power cord "lock". I knot the cord so they do not come a part. There are pieces of plastic with holes for the cord that lock the cords so they will not come a part. I basically make a square knot, uniting the ends of the cords, with the final process of the knot plugging the ends together. It is simple, but difficult to put into words, however with the cords ends in your hands it is easy.

Knob to control air flow. I am unfamiliar with this, but you may find a knob that would work at a good local hardware store in your area.

The best way to learn effectively use a blower is to do it at night with the porch light. You can see the motion of the leaves better with the side lite pile tham with good lighting. Basically the best way to move leaves is to use a circular motions from as low an angle as comfortable. The idea is to "fluidize" the pile of leaves and then move it.

In some situations you must use a higher angle to direct the flow directly to where the leaves are sticking.

By the way; the leaf blower is one of the most versatile tool you have. It can blow leaves as the name implies, BUT it is great to clean the garage, the porch, driveway, etc.; move and distribute mulch, and clean your lawn mower before you put it into the shed. My brother uses it to dry his car after washing it. Its uses are endless.

I looked up the manual on line and found the diagram of the blower and numbered parts. It looks like it cost $1.22. And I use the primarily to clean the driveway of sticks and small debris and general clean up. I use it all year long, except winter. in the snow.