DeWalt QUIK-LOK Attachment System — Complete Compatibility Guide

DeWalt’s QUIK-LOK system lets you swap attachments on a single power head — string trimmer, edger, pole saw, hedge trimmer, and more — without buying a separate motor and battery for each tool. For homeowners already invested in the DeWalt 20V MAX or 60V FLEXVOLT ecosystem, QUIK-LOK is a cost-effective way to expand your outdoor toolkit.

But compatibility is not always obvious. Not every attachment fits every power head, and battery voltage matters. Here is the full breakdown.

How QUIK-LOK works

The QUIK-LOK system uses a locking collar connection point where the lower attachment shaft meets the power head. To swap attachments:

1. Press the release button on the collar
2. Pull the lower attachment off
3. Slide the new attachment in until it clicks
4. Verify the lock is engaged before starting

The connection is purely mechanical — the power head drives a shaft that runs through the attachment. This means the motor, battery, and electronics are all in the power head. Attachments contain only the working end (trimmer head, edger blade, saw bar, etc.) and the drive shaft.

Power head options

DeWalt offers QUIK-LOK power heads in multiple voltage configurations:

60V MAX FLEXVOLT power heads

• Deliver maximum power for demanding attachments like the pole saw and hedge trimmer
• Use FLEXVOLT batteries (6.0Ah, 9.0Ah, 12.0Ah)
• FLEXVOLT batteries also work in all 20V MAX tools (they automatically switch voltage)
• Recommended for homeowners who want full power across all attachment types

20V MAX power heads

• Adequate for string trimming and edging on typical residential lawns
• Lighter weight than 60V units
• Use standard 20V MAX batteries
• May struggle with the pole saw attachment in hardwood or thicker branches

The voltage of the power head determines the maximum performance you can get from each attachment. A pole saw on a 20V head will cut, but it will cut faster and with less bogging on a 60V head.

Available QUIK-LOK attachments

Here are the main QUIK-LOK attachments and what to know about each:

String trimmer attachment

• The most commonly used QUIK-LOK attachment
• Uses standard 0.080” trimmer line in a bump-feed head
• Compatible with both 20V and 60V power heads
• Replacement spools and aftermarket trimmer heads are available — match the head thread and arbor to the QUIK-LOK trimmer attachment

Edger attachment

• Converts the power head into a wheeled stick edger
• Uses a metal edger blade
• The blade is a standard wear item — replacements are widely available
• Works with both voltage power heads

Pole saw attachment

• Extends reach for overhead limbing
• Uses a small chainsaw bar and chain (typically 8-10 inches)
• Chain replacement follows standard chainsaw specs: match pitch, gauge, and drive link count
• Performs best with 60V power heads due to higher torque demand

Hedge trimmer attachment

• Adds a reciprocating blade bar for hedge shaping
• Blade length varies by model
• Blade replacement or sharpening depends on the specific hedge trimmer attachment model
• Works with both voltage power heads

Brush cutter attachment

• For clearing heavy brush and small saplings
• Uses a metal blade rather than string
• The blade is a consumable — replacements are available by matching the blade diameter and arbor
• Best paired with 60V power heads

Cross-compatibility rules

The key compatibility rules for QUIK-LOK:

• All QUIK-LOK attachments fit all QUIK-LOK power heads — The mechanical connection is standardized across the system
• Battery voltage affects performance, not fitment — A pole saw attachment will physically connect to a 20V power head, but will perform better on a 60V head
• FLEXVOLT batteries work in 20V tools — If you own a 60V power head and a 20V drill, the same FLEXVOLT battery works in both (the battery switches voltage automatically)
• 20V batteries do NOT work in 60V tools — You cannot put a standard 20V MAX battery into a 60V FLEXVOLT power head

Replacement parts for QUIK-LOK attachments

Each attachment has its own set of consumable parts:

• String trimmer: 0.080” line, replacement spools, bump-feed head assembly
• Edger: Replacement edger blades
• Pole saw: Replacement chain and bar (match pitch, gauge, drive links)
• Hedge trimmer: Blade sharpening or replacement
• Brush cutter: Replacement metal blades

When ordering parts, specify the QUIK-LOK attachment model number — not just the power head model. The attachment model determines which spool, blade, or chain you need.

What this means for replacement parts

The QUIK-LOK system keeps your replacement parts needs simple — one power head, one battery set, and individual consumables for each attachment. Browse our catalog for QUIK-LOK compatible trimmer spools, edger blades, pole saw chains, and other attachment-specific parts matched to your DeWalt model numbers.