How to Restring a Hills Hoist Clothes Line – The Ultimate Aussie DIY Guide

There’s nothing more classic than a Hills Hoist clothes line standing proud in the backyard — the smell of fresh washing, the sound of the crank, and a bit of Aussie sunshine. But over time, sun, wind, and wear can make those lines sag, snap, or lose tension.

The great news? You don’t need a professional clothesline installation service or a new unit. Here at Simply Clothesline we will guide you through "How to restring a Hills Hoist".

It's a simple, satisfying, step by step process that’ll have your backyard icon spinning smoothly again.

Let’s grab a few simple tools, a replacement clothesline cord, and get cracking.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You Should Restring Your Hills Hoist Clothesline

A sagging or broken clothes line doesn’t mean it’s time to bin the whole thing. The restringing process is cheap, quick, and keeps your Hills clothesline looking sharp and properly tensioned.

Restringing helps:

• Fix sagging or broken cords before they snap
• Keep your rotary clothesline rotating freely
• Save cash by avoiding unnecessary clothesline installation costs
• Extend the life of your Hills Hoist for years of use

If your frame’s still solid, a clothesline restring is the perfect weekend fix.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before diving in, get your right tools and essential tools ready. Good prep makes the job smoother.

Tools and Materials:

• Pliers
• Sharp scissors or wire cutters
• Tape measure
• Gloves
• Ladder (optional)
• UV-stabilised clothesline cord (this is the replacement clothesline cord)
• Tension lock lever or tension lock
• Clips
• Marker

These tools and materials are all you need for a strong, even restring. Choose a UV-protected clothesline cord so your new clothes line stays tight and durable under the Aussie sun.

Step-by-Step: The Clothesline Restring Process

Remove the Old Line

Start by putting on gloves and cutting off the old line. Unwind it carefully, checking for any rust or damage along the arms. The cleaner the frame, the smoother the restringing process.

Give everything a quick wipe and make sure your Hills Hoist clothesline is stable and ready to support the new cord.

Measure and Cut Your New Clothes Line

Use a tape measure to get your total length — most Hills rotary clotheslines need between 35–45 metres. Always cut a little excess cord to allow for adjustment.

Lay the old line straight on the ground as a guide. Having a new line slightly longer helps when you go to adjust tension later.

Thread the Line

Start threading from one arm, following the original pattern around the hoist. Keep the line taut but not too tight yet.

Feed the cord through each guide or clip — this prevents uneven cord hanging and makes for a clean finish.

If you’re restringing a folding rotary clothesline, take your time; threading properly now means less rework later.

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Feed Through the Tension Lock Lever

Run the new line through the tension lock lever or built-in tension lock system. This helps fine-tune the tightness. Gently pull until the cord tight feels just right — not slack, not too tight.

A properly tensioned line keeps your Hills Hoist spinning freely and ensures smooth operation.

Secure the One End and Tie the Other End

Once tension feels balanced, tie one end securely or clip it in place.
Give the hoist a spin — check the movement. If it feels stiff, adjust tension slightly until rotation feels natural.

This is where that balance between strength and give really matters. Your goal? Firm, even lines and effortless turning.

Repeat for Other Lines

If your clothesline has multiple levels, repeat the restring from the inside out. Keep all other lines evenly spaced and neatly threaded.

This evenness gives you balanced drying power — and looks tidy too.

Maintaining Your Hills Clothesline for Years

Now that your Hills Hoist clothes line is looking brand new, keep it that way with a bit of simple maintenance:

• Re-tension the clothesline cord every few months
• Wipe away dirt and dust
• Fold down your fold down clothesline in storms
• Watch for sagging or wear and do a quick rewire service if needed

A few small habits will keep your rotary clothesline ready for action all year round.

Hills Folding Rotary Clotheslines

Avoid These Common Restring Mistakes

Even a confident DIYer can trip up. Here’s what to avoid when doing a clothesline restring:

• Over-tightening: too much tension can cause the cord to snap

• Skipping clips: leads to uneven cord hanging

• Cheap cord: stretches fast and makes you restring again

• Ignoring alignment: makes the rotary clothesline spin off-balance

Take your time, follow the step by step process, and you’ll nail it.

Explore Other Clothesline Types and Upgrades

If your Hills retractable clothesline or Hills retracting clothesline has seen better days, it might be time to explore various clothesline types.

At Simply Clotheslines, we stock the latest:

• Folding rotary clotheslines for large families
• Wall mounted fold down clotheslines for smaller outdoor spaces
• Retractable clotheslines that pull out when needed
• Classic Hills rotary clotheslines built for Aussie backyards

Check out the full collection of folding rotary clotheslines — all backed by great service, free delivery, and tough construction.

When to Replace or Rewire

Sometimes, if your clothesline cord keeps sagging, it’s quicker to replace than repair. A full clothesline rewire service can give your Hills clothesline a full refresh.

Rewiring or replacing the new clothes line ensures smooth rotation and lasting tension.

Final Thoughts

Restringing a Hills Hoist clothes line is one of those classic Aussie DIY wins — a small job with big rewards.
With a few simple tools, the essential tools and materials, and a bit of patience, you can restore your rotary clothesline to its former glory.

Whether it’s a fold down clothesline, a wall mounted clothesline, or a folding rotary clothesline restring, doing it yourself is quicker, cheaper, and more satisfying than you think.

So grab your gear, cut that new line, thread it neatly, tie it tight, and give your Hills Hoist the love it deserves.

Explore the full range of Hills clotheslines, retractable clotheslines, and folding rotary clotheslines now at Simply Clotheslines — built tough, easy to use, and made for the Aussie backyard.