Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
To restring a rotary clothesline, The Clothesline Store recommends removing the line covers, untying the old cord, threading new cord through each tensioner, trimming to 20mm and tensioning from the centre out.
Don't let a snapped or sagging line ruin your laundry plans. Whether you have a Hills Folding Rotary or another rotary washing line, this guide walks you through every step, from the first loop to cutting and tensioning the new cord.
What You'll Need
You'll need replacement clothesline cord suited to your clothesline, such as Hills cord, plus scissors or a utility knife to cut the old and new line. Have gloves, a measuring tape for accurate cord length, simple tools like a screwdriver or pliers, a ladder or step stool and safety glasses on hand, and keep a clear workspace so your tools and materials stay organised.
How to Restring a Rotary Clothesline Step by Step
1. Check how it's threaded. Stand in front of your clothesline and note how the line is threaded through the frame before removing anything. This makes fitting the new line much easier.
2. Wind up your clothesline. With no washing on it, wind the rotary up and lock it into place for easier access and a clearer view.
3. Remove the line cover. Find the line cover on the tensioner arm at one end, marked by an arrow under the arm cross. It protects the tensioner and keeps the line aligned. Grip it firmly and rotate it anti-clockwise, using a little force if it's stuck from dirt or weathering, then lift it off and set it aside.
4. Repeat on the other end. Working between two arms of line, rotate the second line cover anti-clockwise until it detaches from the tensioner. Keep both covers together so you remember which side they belong to.
5. Untie the damaged cord. With both covers off, carefully untie the knot or snip the damaged cord from the tensioners. Take your time to avoid damaging the tensioners.
6. Remove the remaining line. Untie the remaining segments from their tensioners, keeping track of the order you remove them so the new line goes on easily.
7. Prepare the new line. Choose a durable, weather-resistant cord such as Hills for longevity. Pull one end of the new line through the tensioner on one side of the clothesline.
8. Loop the line. Loop the line around the back groove of the tensioner. This loop grips the line and stops it slipping under tension. Pull it tight and wrap it around.
9. Feed through the front slot. Thread the line up through the front slot of the tensioner, making sure it passes through correctly, then pull it tight again.
10. Trim the excess. Leave about 20mm of line protruding from the tensioner for future adjustment, then cut off the rest. That small allowance lets you remove slack and retighten later.
11. Reattach the line cover. Position the cover back on the tensioner arm and rotate it clockwise until secure. It protects the tensioner and keeps the line aligned.
12. Repeat on the other side. Feed the new line through the other tensioner, loop it around the back groove, feed it through the front slot, trim the excess and reattach the line cover.
13. Tension the line. Gently pull the lines from the centre of the rotary outwards until they feel taut, then adjust at the tensioners as needed.
14. Test the line. Hang some damp clothes to check the tension. A well-tensioned line lets delicates and heavy loads hang freely without sagging, which helps them dry. Adjust if needed.
Maintenance and Key Tips
Check your rotary clothesline's cord tension regularly, and if it sags, use the tension lock lever to adjust it. Inspect the cord and components periodically, replace worn parts promptly, and avoid over-tightening so you don't stretch the cord. Replacement tie off caps, clips and other parts are available from Hills Parts.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, whats 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.
Rotary Clothesline Restringing FAQs
Can I restring a rotary clothesline myself?
Yes. With replacement cord, scissors and a few simple tools, most people can restring a rotary clothesline themselves by following the steps above.
How much excess cord should I leave at the tensioner?
About 20mm, so you can take up slack and retighten the line later.
How do I remove the line cover on a rotary clothesline?
Grip the cover on the tensioner arm and rotate it anti-clockwise, then lift it off. Rotate it clockwise to reattach.
How tight should a rotary clothesline be?
Taut enough that washing hangs freely without sagging, but not so tight that the cord overstretches.
Where can I buy a new rotary 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
By following this guide, you've learned how to wind up, remove, thread, trim and tension new cord to get your rotary clothesline working like new. Refer back whenever you need a refresher, and explore our other guides for folding frame and wall mounted clotheslines.
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.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general advice on restringing rotary clotheslines. Always follow your clothesline manufacturer's instructions to avoid voiding warranties, damaging the unit or creating safety risks.
Restringing a clothesline is also known as clothesline rewiring, clothesline restringing, or washing line and cord replacement.
