How To Replace A Lawn Mower Pull Cord

A snapped pull cord is going to put a swift end to any lawn care plans you might have had, but it doesn’t mean you need to put your mower out to pasture. Lawn mower rip cords are an easy, affordable fix. With a few basic tools and the right replacement cord, you can get it done yourself in about thirty minutes. Sounds promising, but you still need some guidance, right? That’s why we’re here! Keep reading for AppliancePartsPros.com’s guide to replacing the pull cord in your lawn mower.

Need a new pull cord for your lawn mower? Search below using your specific lawnmower model number to identify the exact part needed:

When Should I Replace My Lawn Mower Pull Cord?

You should replace your pull cord when it’s starting to fray. Maybe it seems like you could squeeze a bit more life out of it, but you’ll have an easier time if you’re proactive and change it out early. Because the pull assembly loses tension if the cord breaks, changing a broken pull cord is a bit tougher than changing out a cord that’s still intact. So, check your pull cord regularly. If you notice any fraying, thinning, or are running into debris buildup that you can’t clean up – like sap or plain old dirt – it’s time to swap the cord out.

What Causes A Stuck Pull Cord

Mower pull cords can get stuck for a number of reasons. Luckily, not every issue requires that you replace a part, but you likely will have to do a bit of disassembly. Here are a few things that might be making your lawn mower’s starter rope difficult to pull:

• Dirt, grass, and other debris are gunking up the works. Grass can get into the starter relay or mat up on the rope itself. You may need to remove the starter assembly to clear this out, but usually this issue can be solved with a bit of cleaning.

• The rope is knotted. A knot in the middle of the rope can prevent it from retracting or cause issues with how the cord winds onto the pulley. Check your rope for knots. Loosen them if you can. Otherwise, you may need to replace the cord.

• The rope is too thick or too thin. A cord that’s too thick may be harder to pull through the opening on the rewind assembly, while a cord that’s too thin could knot up more easily.

• There’s an issue with the rewind assembly. You likely will need to replace the entire rewind assembly if there’s an issue with the pulley.

Finding The Right Replacement Cord

You’ll want a sturdy synthetic rope to replace your lawn mower’s damaged pull cord, and in order to ensure your mower starts up properly, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the correct length and diameter of rope. What you need depends on the make and model of your mower, but luckily, most manufacturers also make OEM replacement pull cords available, or at least list the cord requirements in the manual.

We suggest going with an OEM replacement part if you’re able. That way, you’re guaranteed a component that was made to fit with your equipment. To more easily find that OEM replacement part, you’ll want to start with the mower’s model number. You’ll find the model number on your mower, either on a sticker somewhere on the cutting deck housing or a metal plate on or near the motor.

Once you’ve got that model number, searching for it online at a site like AppliancePartsPros.com should bring you right to a compatible OEM part.

How To Replace A Lawn Mower Pull Cord

Most mower pull cords are replaced in roughly the same way. The steps we’ve laid out here should work for just about every lawn mower regardless of brand or model. If you do run into any issues, like with figuring out how to remove the rewind assembly on your mower, check your manual for diagrams. They should indicate how to remove and reinstall those parts.

Tools For The Job

No matter the brand of lawn mower you have, there are a few things you should have on hand before you begin.

• A replacement pull cord
• Phillips & Flathead Screwdrivers
• Socket Set & Ratchet
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Scissors, snips, or a razor
• Work Gloves

Before You Begin…

For safety, ensure you’re working on a flat, stable surface. You should also disconnect the spark plug boot from the spark plug to protect yourself from accidental ignition. You should also cut your cord to length if it isn’t already cut, and then use a lighter to slightly melt each end of the cord, then roll it to press down any fraying threads.

Replacing A Mower Pull Cord

1. Remove the rewind assembly. Follow what’s left of your pull cord to its end at the base of the mower and you’ll find the rewind assembly housing. Depending on which model of lawn mower you have, how you get to the rewind assembly will vary. Consult your appliance manual for diagrams that will illustrate exactly how each part of the mower is assembled. This should give you an idea of what parts need to be removed to remove the rewind assembly housing. On most mowers, it’s as simple as removing the two to four screws or bolts that secure the component. Check whether you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver or a socket and ratchet before you start! You may need to remove a shroud or wheel to reach the bolts securing your mower’s rewind assembly housing.
2. Clear out your starter housing. Now is a good time to get rid of any dried mud, grass clumps, or other debris that might have made a home in your starter housing. Cleaning this component up will prolong the life of your next pull cord as well as the other components in the assembly.
3. Carefully pull what’s left of the cord out as far as it will go. Don’t let it go. You’re winding the pulley, and if you release the cord, you could hurt your hands as it snaps back.
4. Lock the pulley in place. Insert a screwdriver straight down between prongs on the pulley through the starter housing. This will keep the pulley from unwinding and snapping back into place while you work.
5. Remove the old pull cord from the assembly. With the pull cord drawn out to its longest point, you should be able to see the knot that secures it in place on the pulley. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the knot out of the pulley, cut the knot off, and then remove the rope out of the assembly. Leave that screwdriver you wedged into place on the rewind assembly there. You’ll need the pulley to be wound while installing the new rope.
6. Remove the old pull cord from the mower handle. Like the rewind assembly, the rope is held in place in the handle by a knot. Depending on your model of mower, the handle may need to be disassembled or popped open to reach the end of the cord. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to more easily pull the knot out of the handle to either cut or pull the cord all the way through the handle. Skip this step if the new cord you’re using comes with a handle.
7. Install the new rope into the handle, if needed. Some OEM ropes come with a new handle entirely, but if yours doesn’t, install the rope now. Simply thread it through the handle, tie a tight knot, and reassemble the handle as needed.
8. Prep the rewind assembly.
   1. While holding the pulley in place with one hand, remove the screwdriver.
   2. Now, wind the pulley as tight as it will go.
   3. Once it’s completely wound, carefully allow it to release until the entry point on the pulley aligns with the hole on the assembly housing.
   4. Put the screwdriver back into place.
9. Install the cord in the rewind assembly.
   1. Thread the loose end of the cord through the hole in the starter housing and the hole in the pulley.
   2. Tie a tight knot in the end of the rope, then tuck the knot into place in the pulley – there should be a nook for it on the pulley. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to help, if you’re having difficulty.
   3. Remove the screwdriver and slowly allow the pulley to unwind, letting the rope wind back into the pulley.
10. Give the cord a test. Pull it a few times and make sure it retracts.
11. Reinstall the starter assembly on the lawn mower. Make sure you’ve reinstalled all bolts or screws.

Wrapping Up

Before you call it a day, be sure to give your reassembled mower one more test to make sure it starts up. If it does, congratulations! You’ve repaired your lawn mower all on your own. Now, the next time you need tips, tutorials, or genuine OEM replacement parts, why not come back to AppliancePartsPros.com? Our friendly staff of experts is happy to help you fix your appliances and lawn equipment!