Paracord Lawn Mower Pull String

In this video you will learn how to create a lawn mower pull string with 550 paracord. Creating a lawn mower pull string with 550 paracord is fairly easy and cheaper than the alternative.

So the lawnmower starter string broke while you were trying to start it. You can spend $40 or more on a whole new housing or you can use the paracord you probably have laying around and repair it yourself in a short amount of time. You’re probably now wondering how you are going to do that.

The first thing to do is remove the old starter string and recoil assembly housing located on the top of the lawnmower motor. The recoil assembly housing is typically attached by three bolts. You will need a ratchet to remove the bolts. Most commonly the bolts will need a three-eighths inch socket to remove. Once the three bolts are removed, the housing should simply lift off. The recoil assembly will be on the underside of this housing.

Remove any remaining starter string, using a pair of pliers to grab the end if necessary and pull it out. There is a spring that makes the recoil assembly acts as a pulley, so when you pull the string out it will want to turn back in the opposite direction. Use your thumb to hold it in place each time you pull a length of string out to prevent injuring yourself.

Once you get to the end of the remaining string on the recoil assembly there will be a knot. You can use a small screw driver to hold the pulley in place while you undo the knot to remove the starter string. Before you can replace the starter string, the recoil assembly spring needs tightened. Turn the recoil assembly counter clockwise until it stops, then turn it back clockwise until the hole on the recoil assembly lines up with the hole on the housing.  Secure the recoil assembly with the small screw driver so it does not move.

With the holes lined up you can now put the paracord through the hole on housing, then through the hole on the recoil assembly. This may take a few tries, and using pliers to pull the end of the paracord through the recoil assembly hole will make it easier. After getting the end through the two holes, tie a tight over hand knot at the end. Melt the knot together using a lighter to ensure it will never come undone. Gently pull the paracord back until the knot is inside of the recoil assembly. 

You will have to estimate the length of paracord you will need, or if you can measure it with the old starter rope and add a foot or two. To get the paracord wrapped onto the recoil assembly, remove the screwdriver and let the pulley go. Holding tension on the pulley using your thumb let it slowly coil the paracord until you have a few feet left. Tie a knot that is easy to undo on the outside of the housing, this will prevent it from wrapping further while you are putting the housing back onto the lawn mower.

Bolt the housing back onto the lawnmower and thread the remaining end of paracord through the grip. Estimate how much paracord you will need, by pulling the grip and paracord to the position where the grip will sit, and cut off the excess. Tie an overhand knot at the end, melt the knot together, and pull the knot back into the grip, pushing it down with a screwdriver if necessary. Untie the knot just outside the housing, and thread the paracord through the eyelets until the grip is in its resting position with some tension in the paracord. If there isn’t enough paracord, simply cut more of the end off and redo your knot. 

That’s it! Know you have the knowledge to create a lawn mower pull string with 550 paracord the next time your starter string breaks on your lawn mower.