I Tested the Craftsman Recoil Starter Pull: My Honest Review and Tips for Easy Starting

When it comes to keeping my outdoor equipment running smoothly, few things are as crucial—and sometimes as frustrating—as the recoil starter pull. Especially with my Craftsman tools, that initial tug can make all the difference between a quick start and a stubborn stall. I’ve spent plenty of time learning the ins and outs of the Craftsman recoil starter pull, discovering what makes it tick and how to handle it like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just diving into lawn care and small engine maintenance, understanding this simple yet essential component can save you time, effort, and a lot of headaches. Let me share what I’ve found about this small part that plays a big role in getting your equipment up and running.

I Tested The Craftsman Recoil Starter Pull Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LIZAPUS Recoil Pull Starter Compatible with Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower

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LIZAPUS Recoil Pull Starter Compatible with Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower

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497680 Briggs and Stratton Rewind Starter Pull Start Assembly Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 6.75 Craftsman Toro Troy-Bilt Tb210 TB230 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Replace Oregon 31-068, Rotary 12368

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497680 Briggs and Stratton Rewind Starter Pull Start Assembly Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 6.75 Craftsman Toro Troy-Bilt Tb210 TB230 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Replace Oregon 31-068, Rotary 12368

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Harbot 590588 593959 Recoil Starter for Troy-Bilt TB115 TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Craftsman M115 M110 Lawn Mower Parts Brigs Straton 591139 595355 Pull Start Assembly

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Harbot 590588 593959 Recoil Starter for Troy-Bilt TB115 TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Craftsman M115 M110 Lawn Mower Parts Brigs Straton 591139 595355 Pull Start Assembly

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HNeekyr Pull Start Assembly Recoil Starter Compatible with Craftsman 163cc 208cc 590607 797276 for Generator Pressure Washer Parts

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HNeekyr Pull Start Assembly Recoil Starter Compatible with Craftsman 163cc 208cc 590607 797276 for Generator Pressure Washer Parts

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ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly Compatible with Troy Bilt Craftsman TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Engine Lawn Mower for BS 593959 595355 150-012 Rewind Starter

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ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly Compatible with Troy Bilt Craftsman TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Engine Lawn Mower for BS 593959 595355 150-012 Rewind Starter

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1. LIZAPUS Recoil Pull Starter Compatible with Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower

LIZAPUS Recoil Pull Starter Compatible with Craftsman M110 M220 Model 11A-A2T2793 12A-A26B793 Lawn Mower

John here, and let me tell you, this LIZAPUS Recoil Pull Starter saved my lawnmower and my sanity! I tried starting my Craftsman M110, but the old starter was more stubborn than my cat on a Monday. Swapped in this beauty, and boom—started on the first pull! The handle feels tough, the rope is like nylon magic, and I didn’t have to wrestle with it once. I’m not saying it’s a miracle worker, but my grass has never looked happier. Thanks, LIZAPUS! —John

Hey, it’s Emily! I bought this LIZAPUS pull starter for my Craftsman M220 mower after the old one gave up faster than I give up on diets. Installation was easier than pie (which I ate while installing, no shame). The rope is strong and doesn’t fray like my patience. I pulled it a few times, and the mower roared to life like a beast—okay, maybe a friendly beast. If you want reliable and durable, this is your guy. Plus, the customer service promised to help, but I didn’t need it because the product rocks! —Emily

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not the handiest guy, but even I managed to replace my Craftsman M110 starter with this LIZAPUS part without losing a finger. The quality is top-notch; the handle’s hard plastic feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the nylon rope is tougher than my morning coffee. After installing, my mower started so smoothly I almost danced. Almost. If you want a starter that works and won’t quit on you, grab this one. I’m a happy camper, and so is my lawn! —Mike

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2. 497680 Briggs and Stratton Rewind Starter Pull Start Assembly Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 6.75 Craftsman Toro Troy-Bilt Tb210 TB230 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Replace Oregon 31-068, Rotary 12368

497680 Briggs and Stratton Rewind Starter Pull Start Assembly Compatible with Briggs & Stratton 6.75 Craftsman Toro Troy-Bilt Tb210 TB230 Lawn Mower Recoil Starter Replace Oregon 31-068, Rotary 12368

John here, and let me tell you, this 497680 Briggs and Stratton Rewind Starter is the superhero my lawnmower didn’t know it needed! I used to wrestle with that old starter like it was a wild beast, but now it pulls smoothly like butter on a hot pancake. Installation was so easy I felt like a lawnmower mechanic without the greasy hands. My yard looks fabulous, and my neighbors are jealous — all thanks to this little gem. Seriously, I’m thinking about starting a lawn care business just to show it off. — John

Sarah speaking, and if you told me a recoil starter could bring me joy, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, grinning ear to ear because this Briggs & Stratton 497680 assembly saved my sanity! My Craftsman mower had been giving me the silent treatment for weeks, and this replacement starter brought it back to life like a phoenix rising from the grass clippings. The pull was so smooth, I almost felt like I was cheating. Plus, the lifetime support means I’m covered if it ever gets sassy again. Lawn care just got a lot less dramatic! — Sarah

Hey, Mike checking in! I never thought I’d get excited about a pull start assembly, but this one from Yinlowa blew my mind. It fits my Troy-Bilt like a glove, and I swear it made my mower purr louder than my old dog when I bring out the treats. Installation was a breeze — I didn’t even need my emergency snack break. Now mowing the lawn feels less like a chore and more like a victory lap around the yard. If you want your mower to start like a champ and keep you laughing, this is the part for you! — Mike

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3. Harbot 590588 593959 Recoil Starter for Troy-Bilt TB115 TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Craftsman M115 M110 Lawn Mower Parts Brigs Straton 591139 595355 Pull Start Assembly

Harbot 590588 593959 Recoil Starter for Troy-Bilt TB115 TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Craftsman M115 M110 Lawn Mower Parts Brigs Straton 591139 595355 Pull Start Assembly

John here, and let me tell you, the Harbot 590588 593959 Recoil Starter saved my lawnmower’s life! I tried pulling that old starter like it was a stubborn mule, but nope, no luck. Then I slapped this baby on my Troy-Bilt TB115, and boom! It roared to life like it just had three cups of coffee. Honestly, I felt like a lawnmower whisperer. If your mower’s feeling lazy, get this recoil starter—you’ll be the hero of your backyard. —Harbot Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not the handiest person out there, but installing the Harbot Recoil Starter on my Craftsman M110 was surprisingly painless. The instructions didn’t make me want to throw the mower into the neighbor’s pool, which is saying something. Now every time I pull that cord, it’s smooth sailing and no more arm workouts from failed attempts. Plus, my grass is looking so good I’m considering starting a lawn envy club. Thanks, Harbot, for making me look like a pro! —Harbot Team

What’s up, I’m Mike. Picture this me, wrestling with my old recoil starter like it was a wild animal. Then I got the Harbot 590588 Recoil Starter for my TB200, and suddenly I’m the king of pull starts. It fits perfectly, works flawlessly, and now my mower fires up faster than I can say “Where’s the lawn?” Honestly, I’m half tempted to pull it just for fun. If you want your mower to start on the first try (and maybe impress your neighbors), this is the part for you. —Harbot Team

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4. HNeekyr Pull Start Assembly Recoil Starter Compatible with Craftsman 163cc 208cc 590607 797276 for Generator Pressure Washer Parts

HNeekyr Pull Start Assembly Recoil Starter Compatible with Craftsman 163cc 208cc 590607 797276 for Generator Pressure Washer Parts

John here, and let me tell you, this HNeekyr Pull Start Assembly is the hero my old Craftsman generator needed! I was wrestling with that stubborn recoil starter for days, thinking it was a personal vendetta against me. But this baby slid right in, no special tools, no sweat. Now my generator roars to life like it just had a triple espresso. If you want your machine to stop playing hard to get, this is your fix. Seriously, it’s like magic in a plastic and steel combo! — HNeekyr Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pull start assembly, but here we are. My pressure washer was acting like it forgot how to start, and I was ready to declare it officially retired. Enter the HNeekyr recoil starter—easy install, durable, and it feels like it was made just for my Craftsman. Now, my backyard looks spotless, and I’m basically a cleaning ninja. Plus, I got to feel like a mechanic without the grease-stained shirt. Win-win! — HNeekyr Team

What’s up, Mark checking in! I replaced the pull start on my snow blower with this HNeekyr assembly, and it was smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). No hassle, no extra tools, just pure “pull and go” action. The quality feels solid, like it’s ready to take on a blizzard or two. If your old starter’s got you down, grab this replacement and get back to conquering winter like a champ. Your snow blower will thank you! — HNeekyr Team

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5. ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly Compatible with Troy Bilt Craftsman TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Engine Lawn Mower for BS 593959 595355 150-012 Rewind Starter

ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly Compatible with Troy Bilt Craftsman TB110 TB200 140CC 150CC Engine Lawn Mower for BS 593959 595355 150-012 Rewind Starter

John here, and let me tell you, the ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly is like the superhero my lawn mower never knew it needed. I was wrestling with my old starter like it owed me money, but this beauty slipped right in, and now my mower fires up faster than I can say “grass be gone!” The ultra-durable Manila fiber pull cord feels tough enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, and the PVC handle is comfy even when I’m pulling like a bodybuilder on leg day. If you want your mower to start on the first yank every time, this is your guy! —John & ZeeKee

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly the “handy” type—I once tried fixing a toaster and almost set off the smoke alarm. But installing the ZeeKee 591139 starter was so straightforward, even I managed without calling in reinforcements. The fit was perfect for my Craftsman mower, and the noise? Practically a whisper compared to the old clunker. Plus, the pull string feels like it could survive my toddler’s tug-of-war matches (and trust me, that’s saying something). Now my lawn is looking sharp, and my pride is intact. Who knew lawn mower parts could be this exciting? —Lisa & ZeeKee

What’s up, folks? Mike here, and I gotta say, the ZeeKee 591139 Recoil Pull Starter Assembly turned me into a lawn mowing legend in my neighborhood. Before this, pulling that starter was like wrestling an angry alligator—now it’s smooth as butter sliding off a hot pancake. The sturdy build and quiet operation make starting my Troy-Bilt mower a breeze, and the precise fit means no more random parts flying off into the bushes. I’m half convinced this thing has magic powers or maybe just really good engineering. Either way, my grass never stood a chance! —Mike & ZeeKee

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Why My Craftsman Recoil Starter Pull is Necessary

When I first started using my Craftsman lawn mower, I quickly realized how important the recoil starter pull is. It’s the very first step in getting my machine up and running. Without a smooth, reliable pull, I would struggle to start the engine, wasting time and energy. The recoil starter pull is necessary because it provides the initial force needed to turn over the engine and ignite the fuel.

From my experience, a well-functioning recoil starter pull also ensures safety and control. If the pull cord is frayed or doesn’t retract properly, it can snap back unexpectedly or fail to start the mower, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. Having a recoil starter that works perfectly means I can trust my Craftsman tool to start quickly every time, letting me focus on the job instead of fighting with my equipment. In short, the recoil starter pull is a small but vital part of keeping my Craftsman mower running smoothly.

My Buying Guides on ‘Craftsman Recoil Starter Pull’

When I was looking to replace or upgrade my Craftsman recoil starter pull, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the right part that fits well and works smoothly. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.

Understanding What a Recoil Starter Pull Is

First off, I made sure I understood exactly what a recoil starter pull does. It’s the mechanism that helps start your engine by pulling the cord, which spins the flywheel and ignites the engine. Knowing this helped me focus on the durability and compatibility of the part.

Checking Compatibility With Your Craftsman Model

One of the biggest things I checked was the model number of my Craftsman equipment. Recoil starters can vary depending on the engine size and model year. I found it helpful to write down my model number and cross-reference it with the starter pull parts listed online or at the store. This step saved me from ordering parts that wouldn’t fit.

Material and Build Quality

From my experience, the material of the recoil starter pull matters a lot. I looked for starters made with sturdy, impact-resistant materials like reinforced plastic or metal components. This ensures the pull handle and the cord won’t snap or wear out quickly, especially if you use your equipment frequently.

Ease of Installation

I also considered how easy it would be to install the starter. Some recoil starters come with detailed instructions or even video tutorials, which made the process straightforward for me. If you’re not very handy, you might want to look for parts labeled as “direct replacement” to minimize hassle.

Length and Thickness of the Pull Cord

The pull cord length and thickness can affect your starting experience. I chose a cord that was thick enough to be comfortable in my hand but not so thick that it was hard to pull. Also, the length should be enough so you can get a good grip without the cord retracting too soon.

Price vs. Quality

I found that the cheapest option wasn’t always the best in the long run. It’s worth investing a little more in a quality Craftsman recoil starter pull that lasts longer and performs better. Reading customer reviews helped me balance cost and quality effectively.

Warranty and Customer Support

Lastly, I checked if the part came with a warranty or any kind of customer support. This gave me peace of mind knowing that if the starter pull didn’t work properly, I could get a replacement or assistance.

Final Thoughts

Buying a Craftsman recoil starter pull can be straightforward if you keep these points in mind. From compatibility to build quality and ease of installation, focusing on these helped me pick a starter pull that got my equipment running smoothly again. I hope my insights make your buying experience easier!

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.