When it comes to maintaining your lawn mower, replacing the pull cord is an essential task that you should know how to do. Luckily, the process is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps.
Locate the Starter Housing
The first step in changing a lawn mower pull cord is to locate the starter housing. This is typically located on the top or side of the mower, and you’ll need to unscrew it to access the pull cord mechanism.
Remove the Starter Housing
Once you’ve located the starter housing, carefully unscrew it and remove it from the mower. Be sure to keep track of any screws or bolts that you remove so that you can easily reassemble the mower later.
Take Out the Old Pull Cord
With the starter housing removed, you can now access the old pull cord. Carefully unwind and remove the old cord from the pulley, taking note of how it was attached so that you can replicate it with the new cord.
Measure and Cut a New Cord
Before cutting a new pull cord, be sure to measure the length of the old cord to ensure that the new one is the correct size. Once you have the measurements, cut the new cord to size using a sharp pair of scissors or wire cutters.
Thread and Tie Off the New Cord
After cutting the new cord, thread it through the pulley in the same way that the old cord was threaded. Once the cord is in place, tie a secure knot at the end to prevent it from slipping out of the pulley during use.
Reassemble the Device
With the new pull cord in place, carefully reassemble the starter housing and secure it back onto the mower using the screws or bolts that you removed earlier. Make sure that everything is properly aligned and tightened before testing the mower.
Test the Pull Cord
Before using the mower, give the new pull cord a test by gently pulling on it to ensure that it retracts smoothly and starts the engine effectively. If everything is working properly, you’re all set to start cutting the grass with your freshly repaired lawn mower.
