How to Tighten the Pull String Spring on a Push Mower

Undo the three or four starter housing securing screws with a nut driver and place the assembly upside down on your workbench.

Grip the housing in your left hand and pull the handle all the way out. Place your left thumb on top of the pulley and apply downward pressure to prevent it from unwinding.

Snip the cord behind the knot on the inside of the pulley with a pair of side cutters and pull it out. Ease pressure on your thumb and allow the pulley to unwind slowly.

Thread a new starter cord through the hole in the starter handle. Secure the cord with an overhand knot about 3/8-inch from the end and seal the braided end by melting the tip with a butane lighter or a match. Pull the cord through the handle and give it a sharp tug to tighten the knot.

Wind the pulley about half a turn counterclockwise against the spring tension to line the hole in the pulley up with the ferule on the side of the housing. Prevent the pulley from unwinding by pressing downward with your left thumb.

Thread the loose end of the cord through the ferule and through the hole in the pulley. Hold the end of the cord and ease tension on your thumb; this will allow the pulley to unwind. Tie a second overhand knot on the cord protruding through the pulley about 3/8-inch from the end and seal the tip with a flame from a butane lighter or match.

Fish the cord out from between the pulley and the housing with a bent paper clip and pull it upward to form a loop. Hook your right thumb in the loop and draw the cord through the inside of the ferule until the handle rests against the side of the housing.

Feed the pulley end of the cord upward through the notch on the flat upper face of the pulley. Hold the housing firmly in your left hand and grasp the cord above the notch with your right hand.

Wind the pulley two full turns by the cord in a counterclockwise direction to apply tension to the recoil spring. Line the notch up with the ferule and press down on the top of the pulley with your left thumb to prevent it from unwinding. Give the handle a slight tug to free the cord from the notch.

Grip the handle in your right hand, release the pressure on your left thumb and ease the handle forward. This will allow the pulley to unwind and wrap the cord around its rim while drawing the handle inward.

Repeat steps 6 through 9 if there is still some slack between the handle and the housing by winding the pulley counterclockwise another full turn as described. This final action will apply enough tension on the recoil spring to draw the handle flush against the side of the housing.

Complete the procedure by bolting the recoil starter back onto the mower and tightening it securely.