How To Replace a Pull Cord Of a Lawn Mower

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If you enjoy gardening, a lawnmower is an essential part of your daily routine. However, you should be aware that, as a tool, it is susceptible to a variety of issues. One of them is the pull cord snapping or ripping.

A lawnmower is started with a pull chain, so you can’t start a lawnmower without it.

If in case your lawnmower doesn’t start when you pull the chain, then do you think that your mower has gone worthless? 

No! Your lawnmower is still operational. The pull cord can be replaced to restore its functionality.

By reading this article, you will learn how to preserve your mower by simply changing the pull cord.

Replacing pull cord of lawn mower

Parts of a Mower’s Pull Cord Housing

You must be aware of what the pull cord housing of the lawnmower consists of. Knowing all of the components in detail can assist you in completing tasks in the most efficient manner possible. 

The following are the primary components of a lawn mower pull cord housing:

  • Starter Pull Rope.
  • Recoil spring.
  • Handle.
  • Pulley.

Tools Required to Replace a Pull Cord

We need to gather some tools to do the job. Here is a list of tools you should have.

  • New pull rope with exact length and thickness
  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Needle nose Pliers
  • Lighter
  • Hand gloves

How to Replace a Pull Cord on a Mower?

Now since we have gathered all the tools required, we can start the process of replacing the pull cord on a mower.

There are some steps you need to follow, which will help you in replacing the pull cord. Let us start with the first step.

Step 1: Make the Required Preparations.

To begin, park the lawn mower on a leveled surface. Don’t forget to safeguard your hands by wearing hand gloves.

Step 2:Remove the Power Cord.

Disconnect the lawn mower’s power cable from the battery in a safe manner. You’ll be safe from being electrocuted if you do this.

Step 3:Remove the Screws That Hold the Rewind Housing Together.

Locate the three screws that are connected to the lawn mower’s rewind casing now. Using a screwdriver or a wrench, remove the screws.

Step 4: Take Out the Old, Broken Rope.

To open the rewind casing, lightly tap it. Now look for the broken rope’s knotted edge. Pull out the edge of the pliers while holding it tight.

The replacement rope will be inserted along the edge where the broken rope is pulled. 

Note: New ropes are available at any hardware store or motor repair shop.

Step 5: Set The New Rope In Place.

This time, use the new rope. Make a loop with one end of the rope and thread the new rope through the same hole as the previous one.

Take very good care of the rewind’s innerspring. Slowly spin the pulley in the appropriate direction and secure the rope. Continue to move the pulley until you encounter resistance.

Step 6: Pulley Rotation.

Continue to rotate the pulley until the apertures of the rewind casing and the pulley pellets are in the same position. To prevent the pulley from rotating in the other direction, insert a screwdriver into the hole in the body of the pulley.

Step 7: Place the Rope, In the Rewind Casing.

Make a knot in the rope and thread it through the opening in the rewind housing. Using a lighter, warm the rope. Before returning to the former position, pull it tight.

Step 8:Remove Any Excess Rope.

Allow the rope to be connected to the wheel without the screwdriver. If there remains an additional rope once everything has been returned to its original location, cut it off.

Step 9: The Rewind Housing Must Be Replaced.

Replace the rewind casing in its former position with care this time. Using a screwdriver or wrench, reinstall the screws that were originally taken. Tighten the screws if necessary.

Step 10: Connect the Power Cord Again.

Reconnect the battery’s power cable. Turn on the lawn mower and double-check that everything is in working order.

Steps to replace pull cord

Cautions and Warnings

There are some things you should be cautious about while replacing the pull cord. Else you might damage the machine. 

Below are given some cautions you need to know.

  • Identify a location to store the screws at the start of the replacement. You won’t have to worry about losing screws this way.
  • When withdrawing the screwdriver from the innerspring, be cautious not to scratch the spring with your finger.
  • On the manufacturer’s website, get the user handbook. If an issue arises while you are engaged, the user handbook will instruct you on how to resolve it.

When Should You Replace the Pull Cord of a Mower?

Now you know how to replace the pull cord, but when do you need to replace it?

Let’s see some conditions. If they apply to your machine, then you should replace your pull cord.

  • When the lawn mower’s drawcord does not restore to its appropriate position in the housing.
  • When the drawcord on the lawn mower is broken or damaged.
  • When the lawn mower’s drawcord becomes trapped or refuses to come out.

Conclusion

The procedure explained above is the standard procedure for changing the pull cord on a lawn mower. However, keep in mind that the whole procedure we mentioned is only applicable to tiny lawn mowers.

If you have a huge lawn mower, you should try to fix it with the help of a professional technician. In the case of a huge lawn mower, repairing it might be dangerous.

About Tom Reynolds

My name is Tom Reynolds, and I like lawn mowing. When I was a kid, I used to help my dad in cutting grass using a reel mower, now, I have my own 6 different lawn mowers. Keeping my lawn healthy and beautiful gives me satisfaction, and I still enjoy working in my lawn.