Husqvarna Starter Handle for 500 Series Chainsaws

This Husqvarna starter handle is the pull grip for the recoil starter on 500 series chainsaws. Handles crack from cold, sun, and being slapped against the saw housing, and a broken one makes a hot saw miserable to restart in the tree or on the ground.

A small part that stops a crew

A broken starter handle sounds minor until the saw will not start at the end of the day. Handles get brittle with age and UV, and letting the cord snap back against the housing cracks them fast.

Keeping a spare in the truck box is cheap insurance, especially if your crew runs several 500 series saws.

Climbers who start a top-handle or ground saw in awkward positions are especially hard on handles, and a missing grip can mean pulling a thin cord with bare fingers, which is a good way to get hurt.

Fitting the handle

Remove the starter cover, release spring tension carefully, and pull the cord out. Thread it through the new handle, tie a firm stopper knot, and tuck the knot into the handle pocket. Re-tension the spring per the service manual so the handle sits snug against the housing with no slack.

If the handle keeps cracking, look at how the saw is being started. A steady, straight pull with the saw secured is easier on the handle, cord, and starter than a yank at an angle.

Check the starter cord while you are there; if it is frayed, replace it at the same time. Confirm the part number against your saw's model and serial plate or the manufacturer's parts lookup before ordering, since parts can change between production runs. See all saw parts.