How to Assemble a Craftsman Chainsaw Starter

Light one end of the new starter rope with the lighter. Let the melting end drop once, and wipe the hot tip with the rag, forming a smooth tip. Press the tip into the starter rope housing, feeding it into the center of the pulley.

Lift the rope up through the pulley hole. Push the rope through the hole with the screwdriver, if necessary. Wind the rope counterclockwise onto the pulley. Tuck the loose end back under the rope, keeping about a 1-inch tail between the retainer rib and screw post.

Feed the rope through the starter cover and through the starter handle. Tie a knot in the end of the rope to secure it to the handle. Pull the rope out slightly to tighten it against the pulley.

Screw the rope retainer screw into the starter cover. Rewind the rope clockwise around the pulley. Press the pulley down onto the starter cover and the recoil spring cassette.

Tighten the pulley screw, securing it to the starter post. Unwind 10 inches of starter rope from the pulley. Hold the rope against the notch in the pulley and twist the pulley two full revolutions clockwise to tighten the spring.

Continue holding the pulley in place. Pull the rope through the starter hole, pulling the handle against the cover. Hold tension on the rope and slowly release the pulley, winding the rope back onto the pulley. Refit the starter cover to the chainsaw and tighten the four screws.