Flag and flagpole terminology.
At True North Flagpoles, we love to talk about flags and flagpoles, it’s sort of “our thing”. We feel it’s important to understand some of the basics of flagpoles, whether you own one, or not. Feel free to ask us any questions, we’d be glad to explain it to you, or look through our terminology list below.
external halyard systems have the rope rope used to raise and lower the flag located on the outside of the flagpole.
Finial: A distinctive ornament or decoration that sits on top of many flagpoles. Commonly a ball or eagle is used.
The butt diameter is the width of the flagpole measurement at its base.
The cleat is the hook type object on the side of the flagpole that the halyard (rope) is wrapped around to secure the halyard at the height you desire. In the case of internal halyard flagpoles, a cam cleat is used.
The truck is a device that houses the pulley wheel for the halyard (rope). This device is both cosmetic and protective. It also has a threaded opening that is used to secure the finial (decoration). Revolving trucks are available that allow it to turn with the wind.
The hoist end is located at the snap hook end that attaches the flag to the halyard.
The snap hooks attach the flag to the halyard. The hooks snap into the grommets of the flag.
Shoe Base Foundation: The flagpole has a base welded on it that is used to install the flagpole using bolts, washers and huts.
The halyard is the rope that is used to raise and lower the flag.
The gaff is an extension that comes off of the flagpole and rises at an angle.
The foundation tube is inserted underground and used to form the base of inground flagpoles.
Flash Collar: The device that covers the flagpole base. It fits over the ground sleeve at the bottom of the flagpole.
What’s the difference between Internal Halyard Flagpoles and External Halyard Flagpoles
The flagpole halyard is a rope, lanyard, wire-center halyard or stainless steel cable. These are the various ways to rig a flagpole. The halyard is what allows the flag to travel up and down the flagpole.
Internal Halyard Flagpole
This system conceals the rope on the inside of the flagpole. Internal Halyard flagpoles are more expensive than comparable external halyard flagpoles but they offer a more streamlined look and security. The rope is in the inside of the flagpole and travels up and out of the revolving truck at the top of the flagpole. The rotating truck helps reduce wear and tear on the truck components by allowing the flag to rotate with the direction of the wind. The rope is either wire centered halyard or stainless steel cable and is secured near the bottom of the flagpole with a cam cleat or with a winch. The rigging is accessible and controlled after unlocking an access door.
External Halyard Flagpole
This system places the rope on the outside of the flagpole and travels through a pulley mounted to the truck at the top of the flagpole. This enables ease of operation allowing the flag to be displayed and move up and/or down as required. The rope goes through this pulley and is tied off on a cleat near the bottom of the flagpole. External Halyard Systems are available with both a stationary or rotating truck. This enables ease of operation allowing the flag to be displayed and move up and/or down as required. A stationary truck does not rotate, while a rotating truck will swivel around the top of the flagpole. The rotating truck helps reduce wear and tear on the truck components by allowing the flag to rotate with the direction of the wind. On External Halyard Flagpole Systems, you may also opt for a truck with a double pulley. These trucks allow the flagpole to have two separate halyard systems. This makes it easier to fly multiple flags or fly one flag on top of the other.
