How to Replace a Craftsman Lawnmower Pull Cord
If the lawnmower pull cord for your Craftsman mower has broken, you'll be stuck with dead piece of lawn gear. But fortunately it isn't difficult to replace the cord and get your machine running again. You'll need a replacement cord, available through Sears parts supply, or you can use a nylon or cotton cord of comparable thickness.
Loosen and remove the bolts securing the engine cover to the mower deck, using a socket set. The size and number of bolts varies by model, but 7/16-inch bolts are common, usually three in number. Set the bolts and cover aside.
Pull out any remains of the old cord from the pulley on the top of the engine. Turn the pulley with your hand to line up the hole in the pulley with the direction of the cover hole's location. Clamp the pulley with your vise grips or a clamp to hold it in position.
- If the lawnmower pull cord for your Craftsman mower has broken, you'll be stuck with dead piece of lawn gear.
- Loosen and remove the bolts securing the engine cover to the mower deck, using a socket set.
Thread the end of the cord through the hole in the pulley. Tie a knot in the end and melt it with a lighter if the cord is nylon so it doesn't come untied. Release the clamp and thread the other end of the cord through the hole in the engine cover from the inside. Replace the cover and bolt it on to the mower.
Feed the cord through the guides on the mower handle. Slide the end of the cord through the pull handle and tie a knot. Cut off any excess cord.
- Thread the end of the cord through the hole in the pulley.
- Release the clamp and thread the other end of the cord through the hole in the engine cover from the inside.
Pull-cord On My Lawnmower Is Stuck
Pull cords on lawn mowers have caused homeowners many frustrating hours by becoming stuck, refusing to work. Once the issue is determined, the correct solution can be implemented. A few preventative measures can help reduce the occurrence of a stuck pull cord. Unscrew the screw on top of the housing to gain access to the cord and pulley disc for further inspection. Return the disc and cord to their proper locations, reversing the order of removal. Pulley discs can fracture or develop sharp edges over time and eventually snare the cord at the point of damage. Watch for potential problems when mowing high grass, weeds or on rocky ground. Replace the cord if you find damage. Measure the length between the motor housing and the mower handle.
- Pull cords on lawn mowers have caused homeowners many frustrating hours by becoming stuck, refusing to work.
- Unscrew the screw on top of the housing to gain access to the cord and pulley disc for further inspection.
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References
- "Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated"; Editors of The Family Handyman; 2007
- Cockeyed; How to Replace the Starter Cord on a Lawnmower; Rob Cockerham
- Small-engine-repairs: Vertical Pull Lawnmower Rope Repair
- "Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Small Gasoline Engines"; Samuel Goldwasser; 1994
Writer Bio
Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.
