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 Polymer/Powder Coating as alternative.
Butt diameter
Diameter at base of pole.
Bronze finish
A color of finish which can be achieved through powder coating or anodizing.
Cast (Decorative) Collar
A collar that is made from an aluminum mold. This type of collar normally costs more, but is more durable.
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.
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.
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.
External halyard
Rope system for raising and lowering flag located on outside of pole.
Finial
Ball, eagle or other assembly used to finish off the top of your flagpole.
Finish
The surface appearance or texture of the flagpole. Standard finishes include satin, anodized and several thermoset polymer/ powder coating paints.
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.
Gaff
Extension, particularly in nautical poles, double masted, on which flags can be displayed. Typically at an angle.
Ground sleeve
Foundation sleeve fabricated from 16 gauge galvanized corrugated steel tube with 3/16 thick steel base and support plates, the diameter X 18" long ground (lighting) spike and steel centering wedges. Also available in PVC material without plates or spike.
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.
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.
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.
Outrigger
An External Halyard Flagpole that is mounted to the side of a building at an angle.
Powder Coating Paint
See Thermoset Polymer/Powder Coating Paint.
Satin Finish
Finish achieved on aluminum shaft by directional sanding.
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.
Snap hooks
Used to attach flag to rope or cables.
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.
Thermoset powder paint
Electrostatically applied polyester or urethane powder that is 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.
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.
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.
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.
