Sort of a flagpole megatree

**BigPav** · 08-12-2012, 11:03 PM

I was wondering if anybody has made a megatree using the winch system with out the winch. I just feel like the winch is overkill because I'm a pretty strong guy I could pull it up no problem and tie it off below like a flagpole. now Im talking about using wire or clothesline, like a good sturdy nylon rope. Specs. of my tree are 18ft. high 24 strings of lights and I'm using a 1" od galvinized pipe as the center pole. Plan on attaching a block 3" from the top plus using a star topper. Any help is appreciated Thanks

**corytcline** · 08-12-2012, 11:29 PM

I am doing something similar. I have a flag pole approximately 18 feet. I'm planning to use an old trampoline frame for the base and just hoist the lights up with the flag line by hand. I have not tried it yet so I have no pointers, but that's my plans.

**mschell** · 08-13-2012, 09:43 AM

I have no doubts that you guys are strong and can pull quite well.

There are a few factors that you need to consider.

1. The lights are HEAVY! You will be surprised at how heavy they are, and they'll slip right back down when you go to take a rest from pulling!
2. You need a sturdy pulley system. Many folks seem to use small pulleys for the rope/wire that holds up the header that holds the lights. Small cheap pulleys will get stiff or worn quickly. Also, they tend to fail when you stress them, and a human pulling on a rope isn't very gentle on the pulley or rope.
3. A winch puts a steady, firm pressure on the rope/wire. It doesn't stress it out by jerking or pulling hard, like you will.

That's not to say it won't work if you do it by yourself. Just be aware of some of the things that have caused issues in the past.

**corytcline** · 08-13-2012, 11:40 AM

I did not think about how to keep it up once it's there my set up has a pulley at top and bottom

**budude** · 08-13-2012, 12:11 PM

You could use a pinning system like the JUMP uses - just drill holes through both poles and insert a good size bolt through them like a car jackstand.

**BigPav** · 08-13-2012, 04:11 PM

I looked at the jump system, but I'm stuck with this pole do to me burying a 3 ft section of pipe in like 3 bags of concrete, so that option is out. I was going to use a heavy duty block from tractor supply. I can see the problems with rope but having a hard time justifying the expense of not just money but time with a winch. Also, how hard is it to mount the winch to the pole. Thanks for all the input just got some thinking to do.

**homegrowncorals** · 08-13-2012, 05:50 PM

The biggest issue i found with rope to hoist the lights with, is it never stops stretching and as it stretches your light strings will sag.

**ctmal** · 08-13-2012, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by BigPav

I looked at the jump system, but I'm stuck with this pole do to me burying a 3 ft section of pipe in like 3 bags of concrete, so that option is out. I was going to use a heavy duty block from tractor supply. I can see the problems with rope but having a hard time justifying the expense of not just money but time with a winch. Also, how hard is it to mount the winch to the pole. Thanks for all the input just got some thinking to do.

Mounting the winch is easy. I used a price if plastic cutting board to mount the winch, then mounted that with u bolts. Check out harbor freight for the winch and wire rope. They are Very cheap.

**bigwolfe07** · 09-19-2012, 05:03 PM

i use my 20' tall flag pole and the rope and pulley to raise the lights i cut a wood circle out and drilled a 2 1/2 hole for the pole in it and then cut it in half and i put it on the pole every year and screw it around i put hooks around the outside of the circle to hang the lights seems to work good i put the star on a short 1/2" pipe over the wood and just pull it all up with the rope i pull like 40 100 ct light strands up

**Skunberg** · 09-19-2012, 10:21 PM

Do you mean 24 strings of white minis or 24 strings of red, green, blue and white for 104 strings of minis. Or do you mean LEDs? Plastic not glass, 70 not 100, light wire and insulation. I think you'll be able to do it this year just fine, however I bet you'll have a different plan next year. I have 16 strings, each one has red, green, blue and white minis, that's 64 strings plus 8 140count spiral. I can get it about half way up, then my wife has to help and it's still hard.

Brian