How To Repair A Patio Umbrella String

Your patio umbrella provides shade and relief from the heat of the sun. Occasionally umbrellas can fail, many times because the stringing fails. If this happens, you will need to restring your patio umbrella. This task is not difficult and is something that you should be able to do on your own. As always, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular brand of umbrella.

Step 1

Remove the patio umbrella pole from the pivot by pulling out the pin that holds them together using a pair of pliers. Depending upon the style of patio umbrella, you may be able to separate the pole in another fashion. Refer to the instructions for your particular patio umbrella.

Step 2

Examine how the winding mechanism works on your particular umbrella, or refer to the manufacturer's directions. If there are retaining rings on the top and bottom of the umbrella, use a putty knife or screwdrive to pry them free.

Step 3

Remove one side of the housing after the rings are removed. Remove the nut that is attached to the winding bold and handle using a screwdriver. Take off the other side of the housing and the handle.

Step 4

Keep the umbrella closed and attach the new cord to the end of the broken cord by tying it to the end. Pull the cord through the pole and the pulley at the top using a grabber pickup tool by sticking it into the pole and grabbing the cord.

Step 5

Cut the other end of the cord with scissors where it is attached to the umbrella ring. Tie the new cord to the old cord, pulling it back through the pole so you can tie it to the lift ring.

Step 6

Pull the cord out of the hole with the pickup grab tool, allowing 8 inches of cord to work with. Cut the cord with the scissors and tie it on the umbrella crank with a small knot. Light a match and hold it to the end of the cord to melt the ends so they won't fray.

Step 7

Insert the knot into the hole and position the crank bolt so you can tighten the nut with the pliers.

Step 8

Reassemble the other side of the housing with the screwdriver and put the retaining rings back into place.