How to Replace the Pull Cord on a Craftsman Weedwacker Model 358.791580

Set the weekwhacker out on a flat and stable surface and use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove all the holding screws that anchor the cover over the starter, which is located at the rear of the whacker’s engine near the exhaust valve. Unscrew the screws, remove them and place them in a cup to prevent them from rolling off and possibly getting lost.

Pull the cover loose from the whacker; the starter cord assembly is anchored to the inside of the cover, so be ready to catch the pulley in case it is loose inside the casing. Unravel the coiled cord, or what remains of it if the cord has broken. Once you get to the end of the cord, depress the lock-tab to release the end and free it from the pulley.

Open up the new cord’s packaging and thread the plastic end of the cord through the hole by again depressing the lock-tab. Tug slightly on the cord once it is locked into place to ensure its snug or else you will repeating the process once you jerk the cord out as you try to start the whacker. Hold the cord taut and slowly wrap coils of cord around the pulley. Once you get to the end, tie a loose fitting knot in the cord then slide the knot down so it is flush with the metal tab on the inside of the pulley.

Tug again on the wound cord to add tension to the recoil spring then place the pulley back inside the cover. Snap the cover in place on the rear of the whacker and re-screw the holding screws in place. Make sure you have gas in the engine then give the cord a strong tug to ensure the cord is properly locked in place.