Black & Decker Replace Cap For Single Feed .080"

Why this little part matters

A string trimmer lives or dies by the small parts that keep its line feeding smoothly. After a season of trimming fence lines and edging walkways, my trimmer started getting fussy—line feed hiccups, random jams, and the occasional cap that popped loose after an awkward bump against concrete. Swapping in a fresh spool cap immediately stabilized the setup. The difference a new cap makes is subtle but real: it keeps the spool properly preloaded, maintains consistent tension on the single-feed mechanism, and protects the spool from ground scuffs that quickly turn into feed problems.

This review is about that exact part—the replacement spool cap designed for the GH3000 platform and single-feed .080 line. I’ve run it through routine trimming, light edging, and the inevitable encounters with stone, timber, and chain-link. Here’s how it fared.

Design and compatibility

The spool cap is a simple, molded piece with two springy latches that snap onto the trimmer head. It’s intended for single-feed setups using .080 line and ships as a single replacement cap. It’s not a universal fit, and it’s not a bump-feed conversion—it’s an OEM-style part made to keep the stock auto-feed working.

Key points I noted:
- Designed for GH3000 single-feed heads using .080 line.
- Click-on latches hold securely when new; you’ll feel and hear a positive snap.
- Lightweight, durable plastic with enough flex in the tabs to survive repeated removals.
- Arrives as a single cap; there’s no extra hardware or spool included.

If you’re unsure whether your head is single or dual feed, check the trimmer’s manual and make sure your model specifies .080 single line and a compatible head style. This cap won’t save the day if your trimmer uses a different architecture.

Installation experience

Replacing the old cap took all of 60 seconds:
1. Power down the trimmer and remove the power source.
2. Press the old cap’s side tabs and pull it away from the head.
3. Confirm the spool spring is present and seated correctly.
4. Make sure the line is routed cleanly through the eyelet and the spool is wound snugly.
5. Align the new cap, push until both tabs snap in evenly, and tug lightly to verify engagement.

A good sanity check is to pull an inch of line out by hand; you should feel smooth, steady resistance from the spool. If the line drags or snaps back aggressively, open the head and make sure the spool isn’t overfilled or cross-wound.

In use: feed consistency and control

A fresh cap helped with the two issues I was chasing: intermittent feed and a cap that would loosen after rough contact. With the new cap, the feed was more predictable—especially at the start of a session—because the spool was held squarely and the latches stayed put. On grass and along mulch beds, the line released and wore down at a pace that matched the trimmer’s auto-feed design.

That said, the cap isn’t a cure-all. If the line is poorly wound, kinked, or heat-welded from previous use, you’ll still run into stalls. I noticed the auto-feed can get fussy after long, continuous cuts or when trimming around hot, abrasive surfaces (like sun-baked concrete), where line friction and heat build up. In those cases, I’d pop the cap, snip away any fused loops, and reseat the spool. With the cap clicking back in place, feed resumed normally.

Bottom line: the cap enables the system to work as intended; it doesn’t compensate for bad line or improper spool winding. When everything’s set up right, it keeps the mechanics tidy and dependable.

Durability and wear

Spool caps are consumables. This one holds up well across a season of regular yard maintenance, but it does show the expected wear patterns:
- The outer rim scuffs from accidental ground contact and edging passes.
- The latch tabs gradually lose some spring after many on/off cycles.
- Fine dust and plant sap can collect around the latch channels, making engagement feel gritty.

I found two simple habits extend its life:
- Avoid riding the cap against hard surfaces while edging; float the head or use the trimmer’s edging guide if you have one.
- Periodically wipe the cap and head with a dry brush or compressed air, then a light wipe with a dry rag. Keep solvents away from the plastic.

Under typical homeowner use, plan on replacing the cap about once a year. Heavy trimming against concrete or frequent cap removals will shorten that. The good news is that it’s inexpensive and extremely quick to swap.

Getting the most from it

If your auto-feed feels inconsistent, run through these checks before blaming the cap:
- Verify line size: stick with .080 line. Oversized or oddly shaped line can bind.
- Rewind the spool tightly and evenly, leaving a clean leader.
- Clean the head: packed dirt can drag on the spool and confuse the feed.
- Inspect the spring: a missing or kinked spring will cause erratic line behavior.
- Seat the cap evenly: both tabs should snap; if only one engages, the spool sits crooked.

A fresh cap paired with a properly wound spool nearly always restores smooth feed for me.

Quirks and limitations

• It’s a single-feed-only solution. If you prefer a bump-feed or a dual-line head, this cap doesn’t convert your trimmer—it simply maintains the stock system.
• Like most plastic caps, it’s not thrilled about being used as an edging skid. Treat it as a cover, not a bumper.
• If your trimmer’s auto-feed is temperamental by design, the cap will help by holding tolerances better than a worn part, but it won’t change the underlying mechanics. Expect good, not perfect.

None of these are defects; they’re the realities of this style of head. Understanding them makes ownership easier.

Value

Given how much a cap influences feed reliability, the value proposition is straightforward. It’s a small, budget-friendly part that prevents bigger headaches—misfeeds, line jams, and premature spool wear. I keep a spare on the shelf so a mid-session failure doesn’t derail yard work. Compared to the cost of line and time spent troubleshooting, having a ready replacement is worth it.

Who it suits

• Homeowners running a GH3000 single-feed head who want OEM-style fit and function.
• Occasional and regular users who accept that spool caps are wear items and like easy, tool-free maintenance.
• Anyone who wants to restore proper feed after the original cap’s latches fatigue or the rim gets chewed up.

Skip it if:
- Your trimmer uses a different head style or dual-feed system.
- You’re trying to convert to bump-feed or change line size beyond .080.

Final thoughts

There’s not much glamour in a spool cap, but it’s the cornerstone of a reliable trimming setup. This one slots in cleanly, holds the spool square and secure, and keeps the auto-feed mechanism operating the way it should—provided you match it with the correct line and a well-wound spool. It wears at a predictable rate, it’s easy to replace, and it’s priced like the consumable it is.

Recommendation: I recommend this spool cap for GH3000 single-feed trimmers using .080 line. It offers proper fit, quick installation, and visible improvements in feed consistency over a worn cap. Just set expectations: it won’t fix every auto-feed quirk, and you should plan on replacing it about annually if you trim and edge regularly. Keep a spare, wind your line neatly, and this small part will keep your trimmer running smoothly.