Black & Decker String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 0.065-Inch, 3 Pack

Why I keep a three-pack of AF-100 spools on the shelf

I do a lot of quick trims—edges along the driveway, around fence posts, and cleanups after mowing—so I value anything that shortens the time between pulling the trimmer out and putting it away. The AF-100 spools hit that sweet spot. They’re prewound with 0.065-inch line, drop straight into compatible Black & Decker heads, and the auto-feed takes care of the rest. No bumping, no fiddling with tangles mid-job. For light-duty yard work, that convenience grows on you fast.

Compatibility and setup

I used these on a couple of Black & Decker units that live in my shed: a cordless 20V trimmer and an older corded model. Fit and finish were what I expect from OEM parts—the cap snapped on securely, and the spool seated without shimming or fuss. The install process is straightforward:

• Pop the cap on the trimmer head.
• Drop in the spool so the notched hub engages.
• Thread a few inches of line through the eyelet.
• Replace the cap and start the tool—auto-feed sets the cutting length.

One small note: on one head, the exit hole is barely recessed, and the spool’s line-retaining notch can hide the tag end. I’ve made it a habit to free 4–6 inches of line before closing the cap. It’s a 10-second step that guarantees the auto-feed engages right away.

If you’re unsure about compatibility, double-check your model number against Black & Decker’s list. These are designed for a wide range of their light-duty trimmers that spec 0.065-inch line. If your trimmer normally runs thicker line (0.080 or 0.095), these aren’t a match—using thinner line in a head designed for heavier stuff can cause rapid wear or feeding quirks.

Auto-feed performance

The auto-feed is the main reason I stick with prewound spools. With the AF-100 spools, line advancement was consistent. The trimmer kept a proper cutting length without overfeeding, and I didn’t have to bump the head at all. Over the course of edging a medium suburban lot—driveway, walkway, and around a dozen trees—feed remained steady with no noticeable surges.

On one spool out of the pack, I did hit a snag mid-trim. The line stopped advancing, and I found a slightly tight loop near the outer wrap. It wasn’t welded or fused, just a spot where the layers had settled together. A quick tug to free a couple of wraps resolved it, and the rest of the spool ran correctly. That’s not uncommon with thin line, especially if it’s been sitting in a warm shed. I’ve found that storing spools in a cool, dry spot (or even a zip bag) helps prevent this, and a short dunk in water before use can restore flexibility on hot, dry days.

Cut quality and line lifespan

At 0.065 inches, this line is designed for grass, turf, and tender weeds. Used within that envelope, it cuts cleanly. I get crisp edges along concrete without feathering, provided I keep the head at a consistent angle. Around chain-link fence and brick, it does what thin line always does: it nicks away quickly if you ride hard on the abrasive surface. That’s the tradeoff for a lightweight, easy-to-feed system.

In typical weekly maintenance, I average one spool per two to three sessions on the 20V tool and a bit longer on the corded trimmer, simply because the corded unit maintains higher rpm under load and I can work more precisely. If you’re trimming neglected areas with thicker stalks, expect the line to disappear faster. For truly woody stems or long, fibrous weeds, you’re better off with a heavier-duty trimmer and thicker line.

Factory winding and consistency

The factory winding on the AF-100 spools is even and tight, which is part of why the auto-feed works well. Most of the time, that uniform winding translates to hands-off line advancement. As mentioned, I encountered one minor stick point across three spools—easily sorted. If you ever need to rewrap, follow the directional arrow molded on the spool and keep the wraps snug without crossing. Improper winding is the quickest way to break the auto-feed.

I’ve also compared these to hand-wound refills using bulk line. You can save a few dollars with bulk, but the time investment and the greater chance of feed issues make it a false economy for small yards. If you trim acres every week, bulk might pencil out; otherwise, prewound is worth it.

Ergonomics and workflow

A small but appreciated benefit: swapping a prewound spool mid-job takes under a minute. No threading, no knots, no fuss. I keep a spare in my pocket when edging long runs so I don’t have to hike back to the garage. That keeps the rhythm of the job intact, which is half the battle with yard work.

The line itself has a balanced feel—no excessive vibration from uneven winding—and it spools off smoothly. The trimmer head stayed cooler than with some stiffer aftermarket lines I’ve tried, likely because the line releases more readily and doesn’t bind as much under centrifugal force.

Durability and storage tips

To get the most from thin line, a little care goes a long way:

• Avoid constant contact with concrete, stone, or chain-link. Let the tips do the cutting.
• If line snaps frequently at startup, give the spool a 30-second soak in water to improve flexibility.
• Clean the trimmer’s eyelet and cap area occasionally. Debris in the feed path can mimic a spool problem.
• Store the spools out of direct sun. Heat accelerates line memory and increases the chance of stick points.

Follow those and you’ll see fewer breaks, fewer stalls, and a consistent cut.

Value and who it’s for

The three-pack format is practical. If you trim weekly during the growing season, a pack covers a good chunk of the year for a typical lot. More importantly, it removes the “I’ll get to it later” friction that comes with restringing—there’s always a fresh spool ready. For occasional users, it’s nice to buy once and be set through multiple cycles without worrying about line spoiling or drying out in an open bulk spool.

The AF-100 spools are a clear fit for owners of compatible Black & Decker trimmers who prioritize speed and simplicity over heavy-duty cutting. If your yard demands frequent battles with thick, woody weeds, you’re shopping in the wrong aisle; a bigger line and a different head are the right tools. But for lawns, beds, and routine edges, these spools meet the brief.

The bottom line

In my hands, the AF-100 spools deliver what they promise: quick installs, reliable auto-feed, and clean cuts on grass and light weeds. Across multiple sessions, feed was steady and hassle-free, with only a minor hiccup on one spool that was simple to correct. The 0.065-inch line won’t turn a light-duty trimmer into a brush cutter, but used appropriately, it’s efficient and predictable.

Recommendation: I recommend these for anyone with a compatible Black & Decker trimmer who values convenience and consistent auto-feed. The three-pack is cost-effective over a season, the factory winding generally keeps the tool running without interruption, and the overall experience is faster and cleaner than hand-winding bulk line. As long as you match the line to the work—and avoid heavy, woody growth—you’ll get exactly what you need with minimal downtime.