Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
Remove the line covers, untie the old cord, thread new Hills PVC cord through each arm and tensioner, then adjust the tension. The Clothesline Store guide covers the Hills Folding Rotary 6, 7 and 8.
Replacing the cord on your Hills clothesline is an essential maintenance task that keeps it performing well for years. Over time, the cord can wear out or become damaged, affecting how well your clothesline works. This guide focuses on the modern Hills Folding Rotary Premium 6, 7 and 8 Line models, with a step-by-step process to replace your cord effectively.
Why Replace Your Clothesline Cord?
Every clothesline cord eventually needs replacing, and regular maintenance is key to keeping your Hills rotary clothesline in top shape. Using a cord suited to the job, such as genuine Hills PVC replacement cord, is essential. It's weather-resistant, durable and available in a variety of colours including Woodland Grey, Cottage Green, Surfmist and Pale Eucalypt, so your clothesline not only works well but also looks great in your outdoor space.
Tools and Materials Needed
Tools. You'll need pliers for gripping and adjusting, scissors to cut the cord, a measuring tape for accurate lengths, and a step ladder to reach higher sections safely.
Materials. You'll need new clothesline cord, ideally genuine Hills PVC for durability and proper fit, a tension lock lever to adjust the tension, and a clothesline replacement pack in case additional parts are needed. Replacement parts are available from Hills Parts.
Removing the Old Cord
1. Observe the wiring. Before starting, take a close look at how your current line is threaded through the hoist. This will guide you when installing the new line and help streamline the process.
2. Safety first. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris or plastic components that might snap off during removal.
3. Open and secure the hoist. Carefully open the rotary clothesline and lock it into a stable position, with no washing on it. This keeps the clothesline steady while you work on the lines.
4. Remove the line covers. Locate the line covers on the tensioners, which are typically clipped in place.
Use a lever tool or similar instrument to gently pry them off without causing damage.
5. Untie and discard the old line. Untie the old polycore line from the tensioners and remove it. Dispose of the old line and, if possible, recycle or reuse it. Keep the line covers, as you'll need them for the new line.
6. Repeat for all line segments. If your clothesline has multiple sections, repeat these steps for each segment until all the old line is removed.
Installing the New Line
1. Unroll the cord. Lay the cord out straight at one end of the clothesline to prevent it becoming tangled.
2. Install the new line. Place a knot approximately 400mm from one end of the cord. Carefully thread the new line into place, looping it back under the tensioner lip. Apply gentle pressure on the line towards the bottom left edge to prevent loss of tension and reduce slack, pulling tighter if required.
3. Feed the line through the arm. Thread the new line through the central hole of the arm, trimming any excess cord if necessary before securing it in place.
4. Secure the line. Push the line firmly into the arm for a flush fit, then replace the cover once the line is securely installed.
5. Thread the line through the other arms. Continue threading the new line through each of the other arms until you return to the tensioner arm.
6. Install the line into the tensioners. Fit the line into the tensioners in the same way as the previous sections, making sure each section is properly secured and aligned.
7. Check and adjust the tension. Adjust the tension of the new cord so the line is taut but not overly tight. The cord should have a slight flex so the rotary clothesline works properly. Use a tension lock or tie off manually to fine-tune it.
8. Replace the cover cap. Once the line is properly tensioned, replace the cover cap on the other end of the tensioner arm to secure the line in place.
9. Fold and test the hoist. Fold the Hills Hoist up and down to make sure it operates smoothly. Check that the rotary clothesline isn't over-tensioned and that the lower cross engages properly with the locking collar, so you know the new line is installed correctly.
Additional Tips for Success
Cord tension. Make sure the cord is evenly tensioned across the entire clothesline. This helps reduce sag and keeps the line functional and looking good.
Match the cord. If using replacement cord from other brands, make sure it matches the width, weight and durability of the original cord to maintain performance and longevity.
Regular maintenance. Regularly inspect your clothesline for wear and tear. Maintaining the correct tension and promptly addressing any issues will extend the life of your clothesline and keep it performing at its best.
A properly maintained clothesline not only performs better but also adds to the overall enjoyment of your outdoor space. Here's to many successful laundry days ahead, with your Hills clothesline standing up to all the fresh air and sunshine.
Conclusion
Whether your clothesline is the latest Hills rotary or a different brand, proper cord replacement is crucial for reducing line sag and keeping all lines working correctly. By using suitable replacement cord, such as genuine Hills PVC, and keeping it correctly tensioned, you get durability and a perfect fit that complements your clothesline's design.
Time for a New Clothesline? Consider Air Dry
If your clothesline is past repair, an Air Dry fold down clothesline is 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, in a wide range of ready made sizes or made to order for the perfect fit. It's The Clothesline Store's number one fold down pick.
Professional Clothesline Installation Service
If you're not keen on installing your new clothesline, The Clothesline Store makes clothesline installation incredibly easy with a professional installation service that ensures your clothesline is set up effortlessly.
Whether you're choosing a fold down, retractable or folding rotary clothesline, our expert installers are ready to help across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond, covering areas like Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Simply select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" or "Yes, Install and Remove Old Clothesline" when placing your order.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, what's hot in the market like the top selling drying racks and why they are loved in Australia, and view the best Australian made fold down clothesline.
FAQs: Replacing Hills Clothesline Cord
What cord should I use on a Hills rotary clothesline?
Genuine Hills PVC replacement cord is ideal. It's weather-resistant, durable and comes in colours including Woodland Grey, Cottage Green, Surfmist and Pale Eucalypt.
Can I use cord from another brand?
Yes, but make sure it matches the width, weight and durability of the original cord.
How tight should the new cord be?
Taut but not overly tight. The cord should have a slight flex, and the hoist should still fold smoothly with the lower cross engaging the locking collar.
Where can I buy Hills replacement parts?
Replacement parts for many Hills models are available from Hills Parts.
Where can I buy a new clothesline?
Online from The Clothesline Store, Australia's largest private clothesline stockist since 2003, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
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.
Clothesline Covers for Your Clothesline
Clothesline covers protect your clothing from the harsh Australian UV rays. A ClevaCover clothesline cover gives your washing high UV protection from the Australian sunlight while it dries, and shelters it from overhead rain, bird droppings and falling leaves, so you can hang your washing out and leave it with confidence.
ClevaCover for fold down clotheslines. Fits Air Dry, Hills Folding Frame, Austral, Eco, Daytek and other fold down brands, mounted on a wall or ground mount legs.
ClevaCover for folding rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills, Austral and Daytek folding rotary clotheslines.
ClevaCover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general instructions for replacing clothesline cords and may not cover all specific models or situations. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines and seek professional help if needed.
