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How to Make A Hoist for A Small Flag

Anne Wilson

A flag is hoisted up a flag pole using a pulley system--or a rope attached to a pole with a simple pulley, rope and a rope cleat at the bottom to keep the rope in place. It's a project that provides enjoyment for years to come as small flags can be hoisted for all occasions such as holidays, birthdays and parties. With a few tools and supplies, it's possible to make a hoist and pulley system for a small flag at home.

Construct a hoist for a small flag with ease.
  1. Thread a thin rope through the pulley at the top of the flag pole. The rope does not need to be very thick, around 1/4" will suffice to raise a small flag.

  2. Drill two holes to attach the rope cleat about mid-way up the pole. Use a power drill and screws to drill pilot holes for the screws and nuts the rope cleat came with. Attach the rope cleat to the flag pole by threading the two screws through these holes and out the other side. Secure by threading two nuts onto the screw ends until tight.

  3. Pull the rope through the pulley system until both ends are about 12 inches lower than the rope cleat on the flag pole. Trim the excess rope and tie the ends together using a double knot. Pull the rope through the pulley until the knot is at the back--on the opposite side from the side where the flag attaches.

  4. Attach small flag rope clasps onto the rope spaced the same width as the grommet holes on the side of the flag. Follow instructions for the particular clasps purchased, although most clasps clip easily over a rope, keep the hook part of the clasp facing out.

  5. Hook the flag onto the clasps on the rope at its grommets.

  6. Raise the flag by pulling down on the rope just below the flag. When it is mid-way up the pole--or at the height required for the flag to fly--tie off the rope at the bottom by wrapping it several times around the rope cleat.