How to Restring a Rotary Clothesline: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Is your rotary clothesline letting you down on a sunny day? Don’t let a snapped line tear through your laundry plans!
No need to feel overwhelmed, with our straightforward guide, rest assured, you’ll have your rotary clothesline back in action swiftly.
Whether you’re working with a Hills Folding Rotary or another model, this step-by-step guide will help you tackle the task with ease.
From the first loop of the first hole to cutting the new cord and pulling it tight, we’ll walk you through every step, for replacing your ensuring your clothesline is ready for action.
table of contents
What You’ll Need
To restore your rotary clothesline to its prime, gather these essentials:
Replacement Clothesline Cord: Opt for a high-quality cord suited for your clothesline. Brands like Austral, Daytek, or Hills are great choices.
Scissors or Utility Knife: For cutting the new cord.
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate cord length.
Simple Tools: Such as a screwdriver and pliers.
Ladder or Step Stool: To reach the higher parts at the other end of the clothesline.
Safety Glasses: To keep your eyes safe from debris.
Clear Workspace: To keep your tools and materials organised.
Step-by-Step Guide
Note: Be sure to review your manufacturer’s instructions before starting.
Wind UP Your Clothesline
Begin by winding up your rotary clothesline (without any washing on it) and lock into place. This will give you easier access and a clearer view of the area you'll be working on.
Take Note
Examine how the cord is threaded through your folding rotary before starting the replacement. Understanding this setup will streamline the process and make the replacement quicker and easier
Snip and Remove the Old Line
Take off the three end peg caps from the arms of the clothesline. Cut away the old cord from the tensioners. Don your gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges and debris. Recycle or reuse if possible.
Align the Slots
Make sure the tensioner disc slots and the end slots are aligned horizontally. You may need two screwdrivers to achieve proper alignment.
Knot and Lock the New Cord
Prepare your new line by tying a knot about 400 mm from one end of the line. Start at the centre clip position on one arm and secure the cord just past the knot.
Run and Clip the New Line
Thread the new cord across all arms of the clothesline, securing it with clips as you go. Keep the cord tight to avoid slack. Use pliers to remove any excess slack if needed.
Change Direction
Once the cord is secured, clip back onto the first clip and run the cord in the opposite direction. This helps distribute tension evenly across the lines.
It is important to understand keeping the end of the line taut but not overly tight is critical to the longevity of the new cord.
Repeat for Each Row
Continue the process for each row of cord. Ensure each new row is wrapped in the opposite direction to the previous one to maintain even tension.
Lock into Groove Caps
For the final row, secure the cord into the groove caps on all four arms. Work your way back to your starting point to ensure everything is firmly in place.
Tighten the Line
Starting at the centre knot, gently pull down on each line to make sure it’s taut. Work outward, adjusting as needed to prevent sagging.
Secure and Snip
Pull the final line through tightly, push the end cap in halfway to hold the line, and tie off the end with a double knot. Trim off any excess cord with wire cutters to secure the line.
Square It Up
Finally, check that the arms of your rotary clothesline are evenly aligned. Adjust each arm if necessary to ensure your clothesline is perfectly balanced.
Test the Line
Hang some damp clothes across the line to ensure the tension you have set is correct. Adjust as or if required.
Maintaining Your Rotary Clothesline
Keep your clothesline in top condition by regularly checking the cord’s tension. If the line sags, use the tension lock lever to adjust it. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your washing line and helps the clothesline cope with everything you hang on it, from delicate items to heavy laundry loads.
Key Tips:
Periodic Inspections: Check the cord and components regularly.
Adjusting Tension: Keep the line tight by adjusting the tension
Replace Worn Components: Swap out any damaged parts promptly.
Prevent Over-Tightening: Ensure you don’t stretch the cord too much.
Interested in knowing how to thread a new line for different types of clotheslines, such as folding frame clotheslines and other wall mounted clotheslines like retractable's, check out our other articles.
Conclusion
By following our detailed guide, you’ve learned how to wind, snip, align, and secure the new cord, making your clothesline as good as new.
With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can restore the efficiency and reliability of your clothesline, and continue to dry your clothes in the fresh air. Remember to perform regular checks and adjustments to keep your clothesline in top condition, and address any wear and tear promptly to extend its lifespan.
If you’re looking to learn more about maintaining or restringing different types of clotheslines, be sure to explore our other articles. They offer valuable tips and tricks for folding frame clotheslines, wall-mounted systems, and more.
Keep your laundry days sunny and smooth with a well-maintained clothesline, and don’t hesitate to refer back to this guide whenever you need a refresher. Happy drying!
Disclaimer
This guide provides general advice on restringing a clothesline. Always consult your clothesline manufacturer’s instructions to avoid voiding warranties, damaging the unit, or creating safety risks. Prioritise safety and adhere to the specific guidelines provided.
Terminology:
Restringing a clothesline can also be referred to as clothesline rewire, clothesline restringing, washing line and cord replacement.
