Pullstring

More generally and commonly, a pullstring can be any type of string, cord, rope, or chain, attached to an object in some way used to pull or mechanically manipulate part of it.

The jumping jack is a more complicated animated puppet paper doll that uses a pullstring to move its arms and legs up and down.

More recent toys include dolls, such as Chatty Cathy (1959), Charmin' Chatty (1963), Talking Tamu (1970), Look Around Crissy (1972), Sky Dancers (1994), and Sheriff Woody (from the Toy Story franchise), that have a pullstring built into them that activates a speaker when it is pulled, causing the doll to say a built-in phrase.

Some vehicle engines are also started with pullchains, such as the early-1900s Puckridge, or pullcords, like the pre-release version of the Citroën 2CV car, and the DKW RT 125 scooter.

Early jet engines such as the Junkers Jumo 004 used a Riedel two-stroke starter motor actuated by a pullcord.

Some transit buses and trams/trolleys have a pullcord, also known as a bell cord, that a passenger can pull to signal the driver that they are requesting a stop.

Pre-1990s North American diesel locomotive train horns used a lever or pull cord to actuate an air valve.