DeWalt DCST925 - 20V Max Lithium-Ion String Trimmer Manual

Intended Use

This string trimmer is designed for professional trimming applications. DO NOT use under wet conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.

This string trimmer is a professional appliance. DO NOT let children come into contact with the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this appliance. This is not an edger and is not intended to be used for edging.

Definitions of Safety Alert Symbols and Words

This instruction manual uses the following safety alert symbols and words to alert you to hazardous situations and your risk of personal injury or property damage.

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE:
Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
(Used without word) Indicates a safety related message.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

To reduce risk of injury:

• Before any use, be sure everyone using this unit reads and understands all safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.
• Save these instructions and review frequently.

When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Avoid Dangerous Environments – DO NOT use appliances in damp or wet locations. DO NOT operate portable electric appliances in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these appliances normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.
3. Don't Use In Rain or wet areas.
4. Keep All Bystanders Away – at a safe distance from work area, especially children.
5. Dress Properly – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Gloves and substantial rubber soled footwear are recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
6. Always Wear Eye Protection – Wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection at all times when battery is installed. Also use face or dust mask and hearing protection. Safety glasses and hearing protection are available at extra cost at your local DeWALT Service Center or authorized service facility.
7. Use Right Appliance – Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.
8. Avoid Accidentally Starting – Don't carry with finger on trigger when battery is installed.
9. Don't Force Appliance – It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for which it was designed.
10. Don't Overreach – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
11. Stay Alert – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. DO NOT operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you are tired or ill.
12. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
13. Disconnect Appliance – Remove the battery when not in use, before servicing, when changing accessories such as blades, and the like.
14. Store Idle Appliances Indoors – When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up place – out of reach of children.
15. Maintain Appliance With Care – Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
16. Check Damaged Parts – Before further use of the appliance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center unless indicated elsewhere in this manual.
17. Damage to Unit – If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop appliance immediately, remove battery, check for damage and have any damage repaired before further operation is attempted.
18. DO NOT immerse appliance in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow any liquid to get inside it. If appliance does get wet, allow to dry for a minimum of 48 hours.
19. DO NOT store the appliance on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
20. Don't grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the appliance.
21. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.
22. DO NOT charge appliance in rain, or in wet locations.
23. DO NOT use battery-operated appliance in rain.
24. Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from the gardening appliance.
25. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
26. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
27. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
28. SERVICE- Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Specific Warnings for the Product

This product is not an edger and is not intended to be used for edging.

• Don't operate the appliance when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
• Wear heavy long pants to protect your legs.
• MAKE SURE that other persons and pets are at least 100 feet (30 m) away.
• Keep face, hands and feet clear of rotating nylon line at all times.
• The rotating line performs a cutting function. Use care when trimming around screens and desirable plantings.
• To reduce the risk of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going away from any nearby solid object such as wall, steps, large stone, tree, etc. Use great care when working close to solid objects and where necessary, do trimming by hand.

Additional Safety Warnings

To reduce the risk of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going away from any nearby solid object such as wall, steps, large stone, tree, etc.

• GUARD – Do not use this appliance without guard attached.
• DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Gloves and substantial rubber soled footwear are recommended when working outdoors. Don't operate the appliance when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear heavy long pants to protect your legs. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
• KEEP FACE, HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF ROTATING NYLON LINE AT ALL TIMES. The rotating line performs a cutting function. Use care when trimming around screens and desirable plantings.
• KEEP ALL BYSTANDERS AWAY – at a safe distance from work area, especially children. MAKE SURE that other persons and pets are at least 100 feet (30 m) away.
• USE GREAT CARE when working close to solid objects and where necessary, do trimming by hand.
• DAMAGE TO UNIT – If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop appliance immediately, remove battery, check for damage and have any damage repaired before further operation is attempted. Do not operate with a broken hub or spool.
• STAY ALERT – Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• DO NOTimmerse appliance in water or squirt it with a hose.
• DO NOT allow any liquid to get inside it. If appliance does get wet, allow to dry for a minimum of 48 hours.
• DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.
• DO NOT store the appliance on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
• DO NOT charge appliance in rain, or in wet locations.
• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS – When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of reach of children.

Additional Safety Information

Never modify the power tool or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could result.

ALWAYS use safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),
• ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,
• NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection.

Some dust contains chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• compounds in fertilizers,
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides,
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.

To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

• Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes, or lie on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.

Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection.

Always wear proper personal hearing protection that conforms to ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface where it will not cause a tripping or falling hazard. Some tools with a large battery pack will stand upright but may be easily knocked over.

• Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Safety Of Others

• Never allow children, persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the tool, local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Children shall not play with the tool
• Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision

The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows:

V	volts	Ah	amp hours
Hz	hertz	or AC	alternating current
min	minutes	or AC/DC	alternating or direct current
or DC	direct current		Class II Construction (double insulated)
	Class I Construction (grounded)	n0	no load speed
.../min	per minute	n	rated speed
BPM	beats per minute	PSI	pounds per square inch
IPM	impacts per minute		earthing terminal
OPM	oscillations per minute		safety alert symbol
RPM	revolutions per minute		visible radiation – do not stare into the light
sfpm	surface feet per minute		wear respiratory protection
SPM	strokes per minute		wear eye protection
A	amperes		wear hearing protection
W	watts		do not expose to rain
Wh	watt hours

COMPONENTS

Fig. A

1. Variable speed trigger
2. Lock-off lever
3. Auxiliary handle
4. Motor housing
5. Upper trimmer pole
6. Lower trimmer pole
7. Pole bracket
8. Guard
9. Spool housing
10. Battery housing
11. Battery pack
12. Battery pack release button
13. Handle

BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and charger, read the safety instructions below and then follow charging procedures outlined. When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include the catalog number and voltage.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Packs

Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

• Do not charge or use the battery pack in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery pack from the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.
• NEVER force the battery pack into the charger. DO NOT modify the battery pack in any way to fit into a non-compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious personal injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and chargers.
• Charge the battery packs only in DeWALT chargers.
• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
• DO NOT allow water or any liquid to enter battery pack.
• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 104°F (40°C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer). For best life, store battery packs in a cool, dry location.
  NOTE: Do not store the battery packs in a tool with the trigger switch locked on. Never tape the trigger switch in the ON position.
• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when lithium-ion battery packs are burned.
• Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
• Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
• Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame.
• Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush, drop or damage the battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged battery packs should be returned to the service center for recycling.

Storage Recommendations

The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess heat or cold. Store the fully charged battery pack out of the charger.

Battery Pack Cleaning Instructions

Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the battery pack using a cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Fuel Gauge Battery Packs
Some battery packs include a fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge button is pressed and held, the LED lights will indicate the approximate level of charge remaining. This does not indicate tool functionality and is subject to variation based on product components, temperature, and end-user application.

	75–100% charged
	51–74% charged
	< 50% charged
	Pack needs to be charged

Transportation

Fire hazard. Do not store, carry, or transport the battery pack so that metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals.

For example, do not place the battery pack in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, coins, hand tools, etc. When transporting individual battery packs, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit.
NOTE: Li-ion battery packs should not be put in checked baggage on airplanes and must be properly protected from short circuits if they are in carry-on baggage.

Shipping the DeWALT FLEXVOLT Battery pack
The DeWALT FLEXVOLT battery pack has a battery cap that should be used when shipping the battery pack.

Attach the cap to the battery pack to ready it for shipping. This converts the battery pack to three separate 20V batteries. The three batteries have the Watt hour rating labeled "Shipping" on the battery pack. If shipping without the cap or in a tool, the pack is one battery at the Watt hour rating labeled "Use."

Example battery pack label:

In this example, the battery pack is three batteries with 40 Watt hours each when using the cap. Otherwise, the battery pack is one battery with 120 Watt hours.

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Chargers

Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for DeWALT battery chargers.
• DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than a DeWALT charger. DeWALT chargers and battery packs are specifically designed to work together.
• 
  These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging DeWALT rechargeable battery packs. Charging other types of battery packs may cause them to overheat and burst, resulting in personal injury, property damage, fire, electric shock or electrocution.
• Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
• Do not allow water or any liquid to enter charger.
• Pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. This will reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord.
• Make sure that the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
• 
  Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.
• When operating a charger outdoors, always provide a dry location and use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• An extension cord must have adequate wire size for safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable, that is, 16 gauge has more capacity than 18 gauge. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. When using more than one extension to make up the total length, be sure each individual extension contains at least the minimum wire size. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The lower the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Voltage (Volts)	Total length of cord in meters (m)
120–127V	0–7	7–15	15–30	30–50
220–240V	0–15	15–30	30–60	60–100
Rated Ampere Range	Minimal cross‑sectional area of the cord in meters (mm2)
0–6A	1.0	1.5	1.5	2.5
6–10A	1.0	1.5	2.5	4.0
10–12A	1.5	1.5	2.5	4.0
12–16A	2.5	4.0	Not Recommended

• Do not place any object on top of the charger or place the charger on a soft surface that might block the ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat. Place the charger in a position away from any heat source. The charger is ventilated through slots in the top and the bottom of the housing.
• Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug. Have them replaced immediately.
• Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to an authorized service center.
• 
  Do not disassemble the charger; take it to an authorized service center when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution or fire.
• The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V–127V (low voltage) or 220V–240V (high voltage) household electrical power. Do not attempt to use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular charger.
• Foreign materials of a conductive nature, such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum foil or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from the charger cavities and ventilation slots.
• Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity.

Charging a Battery

Only charge batteries in air temperatures over 40°F (4.5°C) and below 104°F (40°C).

(Fig. A, C, D)

NOTE: To ensure maximum performance and life of Li-Ion battery packs, charge the battery pack fully before first use.

NOTE: Refer to the label near indicator light(s) on charger for on/off and blink patterns. Older chargers may have additional information and/or may not have a yellow indicator light, being equipped with only a single red indicator light.

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting battery pack .
2. Insert and fully seat battery pack. The left indicator light will continuously blink red to indicate that the charging process has started. For two-stage chargers, this is indicative of stage 1 charging during which the battery pack is charged to a majority of its capacity.
3. Charging is complete for a single-stage charger when the left indicator light remains continuously red and the right indicator light stays unlit. For a two-stage charger, the left indicator light remains continuously red and the right indicator light continuously blinks red to indicate stage 2 charging during which the battery pack is topped off to its full capacity. Stage 2 charging is complete when both indicator lights remain continuously red. When charging is complete, the battery pack may be removed and used, or left in the charger.

The charger will not charge a faulty battery pack. The charger refusing to light could indicate a problem with the charger or a faulty battery pack. Discontinue use and take both to an authorized service center.

NOTE: To remove the battery pack, some chargers require the battery pack release button to be pressed.

Hot/Cold Pack Delay

When the charger detects a battery pack that is too hot or too cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature. The charger then automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery pack life.
A cold battery pack may charge at a slower rate than a warm battery pack.
The hot/cold pack delay will be indicated by the left indicator light continuously blinking red and the right indicator light continuously yellow. Once the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature, the yellow light will turn OFF and the charger will resume the charging procedure.

Fan‑cooled Chargers

Some chargers are equipped with an internal fan designed to cool the battery pack. The fan will turn on automatically when the battery pack needs to be cooled. The fan will turn on automatically when the battery pack needs to be cooled.
Never operate the charger if the fan does not operate properly or if ventilation slots are blocked. Do not permit foreign objects to enter the interior of the charger.

Electronic Protection System

Li-Ion tools are designed with an Electronic Protection System that will protect the battery pack against overloading, overheating or deep discharge. The tool will automatically turn off and the battery pack will need to be recharged.

Important Charging Notes

1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air temperature is between 65°F – 75°F (18°C– 24°C). DO NOT charge when the battery pack is below 40°F (4.5°C), or above 104°F (40°C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.
2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to the touch while charging. This is a normal condition, and does not indicate a problem. To facilitate the cooling of the battery pack after use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack in a warm environment such as in a metal shed or an uninsulated trailer.
3. If the battery pack does not charge properly:
   1. Check operation of receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance;
   2. Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns power off when you turn out the lights;
   3. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service center.
4. You may charge a partially used pack whenever you desire with no adverse effect on the battery pack.

Charger Cleaning Instructions

Shock hazard. Disconnect the charger from the AC outlet before cleaning. Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the charger using a cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Wall Mounting

Some DeWALT chargers are designed to be wall mountable or to sit upright on a table or work surface. If wall mounting, locate the charger within reach of an electrical outlet, and away from a corner or other obstructions which may impede air flow. Use the back of the charger as a template for the location of the mounting screws on the wall. Mount the charger securely using drywall screws (purchased separately) at least 1" (25.4 mm) long, with a screw head diameter of 0.28–0.35" (7–9 mm), screwed into wood to an optimal depth leaving approximately 7/32" (5.5 mm) of the screw exposed. Align the slots on the back of the charger with the exposed screws and fully engage them in the slots.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/ installing attachments or accessories, when replacing line, or prior to cleaning. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Assembling the Pole

(Fig. A, E, F)

1. To assemble the pole, line up the upper trimmer pole and the lower trimmer pole . Press down the latching button and slide the upper trimming pole into the pole bracket as shown in Fig. E. Ensure the latching button engages the latch hole .
   
2. Secure the poles by tightening the middle bolt with the supplied hex wrench as shown in Fig. F.
   

Attaching Guard

Never remove the guard. Damage or personal injury could result.

NEVER OPERATE appliance WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. The guard must always be properly attached on the appliance to protect the user.

(Fig. G)

1. Assemble the guard to the motor housing .
2. Using a cross head screwdriver, insert the 6 guard screws and tighten securely.

Attaching the Auxiliary Handle

(Fig. A, H)

1. Place the auxiliary handle on top of the handle base so the upper trimmer pole is between them.
2. Hold the auxiliary handle in place and slide the handle bolts into the handle from the top, threading them into the handle base.
3. Tighten the handle bolts with the supplied hex wrench . Ensure the handle is securely attached.
4. Repeat for the other side of the auxiliary handle.

Adjustment

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn appliance off and remove battery before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories.

Never remove the guard. Damage or personal injury could result.

NEVER OPERATE appliance WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. The guard must always be properly attached on the appliance to protect the user.

(Fig. H, I)
The auxiliary handle is positioned to maximize balance. However, if adjustment is necessary, loosen the four handle bolts with a hex wrench and slide the auxiliary handle up or down the upper trimmer pole .

OPERATION

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/ installing attachments or accessories, when replacing line, or prior to cleaning. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Before you begin trimming, only use the appropriate type of cutting line.

Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects which could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any wire which might be bent outwardly into the path of the appliance, such as barbs at the base of a chain link fence.

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack

Make certain the lock-off lever is not engaged to prevent switch actuation before removing or installing battery.

(Fig. J)

NOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.

To install the battery pack: Align the battery pack with the rails inside the battery housing and slide it into the housing until the battery pack is firmly seated and ensure that it does not disengage.

To remove battery pack: Depress the battery pack release button and firmly pull the battery pack out of the battery housing. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger section of this manual.

Proper Hand Position

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown.

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction.

(Fig. K)
Proper hand position requires one hand on the handle and one hand on the auxiliary handle .

Switching Trimmer On and Off

(Fig. A)
To turn the appliance on, squeeze the lock-off lever and then the variable speed trigger . To turn the appliance off, release the variable speed trigger and the lock-off lever.

Never attempt to lock the trigger in the on position.

Trimming

With the trimmer on, angle it and swing side to side as shown in Fig. L.

Maintain a minimum distance of 24" (610 mm) between the guard and your feet as shown in Fig. M.

Keep the rotating string roughly parallel with the ground (tilted no more than 30 degrees). This trimmer is not an edger. DO NOT TILT the trimmer so that the string is spinning near a right angle to the ground. Flying debris can cause serious injury.

Bump Feed Trimmer Line Feed

Your trimmer uses 0.080" (2.0 mm) diameter nylon line. Cutting line will wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting is done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut.
As you use the trimmer, the string will get shorter due to wear. Gently bump the trimmer on the ground while running at normal speed and the line will feed.

NOTE: Extending nylon line beyond the 13" (330 mm) swath will negatively affect performance, runtime, and the life of the trimmer due to potential of damaging motor. Doing so may void the warranty.

Helpful Cutting Tips

• Use the tip of the string to do the cutting; do not force string head into uncut grass.
• Wire and picket fences cause extra string wear, even breakage. Stone and brick walls, curbs, and wood may wear string rapidly.
• Do not allow spool cap to drag on ground or other surfaces.
• In long growth, cut from the top down and do not exceed 12" (304.8 mm) high.
• Keep trimmer tilted toward the area being cut; this is the best cutting area.
• The trimmer cuts when passing the unit from the left to right. This will avoid throwing debris at the operator.
• Avoid trees and shrubs. Tree bark, wood moldings, siding, and fence posts can easily be damaged by the string.

Replacement Accessories

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn appliance off and remove battery before making any adjustments or removing/ installing attachments or accessories.

The use of any accessory not recommended by DeWALT for use with this appliance could be hazardous.

Do not use any blades, or any accessory or attachment other than those recommended by DeWALT on this trimmer. Serious injury or product damage may result.

Use DeWALT replacement line Model No. DWO1DT801 or DWO1DT802.
When replacing the line, use only 0.080" (2.0 mm) diameter line (Model No. DWO1DT801 or DWO1DT802 are recommended). Other sizes may degrade performance or cause damage to the trimmer.

Replacing the Cutting Line

(Fig. A, N–Q)

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

To avoid appliance damage, if the cutting line protrudes beyond the trimming blade, cut it off so that it just reaches the blade.

1. Remove battery pack .
2. Turn spool clockwise to unlock as shown in Fig. N. The white nub (Fig. Q) inside the spool will rotate away from the spool window (Fig. N) to indicate it is unlocked.
   
   
3. Pull the spool straight out to remove.
4. Remove any dirt and grass from the spool and housing.
5. First, wind new line in the channel of the spool closest to the holding slots as shown in Fig. O.
   
6. Place the end of the cutting line into the retaining hole .
7. Wind the cutting line onto the spool in the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the spool. Make sure to wind the line on neatly and in layers. Do not crisscross.
8. When the wound cutting line reaches the beginning of the holding slots , cut the line approximately 4" (106 mm).
9. Push the line in the holding slots on one side of the spool to hold the first line while you wind the second line.
10. Repeat the above procedure for the second cutting line on the lower section of the spool.

Before you begin trimming, only use the appropriate type of cutting line. Ensure that cutting line is present in both sections of the spool as shown in Fig. P.

11. Once both lines are wrapped around the spool , place your thumb and finger on the holding slots to further secure the string and feed the end of each line through the two holes on either side of the head in the spool housing as shown in Fig. Q.
12. Line up the white nubs inside the spool housing with the recesses of the spool. Align the holding slots with the two holes as close as possible.
13. Push the spool into the spool housing and turn counterclockwise to lock the spool in place. Ensure the white nub appears in the spool window . Make sure the line doesn't unravel and wrap around the shaft below the spool.
14. Pull both ends of the cutting line to release them from the holding slots. If the line extends past the cutting blade on the guard cut the line so it just reaches the blade.

Replacing Spool Housing

(Fig. A, R, S, U)

1. Rotate the spool housing until the hole in the spindle lines up with notch in the guard . A third hole in the motor housing will be visible as shown in Fig. R. Insert screwdriver through each all three holes to prevent the spool housing from turning.
   
2. Turn the spool housing clockwise as shown in Fig. S.
   
3. Insert a screwdriver back through the three holes ( , , and ) and thread the new spool housing counterclockwise and securely tighten onto the bolt protruding from the trimmer.

Replacing Spool Assembly

(Fig. A, U, V)

1. Rotate the spool housing until the hole in the spindle plate 36 aligns with notch in the guard. Insert a screwdriver through the notch and into the hole, to prevent the spindle from turning.
2. Unscrew and remove the spool housing by turning the spool clockwise.
   NOTE: Do not try to remove the spool housing by turning the spool cap .
3. Remove spindle plate before installing a new housing. Remove any dirt and grass from the motor housing and spindle plate.
4. Install spindle plate onto the spindle , so the double D shaped retaining nut on the spindle sits inside the base of the spindle plate.
5. Align the spindle plate hole and notch, insert a screwdriver back into the hole and thread the new spool housing counterclockwise. Securely tighten the new spool housing onto the spindle.

MAINTENANCE

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/ installing attachments or accessories, when replacing line, or prior to cleaning. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance. Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning.

1. Keep the air intake slots clean to avoid overheating (Fig. T).
   
2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top condition, store spare line in a plastic, sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.
3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp rag.
4. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time. It is recommended you periodically touch-up the sharpness of the blade with a file.

Cleaning

Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear approved eye protection when performing this procedure.

Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

Accessories

Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT-recommended accessories should be used with this product.

Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available at extra cost from your local dealer or authorized service center.

Repairs

The charger and battery pack are not serviceable.

To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment (including brush inspection and replacement) should be performed by a DeWALT factory service center or a DeWALT-authorized service center. Always use identical replacement parts.

SPECIFICATIONS

DCST925

20V Max*

Questions? See us on the World Wide Web at www.DeWALT.com

DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286

Documents / Resources

References

• DEWALT® Power Tools Official Site | Guaranteed Tough®

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download DeWalt DCST925 - 20V Max Lithium-Ion String Trimmer Manual