Yes, you can restring a Treasure Garden cantilever umbrella by replacing the lift cord and routing it through the hubs and cord lock.
Snapped lift cord? You can bring your shade back to life with a restring. The process is hands-on but doable at home. This guide shows tools, parts, routing paths, and checks that match common Treasure Garden cantilever lines such as AKZ and AKZ Plus.
What You Need Before You Start
Set aside an open work area and a soft blanket for the canopy. A second pair of hands helps with lifting. Gather these items.
- Replacement cord rated for patio umbrellas (match the model length and diameter).
- Hex keys: 2.5 mm and 6 mm, plus a Phillips screwdriver.
- Needle-nose pliers, side cutters, and a lighter for sealing cord ends.
- Masking tape, a thin pull line, and a small pick or awl.
- Safety gear: gloves and eye protection.
Restringing A Treasure Garden Cantilever: Model Guide
Treasure Garden sells several offset designs. Routing and hardware are alike across models, with naming differences. Identify your frame so you can order the right cord and locate access points. For pictures that match many units, keep the AKZ open cord instructions handy along with the AKZ Plus re-cord PDF.
| Series | Cord Or Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AKZ / AKZSQ / AKZRT | Open/Crankside cord, cord lock, loop lock | Classic side-arm with loop lock near tilt lever |
| AKZ Plus (AKZP) | AKZP re-cord kit, loop lock | 2019+ update; similar path with a few trim changes |
| AG19 / AG19SQ | AG19 cord | Smaller cantilever; cord sizes differ from AKZ |
| AG25TR / AG28 | Series-specific cords | Check length and diameter before ordering |
Safety And Setup
Close the canopy to level tilt, then remove the frame from the base hub. Lay the assembly flat with the crank facing up. Pull the main frame grip down to release tension. Unplug lights if fitted. Keep small parts in labeled cups.
Step-By-Step: Replace The Lift Cord
1. Remove The Old Cord
Pop the cap from the main frame grip and take out the cord lock. Snip the frayed cord at the lower hub. If any cord remains in the hinge, pull it free by loosening the hinge cover. Save the cord path in photos as you go.
2. Free The Hinge And Lower Hub
Loosen the hinge fasteners just enough to open a path for the cord. On many frames you also unscrew two bolts at the base of the main frame to lift the unit from the rotating hub. This makes routing easier and avoids scuffing.
3. Thread A Pull Line
Tape a thin pull line to the old cord before it exits each channel. If the old cord is missing, guide a stiff leader through with a pick, then tie the leader to your new cord. Melt cord tips slightly and pinch flat to ease travel through guides.
4. Route The New Cord
Follow this order: lower hub → hinge channel → inside the main frame → through the main frame grip → cord lock → loop lock. Keep the cord seated in pulleys and bushings. If the grip binds, check that the cord is not crossed inside the slot.
5. Set The Cord Lock
Feed the free end through the cord lock per the arrow on the housing. The serrated cam must bite in the lowering direction. Test by pulling up on the operating handle; the canopy should rise while the cord holds when you stop.
6. Tie Into The Loop Lock
At the top end, pass the cord through the loop lock and tie a clean figure-eight knot with a short tail. Seat the knot inside the pocket so it does not rub on trim.
7. Tension And Reassemble
Crank the handle to raise the canopy halfway. Pull slack through the cord lock, then snug the knot at the loop lock. Cycle up and down three times. Refit the hinge cover, caps, and main frame bolts. Reinstall on the rotating hub and check tilt, lift, and rotation.
Cord Type, Diameter, And Length
Most cords are braided polyester. It resists stretch and sun. Match the diameter to the cord lock opening; too thin will slip and too thick will jam. Product pages list lengths for each series. If you cannot find a label on your frame, measure the old cord and add a buffer for knots.
For general sizing, many AKZ listings show a lift cord around 155 inches at about 4 mm, sold as a kit. Series pages for AG19, AG25TR, and AG28 show different lengths. Order to match your tag under the canopy or the stamp on the crank case.
Low-stretch polyester is the standard and works well with cam locks. High-modulus lines like Dyneema can slip in the lock. Stick with the spec. Use a figure-eight, double overhand, or bowline that seats cleanly without a bulky cap that could snag inside the grip.
Common Routing Points On AKZ-Family Frames
Many units share these waypoints. Match them as you route.
- Lower hub: entry hole beside the rib cluster.
- Hinge: split cover with two screws hides the upper pulley.
- Main frame grip: plastic sleeve with an internal guide slot.
- Cord lock: small cam block that mounts inside the grip.
- Loop lock: metal loop near the tilt lever for final tie-off.
When To Replace Related Hardware
A worn cord often points to tired guides. Check pulleys for flat spots and side play. Replace a loose loop lock or a cord lock that slips under load. Many shops stock AKZ and AKZP locks, caps, and complete crank kits. For operating notes and safety cues, see the AKZ family manual.
Model-Specific Notes
AKZ And AKZSQ
These frames use two cord segments in many cases: an “open” run and a “crankside” run. If the canopy rises unevenly, both segments may need service. The loop lock sits near the tilt lever. The cord lock nests inside the main frame grip.
AKZ Plus
This update keeps the same idea with revised trim. The lower hub has tight clearances; lift the frame from the hub to gain room. Re-cord kits show the order with photos. Follow the note about removing the broken cord from the lower hub before you loosen the hinge. Keep the AKZP step guide nearby during routing.
AG-Series
AG19 and larger AG frames use different cord diameters and lengths. Order by series name printed on the tag under the canopy or on the crank case. Routing still starts at the lower hub and ends at the loop lock.
Quick Sizing And Part Tips
Cord length varies by canopy size. As a rule, do not shorten the new cord on the first pass. Feed the full length, seat all parts, test travel, then trim the tail at the loop lock with a 2–3 inch margin. Seal the cut with a lighter.
First-Use Checks After A Re-Cord
- Lift to full height and stop: the cord lock should hold with no slip.
- Lower to closed: the cord should spool without rubbing on the slot.
- Tilt through the range: watch the knot at the loop lock for rub.
- Swing on the base: confirm no twist near the hinge cover.
Troubleshooting
Canopy Drops After I Stop Cranking
Flip the cord in the lock so the cam grips the loaded side. Replace the lock if the cam teeth are worn.
Cord Frays Near The Hinge
Open the hinge cover and check the pulley. Replace it if the wheel is seized or if the axle has slop. A touch of dry lube on the axle helps.
Grip Won’t Slide Smoothly
Lift the grip and check for a cord cross or twist inside the channel. Seat the cord in the guide and retest.
Lift Feels Heavy
Check that the cord sits in every pulley groove. Look for an extra wrap around a pin or the wrong side of a bushing.
Care And Prevention
Dust and salt speed wear. Rinse the frame with fresh water each season. Let parts dry, then add a small dab of dry lube to moving joints. Keep the canopy level before closing. Store the cord out of sun under the included cover when not in use.
Helpful References And Parts Sources
For clear routing photos, see the AKZ open/crankside sheets and the AKZ Plus re-cord PDF. Official manuals list assembly steps and safety notes. Retail pages also list cords by series so you can match the part quickly.
| Need | Where To Look | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| Routing photos | AKZ open/crankside sheets | Exploded views of hinge, grip, and lock |
| AKZ Plus steps | AKZP re-cord PDF | Step order with model-specific notes |
| Model IDs | AKZ family manual | Labels, parts names, and safety checks |
Plain-English Summary Of The Process
Remove the frame from the base, pull the old cord, use a pull line, route the new cord through the lower hub, hinge, main frame, grip, and cord lock, tie to the loop lock, set tension, and test lift, tilt, and rotation. Take photos, go slow, neatly, and replace worn guides while you’re there.
Time, Difficulty, And When To Call A Pro
A careful home repair runs about one to two hours with two people. Tight clearances or seized fasteners add time. If the crank case binds, the hinge is cracked, or the mast is bent, parts replacement may be safer than a cord only fix. Local patio shops that sell Treasure Garden parts can do the restring and verify tilt gears at the same visit.