Howdy;

The pull cord on my mower, as well as the housing it goes into, is damaged beyond repair. While we were moving, something knocked over in the truck, and crushed the housing piece. I got the engine started using a cord wrapped around the metal piece, so I know the engine and everything else is okay.
I got on Sears.Com, and entered in my mower's model number, and it does not show that piece, it only shows that I can purchase the complete engine. The model # is 917.382721
Any help finding this part would be much appreciated.

most likely the craftsman mower has an engine from another company like Tecumseh or Honda. I would find the serial number and model number off of the mower engine itself and talk with your local Tru-Value or other hardware stores that do repairs to order the parts. There is a good chance that the starter has a generic shaft on it that they will have it in stock. You may find an electric start option also. My mother needs that in her old age.

Sorry for the belated reply. Thanks much for your info, my mower is back up and running.