Greetings! We all struggle with broken pull cords on our lawn mowers sometimes. It can be a pain. It’s okay! I’m here to help you with that pesky pull cord. Your mower will be up and running again in no time. Replacing the pull cord is a relatively straightforward process. All you need is a new pull cord, some basic tools, and a few minutes of your time. Know how to replace the lawn mower pull cord. With a few simple steps, your lawn mower will be running like new again.
Why Do Lawn Mowers Pull Cords Break?
Every time you yank that cord to start your lawnmower, it goes through a lot of stress. Eventually, all that tugging weakens the cord until it just snaps. Sometimes, it’s not just your aggressive pulling to blame; it’s also poor maintenance. If you forget to lubricate the recoil mechanism, it can wear down the cord faster.
And don’t forget about the quality of the cord itself. If it’s not up to snuff or has manufacturing defects, it’s more likely to break. To avoid this headache, take good care of your lawnmower, be gentle when starting it, and use the right replacement cord when needed.
Is It Difficult to Replace Your Lawn Mower Starter Cord?
No. You’ll need to remove the housing, remove the old cord, and put in a new one. Some basic tools and some know-how about how the recoil thingamajig works will be useful.
If you’re a DIY champ, you can probably pull it off with help from online tutorials or the trusty user manual. But if you’re not feeling all that handy, calling in a pro is not a bad idea. A messed-up installation can lead to more problems, and nobody wants that.
How Much Does Fixing the Pull Cord on a Lawn Mower Cost?
Well, the ballpark figure is usually between 50 to 150 bucks. But hold on, it’s not set in stone. If you’re a DIY pro and can swap out the cord yourself, you might just shell out around 10 to 20 bucks for a new one.
Now, if you decide to bring in the experts, that cost can go up. You’d be covering labor, parts, and any extra TLC your lawn mower might need, which could push the bill closer to that 150-dollar mark.
What You Need to Replace Your Lawn Mower Pull Cord
If you’re gearing up to replace that worn-out pull cord on your lawnmower, here’s what you’ll need. First, get yourself a replacement cord that matches your lawnmower’s specs in length and thickness. You’ll also want a screwdriver or a socket wrench to pop open the housing cover and get at the recoil mechanism.
Depending on how your lawn mower is put together, some pliers or needle-nose pliers could be useful for dealing with knots or securing the cord. Don’t forget safety goggles and work gloves to protect your eyes and hands while you work your DIY magic. Do these tools? You’re good to go!
How to Replace the Lawn Mower Pull Cord | Steps
So, your lawnmower’s pull cord has seen better days, and you’re itching to get it back in action. Don’t fret! We’ve got your back with this step-by-step guide on replacing the lawn mower pull cord and breathing new life into your trusty mower. Many people ask the question, how to replace the lawn mower pull cord? Well, here’s how:
Step 1 – Remove Your Mower’s Starter Assembly
The first thing you want to do is take off the starter assembly cover. You’ll probably need a screwdriver or socket wrench for this. Look for the screws or bolts holding it in place, and give them a good twist to loosen and remove them. Once those fasteners are out of the way, carefully lift off the cover. Now you can see what’s happening inside, including that old, tired pull cord.
Step 2 – Pull the Rope Out of the Starter
Pull it out of the starter assembly until you reach the end with the handle. Be gentle; we don’t want to mess up anything inside the assembly. Once you’ve got the cord all the way out, we’re ready for the next step.
Step 3 – Lock the Pulley in Place & Remove Rope
We need to lock the pulley so it doesn’t snap back at you while you work. Grab some locking pliers or a clamp and secure that pulley. Now, you can carefully remove the old pull cord from the pulley. Look at how it’s wrapped around; you’ll want to remember this for the next part.
Step 4 – Remove the Rope from the Handle
Don’t forget, we must also part ways with the old cord from the handle. Find the knot or whatever’s holding the cord to the handle and release it. Once it’s detached, you can toss that old cord aside.
Step 5 – Install the New Pull Cord
Thread one end of your shiny new cord through the hole in the lawnmower’s starter assembly where the old cord used to be. Pull it through until you have an equal length inside the assembly.
Next, you’ll want to wind that new cord around the recoil pulley. Remember how the old cord was wrapped? Try to replicate that pattern. It’s super important for the recoil mechanism to work correctly.
Attach it to the handle once the cord’s snug on the pulley. Tie a solid knot or use any provided fasteners to keep it firmly in place. We don’t want that cord making a run for it during your next mowing session.
Step 6 – Test the Recoil Mechanism
But before we put everything back together, let’s do a quick test to ensure the recoil mechanism behaves. Carefully release those locking pliers or clamps from the pulley, letting it ease back into place.
If you run into any issues here, like the cord not playing nice or getting stuck, you might want to revisit Steps 3 and 5 to ensure everything’s wound up and secured properly.
Step 7 – Reassemble the Starter Assembly
If the test went well, it’s time to put the starter assembly back together. Carefully line up the cover with those screw or bolt holes and use your trusty screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten up those fasteners. Make sure that the cover is as snug as a bug in a rug.
Now, the finishing touch – attaching the pull cord handle to the free end of the cord. Secure it with a nice, tight knot or any fasteners provided. Trim off any excess cord if it’s looking a bit unruly, but leave enough for a good grip on the handle.
Step 8 – Final Testing
Before you fire up that lawnmower, give the pull cord a few gentle tugs to see if it’s engaging the engine properly. You should feel some resistance as you pull; when you release, it should retract smoothly. If everything’s looking good, you’re ready to roll. Hope so – Now you know, how to replace the lawn mower pull cord?
Other Problems You May Run Into with Your Mower’s Pull Cord
There are a few other issues you might encounter with your mower’s pull cord:
Damage to Pull Cord Spring
Sometimes, the spring that helps retract the pull cord can get damaged. This can happen due to tears over time. If the cord isn’t winding back in as it should, it might be a spring problem.
Mower Pull Cord Won’t Retract
If you give the cord a tug, and it doesn’t retract, it could be due to a couple of reasons. One possibility is that the spring is loose or broken, as mentioned earlier. Another issue might be dirt or debris jamming the mechanism. Cleaning and lubricating the pull cord assembly can often solve this problem.
Your Pull Cord Won’t Catch When Pulled
Sometimes, you might pull the cord, but it doesn’t catch or engage. This could be due to a faulty or worn-out recoil starter assembly. Replacing or repairing this component may be necessary to get your pull cord working again.
FAQs
Can a lawn mower cord be replaced?
Yes, a lawn mower cord can be replaced. The process usually involves disconnecting the old cord and then connecting the new cord to the mower’s starter switch. It is important to check the cord’s length and the mower’s amperage before selecting a replacement cord.
Are lawn mower pull cords universal?
No, lawn mower pull cords are not universal. Each cord should be matched to the specific make and model of the lawn mower it is being used for. The cord should also be properly sized and have the correct rating for the mower’s amperage.
How do you start a pull cord on a lawn mower?
To start the lawn mower, pull the cord gently until it reaches the full length of the recoil spring, then release it. The recoil spring will then pull the cord back in and the engine should start; if it does not, repeat the process.
Final Words
That’s it, folks! Anyone can replace the pull cord on their lawn mower; it’s not rocket science. Follow these steps to save money and avoid dealing with a broken mower. Be safe with power tools by disconnecting the spark plug and taking precautions. It won’t take you long to mow your lawn like a pro! We hope now you know the answer to “how to replace the lawn mower pull cord?”
