seriously...if u get a good tune your engine should start within 3 pulls.....what ya might try is putting your thumb on the head of the engine and the pull start between your index and the next finger....you dont have to pull it far...just short quick pulls....by doing it this way u can also position your hand to were your pulling straight out and not rubbing the cord against the backplate...dont know how long your fingers are but like I said...ya dont havta pull to far