Flagpole Christmas Light Hoist

thingiverse

A hoist for hanging Christmas lights from a flagpole. Print two (or one for the initial version, but I wouldn't recommend it). I used two M6x25mm bolts through the lower holes with lock washers and wingnuts to attach the two pieces around the flagpole, and a carabiner to connect the hoist to the top flag clip on my rope. I also used a length of rope to give a little support to the side of the hoist opposite the flag clip, though this may not be necessary. The initial version is on my flagpole right now, and is holding up great. However, I found some flaws in it as I was putting it up leading me to design v2. I haven't actually printed v2 yet, since the initial version is working so far, but I would still recommend using v2. Here are some of the changes I made: * Raised the "crenulations". I felt like the light string could slip over the ones in v1. For my current setup, I put duct tape to hold it in place, but I believe with v2 no tape would be necessary. * It was difficult to find a carabiner which could actually fit through the hole, so I increased the hole's diameter and gave the outside edges a fillet. Hopefully that will make finding a working part easier. * Increased the radius of the fillet where the hoist meets the flagpole. Hoping this reduces friction while raising and lowering the hoist, and reduces stress on the part. I should note that I Have No Idea What I Am Doing, and this is one of my first mechanical part designs. It is working well so far on my flagpole, and we have had some rather windy days, but YMMV. This is probably a bit overdone, but I printed it in PETG with 10 perimeters and 20% infill. It's nice and hefty.