The pull string is the cord you grip to start your mower—and it wears out

The pull string (also called the starter cord or recoil cord) is the rope you pull to crank the engine. Over time, it frays, snaps, or becomes too short to grip properly. Replacing it is a straightforward job that takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs $10 to $30 for the cord itself—far less than a service call.

The cord lives inside a plastic housing called the recoil starter. When you pull it, a spring-loaded mechanism winds back up inside. When the cord breaks, the spring usually stays intact, so you are only replacing the cord, not the whole assembly.

This is a job you can do with basic tools: a screwdriver, scissors or a utility knife, and a lighter or match to seal the cord ends. You do not need to remove the engine or drain the fuel tank.

Key Takeaways

  • The pull string sits inside the recoil starter housing on top of or to the side of the engine; you remove the housing cover with a screwdriver to access it.
  • You will need replacement cord (usually nylon, sold as starter cord at hardware stores) and a way to seal the cut ends with heat so they do not fray.
  • The cord is tied to a handle on one end and wound around a spring-loaded spool inside the housing on the other; you unwind the old cord and wind the new one the same way.
  • If the spring inside the housing is broken or the cord will not stay wound, the recoil starter itself has failed and you will need a replacement assembly, not just cord.

Gather the right cord and tools before you start

Buy starter cord at any hardware store or online—it is usually nylon, braided or solid, and comes in spools of 50 to 100 feet. Common sizes are 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch diameter; check your mower's manual or measure the old cord to be sure. A 50-foot spool is enough for most push mowers.

You will also need a way to seal the cord ends so they do not unravel. A lighter or match works fine—you melt the nylon slightly so the fibers fuse together. Have scissors or a utility knife ready to cut the cord cleanly. A screwdriver (usually Phillips head) removes the recoil starter housing cover.

Lay everything on a clean, flat surface before you begin. Take a photo of the old cord and housing with your phone so you can refer to it while you work.

Remove the recoil starter housing to access the cord

The recoil starter is bolted or screwed to the top or side of the engine. Look for a plastic or metal cover with the handle sticking out of it. Locate the screws holding the cover in place—usually two to four of them—and remove them with your screwdriver. Set the screws in a small cup so you do not lose them.

Gently pull the cover away from the engine. The old pull string will still be attached to the handle and wound around a spool inside. Do not force anything; if the cover is stuck, check for a screw you missed.

Once the cover is off, you will see the spring-loaded spool in the center. The old cord is wound around it and tied to the handle. The spring is under tension, so be careful not to let the spool spin freely—it can pinch your fingers or cause the spring to unwind suddenly.

Unwind the old cord and remove the handle

The handle is usually screwed or knotted to the end of the cord. If it is screwed on, unscrew it and set it aside—you will reuse it. If it is knotted, cut the knot with scissors or a utility knife and discard the old cord.

Now you need to unwind the old cord from the spool. Hold the spool steady with one hand so the spring does not spin. Slowly pull the cord out of the housing, unwinding it from the spool as you go. The spring will want to rewind as you release the tension, so work slowly and keep your hand on the spool.

Once the cord is completely unwound, the spool should be at rest. If the spool spins on its own or the spring feels loose, the recoil starter spring is broken and you will need to replace the entire housing, not just the cord. Stop here and order a replacement recoil starter assembly for your mower model.

Thread and wind the new cord onto the spool

Cut a length of new cord—usually 8 to 12 feet, depending on your mower's manual. Seal both cut ends with a lighter or match by holding the flame near (not touching) the nylon until it melts slightly and the fibers fuse. Let it cool for a few seconds. This prevents the cord from unraveling.

Locate the hole or slot in the spool where the cord threads through. Feed one end of the new cord through that hole. You may need to hold the spool steady or ask someone to help while you thread the cord.

Once the cord is threaded, begin winding it around the spool by hand, going in the same direction the old cord was wound. Wind it tightly and neatly, layer by layer, until the spool is full or until you have wound most of the cord. Leave about 12 to 18 inches of cord free for the handle.

Attach the handle and test the recoil

If your old handle was screwed on, screw it back onto the free end of the cord. If you cut the knot off, tie a knot at the end of the new cord large enough that it will not slip through the handle. Then screw or bolt the handle onto the cord.

Gently pull the cord a few times to test the recoil. The cord should pull smoothly and the spring should pull it back into the housing. If the cord is too long or too short, you can adjust by unwinding a bit more or winding it tighter. The goal is for the handle to sit just outside the housing when the cord is fully retracted, with no slack.

Once the cord pulls and retracts smoothly, reinstall the recoil starter cover and screw it back onto the engine. Make sure all screws are tight.

Reinstall the cover and test on the mower

Align the cover with the bolt holes on the engine and insert all the screws. Tighten them evenly—do not over-tighten, which can crack the plastic. The cover should sit flush against the engine with no gaps.

Now test the mower. Pull the cord several times to make sure it starts smoothly. The cord should pull with consistent resistance and snap back into the housing each time. If it sticks, binds, or does not retract fully, stop and check that the cord is wound evenly and the cover is not pinching it.

If the mower starts normally and the cord works smoothly, the job is done. You have successfully replaced the pull string.

When to replace the entire recoil starter instead

If the cord will not stay wound, the spool spins freely on its own, or the spring feels loose or broken, the recoil starter assembly itself has failed. Replacing just the cord will not fix these problems. You will need to order a replacement recoil starter for your specific mower model and bolt it onto the engine in place of the old one.

Check your mower's manual or search online for the model number to find the correct part. Recoil starters usually cost $40 to $100 and take about an hour to install. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a small-engine repair shop can install it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size cord to buy?

Check your mower's manual for the cord diameter, usually 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch. If you do not have the manual, measure the old cord with a ruler or take it to the hardware store and match it to a spool. Starter cord is sold by diameter, so the staff can help you find the right size.

Can I use regular rope instead of starter cord?

No. Regular rope absorbs moisture, stretches, and frays quickly. Starter cord is braided nylon designed to withstand repeated pulling and heat. It costs only a few dollars more and will last much longer.

What if I cannot get the old cord unwound?

If the cord is stuck or tangled, cut it into short pieces with scissors and pull them out one at a time. Work slowly so you do not accidentally release the spring. If the spool itself is stuck or will not turn, the recoil starter may be damaged and you will need a replacement assembly.

Do I need to drain the fuel tank before replacing the cord?

No. The recoil starter is on the outside of the engine and you are not opening the fuel system. You can leave the tank full. Just make sure the mower is off and cool before you start.

How tight should I wind the new cord?

Wind it firmly and evenly, layer by layer, so it does not slip or bunch up. It should be snug enough that it does not move when you tug on it, but not so tight that you strain the spring. If the cord is hard to pull or does not retract smoothly, unwind it slightly and try again.