Hi you have to option 1st you drill out rivets remove the recoil or 2nd you unbolt the entire top cover and replace the cord that way personally I all ways remove the rivets it is quicker an easier that way anther tip once the recoil is removed is to pull out the cord right to the end clamp and then remove old one this way you don’t have to strip it cut the new cord to the same length burn the end to help with replacement thread all back together tie good knot jobs done any probs go to my web site swallawnmowerservice an email me hope this helps
quince
February 2008