K9RZZ - Sounds like you aleady know the answer.
Care to share it with us ;-)

The general theme of this thread was a Mechanical Failure of 'cheap'
plasitic Antenna Insulators; and better replacements for them.

But as you point out - If you use a quality Plastic 'type' Rope and
"Tie" the Rope and Antenna Wire together - That will work also )

Doubling Over (Double Lay) and Twist together about Eight Inches of
the Antenna Wire and a Single Lay of Rope usually works well for a
"Secure and Lasting" Knot between the two pieces.
iane ~ RHF