How To Replace The Halyard On An External Halyard Flagpole
Posted by Hayley Adams on Feb 24th 2022
Replacing your flagpole rope, attaching snaphooks and covers is probably the biggest maintenance you'll ever do if you have a standard, external halyard flagpole. The good news is, it's not difficult unless you make it difficult! Let us take you through the details of replacing the flagpole rope. Video included!
What You’ll Need
Installation Instructions
1. Lower the existing flag to remove it from the halyard. If you wish to keep your flag, make sure you take a moment to properly fold it and place it aside so you can use it at a later date. Remember to take special care so the flag does not touch the ground!
2. Remove existing snaphooks from the halyard and set them aside. (You’ll need to reattach these later). Locate the tied knot by the cut ends and carefully begin to untie the ends. Keep a firm grip so you don’t lose your rope.
3. Now that the old halyard is free of any barriers and knots, take one end of the untied halyard and grab your electrical tape. Begin wrapping the tape around the end of the old halyard (approx. 3 inches from the end of the halyard). The goal here is to create a splice and connect the old halyard to the new halyard using the tape. Continue to tightly wrap the electrical tape until the two ropes are fully secured to each other.
4. Gently start pulling the old halyard to begin raising the new halyard towards the flagpole truck. Once you’ve reached the truck location, carefully work the splice through the pulley. Continue to pull the halyard until you have reached the splice.
5. Remove the tape and dispose of the old halyard. Work to adjust the appropriate length you’ll need for your new halyard and cut off any access halyard with a sharp blade.
6. Note, that after trimming synthetic halyard, you’ll want to burn the ends to eliminate any more fraying. Be sure to let the ends cool before moving on to the next step.
7. Take both cut ends and begin to tie a square knot, leaving as little of the ends exposed as possible.
8. We’re almost done! Now you will want to grab your snap claps and begin reattaching them. (See video for further instructions)
9. Once your snap clips are secured and your flag is attached, you are ready to raise the flag! Once your flag is in position, be sure to tie off your halyard on the external flagpole cleat.
10. Last step, take a few steps back and appreciate that beautiful flag flying high in the sky! Good work!