Your rotary clothesline head is old, saggy, or broken — but the pole is still set in concrete. Before you dig anything up, here's what you need to know.
Short answer: Yes, sometimes — but it's trickier than it sounds. Pole diameters rarely match across brands, and mixing old and new parts can create wobble, height problems, and warranty headaches. In most cases, a full replacement is easier, cheaper, and safer long-term.
Things to Check Before Buying a Replacement Head
If you're hoping to keep your existing pole, these four factors will determine whether it's even possible:
Pole diameter — Most brands use different pole diameters. A new head likely won't fit your old pole without modification.
Pole height — Your existing pole may sit too high or too low, making the clothesline awkward to reach and use.
Pole stability — Old poles can corrode underground. Attaching a new head to an unstable pole can cause dangerous lean or wobble in the wind.
Warranty — Mixing parts from different manufacturers can void the warranty on your new clothesline head.
Your Three Best Options — Ranked
Option 1 (Recommended): Surface-Mount a SwiftDry SpinLine Over Your Old Pole
The easiest, cleanest solution — no digging, no new concrete, and no leftover pole sticking out of the ground.
How it works:
- Cut the old pole off flush at concrete level using an angle grinder. Smooth any rough edges.
- Position the SwiftDry SpinLine surface-mount base directly over the cut-off stub.
- Secure with concrete screws or dynabolts — done in under an hour.
Why this option wins:
- No digging or new concrete required
- The base covers the old pole stub — no eyesore left in your yard
- Premium build quality, designed to last a lifetime
- Suits small backyards, patios, and tight spaces
- Available in 4 sizes
View the SwiftDry SpinLine here
Option 2: Replace With the Same Model
This only works if your current clothesline is still in production and uses the exact same pole diameter.
- Buy an identical replacement clothesline
- Discard the new pole and attach the new head to your existing concreted pole
- Confirm pole diameters match exactly before purchasing
Option 3: Install a Completely New Fixed Rotary Clothesline
The traditional full replacement — best when the existing pole is corroded, damaged, or set at the wrong height.
- Cut the old pole off at ground level and smooth the edge.
- Prepare or extend the concrete base — a 500mm extension adds extra stability.
- Set the new pole in fresh concrete and allow to cure fully before use.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you want the job done quickly with minimal mess, the SwiftDry SpinLine surface-mount is the standout choice. It solves the old-pole problem cleanly — no excavation, no leftover stub, and the result looks purpose-built rather than cobbled together.
If your existing pole is the right height and in good condition, matching the original model is worth investigating — but confirm the pole diameter before you buy. And if everything about the old setup is wrong, a full concrete replacement gives you a clean start.
Need Help Choosing?
Email: admin@swiftdry.co.nz Call: 0800 334 455