I have just removed the older cord.
YOU will need to remove the outer shaft. You need to get a spanner to fit the shaft.
Look at the back of the whipper snipper as you turn the shaft. You will see that a hole inside lines up. Use a screwdriver or similar and place it through the holes to lock the motor. You will now be able to undo the outer shaft.
Once you have removed it and the plastic houseing you will need to unscrew the cover for the cord reel. It's that easy. The sprin is even in a separate houseing so you don't need to muck around with the spring.
GOOD LUCK.
email sleahy@optusnet.com.au if you have trouble with it. Remember the cord is smaller than mowers so you will need to go to a specialised mower shop to get a replacment cord.
Stephen
June 2007