Pullstring

A pullstring (or pull string or pull-string) or pullcord (or pull cord or pull-cord) is a string or cord wound on a spring-loaded spindle that engages a mechanism when it is pulled. It is most commonly used in toys and motorized equipment. More loosely, a pullstring can be any type of string, cord, or rope attached to an object in some way used to pull the object (or part of the object).

Types

Perhaps the simplest pull-string toy is the yo-yo. Some dolls, such as Chatty Cathy, have a pullstring built into them that activates a speaker when it is pulled, causing the doll to say a built-in phrase. Other non-doll toys like See 'n Say. The earliest patent with a pull string included in it is an 1886 "Toy Bowling-Alley".

Some grenades like the German Model 39 and had pull-cords.

Many motorized lawn mowers use a pullstring as an ignition device. Some types of window blinds use a pullstring to open, close, raise, and lower it. Attic ladders usually have a pullstring to allow the ladder to be pulled down from the ceiling. A pull switch uses a chain or string to actuate a switch. Older steam whistles were almost always actuated with a pull cord.

Another type of pullstring (referred to as a drawstring) can be used in fashion, mainly used in bags as a closing device and contribute to many aspects of the fashion industry.

See also

• Drawstring
• Pull switch
• Bell pull