How To NOT Emergency Start Your Generator

So your generator cord or pull starter is broken and you need an emergency quick fix to get it going. There are many videos on the internet suggesting this fix with a cordless drill. I think this is unsafe and you could seriously hurt or injure yourself. This is my warning to you – DON’T DO THIS AT HOME. Watch to see why.

I’ve got a better and safer way to start your generator. At the end of the video, I’ll point you in the right direction.

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If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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[StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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[welderp]

If you are worried about the kickback get a breaker bar ratcheting adapter and put it on your drill so it can free spin the other way once started, that way you can remove it without kickback

[WaveAction]

I tried push starting my generator and it didn't work, just ended up scratching the paint off the bottom as I pushed it on the ground ...

[hodge]

project farm does this in every one of his lawnmower videos but he uses a corded drill that doesn't stop dead when you lay off the trigger and also i don't think he lets off the trigger until after he's pulled off, he explained it once and i'm pretty sure he said it was risky but some of those engines are getting weird fuels(for science) that don't always want to start

[jeffersonparks]

You keep holding the trigger on the drill as you take it off the engine it doesn't hurt me that's my opinion

[jeffpiatt]

Hi Steve,


You are correct, that a drill by itself will end badly with a damaged thumb- much like the old hand start cars from years ago. However, as the commenter below "Rhino and Coleslaw" remarked if you have a ratchet device or "one way bearing" between the drive of the drill and the socket that starts the generator, you won't experience the damage to your thumb. I have a setup with a one way bearing (sprag clutch) that allows me to start my model airplanes and helicopters without this issue. The trick, is finding the "ratchet" or one way bearing that allows the drill to drive in just the start direction and lets it "slip" once the motor starts.

[vetnumb]

Thanks for the video, I use a large rubber bushing and press it against the shaft. If you do that there is not a direct connection. This is a lot safer and works great.

[ohiofarmer]

I did this after I saw a mechanic on YouTube do it. The engine has a five pound flywheel on it and it fired three licks on only a tiny amount of carb cleaner. The tapered cone of the flywheel ran off and took a bounce and ripped my skin right off my finger to the bone. I could send you a picture of it if you want to lose your lunch.. one full month for the wound to close. I saw Bruce from Canada do it with just one hand

Mustie1 often turns old motors like this without the spark plugs and installed when the engines have not run for a while

Thanks for showing this. You reach many more people than I could I'm a lifetime

[victormochoa]

I just started watching Steve's show and i think he makes small engine repairs seem not so tough to try. Makes everything seem it's as easy as having a couple of cold beers .

[semco]

I checked that video and I am glad that you gave us this information and it is helpful and I will use it if needed.

[andrewsiff]

Dude! I’m old enough to remember when every small engine had the notch and nothing else! Keep on keeping on!

[MowerMike]

Thanks for posting this. I was about to do a video on the drill method to test it, but no anymore. I can see that really going south.

[thomasderbyshire]

I’ve always used this technique. I’ve had this generator now for 9 years and the pull start has been broken for 1 year. But ever since watching this video I don’t dare to do it anymore so I just bought a new pull starter assembly. Thanks for the tip.

[nickolasvaughn]

It's all about how strong the drill your using is and if your trying to start something with too much compression I tryed starting a riding mower with a DeWalt drill and it wouldn't spin the motor but for my push mower it works great

[wildefox]

Great tip Steve, thanks for sharing! This method is very dangerous!

[steveross]

Great advice Steve. This is really good for people who are maybe not mechanically inclined. Love the show buddy🤙🍻

[winterradicallds]

I have that as well but I put a free spin one directional gear on the end of the drill and it works great to stop that kick back

[stevensargent]

I have made up a socket set-up that works like the driver starter's for high pro racing engines where they use the external starter to turn the crank shaft, my socket can only go one way and when the engine catches it will free spin with the engine, and dose not stop abruptly like yours did, but will free spin.

[jamestackett]

Good video Steve thanks for the advice I have seen this on u tube never tried thank you for keeping us safe

[billharris]

I've done this for years, both thumbs intact.