Original Series – Handle: How to replace the Handle Assembly (metal clutch)

Replacement of the handle assembly of your Original Series rower is fairly straightforward and the process is identical for any Original Series rower.

As a guide, watch the video below:

Schematic illustration showing the handle assembly and its components on an Original Series WaterRower with an arrow indicating the direction of the handle movement.

Step 1

Remove the Handle from the handle rests and place the handle in the full forward position

Diagram showing the handle assembly and components of the Original Series WaterRower, indicating the handle position and bungee connection.

Step 2

Stand the WaterRower upright and disconnect the bungee from the recoil belt as shown.

Diagram showing the internal components of a WaterRower, including the handle assembly and recoil belt setup.

Step 3

Lay the WaterRower down and slowly pull the handle so that the drive strap unwinds from the clutch housing. Do this gently as pulling too fast will cause the recoil belt to wind up too much.

Diagram illustrating the handle assembly of a WaterRower, showing the Velcro end passing over the large pulley in the forward riser.

Step 4

Take the new handle assembly and pass the Velcro end over the large pulley in the forward riser as shown. (The Velcro should face the large pulley as it passes between the wire riser form and the pulley).

Step 5

Pass the drive strap around the large pulley and underneath the top deck back towards the clutch housing. Pass the end of the drive strap inside (towards the center of the machine) the drive strap guide pulley (the upper of the two guide pulleys). Take the end of the drive strap and place the edge against the join in the mating Velcro on the clutch.

Illustration showing the orientation of the drive strap and clutch housing for the WaterRower assembly process.

Step 6

Check that the belt orientation is correct. Slowly rotate the clutch (in a clockwise direction, as viewed from above) to feed the drive strap onto the clutch housing as shown. Make sure that the drive strap feeds evenly onto the clutch. Wind the drive strap onto the clutch so that the handle reaches its full forward position, as shown.

Diagram illustrating the connections and components of the handle assembly for an Original Series WaterRower, showing the alignment of straps and pulleys.

Step 7

If your recoil belt is still attached to the recoil bush then go onto Step 7. Otherwise it will be necessary to reconnect the recoil. If you feel unsure about the orientation of the recoil it may be best to go through this process anyhow.

Technical diagram illustrating the drive mechanism of a WaterRower, showing pulley orientation and handle assembly setup.

Step 8

With the handle in the full forward position, it is important that the recoil belt wraps around the recoil bush between one and two turns. Once this is so pass the recoil belt inside (towards the center of the machine) the recoil belt guide pulley (the lower of the two guide pulleys) and over the two pulleys in the forward riser. Pass the belt underneath the machine towards the bungee as shown.

Diagram showing the parts of a WaterRower handle assembly and recoil system, illustrating the handle, guide pulleys, and cable setup.

Step 9

Stand the WaterRower upright and connect the recoil belt to the bungee as shown.
Note: If the recoil belt buckle and D-ring have been removed it will be necessary to refit them before Step 5 may be completed. Refer to the Recoil Buckle Replacement Instruction for details.

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

Related

Related Articles