The Nail Knot is a popular and time tested knot used to secure a smaller diameter line to a heavier line. This is just the knot you need in order to pull the new halyard up and around the pulley using the old halyard while it's still on the flagpole.

I like to start by using the side of the halyard that didn't have the snaps attached as this is usually free of kinks and damage. Trim the end of the old halyard and lay a nail or hollow tube such as a drinking straw along the old halyard end piece. Using some monofilament fishing line like a 30 pound test or lighter material would also work. You can also use a small diameter of nylon twine you can buy at any hardware store.

Hold all three pieces together and wrap the connecting line, working left to right around the old halyard, nail or straw six to eight times. (see figure 1) As you pass the end through the straw or in the space made by the nail gradually ease the straw or nail from the coils. Pull both ends to snug up the coils. (see figure 2)

Now do the same thing to the end of the new halyard leaving 4-6 inches between the new and old halyard. (see figure 3) Test your knots by pulling on the old and new halyard. If secure, then trim the ends.

As you pull up the new halyard, as you near the truck on top of the flagpole, be sure to keep the new and old halyard snug as you go up and around the pulley so the connecting line stays in the pulley track. Once you have pulled the new halyard around the pulley continue pulling gently until you have the new halyard to where you can reach it.

At this point you should have purchased our ZipKlips along with the new halyard. The ZipKlips will help prolong the life of your new halyard and allow for easy adjustment of your flags.

Our ZipKlips don't require making any knots or loops in the rope. We have found most of the time when a flagpole rope breaks, it is because the knot or loop in the rope rubs against the pulley or truck at the top of the flagpole. Replacing a broken rope can be expensive.

The ZipKlip is attached to the rope using a set screw and it can be easily adjusted to fly larger or smaller flags without having to untie a knot. This becomes harder to do over time as the rope is exposed to the environment and pressure from the flag pulling on the knot.

The ZipKlip which comes in contact with the flagpole is made of a nylon material which is quieter and will not damage the flagpoles finish. You will not need to use snap covers. Our device also incorporates the use of spring clips so the flag can be removed easily when worn or taken down at night.

The ZipKlip can accommodate rope from 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter. This would be for most external style halyards used on flagpoles from 20-50 ft in length.

While our ZipKlips may cost a little more than regular snaps the benefits and long-term savings will far outweigh the cost.