One of the most frustrating things about patios umbrellas is their notorious lack of durability. Usually the handle crank or cord fails while there is still a lot of life left in the umbrella itself and the umbrella pole. Many people unhappily throw away the old umbrella and spend money on a replacement.
Don’t.
In most cases you can replace what failed for a fraction of the cost, saving yourself unnecessary added expense as well as preventing more waste in the landfills.
One if the easiest repairs is a broken umbrella cord. Instead of $100-$200+ for a new umbrella, replace the cord for $10 or less. All you need is a drill and bits, pliers, some screws and a replacement cord. YouTube is your friend here as there are lots of how-to DIY videos out there. Preferably you would use a hand riveter and rivets to replace the ones you drill out, but screws can be used instead. You can pick up a hand riveter for $20 or less at the big box home improvement stores if you don’t want to just use screws.
I recommend not trying to upgrade to a heavier cord, as I found and then had to undo and redo that part - thicker cord won’t fit through everywhere it needs to, even after drilling out the hand crank to accept it. Just go with a standard replacement cord. The first time you ever do this it may take longer, but if you ever do it again it will go much quicker. You can always ask friends - if anyone has done it before you can make quick work of it.
Save money and the environment at the same time and you’ll feel a nice sense of accomplishment when you’re done.
Broken patio umbrella cord
Handle cover and washers removed.
Drilling out the rivets holding the pulley assembly.
Drilling out the remainder of the top rivet.
Running new cord through the pulley.
Running new cord through the handle.
Replacing the handle.
Use a hand riveter if available (inexpensive) or screws if you don’t have access to one.
Completed project.
Comments