How do FlagKites open and close?
FlagKites open and close like an umbrella, but actually inverse of an umbrella. As with an umbrella, do not attempt to open and close the kite in strong wind. Open and close it indoors or in a protected area. Grasp the center hub with your thumb on the pivot barrel keep (next to shortest spar and kingpost keep screw) and index finger on opposite side of hub body. The spars, clips, flag, and bridle strings hanging down toward the ground, shortest spar and kingpost retaining screw toward your body. Shake the kite a little to ensure nothing is hung up anywhere. Grasp the rigging cap with other hand and pull up with a gentle, fluid motion. Continue until the kite opens and the kingpost is all the way up (watch to ensure the strings and flag don’t hang up on the clips). When a flag is attached, there will be some resistance as the kite springs fully open. Tighten the kingpost retaining screw. Reverse the procedure to close kite.
