Has the cord been replaced? If so, when the old one broke, the spring will completely unwind. The trick is to rewind the spring first, attach the new cord and wind it around the spool while holding the spring tension. After the cord is wound, feed the end out through the cord port and test for good return (don't let go!!), then clamp the cord with locking pliers and affix the handle to the cord. Melting the cord ends helps keep the knots from pulling out. Hope this helps!