DeWalt 0.095 in. x 40 ft. gas string trimmer replacement line

Why I switched to thicker line

After a summer of bouncing between different trimmer lines, I settled on running a thicker line for my weekly mix of lawn edges, fencelines, and a patch of waist‑high grass behind the shed. Swapping to the DeWalt 0.095 line was a simple change that made a noticeable difference in how often I had to bump, how cleanly it cut tougher stalks, and how much time I spent reloading. It’s a basic product—just a 40‑foot spool of co‑polymer line—but the material quality and consistency showed up in use.

I tested it primarily on a 27 cc straight‑shaft gas trimmer, then ran a few rounds on a brushless 20V bump‑feed trimmer to see how it behaved on battery power. I also loaded it into DeWalt’s gas models that call for this size (DXGST227SS and DXGST22CS). Across all, the 0.095 thickness hit a useful middle ground: stout enough for weedy, abrasive work without getting so heavy that the head bogged.

Material and build quality

The line’s co‑polymer construction feels dense without being glassy or brittle. Out of the package, diameter is consistent and free of flashing or flat spots, which matters more than it sounds: inconsistent line creates friction points in the head, encourages “weld” (where line melts together under heat), and makes feeding erratic. I didn’t see those issues here. The surface finish is smooth and even, which helped the wraps seat cleanly on refill.

It’s assembled in the USA with global materials. What I noticed in practical terms was predictable behavior—no random weak sections and no mystery kinks that snap as soon as they leave the eyelet.

Loading and handling

At 40 feet long, the spool is a convenient size. Most bump‑feed heads I use take 16–22 feet of 0.095 per load, so I typically got two fills out of a card with a little surplus. The line has some coil memory out of the package, as expected, but it straightened readily as I wound it. Pre‑cutting your lengths and stretching them out for a minute helps if you’re particular about perfect wraps.

In both a speed‑feed style head and a traditional split‑spool head, the line threaded easily. I had no feeding issues through standard 0.095 eyelets. If your head is rated only to 0.080, step down; forcing thicker line through undersized eyelets is asking for drag and premature wear.

A small tip that worked well with this line: soaking a pre‑cut length in water for an hour before loading reduced memory and made it a touch more pliable, especially on a cool morning.

Cutting performance

Moving from 0.080 to this 0.095 line immediately reduced the number of bumps per session. The thicker cross‑section held its length better against abrasive edges—concrete curbs, chain‑link posts, and rock faces—so I spent less time feathering the trigger to compensate for a shrinking swath.

In mixed grass, it produced a clean cut without shredding the blades; in tall rye and thick fescue it kept pace at normal throttle. On tougher material—plantain stems, young thistle, and dry, pencil‑thin stalks—it sliced rather than smearing them over, provided I kept the head speed up. It’s not a brush blade, so it won’t plow through woody stems indiscriminately, but for what most people call “heavy trimming,” it felt confident.

Compared with lighter line, I also noticed fewer instances of the tip mushrooming or fraying after hitting hard edges. The wear pattern was progressive rather than catastrophic—more sanding down than shattering—so I wasn’t chasing constant breakoffs.

Durability and heat resistance

The co‑polymer blend stood up well to heat buildup. Running long, continuous passes around a gravel drive is where cheap line tends to fuse to itself on the spool. With this line, I didn’t experience weld, even after back‑to‑back tanks on the gas trimmer. Part of that is the smooth finish and consistent diameter; part is the material itself.

In cold weather (mid‑40s Fahrenheit), it stayed flexible enough to avoid brittle snaps. Below freezing, most lines get harsher, and this one is no exception—if you trim in that range, the pre‑soak trick helps.

On longevity, expect a meaningful step up from 0.080 in abrasive settings. On my route, the 0.095 lasted roughly a third longer between reloads, mostly because it resisted nicking and tip breakage better along hardscapes.

Power draw, speed, and noise

Thicker line has more air drag. On the 27 cc gas unit, that wasn’t an issue; it spun it happily at cutting speed. On a 20V cordless trimmer, the extra drag showed up in two ways: slightly longer spool‑up time and a modest hit to runtime. If you’re trimming light grass on a compact yard with a small battery pack, 0.080 will feel snappier and quieter. If you’re dealing with tougher growth or you’re consistently colliding with hard edges, the tradeoff of runtime for durability is worth it.

Noise rises a bit with 0.095 compared with 0.080—nothing dramatic, but noticeable in the tone. Ear protection is still a must.

Feed reliability and bump behavior

A good test for any line is whether it behaves near the last third of a spool, where wraps can be tighter and heat builds. This line continued to feed cleanly when bumped, without tangling internally or sticking. No weld issues appeared, which I attribute to the material and that smooth surface finish. Keep the head at or below full throttle when bumping and you’ll minimize friction spikes inside the spool.

Compatibility

It pairs naturally with 27 cc gas trimmers and fit perfectly in DeWalt’s gas models that specify 0.095. It also ran fine in my cordless bump‑feed head rated for up to 0.095, with the caveats on runtime mentioned above. Always check your head’s maximum line size; moving to thicker line than the head supports is a quick path to poor feed and premature wear.

Packaging and value

A 40‑foot card is convenient and tidy. For most users, it’s two reloads and a bit of spare line, which is perfect for a few weeks of cutting or to keep in the truck. If you trim acreage or run commercially, a bulk spool remains the better value per foot. But convenience has its place: this size keeps the coil under control, it’s easy to stash, and you can try a different diameter without committing to hundreds of feet.

As for cost, you’re paying for consistency and a durable co‑polymer formulation rather than gimmicks. In my use, the reduced number of reloads and breakoffs offset the price difference versus bargain line.

Limitations and best use

• If your trimming is mostly lawn edges and ornamental beds, 0.095 can be overkill. You might prefer 0.080 for lighter touch and better runtime on smaller battery packs.
• Some compact heads won’t accept 0.095; check the cap and eyelet markings.
• The small spool length means frequent buyers should consider stepping up to a larger reel for economy.

That said, for fencelines, ditches, driveway edges, and mixed turf where abrasion is constant, the step up pays off.

Who will benefit most

• Homeowners maintaining larger lots with a mix of grass and stubborn weeds.
• Users who often trim along hardscapes, rock, or chain‑link.
• Gas trimmer owners in the 25–30 cc range who want fewer bumps and fewer reloads.
• Cordless users who prioritize durability over maximum runtime, especially with higher‑capacity battery packs.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 0.095 line for anyone who needs a durable, no‑nonsense upgrade from lighter line and wants predictable feeding without weld or tangles. It loads easily, holds up against abrasive edges, and cuts cleanly through tougher growth with fewer interruptions. On gas trimmers, it’s an easy win. On cordless models, be aware of the runtime tradeoff, but if you’re battling weeds or hardscape, the durability gain makes sense. The 40‑foot spool is a convenient size for most users, and the material consistency stands out in everyday use.