My Rotary Clothesline Won’t Stay Up
Quick Answer: If your rotary clothesline won’t stay up, the most common causes are a worn winding mechanism, faulty latch, or damaged internal parts from years of weather exposure.
At The Clothesline Store, we recommend first checking the winder, latch, and frame tension before considering a replacement.
If your current Hills Hoist or Austral Rotary Hoist is beyond repair, upgrading to a modern model with durable galvanised steel frames, smoother winding, and extended warranties ensures long-lasting performance and stress-free laundry days. Table Of Contents
Causes, Fixes, and When to Replace Your Rotary
Here at The Clothesline Store, we often get asked about rotary clotheslines that won’t stay up, and it’s one of the most common issues our customers face.
If your Hills Hoist, Austral Rotary Hoist, or another brand of rotary clothesline keeps collapsing, the problem is usually caused by a worn winding mechanism, a faulty latch, or internal parts that have weakened from years of weather exposure.
This comprehensive guide from The Clothesline Store explains the most common causes, offers DIY repair tips, and helps you decide when to replace your rotary clothesline.
Whether you need spare parts, repair advice, or a brand-new model, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to keep your washing lines secure and stable.
Shop Fixed Rotary Clothes Hoists
Common Reasons a Clothesline Won’t Stay Up
Even the most durable washing line will eventually need attention. Here are the usual culprits:
Worn Winding Mechanism
In Hills Hoists, Austral Rotary Hoists, and other rotary clothesline designs, the winding mechanism uses metal gears, shafts, and plastic parts to raise and lower the arms. If the winder is stripped, worn, or misaligned, it won’t lock at the highest point, causing the hoist to slip to its lowest point
Broken or Bent Internal Mechanism
A cracked casing, bent shaft, or worn metal plug inside the winder can stop it from holding tension. This happens in older premium range models, especially if overloaded with washing.
Latch Failure
Rotary clotheslines use a latch or locking pin inside the mechanism. If it’s worn or broken, the hoist will gradually lower itself regardless of how often you wind it.
Incorrect Winding Technique
Turning the handle clockwise until resistance is felt is essential. Stopping too soon or rotating in the wrong direction means the arms won’t remain in position.
Diagnosing the Problem
To find the fault:
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Check the Winder – Fully wind the handle and see if it holds. If not, the winding mechanism or metal gear may be worn.
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Inspect the Head – Look at the top section and line space for bends or twisted line sections.
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Test the Latch – Lower slowly and listen for a locking click. No click = latch or internal mechanism issue.
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Check the Casing – Cracks or broken plastic in the winder housing can prevent locking.
Browse Heavy-Duty Rotary Options
DIY Repair Options
If you’re confident in the DIY route, you may fix the problem without replacing the whole clothesline.
Replace the Winding Mechanism
Both Hills Hoist and Austral Rotary Hoist models have compatible replacement winder kits available from the original clothesline manufacturer.
Process:
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Unscrew the casing and remove the old unit from the pole.
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Fit the new mechanism following the provided instructions.
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Test by raising and lowering the hoist several times.
Fix or Replace the Latch
If bent or broken, a new latch can often restore proper height locking in most cases.
Re-Tension the Lines
Loose lines create extra strain on the mechanism. Adjusting tension can help maintain stability and maximise line space.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
If your current one is decades old, rusted, or severely broken, a new rotary hoist—whether Hills or Austral—may be the smarter choice.
A modern model offers:
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Smooth winding action
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Fresh, tight lines
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Improved mechanism designs
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A full warranty
Choosing the Right Replacement Clothesline
Hills Hoist
A classic Australian favourite, known for durability, smooth winding, and generous line space for family-sized loads.
Austral Rotary Hoist
Built tough for Australian conditions, offering sturdy frames, large line space, and a reliable winding mechanism with long warranty coverage.
Winder Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To keep your Hills Hoist or Austral Rotary Hoist in top shape:
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Wind gently to avoid stripping the gears.
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Don’t exceed the secondary standard load rating.
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Keep the casing clean and dry.
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Lubricate the mechanism once or twice yearly.
Step-by-Step: Fixing a Clothesline That Won’t Stay Up
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Lower the hoist and remove all clothes and washing.
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Open the casing to inspect the winding mechanism, metal plug, and washers.
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Identify broken parts – look for stripped gears, worn plastic, or bent shafts.
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Order replacement parts from your clothesline manufacturer to preserve the warranty.
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Install and test – ensure parts are securely attached before you raise the hoist.
Preventing Future Problems
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Spread clothes evenly to avoid excess weight on one side.
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Avoid overloading during heavy washing days.
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Lower your rotary hoist during high winds or storms.
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Regularly inspect for bent or broken parts.
Final Thoughts
When your rotary clothesline won’t stay up, it’s often due to a worn winding mechanism, broken latch, or fatigue in the internal mechanism. With some DIY repair, you can replace the winder or latch and get more years from your Hills Hoist or Austral Rotary Hoist.
If repair isn’t worthwhile, a new rotary hoist with a fresh warranty ensures smooth operation, ample line space, and stress-free laundry days for years to come.
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