You’re climbing your project or shopping for a new one, and you want to cheat past a sequence. You could send a bight down and tag your big stick clip up, but life is easier when you have an adequate one already on your harness.
I’ve seen and built a few iterations of a stick clip suited for this purpose, and I think I’ve landed on an ideal version. Minimal tools required. Materials cost of about ~$30 each, although not being able to buy just one can drive this number up.
Here’s what you need
A “Telescoping Flag Pole”
This may go by other names. I use 8.2’ (2.5m). Two for $21 on Amazon. Variations of this aren’t hard to come by.
Thermoplastic Beads
Super readily available, including in brick and mortar craft supplies stores. Although again, you’ll have to buy more than you need. $11 for a pile on Amazon
The Clip
Sourcing this is the crux. I’ve seen them available under different names in different places. Most recently I bought them for $16 each on AliExpress
Other tools
- A kettle, or another way to heat water
- Scissors, or another way to cut foam
- Pliers, or another way to rip off some clips and plastic
The build
Rip the stick apart
First, cut the foam handle off the stick. You should be able to wedge the scissor blade underneath. Easy.
Then, rip the cap off of the wide end (Leave the ball on the narrow end!). Pliers work well, scissors might work, maybe a knife? Do what you need to do.
Pull the little metal triangle clips off the thin end. Again, pliers are great, but whatever works.
Extend the widest segment of the pole. You need to make room for your thermoplastic and clip.
Thermoplastic the clip on
Follow the instructions on your package. Generally, heat water to 150f, pour it in a mug with the beads, wait. Maybe refresh the water if it cools down too much. I also like to put the metal parts in the water. If they start at 150f they won’t cool down the plastic on contact.
Take your wad of plastic goo, and wrap it around the bolt side of the clip.
Then, mash the whole thing into the end of the stick, ideally getting all the threads and even the bolt head inside. Mold the remaining plastic around the end of the stick for added support.
Now just let it cool off! Cold water or a fridge can expedite this step. Dont play with it until its cool and solid.
You can re-heat and re-mold this stuff as many times as you want, so don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect first try. Just dunk it back in hot water, and re-mash to your hearts content.
That’s it!
Now get out there and hang dog like a champ.
