How to Replace an Umbrella String

[@kcheylin9957]

One of the best "how to" videos I've ever watched. Thanks for your precision on this, man.

[@JeffUnderwoodUK]

Just wanted to say thanks for this, your video has saved me a chunk of money in not replacing our patio shade, but I didn't realise this until I'd dismantled ours and watched for a second time. Ours was bought from a UK DIY store a couple of years ago and the winder mechanism is nowhere as well made as that shown. So when our string popped I dismantled the whole unit thinking I needed to replace the string completely. In fact all I had to do was prise off the two retaining rings above and below the winder cover, then take off one side of the clamshell exposing the "other" end of the winder. Make careful note of the order of the various washers and nut as you take them off. Then you can pull the handle through and with it the other side of the shell. If you watch carefully from around 10 minutes you'll see how you can hook out the end of the string, tie a new knot and then reassemble the opposite way. With mine there was more than enough string to reuse without having to buy a new one. Very pleased I found this, a replacement shade here in the UK is £70 or more.

[@hoosiermamasita5085]

I am not handy at ALL and did not believe for a second that I would be able to do this but you proved me wrong! Thank you so so SO much for your help!!

[@joanneterrell7967]

How long is the cording?

[@joanneterrell7967]

I really liked your. Video and plan to try this repair. Need to find cording and determine length.

[@tonytorre3338]

Thank you, we just finished repairing our patio umbrella (wind up cord) following your instructions. Everything went to the perfection.

[@ceejaybreeze234]

Although this video is helpful, as noted in several comments, not all umbrellas are designed alike. With about a day of first timer effort, several trips to the hardware store and this video, I was able to successfully restring my Treasure Garden market umbrella. Next time, I will be able to do it in under an hour. Here are a few things I learned. I bought a 50 foot bag marked 1/4 inch nylon umbrella repair cord at home depot for less than 5 dollars. That's enough to repair my 9 foot TG market umbrella 5 times. My top and bottom rib collars did not twist off like in the video; mine had screws. The ribs in the collar are held in place with about .5 inch steel tubes. These can come out easily and take some practice to get back in place. My umbrella has a push button tilt so the pole is not hollow. As another poster mentioned, this make it hard to thread the new line from the pole top down to the crank area. Using the flashlight on my phone I noticed the hole inside the pole for the string is about the same diameter as the 1/4 inch nylon string. I used a sewing machine needle, sewing thread and gravity to work the thread through the small hole, then tied the umbrella repair cord to the thread and pulled it through. Also, my pole had a round rubber cap at the bottom that I was able to pry off with a screwdriver to make it easier to pull on the threaded sewing needle. The last tip I have is that my umbrella has notches in the top and bottom collars that indicate where the cord should be pulled through. On mine, there is only one right location for the outside, visible cord to be threaded. You might want to take note of that location when beginning disassembly.

[@normarobinson1542]

Perfect! Thank you for the extra information, especially where to buy the cord and what size

[@sabrinaskovholt7427]

Thank you for the extra tips! Mine also has the tilting head option and would have been at a loss if I hadn't read your comment 😊

[@AnitaPayneLandgraf]

Wow! What an incredible step by step video! So clear and precise. I think even I can repair the umbrella following this!

[@JMS-up7km]

While this does an excellent job of explaining how to remove the crank, the key to this repair is running the new cord down from the top of the umbrella inside the pole to the crank location. My pole has a hinge about three feet from the top, which allows the umbrella to tilt. The video fails to explain that it is next to impossible to run the new cord down past that hinge as there is so little space and the hinge is not accessible from the outside (nor easily removed as it is riveted in place). The only way I can figure to do this repair if the pole has a hinge is to NOT remove the old cord at first, but rather attach the new cord to the old one near the crank and try to use the old cord to pull the new cord up the pole to the top.

[@jodyfarhat6094]

I threaded a dog tag-type ball chain over the pulley and down the pole. The new cord was taped to the end of the chain and I was able to pull it through relatively easily. The ball chain has both the weight and flexibility needed to get the cord over the pulley and down the narrow tube.

[@JMS-up7km]

@@jodyfarhat6094 I'm glad that worked for you. Mine, however, has only a small (half a centimeter) hole in the hinge for the string, and it is almost impossible to re-thread that with anything that is not solid. I've considered using a piece of stiff wire, but the problem is attaching the new cord to the wire so that the wire and the attached cord go through the hole. I note that in newer model umbrellas, the "cord" is wire.

[@edhalfen7380]

Thanks very much for this complete instructional video. Given my innate lack of patience, I decided to do a crude but effective fix, rather than replace the string. First we unfastened and removed the section of the pole attached to the umbrella itself from the base pole. Then we used blue painter's tape several times around each pole section about 2 inches from the end. This is to reduce the slipping of the drill bit against the metal you're drilling into. For this fix, we chose an old 1/4" diameter screwdriver we no longer needed. Therefore we used a 1/4" drill bit. We drilled a hole straight across each side of each pole. So there were now 4 holes. We then raised the umbrella and lined up the holes on the base pole with the holes on the umbrella side and inserted the screwdriver through the aligned four holes. Be careful to hold your drill in as flat a horizontal position as possible. Then insert your screwdriver through the aligned holes and it will support the umbrella in the up position. We leave our umbrella up but if you want to take it down when not in use, simply pull out the screwdriver. An Allen Wrench would be cleaner and just as or even more effective than the screwdriver, but what I just described works. This doesn't give you the position options or flexibility of the original design...but it works if you main goal is to keep the sun, or rain if you are so inclined, off you...

[@MrRedeyeme]

How long is the new string?

[@DNARhythms]

Thanks. This made it a lot easier. Ran into a snag with the tilt mechanism but was able to fish the rope through by taping it to a coat hanger. Thanks again

[@maestrademinificcionmeliss377]

I was super worried about my umbrella but, the solution was really simple I could understand it thanks to this video, thank you so much!!

[@davidfarrell5695]

Absolutely on the money. A perfect explanation and demonstration of how to carry out this tricky procedure. I had a slightly different set up at the winder housing and the access to the pulley but was given confidence by this video to work out how to cope with the additional challenges. The only issue that brought me to a halt for a couple of days was the diameter of the hole in the winder to take the cord. I bought 4mm before I had the assembly apart and no matter how I tried it wouldn’t have it. Once the correct 3mm diameter cord was delivered, the rest of the job went like a dream. I am very grateful for this video tutorial.

[@susanrutherford2046]

This video is so instructional. What kind of string do you get and how does one gauge how long to make the new string?

[@cassierice496]

www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHG5F4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4tOdFbYV7BE2S

[@joannechack8433]

I believe clothes line rope will work. Should be same width.

[@slicer819]

Very helpful video. Stopped me binning my broken parasol. Simple repair...thanks very much.

[@connierendfrey2817]

Wow I wish all tutorials were this easy to follow you're a very good teacher thank you very much I'm going to attempt it 🤗

[@lynngatti8592]

You totally rocked it! Fixed an umbrella string a few years ago, this video is spot on , on how to fix!!!!!!!!!!

[@davidcusick7530]

Great instructional video. Saved me from buying a new umbrella and probably several hours of frustration.

[@Grandmascookies10]

loved this video. Great teacher, great explanations and great video taping. Clear and simple. Thank you

[@mashalemuneyreid]

We lost two umbrellas in a one week span this summer - can’t wait to try to DIY repair. Thank you ☺️

[@joetrevino9470]

Thank you for the instructions on how to replace the stringer. This was very informative and helpful.

[@mc-boblamb3140]

Thank you so much, my umbrella was slightly different but it worked. The hardest was because of the tilting connection but with a wire and my neighbor's help it's now repaired. Great video!

[@tonykane6141]

Thanks for posting this. It was a great help to doing mine, even though it has a different, aluminum construction. Most significantly, it has an angled tilt mechanism between the top and crank section. So it required a step including a stiff wire to thread the cord down the core. I don't have a tool like that, but fortunately I had some leftover bailing wire I could tape to some leftover 1/8" parachord. Regardless, I'm not sure I would have even attempted without your video. In any case, the wife and I are happily back out on back deck, plus I have a perfect future retort to any "pack rat" crack. So thanks again.

[@peterdavies8397]

Ours has a tilt mechanism too and I used old net curtain wire to get past that but like you I'm not sure I would have attempted the task without this video.

[@usalas4]

thank you! This was such a great tutorial! We have a large umbrella that the chord disconnected just a month after I bought it, and of course, it only had a 30 day return.

[@annland781]

Thank you SO much! I just bought an umbrella from a salvage store and didn't know the crank was broken. I'll try to fix this myself!

[@derricklin5851]

This is a lot more involved than I had expected. Thank you for the video.

[@carlawoodward1859]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! I bought one of these & 4 moths later the crank handle FELL APART & I could not figure out how to put the thing back togather & of course I couldn't take it back & the cord frayed & broke. I don't know who put mine togather but they didn't do a very good job. I could not for the life of me find an assembly sheet, so this video is a GODSEND!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@judypeters6609]

One of the best DIY video's out there. I understood every word nice and slow speech

[@danielhoying1429]

Thanks for the helpful video. Took me a lot longer than you, but the video was a great resource. I could not get into housing for the sliding hub. I ended up tying my new string to the broken end of the cord coming out of the hub. Also, to reach the pulley, I had to unscrew the top housing, causing all the ribs to come apart at the top. Took me a while, but I got it all back together. Again, thanks.

[@witedwarf]

Great video very well explained as well as clear instruction and quality. Thank you so much.

[@lindahobbs6298]

Very good instructions. Thank you for taking it slower so that I could keep up and understand

[@haroldgobbel8339]

What did you do with the rivet on the crank side? You don't show how you replaced that. Doesn't it serve as an anchor for the crank?

[@sanguinj]

Owesome ! Great step by step explanation and good camera positions. thank you for sharing.

[@rebeccagraves4883]

Clear, concise and understandable. Thank you.

[@MelindaMaukTempleton]

I enjoyed the video. I don’t know how long of cord to cut. Any suggestion? Thanks

[@IlookBonita]

How long should the string be?

[@robertcaron4802]

I need to know how long is the string.

[@micheles3475]

Very complete and informative instructional video not sure if I'll be able to handle this on my own but I'm going to enlist the help of a friend LOL my question is how do you know how long of an amount of string you need and what type of string do you suggest

[@waltr6241]

Thanks for taking time to make this video. I’ll definitely do this next time instead of buying a new umbrella

[@namcat53]

Excellent! Clear and efficient steps. THANKS! Now I know!

[@Rapunzel40MI]

Thank you. Very well spoken and great job at explaining. I hope it works for me. I cannot find another umbrella that I like.

[@garyhart3408]

Good instructional video, however, we need to know how long the string is Do we use 9 feet of string for an 9 foot umbrella?

[@michellepalomino5019]

This video saved me $60 bucks. Thank you so much!

[@sdale7542]

Thanks for naming the pieces (finial!)! I hadn’t heard that b4! sometimes repairs are hard to start just bc I don’t know what the pieces are called!!

[@jasonwatson4769]

By chance do you know of anyone who sales the parts to repair the crank assembly?

[@cindyyan9851]

Great video instructions! I can't wait to try it on mind, but am not sure what type of string to get. Can someone advise?

[@cassierice496]

www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHG5F4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4tOdFbYV7BE2S

[@davidleehoffer]

I have a proshade umbrella that has a housing around the crank that doesn’t have 4 screw holes. It looks like it is a press fit housing. Any idea how to get this off?

[@michelebarna1273]

Great video of replacing the string to crankshaft...thank you so much!

[@helenparis3275]

how long is the replacement cord?

[@DKMII2173]

Thanks for your video. My cord wasn’t broken. The nut on the gear side came undone. This particular model doesn’t have a cotter pin, but it has 2 slotted washers, one has tabs on it. One thing I found easier to put the fabric back on was after I got it screwed onto the frame, I put the it back up and put the ribs back into the pockets.

[@drewparsons9721]

whats the best place to get the rope?

[@cindysnow2741]

any idea how to do this with an tilt umbrella, the cord get stopped at that part. and no it can't be taken about they are riveted not removable.

[@cindywhite7672]

Thank you so much for this......so helpful............lovely working parasol again........couldn't have done it without your help.

[@salgalvano3573]

hey excellent fix. Can you help identifying the name of the little metal push button that separates the umbrella from the bottom pipe? What is the correct name for it. Need on for mine. Thanks..

[@jennykorb9629]

down to crank and can,t get it out! Any suggestions? tried like your you showed.

[@hammerman65]

Thanks for the video made a tricky job seem quite simple. Saved me buying a new parasol.

[@mjmj8980]

How long of a string? Just measure old one?

[@BiancaSykora]

Hi there, is there any way to fix that tilt hinge on an umbrella? My cracked in the wind. Thanks in advance.

[@jaysailors8694]

Unfortunately, probably not. That is the weakest part of a tilting umbrella.

[@jenniemariepagano2298]

What type of string do I buy and how long of a piece do I use?

[@billsutherland3935]

Thank you! Mine was slightly different, but same idea. It tilts in the middle so it was a bit finicky to get the string past that part inside the tube.

[@mdunbar6187]

what about the broken rivet? You didn't cover that?

[@RADCOMJ1]

Very detailed informational video. thank you. My favourrite parasol is going to be restringed for Spring.. Yay

[@Franco1395]

your housing came off so easily. Mine had 4 screws I removed but the housing is stuck. I'm afraid I might break it if I force it. any suggestions? its a california umbrella if that helps

[@coljam44]

How do you determine the correct length of string?

[@QuallsKen]

There is one problem I encountered: The string does not go easily through the pipe. The hole narrows at at least one point and the string catches there. I've tried several things but haven't gotten it through yet. I'll keep working on it. Any ideas?

[@joelyurach9387]

Could you tape or tie something heavier to the end, perhaps a narrow bolt, and then lower it through?

[@cyrilletaillandier755]

Thanks for this great video. It helped me repair my umbrella!

[@SteveLig2]

A lot of work when you have a cheap umbrella but you got me through it. Thanks!!

[@patricksunkow3377]

How do you removed a cord stuck at the side of the pulley

[@petesenn1367]

Anybody know where to get the replacement crank assembly shown in this video?

[@alisonfarrellsongs7075]

Thanks muchly for a thorough and clear instructional video.

[@justmadeit2]

See my poundshop Umbrella review ! Made in good humor !!

[@Me68834]

How do I reattach the housing around the handle where I popped the rivet?

[@bubbathebulldog]

I fixed it, with your help. Thanks. I love my umbrella/shade 😎

[@jhaimo9564]

My umbrella is 3 weeks old and string broke. Is there anything I need to check to see why it broke? We put it down every night to avoid problems. The string is badly frayed on the end looks like it was rubbing on a rough edge?

[@andrewbentley1136]

Crank bolt broke on mine. Had i disassembled and replaced string might have prevented bolt from breaking as was really hard to turn. Cant seem to find replacement crank bolts so will try to make one out of lag bolt. Or just buy new umbrella for $40...

[@israelarellano5293]

You just made a genius out of Me Gracias Mil I could not had figured this out by myself Thank You

[@vamp9190]

What's the best replacement rope to use? I assume I can get it at home depot, etc.?

[@claate]

Thank you! You just saved me $100!!

[@Bradh1961]

Thank you for this very specific and helpful video. It worked!

[@daniyelloooo]

This is the most informational video I have ever seen 😂

[@muffinglish]

Thanx, this helped me figure out how to take it apart. I even watched it a second time because I'm on my third cord. But I've learned that the easiest way to assemble is from the bottom up because my tube needs to be split because of the elbow. 1-reassemble the crank with string and insert in tube. 2-continue running the cord out the elbow and then up to the top pulley. 3- I use a metal blade from an old disassembled car windshield wiper to make a hook. 4- pull out the slack and reassemble the elbow. 5- I simply close the umbrella and tie the cord to the hub and then cut off the rest. Be careful, the elbow is spring loaded.

[@tiagomartins1479]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Muito bom!!!! Consegui fazer com o meu, excelente!!

[@jameswoods6290]

Thanks for the help. Excellent video.

[@soygeez4364]

tnx for that very helpfull video i just fix my umbrella now i did it because of ur video ..thanku😅

[@raymondray3232]

Thank you, just what I was looking for

[@esmemcgill4570]

Loved this. The string just broke on my umbrella and I had no idea how to fix it. Now I know. Doubt if I can do it in 17 mins though. You made it idiot proof.

[@bonnieoconnor7]

befor you attached the umpbrella you test the string winding towards your body After you attached the umbrella you opens it winding the opposite direction.. WHY?

[@kdhovis8665]

Can NOT get crank shaft assembly to come out. Ugh... Help???

[@dcsource1]

If you would like additional or further assistance, we will be glad to try to help. Please call Umbrella Source at 800-278-4480. Thank you.

[@paycloseattentionbob]

Our umbrella had a hinge half way up the aluminum shaft. Inside is the hinge mechanism. The result was it was nearly impossible to pass the string. Finally I purchased a 1/8 inch braided cable with a plastic cover and I passed that down the 3/16 inch opening in the hinge and used that to pull the string through.

[@sophdamom]

I'm having this exact problem and I have zero clue what to do !

[@sandrasheley3952]

Robert Sinsheimer

[@georgeplosker5101]

Hi Robert - I have a auto-tilt mechanism inside the pole and cannot get the string to go through the hole. I like your idea of using 1/8" braided cable. How did you attach the cord to the cable once you were able to thread the cable through the hole? Thx!

[@paycloseattentionbob]

@@georgeplosker5101 it was 6 years ago, but I might have sewed the one to the other with needle and thread or I might have used duct tape but more likely the former.

[@georgeplosker5101]

@@paycloseattentionbob Hi Robert - thx for your prompt response! I used 1/8" braided cable and was able to feed it through the hinge mechanism. I then tied heavy duty thread to the cable and added Gorilla Glue to secure the tie. Then attached the cable to 550 nylon paracord (5/32") with several secure stitches. It passed through the hinge with no problem. Umbrella now fixed! Yay! Really appreciate your help. Without the cable there was no way I could pass the cord through the hinge!

[@insidedianeslife2456]

Was there a certain type of string I need to use?

[@lindawarren2479]

Use nylon clothes line!!

[@geeijoe64]

He never shows the removal of the pipe handle bushing. There is one on each side of the pipe that are attached with rivets. You have to drill out the rivet on one side in order to get the string to feed out and back into the pipe after you tie it off on the crank handle. You should then install a new rivet to secure the crank handle bushing.

[@cassierice496]

You might've just saved us about $75!! Thanks ☺️

[@yankeelawdog]

Systematic, organized and articulate.

[@CARMEN170652]

¡Genial¡ Co el vídeo he conseguido arreglar yo solita mi sombrilla, muchas gracias

[@sondezlesecritures]

Thank you for this instruction ! very fun ! My umbrella is restore ! thanks a lot

[@HolidayInnExpress-ud7qm]

Very nice and explain in very detail.

[@MrStargazer1701a]

thanks you for posting this tutorial.

[@GrizzlyUrsusArctos]

Really excellent step by step.

[@JboneApocolypz]

You make it look so easy. I went to fix mine... 2 hours later I drilled a hole at the top and put a screwdriver through it. I want 2 hours back

[@meb3153]

6 foot 6 inches is our new cord. It appears to be 1/8" braided nylon.

[@kennethsulzen7694]

Excellent video, super thanks 👍👍👍👍👍✌️

[@thmoorer]

Good video. I think I am going to wax the string in an effort to get a longer life out of it. Thanks!

[@jimgeelan5949]

Thanks for this, it was very helpful 👍