The Best Method For Replacing The Pull Cord On Your Lawn Mower

Mowing your yard correctly is a great way to transform a lackluster lawn into a stunning green oasis. But what do you do when the pull cord breaks prematurely and your lawn mower won't start? Besides scratching your head in confusion or nursing your smarting fingers, of course. To determine the right course of action, House Digest caught up with Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, for an exclusive interview. Recounting his personal experience, he says, "There's nothing worse than being out there on a hot summer day, yanking that cord, and having it snap mid-pull. I've busted my knuckles on the handlebar and even rolled my ankle falling backward. Honestly, I still get a little PTSD talking about it."

The good news is you don't have to associate your lawn mower with stories of personal injury if you take precautionary measures, a.k.a. replacing the cord before it breaks. Clayton agrees with this approach and suggests, "If you're proactive, you'll save yourself the headache. For most homeowners, replacing the cord once a year is plenty — every two years if you're not mowing all the time. That nylon rope will dry-rot over time, and when it goes, it'll ruin your day." Obviously, you'll have to buy some new cord, but measure the current rope's thickness first for a perfect fit. Moreover, "Don't cheap out with the bargain bin stuff from the garden aisle at Walmart. Go to your local dealer for brands like Stihl or Makita; they sell the same heavy-duty cord the pros use, usually off a big spool." Although the name brands will cost you a little extra, they'll be the safest option.

Once you have the desired cord, "disconnect the spark plug so there's no chance of the mower starting," recommends Clayton in his House Digest exclusive. Then, remove the screws (usually two to four) or bolts holding the top cover in place and set them aside. This will open up the starter housing (or the lid). Clear the broken grass blades or dirt buildup inside to find the old cord (generally, it's located in the middle). "Unwind what's left and note the path it takes," he says. Next, measure and cut the new cord: "Match the length to the old one (more less does not have to be perfect)." 1 to 2 extra inches won't be a big deal, but don't go overboard.

Now, slightly burn the rope's end with a lighter so there are no frays. "Feed [the new cord] through the handle and recoil pulley, tie good solid knots at both ends. Pro tip: use a little bolt at the end for extra strength," our expert says. Follow this up by preloading the spring, but go extra slow. "Wind the pulley a few turns to put tension back before reassembling," he continues. Finally, put the lid back in place and replace the bolts. To make the process smooth, "use a little WD-40 on the thread and make sure you hand tighten them in before using a wrench. For some reason, the threads on the top of those things inside the motor are super delicate, and you can strip it out really easy." After you're done, test your handiwork. You should experience a smooth pull with a good snap-back.

Although you can replace the pull cord on your lawn mower within an hour, you might want to reach out to a professional if you're not comfortable opening the starter housing or working with a pulley. And the pocket pinch won't be devastating. Case in point, replacing the cord yourself will cost about $4 to $10, whereas a pro would charge anywhere between $30 to $50. Listing the signs your lawn mower needs to go to a professional to be fixed, Clayton mentions in his exclusive chat with House Digest, "If your starter spring is busted, the pulley's cracked, or you just don't feel like fooling with spring tension, a shop can swap the whole assembly quick."

However, keep in mind that you'll have to pay an extra $20 to $90 if the mechanic has to replace the recoil assembly, too. Highlighting the importance of being proactive, he concludes, "For me, the pull cord is a little life metaphor — just like paying off debt or staying in shape: get ahead of it and you save yourself the pain later. Work smarter, not harder, like my grandfather used to say." In short, replace your lawn mower's pull cord before it breaks. If you want a professional to handle the replacement, schedule a session beforehand to avoid hurting yourself or shouldering expensive repair costs.