Quick Answer
If your Hills wall mounted clothesline won't stay up, The Clothesline Store finds the struts usually aren't locking. Raise it slowly until each strut clicks once. Two clicks means it has released.
If your Hills wall mounted clothesline won't stay raised, it's almost always the telescopic arm struts not locking into place. Raise the clothesline slowly until you hear each strut click once. A single click means it's locked, while two clicks means the strut has disengaged and will fold back down. If it still won't hold after several attempts, the strut mechanism itself likely needs replacing.
Good to know: Aside from normal age-related wear, most modern clotheslines are built to last when installed and used as intended. Premature issues are most often caused by overloading, uneven washing or a lack of regular maintenance.
Why Does My Hills Clothesline Keep Folding Down?
The most common cause is the telescopic arm struts not fully engaging when the line is raised. The struts are spring-loaded locking mechanisms, so if you raise the arms too quickly they can pass through the locked position instead of catching in it. That's what causes the line to sag or fold back down under the weight of washing.
How to Fix It Step by Step
1. Lower the clothesline fully. Start from the folded down position so both struts reset.
2. Raise it slowly, one side at a time if needed. Don't force or rush it, as the click has to register mechanically.
3. Listen for a single click on each strut. One click means locked and load-bearing. Two clicks in quick succession means the strut has disengaged again.
4. Check both sides are locked before hanging washing. A clothesline locked on only one side will lean or collapse under load.
5. Repeat if needed. If one or both struts don't catch the first time, lower and raise again. It often takes two or three attempts, especially on an older or stiff mechanism.
Still Won't Stay Up? It May Be the Strut Mechanism
If you've worked through the steps several times and the arms still won't lock, or they lock but release under any weight, the internal spring or locking mechanism inside the strut has likely worn out or failed. At that point, the fix is either a replacement strut mechanism from Hills Parts or a new clothesline.
Choosing a Replacement Hills Fold Down Clothesline
If your clothesline is ageing or has several issues, modern Hills fold down clotheslines offer improved locking mechanisms, stronger frames and clearer installation compatibility for safer everyday use. For a long-term alternative, Air Dry fold down clotheslines are Australian made from 100% Australian steel, with made to order and ready made options.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Read Should I repair or replace my Hills fold down clothesline? find out Why ground mount installation beats fence mounting, How to choose the right sized clothesline. And find out about The best Australian made fold down clothesline.
Hills Clothesline Strut FAQs
Why does my clothesline strut click twice?
A double click means the strut has passed through the locking point and disengaged rather than caught in it. It won't hold weight and will fold down, so lower it and raise it again more slowly.
How many times should I hear the strut click?
Once per side. One click confirms the strut is locked in the raised position. A second click means it has released again.
Can I fix a Hills clothesline strut myself?
Yes, in most cases. Struts that simply aren't engaging can usually be fixed by repeating the slow raise-and-listen process. Struts with a worn or broken internal mechanism need replacing rather than adjusting.
How do I know if I need a replacement strut?
If the arm won't lock at all after several careful attempts, or locks briefly and then drops under light weight, the mechanism has failed. Replacement struts are available from Hills Parts.
Where can I buy a new Hills fold down clothesline?
Online from The Clothesline Store, Australia's largest private clothesline stockist since 2003, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Final Thoughts
If your Hills fold down clothesline won't stay up, start with the slow single-click method. If the strut mechanism has worn out, a replacement strut may solve it, but if the locking or hinge system is showing progressive wear, replacing an ageing clothesline restores safe operation and long-term reliability.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, The Clothesline Store ships in-stock items the same or next business day from our own national warehouse, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
