Step 1

Do your loop strap (even padded) kite handles cut into the back of your hands?

Do they squish your fingers until they are numb?

I designed these kites handles to spread the pressure of kite pull across all fingers evenly.

You will need 1 inch oak wood dowel and cut it 4½ inches long.

Step 2

Drill a 17/64 inch hole thru center of dowel and cut channel wide enough for double strap thickness to pass through.

Cut a 1 inch long piece of 3/16 inch dowel to go inside strap and through the hole to anchor strap

Step 3

Cut 1 inch wide nylon strap about 10½ inches long. Slightly melt the cut ends with a lighter held nearby to prevent fraying.

Step 4

Overlap the two loose ends about ½ inch and sew thru all three layers of strap. Make several passes over the entire area to ensure a strong bond.

Don't be tempted to use a straight cord through the handle instead of strap, you will get finger chafing during vigorous flying.

Step 5

Cut the nylon (or polyester) cord about 13 inches long. Make a 1¾ inch loop in end and tie with double granny knot. Cut off the loose end and melt fray with lighter until it is even with knot. Tie a knot at long single end of cord and another knot about 1 inch down line. Again cut off the loose end and melt fray with lighter until it is even with end knot. You can make as many knots as required in this nylon line to allow line length adjustments.

Step 6

Place 3/16 inch dowel inside larger strap loop. Apply some glue to dowel as well as outside of strap area around small dowel. Slide small dowel with strap around it into hole in handle. The glue is not required for holding back kite pull, it just keeps the dowel and strap from falling out the side of the handle.

Pass single end of nylon line through smaller strap opening and pass through 1¾ loop and pull tight.

Step 7

Hold handle like picture above. Ahem, red strap goes in right hand...oops!

E-mail me (link on main page)

if you made and use these handles.