Flagpole Finder Instructions

First choose a halyard system for your new flagpole, external halyard or internal halyard. External halyard flagpoles keep the halyard (rope or lanyard) on the outside of the pole while internal halyard flagpoles keep the halyard secure on the inside of the pole. External halyard flagpoles are less expensive than comparable internal halyard flagpoles because they have fewer parts, and are less complex. Internal halyard flagpoles, however, will not make noise when it is windy and have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Then, select the four criteria for the Flagpole Finder: Wind Zone, Flapgole Type, Flagpole Height and Flagpole Color. Each are described in detail below. No single criteria is required, leave the form blank to see a complete listing. By selecting all four criteria, the Flagpole Finder will generate just a handful of results and help narrow your search to the flagpole that's right for you!

1) Flagpole Wind Zone

Find your Wind Zone in the WIND CHART above. There are nine wind zones, 85 mph, 90 mph, 100 mph, 105 mph, 110 mph, 120 mph, 130 mph, 140 mph, and 150 mph. The WIND CHART shows the maximum steady wind expected at an elevation of thirty feet above ground level within a fifty year period of recurrence. Areas with the same maximum constant or steady wind speed are indicated. Because wind speeds are usually not constant, and gusts are involved, flagpoles (both flagged and unflagged) are listed with a constant wind speed and a 1.3 gust factor.

2) Flagpole Type

Select a type of flagpole, aluminum flagpoles, fiberglass flagpoles or steel flagpoles. Aluminum flagpoles (most popular choice) are cone tapered and precision fabricated from new, 6063-T6 tubing utilizing the industry´s most sophisticated, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Fiberglass flagpoles have long lasting beauty because their hard, glossy polyester surface resists soiling, scratching and will not rust or corrode. Steel flagpoles, however, are designed with diminishing steel sections, welded together to form a graceful tapered appearance and are 90-130 ft. in exposed height.

3) Flagpole Height

Select the height of your flagpole in 5 ft. increments. You must select Flagpole Type before this criteria will become active.

4) Flagpole Color

Finally, select a finish or flagpole color. Aluminum flagpoles are available in four standard finishes, Satin Aluminum, Clear Anodized, Bronze 313 Anodized or Black Anodized. Fiberglass flagpoles are available in White or Bronze only. Steel flagpoles are available in Clear Anodized, Bronze 313 Anodized, Black Anodized, or White Anodized. You must select Flagpole Type and Flagpole Height for this criteria to become active.

External Halyard (EH) Flagpoles

• Less expensive than comparable Internal Halyard Flag Poles.
• Keeps the halyard (rope or lanyard) on the outside of the flagpole. A cleat cover box can be used to secure the halyard and help protect the flag from theft.
• Will make some noise in windy conditions

Commercial external halyard flagpoles are available in aluminum, fiberglass and steel and are the most widely found type of flag pole. The halyard (rope or lanyard) extends to the top of the pole through an assembly known as a truck and back down the pole where it is secured to a cleat near the base of the pole. It is important to note, the halyard is on the outside of the pole and not concealed on the inside of the pole. The flag attaches to the halyard with at least two swivel snaps (also known as snap hooks). The flag can be easily raised or lowered by untying the halyard from the cleat and pulling on the halyard in either direction.

External halyard flagpoles are also less expensive to maintain and repair than internal halyard flagpoles. They not only have fewer parts, but the components are easier to get to and repair or replace.

If security is an issue, a cleat cover box can be used to lock the halyard to the cleat and help prevent theft of the flag.

Please note that external halyard flagpoles will make a moderate amount of noise in windier conditions as the halyard slaps against the side of the flag pole.

Internal Halyard (IH) Flagpoles

• Have a fancier appearance compared to external halyard flagpoles.
• Keeps the halyard (rope or lanyard) SECURE on the inside of the flagpole and will protect the flag from vandalism
• Will not make noise when it is windy

Commercial internal halyard flagpoles are available aluminum, fiberglass and steel and are a more upscale option than traditional external halyard flag poles. The halyard (rope or lanyard) is concealed on the inside of the pole and is accessed by unlocking an access door near the base of the pole. The flag is raised and lowered through a cam-action (self-locking) cleat or by inserting a crank handle to turn a winch, depending on the type of internal halyard flagpole. The halyard goes through an assembly at the top of the pole also known as a truck. The halyard is then secured to the outside of the pole with a retainer ring and weight. The weight helps to keep the bottom of the flag taught and close to the pole in windier conditions. The flag attaches to the halyard with at least two swivel snaps (also known as snap hooks) above the retainer ring and weight.

Since the halyard is protected on the inside of the pole and can only be accessed with a key, it makes the flag very secure from theft or vandalism. Internal halyard flagpoles also do not make noise when it is windy because the halyard is concealed from the wind!

Cam Action Cleat Internal Halyard Flagpoles

The cam-action cleat mechanism is simple to use and less expensive than comparable winch operated internal halyard flagpoles. It is available only on 20 ft. to 40 ft. flagpoles. To operate the cam action cleat, rotate it in one direction and the cleat releases from the halyard. Allow it to rotate it in the other direction, and the cleat tightens down on the halyard, securing the halyard in place.

When raising the flag, pull down on the halyard and the cam action cleat releases, allowing the flag to be raised to the top of the pole. If you let go of the halyard the cam action cleat will switch direction and apply pressure and secure the halyard in place. However, by moving the halyard away from the cleat (with your finger), the halyard is free to move in either direction. Simply move the halyard back underneath cam action cleat to secure the flag in place at a desired postion.

Winch Operated Internal Halyard Flagpoles

The winch mechanism is more expensive compared to cam action cleat operated internal halyard flagpoles, but is much easier to use.

The winch is essentially a self-locking spool that allows a stainless steel cable to wind. Winches come with a removable crank handle that is used to raise and lower the flag. Even the largest flags can be raised with very little effort.

Wind Chart for Ground Set Cone Tapered Outdoor Flagpoles

The map below shows the maximum steady wind expected at an elevation of thirty feet above ground level within a fifty year period of recurrence. Areas with the same maximum constant or steady wind speed are indicated. Because wind speeds are usually not constant, and gusts are involved, flagpoles ( both flagged and unflagged) are listed with a constant wind speed and a 1.3 gust factor. "WARNING" - recommended flag sizes throughout do not represent a warranty that the flag size shown may be safely flown in all wind speeds. Personal injury, flagpole damage or property damage can occur when flying oversized flags and banners or flying flags in higher winds than recommended. Flagpoles and their associated wind speeds listed assume that ten percent of the overall length of the flagpole is buried per or recommendations at or near ground level. Special engineering may be required for other applications such as wall or roof mounted flagpoles. Wind Chart

Design of safe flagpoles requires knowledge of the loads to which they will be subjected. Principal load acting on flagpoles is wind load and that load must be carefully determined. Maximum wind speeds to which flagpoles are exposed depend on geographical location, whether or not it is in the center of a large city, a small town's outskirts, seashore, at ground level or on the roof of a high building. Wind speeds generally are higher along coastal areas than inland. They are also higher in open country than in the center of cities. Wind speed also becomes greater as height above ground increases. Wind exerts a force on the pole as well as the flag, thus both loads must be added to determine total load. Flags of different sizes are designed to be flown from different poles. Obviously, it is important that flagpoles be selected which are capable of supporting the largest flag intended to be flown in the highest wind speed to which it will be subjected. Loads on flagpoles are resisted by the mounting foundation, roof or wall to which it is secured.