Tools break. Sometimes they break right in the middle of a job and prevent you from finishing. But sometimes you get lucky and have the tools with you to fix the problem on the spot. Such is the case whenever your chainsaw pullstring won’t retract. Click on read more to learn how to fix a chainsaw pullstring with just a screwdriver.
Last weekend I was trimming a tree and the pullstring on my chainsaw stopped retracting. Although I was able to get it started again, the string was now long enough to get hung up on branches and even intrude on my working area (get caught by the chain). Knowing that the chainsaw was 30 years old and might require replacement parts, I stopped mid-job and set the chainsaw aside to fix during the week.
Well, yesterday I pulled out my scrench and pulled the pull-start assembly apart. 5 minutes later I had the saw back up and running with a tight pullstring. I could have easily repaired the problem while sipping water in the shade had I know I could fix it with just a screwdriver! So here’s a quick 90-second video on the process that I hope will save you some time and frustration.
Fix a Chainsaw Pullstring with just a Screwdriver
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Remember to find a flat, stable workspace to work on and also to keep our screws and parts from rolling off. If you notice that your pullstring continues to get loose in the middle of your job, repeat the process but twist the rope clockwise 10-12 times. This is to release any counterclockwise tension on the pullstring which will case it to jump off the spool. Don’t worry twisting it too many times; the rope can rotate within the pull handle.
Were you able to fix a chainsaw pullstring? Share your story below.
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