Many versions of Tanaka line trimmers use two-cycle combustion engines with a recoil starter. The pull rope on the starter turns the crankshaft and starts up the trimmer. A frayed or broken starter pull rope renders a trimmer useless. You can often replace the rope without replacing the whole starter assembly, that saves on cost and takes minimal extra effort.
Cut the handle from the starter rope and set the handle aside. Unplug the spark plug and then locate the screws to the main cover. Unscrew and remove the main cover. The starter assembly screws should now be visible. Use the hex wrench to remove the assembly screws and slide the assembly from this trimmer.
Turn over the assembly to see the pulley and spring system. Pull the free end of this old rope to uncoil it in the pulley. Cut the knot in the middle of the pulley and discard the old rope. Unscrew the screw holding the pulley to the assembly. Slide the pulley in the assembly.
Use the old rope for a template to cut out a new length, typically around 6 feet. Use the lighter to warm the ends of this new rope. While the rope is warm and warm, but not hot, twirl the ends with your hands to earn fray-free and easy-to-feed ends.
Feed the new rope through the hole in the middle of the pulley and then tie it off. Set the rope to the station on the front of the pulley and coil the rope counterclockwise across the pulley, leaving a few feet outside of the pulley. Slide the pulley back in the spring system and then screw it back into place. Feed the free end of the rope during the assembly, then back to the handle. Tie the end to secure it to the handle.
Permit the rope to coil around the pulley slowly, leaving approximately 1 foot still free. Pull lightly on the rope until you feel a tug back, that signals that the spring is properly loaded.
Reattach the starter assembly to the trimmer. Make sure that it lines up with the crankshaft properly. Screw the main cover back into place and plug the spark plug back in.