How do you remove the metal guard piece from the starter rope of a push mower?

Question

I know this is kind of silly and probably something most people don't have a problem with. But the new push lawn mower that I purchased today has a little piece of metal pinched onto the starter rope to keep it from recoiling. I cannot figure out for the life of me how to remove it. I'm scared I'm going to inadvertently damage the rope. So far I have tried prying it open with pliers and with a small screwdriver. Help!!

Answer 1

The rope is extra long so that it will connect to the handel bar close to where you would hold it. There should be a ring on the handel that the rope fits into. Do not remove the metal clip on the rope. it will still be usable as normal.

Answer 2

Answer number one is correct.  There must be some place to attach the starter rope to the handle of the mower.

Answer 3

NOT ROBIN is correct and I will add that it does need to go through a loop on the handlebar.

That metal clip is there so if the cord accidently comes out of the handle bar holder it will not rewind into the spool and become lodged.



If you remove the metal clip you will ruin the cord.  Dont let the remaining  cord just hang there; It's dangerous.

If there isn't a little pigtail looking starter cord holder on the handlebar go back to where it was purchased and get one. If you bought this mower in a box recheck the box for the missing piece.