replacement pullcord

[Heightster]

The pull cord broke from wear on my Stihl chainsaw the other days so I went to the local Lowes to get a replacement. In the isle where gas tool parts are the only 2 choices came with a new handle which I did not need. Just for grins I went over to the area where the nut, bolts, chain and rope is sold and found a very suitable package of cord of over 100 lb. test. This cord works great and I likely have a many year supply of replacement cords for all my gas power tools. As on bonus, in the process of cleaning out the pull cord assembly and clutch area I removed a lot of caked on sawdust that was , I theorize, impacting the pickup for firing the sparkplug and starting the saw. It's starting now consistently with 1 or 2 pulls where previously it was very hard to start. So far so good...

 

[Sweetcorn]

I usually use paracord when I replace those. Been working great for years.

I don't know why since it's such a simple repair, but whenever I do one of those, it's very satisfying. Probably because it's so irritating when one breaks, lol.

 

[larry4406]

My small Stihl 018C saw uses 3.0 mm rope. I think it was about 32" long. Not sure if helpful.

 

[FMB4]

Being a cheapskate I just re-attach the pull cord with the remaining length. I say this because all of the pull cords that I've had 'let go' on me did so at the very end opposite the handle. Been doing such since my mini bike days in the late '60 and very early '70s. Same goes with the lawnmower I've had since '01.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Please post a pic of the packaging of the rope you bought - we love pictures here. Welcome to the GJ - BTW.

I try to have a spare pull cord on hand here as I find power equipment at the curb pretty often and sometimes the pull cords are broken. A little time to replace the cord, clean the gas tank and carb and most times it fires right up.

Cheers

Jim

 

[u2slow]

The knot snapped off the end the first few times I pulled on my imitation MS660. Re-tied it and its fine... for now.

My buddy who wrenched on chainsaws for several years swears by the genuine Stihl cord & grip.
(I might be spoiled... the saw shop is just 10mins away, next to the pub )

 

[PoorUB]

I prefer to by cord intended for recoil starters. Some rope look like it will work, but don't hold up in the long run. After all, the correct rope is only a few dollars and lasts for years!

 

[larry4406]

Being a cheapskate I just re-attach the pull cord with the remaining length. I say this because all of the pull cords that I've had 'let go' on me did so at the very end opposite the handle. Been doing such since my mini bike days in the late '60 and very early '70s. Same goes with the lawnmower I've had since '01.

This just makes the cord shorter.

Having a short cord, at least in a recoil starter, often means you pull the cord to its limit stressing the knot each time leading to it failing again. At least for my Stihl, I was able to find the specs on the length. When the proper length you don't pull it to its limit with each start.

 

[FMB4]

This just makes the cord shorter.

Not by much very though (an inch and half maybe). I'll also note that I do not pull the cord to the very end while starting an engine. Short and quick pulls work well for me on my lawn mower and both of my line trimmers.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In the industry, I will bet there are at least a half a dozen different starter cord diameters. Almost any cord will work, for awhile. You want a low stretch (nylon) durable (braided).

If you buying cord/rope for any reason, stay away from anything that use 2 different types of fiber, like nylon and polyester. The outer may be braided while the inner is just tiny strands. Also, they stretch different a!counts for the same load. One will fail before the other. The best is braided or double braided nylon, unless you are willing to pay big $$$ for specialty rope.

 

[Bretny]

I have a stihl ms460 that I got with a to short "bluesteel" brand cord. I changed it for a chinese brand cord that was longer about 2yrs ago. This week I changed it yet again because it was fraying about 1/3 the way down. This time to a "bluesteel" cord. A 70cc saw can really take some pulling power to start.

I wouldnt suggest useing anything but the real recoil cord. 100ft (2 life times worth) of high quality recoil cord was $19 shipped.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I just throw out the recoil mechanism on the mower and buy another chinese one for $10, last time I replaced the cord it snapped even though it was strong line and no sharp edges for it to catch on.

 

[Heightster]

The pull cord broke from wear on my Stihl chainsaw the other days so I went to the local Lowes to get a replacement. In the isle where gas tool parts are the only 2 choices came with a new handle which I did not need. Just for grins I went over to the area where the nut, bolts, chain and rope is sold and found a very suitable package of cord of over 100 lb. test. This cord works great and I likely have a many year supply of replacement cords for all my gas power tools. As on bonus, in the process of cleaning out the pull cord assembly and clutch area I removed a lot of caked on sawdust that was , I theorize, impacting the pickup for firing the sparkplug and starting the saw. It's starting now consistently with 1 or 2 pulls where previously it was very hard to start. So far so good...

I think this is the cord I bought description...I threw the wrapper out already:
$10.88 Blue Hawk 0.1563-in x 50-ft Braided Nylon Rope (By-the-Roll)
Item #1289831Model #AC1137R
Safe working load is 110lbs
The cord they had that looked to me like "parachute cord" was thinner and had a lower strength listed on the package. My old cord broke from wear in the middle.

 

[Steve_P]

The Stens TrueBlue is great. I think the spool I received was made in Germany. I'll never use all of it in my lifetime, but the last time I bought starter cord at a local shop they charged me $5 for ~6'. ouch.

Amazon.com

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a stihl ms460 that I got with a to short "bluesteel" brand cord. I changed it for a chinese brand cord that was longer about 2yrs ago. This week I changed it yet again because it was fraying about 1/3 the way down. This time to a "bluesteel" cord. A 70cc saw can really take some pulling power to start.

I wouldnt suggest useing anything but the real recoil cord. 100ft (2 life times worth) of high quality recoil cord was $19 shipped.

A 460 is supposed to have a Stihl Elasto-start handle. Sure makes starting easier on the hand.

 

[Bretny]

The Stens TrueBlue is great. I think the spool I received was made in Germany. I'll never use all of it in my lifetime, but the last time I bought starter cord at a local shop they charged me $5 for ~6'. ouch.

Amazon.com

Trueblue... that's the cord I got. Not "bluesteel" lol. 100ft was $19 shipped on amazon.

 

[Bretny]

A 460 is supposed to have a Stihl Elasto-start handle. Sure makes starting easier on the hand.

Its actualy a 046(screw gas/oil caps) with a 460 cover on it. I dont think they had the elasto start handles then. Its defenatly a finger ripper. Really hurts when cold.

 

[rd65]

A 460 is supposed to have a Stihl Elasto-start handle. Sure makes starting easier on the hand.

If it is elasto start dont use the cheap chinese replacement rope. The plastic pieces that are bonded to the rope at the handle pull right out.

 

[rd65]

If you use too large of a diameter rope you wont be able to get enough length onto the spool. Always check the rope hole bushing for wear. They will wear through and leave a sharp edge that will cut the rope.

 

[PZ 1]

If you go to a traditional hardware store you can normally buy it by the foot from a reel.