in a clockwise direction, filling the spool to capacity.
- Insert the spool back into the weed eater and secure it with the bump cap.
- Feed the trimmer line through the hole in the bump cap.
- Pull the trimmer line out until you have about 6-8 inches of line extended beyond the weed eater.
- Replace the spool cover.
- Plug in the weed eater and test it to ensure it is working properly.
Tips for Optimal Restringing
Choose the Right Trimmer Line
The type of trimmer line you use will affect the performance of your weed eater. Choose a line that is appropriate for the type of vegetation you will be cutting and the size of your yard.
Wind the Trimmer Line Evenly
To ensure that the trimmer line feeds evenly, wind it around the spool in a clockwise direction and apply even pressure as you wrap.
Avoid Overfilling the Spool
Overfilling the spool can cause the trimmer line to bind and break. Fill the spool to capacity, but avoid winding the line too tightly.
Cut the Trimmer Line to the Right Length
The length of the trimmer line will affect the cutting diameter of your weed eater. Cut the line to a length that is appropriate for the size of your yard and the type of vegetation you will be cutting.
Lubricate the Trimmer Line
Applying a small amount of lubricant to the trimmer line can help it feed more smoothly and extend its lifespan.
Store the Weed Eater Properly
When you are not using your weed eater, store it in a dry place to prevent the trimmer line from becoming brittle.
Inspect the Trimmer Line Regularly
Check the trimmer line regularly for wear and tear. Replace the line when it becomes excessively worn or damaged.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The trimmer line is not feeding properly. | Check if the trimmer line is wound correctly, and make sure that the spool is not overfilled. |
| The trimmer line is breaking too often. | Try using a different type of trimmer line, or cut the line to a shorter length. You may also need to lubricate the trimmer line. |
| The weed eater is not cutting effectively. | Check if the trimmer line is worn or damaged. Replace the line if necessary. You may also need to adjust the cutting height of the weed eater. |
