Flagpole FAQ
Flagpoles involve a lot of specialized jargon…can you bring me up to speed?
Absolutely! Below are a few pictures with common terms and then explanations of all the terms.
- Ball – The most common ornament topping the flagpole. More generically, this is a finial, which could be a ball, an eagle or something else. The diameter is usually the same as the butt diameter of the flagpole.
- Base Plate – A metal plate that the flagpole and foundation sleeve sit upon.
- Butt Diameter – The diameter of the pole around the bottom.
- Cleat – Often attached d6irectly to the shaft, this is where the halyard is tied off after raising the flag.
- Cleat Cover – A box that houses the cleat and is lockable to deter theft or vandalism.
- Flag Snap – Hardware that allows for easy attachment or removal of the flag to the flagpole.
- Flash Collar – A type of cover placed at the base of the flagpole for decorative purposes to create a more finished appearance.
- Foundation Sleeve – A underground sleeve the flagpole slides into.
- Halyard – The rope or cable used to affix the flag snaps to the flag for raising and lowering. Can be placed externally for convenience or internally for security. Choosing an external or internal design is among the first choices you will make when buying a flagpole.
- Halyard Cover – A type of cover that protects the halyard for security.
- Lightning Ground Spike – A spike that give lightning a path to ground, in case of a strike.
- Support Plate – A metal plate that connects the base plate and the lightning ground spike.
- Top Diameter – The diameter of the pole around the top.
- Truck – The pulley mechanism atop the pole that guides the halyard as the flag is being raised or lowered.
- Wall (Not shown) – Flagpoles are hollow shafts. You must choose the appropriate thickness of the walls for proper strength and durability based on wind speed and other requirements.
