How Do I Change the Rope On My Flagpole? Restringing 101

Over time, flagpole halyard, or rope, will wear down and need to be replaced. By keeping an eye on the condition of your flagpole halyard, you can extend its lifespan and reduce the possibility of your rope snapping. Below we will take you step by step through the restringing process. If you'd like to skip this process and have our team assist you please contact us.

Snapped Halyard:

An important note: your flagpole rope loops through your pole’s truck (the pulley at the top of your pole.) If your rope snaps or it flies through this pulley, the only way to fix this is by using a crane or lift truck to rethread it.

If your flagpole rope has snapped, it is time to call a professional. If you’re located in the Southern California area, give us a call and we can discuss repair options for your flagpole. 

The good news is that if you’ve caught your rope before it hits this stage, we are here to walk you through the straightforward process of replacing your flagpole rope on your own.

At Sunward Flag, we’ve been crafting the highest-quality, American-made flags, and providing expert guidance on flagpoles, for thirty years. We’ve learned a lot along the way and are proud to share our knowledge and expertise with you. If you have questions about this process, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (858)-689-8444 or contact us.

Let’s Get Started:

Let’s gather supplies. To replace flagpole halyard, you will need:

• New rope (same length as your previous rope- 2x the height of your pole)

• Electrical tape

• Sharp scissors or an exacto knife

• Lubriderm (lotion)

• Lighter 

• 2 Hog rings and pliers (Optional on smaller poles)

1. Prepare New Rope: Cut the new rope to the right length- two times the height of your pole. Too short and your flag won’t be able to reach the desired height. Too long and you run the risk of your flag tangling or a messy looking cleat. Cut your new rope and burn both ends of the rope with your lighter to avoid unraveling. 

2. Lower Your Flag: Remove your flag and flag snaps attached from your old halyard. This is a great opportunity to check the condition of your flag and snaps. Snaps should be easy to open and be free of corrosion or rust. Take a look at your flag and inspect for tearing or fading. This is a great time to consider replacing your flag.

3. Cut Your Old Rope: Not too fast! First, find the right spot to cut your old rope. Choose a section of the rope that is free from obstructions- the goal is to pick a spot that will make it easier for you to feed the new rope through. We make this cut right above the top flag snap. Secure one of the sides of the old rope to the cleat on your pole so it doesn’t come loose. Before cutting the rope, wrap six inches of your rope with your electrical tape. (Wrap the electrical tape carefully, overlapping it slightly so no rope peaks through. Ensure the tape lays flat and is only a thin layer. This taped section will have to travel through the pulley, so do not wrap tape too thick. When cutting your rope, it helps to have a friend securing both ends so they don’t go flying. If one end of your rope unravels from the pulley at the top of your pole, you will need to hire a lift truck to rethread it. Once it is cut, burn both ends with your lighter to prevent fraying. The tape should also help with this.

4. Join the New Rope and Old Rope: Carefully align the ends of the old rope and your new rope. Lining up the ends of both ropes ensures it will easily feed through the pole’s truck. 

1. Grab your tape. Start four inches from the end of your old rope and wrap your tape around the rope, moving towards the new rope. Carefully join the new rope and continue taping four inches up the new rope. 

2. Your old and new rope should now be joined together with electrical tape.

3. To ensure it is secure, we’re going to tape over the joined section again. Start six inches from the end of the old rope (slightly farther up)- and restart the taping process so that six inches of both the old and new rope are covered. This should keep the joined area secure.

5. Lubricate the Joined Ropes: It may sound silly, but this is an old trick of the trade. By adding some lubriderm or lotion to the area of rope covered with electrical tape, you can help the rope feed easier through the pulley. Give it a try to save yourself the headache of a jammed rope.

6. Feed The New Rope: Take your time and pull the new rope through the pulley. Steadily pushing the new rope while pulling the old one is the best way to get your rope over the pulley. If you have any issues, revisit the section of joined rope and consider retaping. The tape should lay flat without ridges. 

7. Detach the Old Rope: Ensure you or a friend are holding onto both sides of the new rope so they don’t go flying. When both ends are secure, remove the old rope by cutting it off. 

8. Add Your Snaps: Before tying your new rope together, reattach your snaps to each end of the new rope - about 2 to 3 feet from each end of the new rope. The distance from the end of the rope should be half the width of your flag. For example, if you’re flying a 3’ x 5’ flag, tie your flag snaps about 1.5 feet from the two ends of your rope. You can use an overhand knot and adjust this later if it’s not exact. Learn how to do an overhand knot here.

9. Knot Your Rope: Connect the two ends of your new rope together in a secure, square knot. This knot should be in the center of the width side of your flag. That way it is easy to add snaps that are evenly spaced. Learn how to do a square knot here. If you're restringing a large flagpole with high winds it's important to use at least 2 hog rings to secure your knot. Once hog rings are secured feel free to cover with electrical tape. This ensure your flagpole stays clean and quiet.

10. Raise Your Flag: Attach your flag to your snaps. Adjust the distance of your knots in the rope to ensure your flag flies taught and isn’t loose. Once everything is attached and secure, you’re ready to raise your flag.

Your new rope should last up to three years with proper care and maintenance. You can help maintain your rope and flagpole’s integrity by regularly inspecting it and its parts. 

Whether you're flying a flag for your business, your community, or your home, we’re honored to be part of that tradition. If you’re ready to find the perfect flag or need help choosing the right option, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 858-689-8444 or send us an email.