How to Replace a Lawn Mower Pull Cord in 6 Simple Steps

A step-by-step guide to help you grip it and rip it once again

A man mowing backyard lawn
Photo: Cultura RM Exclusive / Stephen Lux / Image Source / Getty Images
A man mowing backyard lawn
Photo: Cultura RM Exclusive / Stephen Lux / Image Source / Getty Images
Ben Kissam
Written by Ben Kissam
Contributing Writer
Updated Jan 8, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
45 minutes
COST
$10–$25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Screwdriver
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Nut driver
  • Scissors/utility knife
  • Lighter
SUPPLIES
  • Cleaning wipes or a towel/rag and water
  • Lawn mower pull cord

You filled the gas tank and put sunscreen on. It's mid-summer, so you even set a water bottle outside for mid-mowing hydration. Then you went to start the mower, and one swift pull changed your plans for the afternoon. The cord came flying off!

Don't worry—wear and tear can lead to a mower cord breaking, and you aren't the first to have this happen. In fact, if you notice your lawn mower cord is frayed but hasn't ripped, this could be part of your annual lawn mower maintenance to preserve the life of your device.

Learn how to replace a lawn mower pull cord in this simple six-step guide.

Prepping to Replace a Lawn Mower Pull Cord

A man pulling cord to start a lawn mower
Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Adobe Stock

For safety and efficiency purposes, there are two things you need to do prior to disassembling your mower and replacing the cord.

Identify the Type of Pull Cord You Need

Not all lawn mower pull ropes are the same: they vary in thickness and length. The wrong thickness will make starting your lawn mower more difficult to start (or could cause a jam inside your mower) if you replace it with the wrong string. Thin cords will fit, but likely rip faster than the right-sized cord.

A new lawn mower starter rope causes between $10 and $20 at home improvement stores. The majority of pull-start mowers use either a cord numbered 5, 5 1/2, or 6.

If you're unsure which you need, bring some of your damaged rope into the store and match the size, or check your lawn mower's manual.

Always Let Your Mower Cool Down First

To avoid lawn mower mishaps, especially if your mower cord just tore and you've been running the mower, wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool before you start taking it apart. Never take apart a hot lawn mower.

It's always a good idea to remove your spark plug before working on a mower. This way it can't accidentally start.

  1. Locate Your Lawn Mower's Starter Housing, Then Unscrew It

    On the top of your lawn mower, locate the starter housing. Look online for a diagram of your mower or pull out your manual to locate yours if you're unsure where it is.

    You'll find between two and four screws or bolts holding the top on. Unscrew/unbolt these. Set your screws aside somewhere you'll find them or put them in your pocket.

    On some models, you may need to take the plastic top off, then unscrew a second part underneath, which houses the starter cord.

  2. Carefully Remove the Starter Housing

    Place the lid of your mower off to the side. Clean any debris, such as grass, twigs, or dirt build up, stuck under the cap or on the ridges where the two parts meet.

  3. Remove the Old Pull Cord

    Locate the reel in the center of the starter housing. You should find the other frayed or broken end of your pull cord pretty easily concealed inside the recoil housing attached to a spring.

    Unwind the cord in the direction it would go to start your mower. This may require hand turning to prevent the recoil spring from holding it in place on some models.

  4. Measure the Old Cord, Then Cut a New One

    If you don't know exactly how long the old pull cord is, place both lengths of the old cord side by side and match your new cord to that length. Cut it there. Being an inch or two off isn't a big deal, but a full foot of length could be an issue.

    (In fact, an extra inch or two might be good since you'll be tying off a knot. You can always cut off any excess.) Use a lighter to seal off any frayed edges after you cut.

  5. Thread Your Cord, Then Tie It Off

    Feed your new cord into the recoil device the opposite way you unwound it. Tie a tight knot at the end. 

    On some models, you may simply be able to release the spring and it will wind back up the cord. Leave enough material out to thread it through the starter housing and give you length to start your mower once it's put back together.

  6. Reassemble Your Device, Then Test

    A man turning on the lawn mower
    Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Rescrew or re-bolt your starter house and cap the way you took it apart. Prime your mower if needed, then give the ripcord a pull to make sure it works and is assembled.

    Sip some water and reapply that sunblock. You're good to start mowing!

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Replacing a ripcord on your lawn mower is a quick and relatively straightforward job most homeowners can tackle. It takes less than an hour and you probably won't spend more than $20 on parts if you have the basic tools you need to do the job.

However, if taking a mower apart makes you uncomfortable or you aren't sure you'll be able to put it back together, a lawn mower repair shop near you can tackle the job just as easy. It won't cost an arm and a leg, either. 

If you don't want to take your mower to a physical store, ask a handyperson in your area if they have any experience with this type of repair. You can also schedule regular lawn mower tune-ups to avoid more expensive repairs in the future. A recurring lawn mower tune-ups costs round $130.

Frequently Asked Questions

Replacing a lawn mower pull cord yourself should only cost you the supplies, which comes to around $25. For more complex repairs, you’ll need to get a quote from a local lawn mower repair shop.

The cord you pull to start a lawn mower is commonly called the “starter cord” or “pull cord.” This uses and internal combustion process to start the lawn mower engine and it prone to wear and tear over time. You’ll want to check the starter cord as part of your regular lawn mower tune-up process.

There are a few reasons why a lawn mower cord won’t pull, including an engine jam, a tangled cord, a broken recoil starter, or poor maintenance. To troubleshoot, turn the mower off. Then, inspect the cord, look for any tangles, and gently pull it to identify where the resistance starts. If you’re not seeing any obstructions, you may need to call in a professional for repairs.

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Learn more about our contributor
Ben Kissam
Written by Ben Kissam
Contributing Writer
Ben is a writer, media strategist, and DIY enthusiast. A former teacher, he's written two books and published articles on major publications like Business Insider and Elite Daily. He lives in Denver.

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