Flagpole Dictionary

Flagpole Dictionary

Anodized finish – A finish achieved by immersing the material into an acid solution and passing a direct current through the material in such a manner as to form a durable oxide film on the surface of the flagpole shaft. This is meant to increase resistance to corrosion and abrasion. However, this process inherently results in color variations where there are chemical or physical differences on the pole shaft or between parts of the pole castings. An anodized finish can be attained in clear, black or various shades of bronze. We do not advise selecting this particular finish. See Thermoset Powder as alternative. Flagpole Finish Chart

Butt diameter – Diameter at base of pole.

Bronze finish – A color of finish which can be achieved through powder coating or anodizing. Flagpole Finish Chart

Casted (Decorative) Collar – A collar that is made from an aluminum mold. This type of collar normally costs more, but is more durable. Example Picture

Cleats – Items, which are attached to the flagpole, shaft, wall, or at some other desired location. The halyard is wrapped around the cleat(s) to prevent the flag from moving up/down the pole. Example Picture

Counterbalanced flagpole – Consists of mounting to a counterweight (box filled with counter weight material with base plate and support channels) to allow pole to be rotated to the ground for special maintenance needs. Example Picture

Double revolving truck – Is an assembly that mounts to the top of the flagpole and has a pulley on either side. The assembly includes bearings that allow it to turn with the wind. Only available on external halyard flagpoles. Single revolving is the Industry Standard. Example Picture

External halyard – Rope system for raising and lowering flag located on outside of pole. Example Picture

Finial – Ball, eagle or other assembly used to finish off the top of your flagpole. Example Picture

Finish – The surface appearance or texture of the flagpole. Standard finishes include satin, anodized and several thermoset powder paints. Flagpole Finish Chart

Flash collar – Fits over the ground sleeve and bottom of the pole to protect it from the elements and gives the base a finished look. Space between collar and pole is sealed to keep water away from the base of the pole and anchorage system. Example Picture

Gaff – Extension, particularly in nautical poles, double masted, on which flags can be displayed. Typically at an angle. Example Picture

Ground sleeve – Foundation sleeve fabricated from 16 gauge galvanized corrugated steel tube with 3/16 thick steel base and support plates, ¾ dia. X 18″ long ground (Lighting) spike and steel centering wedges. Also available in PVC material without plates or spike. Example Picture

Ground set foundation – A support structure which includes an area of concrete with the ground sleeve properly installed into it. Sizes vary based on pole sizes and locations. Example Picture

Hinged Base – A non-permanent, heavy duty hinged ground attachment offers the homeowner or professional installer easy flagpole installation.  One person can raise or lower a 40 foot fiberglass flagpole.  The easy to use leveling system makes installation simple and fast. Example Picture 1  Example Picture 2

Internal halyard – Rope or cable system located on the inside of a pole for raising and lowering a flag. Accessed through a hinged door compartment in shaft. Example Picture

Nautical – A flagpole with a yard arm attached. (Typically used around water.) Also an optional Gaff can be used. Single and double mast varieties exist. Example Picture

Outrigger – An External Halyard Flagpole that is mounted to the side of a building at an angle. Example Picture

Powder Paint – See Thermoset Powder Paint. Flagpole Finish Chart

Satin Finish – Finish achieved on aluminum shaft by directional sanding. Flagpole Finish Chart

Shoe base foundation – Pole or a support structure which normally includes a set of anchor bolts embedded into an area of concrete. A shoe base flagpole which utilizes a welded base casting would sit over the anchor bolts and be held in place with nuts, flat washers and lock washers.

Single revolving truck – Is an assembly that mounts to the top of the flagpole and has a pulley on one side. The assembly includes bearings that allow it to turn with the wind. Single revolving is the Industry Standard. Example Picture

Snap hooks – Used to attach flag to rope or cables. Example Picture

Stationary Truck – A pulley assembly that mounts to the top of the flagpole with set screws. This system is more economical and requires less maintenance than the revolving style. Example Picture

Thermoset powder paint – Electrostatically applied polyester or urethane powder that tis oven cured to form a dry and durable finish. Gives you the option of further customizing your flagpole to match its surroundings. Standard colors are dark bronze, black, white, dark green and clear. Custom colors can be mixed per a customer’s specifications. The outdoor life of our standard thermoset powder coating (1.5 mil TGIC polyester thermoset powders) is rated at 15-plus years by the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers Metal Finishes Manual. Flagpole Finish Chart

Vertical Wall Mounted Flagpole – Typically an External Halyard Flagpole that is mounted to the side of a building vertically, using fabricated brackets which bolt to the structure. Example Picture

Wall thickness – Thickness of the aluminum tubing used. This varies based on wind requirements and pole size.

Winch – On internal halyard system flagpoles. Mechanism typically with gears for raising and lowering flags with a handle. Example Picture

Yard Arm – A tapered spar that runs horizontal and is attached to the flagpole at some position above ground. Used on Nautical Flagpoles to create a nautical feature which may be used to fly small nautical flags. Example Picture

Products seen online are the most popular in the flag and flagpole industry. If you don’t see what you need, have a new flag idea or question: Please email us at: info@hanoverflags.com