The housing that holds the coiled rope seems to be held on with rivets. I can't see how to get it off. The model number on the Craftsman is 917.377550.

Ron Houseman, May 2008

I see your question is almost 2 years old. Hope you found some help before this. I am facing the same thing with this model. I am searching for information, but if I find none, I will get out my drill and behead those doggies! Then, I'll pop-rivet the cover back on.

carlsa, January 2010