When you install a flagpole on your property, you hope that it will last a long time. But parts age, and you will need to replace them to ensure that your flagpole lasts. Read on to discover the ultimate guide to flagpole parts replacement so that you know about the components you may need to replace someday.
Your Flag
Although this “component” may seem rather obvious, that does not make it any less important when it comes to maintaining your flagpole. As your flag flows at the top of your pole, it experiences exposure to all the weathering and damage that Mother Nature can do. It’s important to replace a damaged flag so that you can show your pride with a pristine product.
However, if you have a US flag that you must replace, make sure you do it in accordance with the US Flag Code. But if you are unable to burn it because it features fabrics that can create harmful smoke, you have the option of burying it. You can also take it to a place where people will properly dispose of it, such as your nearest VFW hall or fire station.
Internal or External Halyard Flagpole Components
After you replace your flag, it is a good idea to take some time to check the condition of your flagpole. In this next portion of this guide to flagpole parts replacement, you will learn about the various parts that comprise your flagpole. Below are the components that you can find in an internal or external halyard pole.
Finial
At the very top of the flagpole is the finial, which is usually the piece that users will use to decorate it. You may have seen these parts before in the form of a gold ball or even an eagle. Note that these components can suffer damage from lightning strikes or even become detached from the flagpole.
Truck
Don’t mistake this for the vehicle of the same name. Instead, your flagpole’s truck is the pulley that allows you to raise and lower your flag.
You can usually find these at the top of your flagpole. However, you may find that the repeated raising and lowering of your flag wears your pulley down. This ongoing damage makes it necessary for you to replace the component eventually.
Rope
You will need a rope to raise your flag, and you may find that this is the part of your flagpole that you change out the most. It will suffer some wear eventually, thanks to all the tugging that it experiences throughout its life.
Snap Hooks
Connecting your flag to the flagpole is essential, and that’s where the snap hooks come in. These will help you connect your flag to the halyard, but be sure to keep a close eye on them. The grommets on your flag can cause gradual damage to the hooks.
Cleat
When you finish raising your flag and want to secure your rope, you can wrap it around the cleat on the side of your pole. Fortunately, you may never need to replace this part of the pole, so you will likely have a constant way to keep your rope secure.
Foundation Parts
At the bottom of the flagpole, one can find the parts that comprise its foundation. These include its base end and flash collar, the latter of which helps keep it safe from weather damage.
Although it may have been a long time since your pole’s installation, don’t forget about its foundation tube as well. This important part keeps your pole from moving.
Retainer Ring
You can find several of these next few components strictly on internal halyard flagpoles, including the retainer ring. This part consists of beads that help keep your flag and rope connected. However, like so many other components, it can experience wear due to the weather, requiring you to replace it.
Cam Action Cleat
The cam action cleat is another component you will only find on the internal halyard product. Users will spot it when they open the door of the pole. Although you may have to get a new one eventually, it is a relatively inexpensive part to replace.
Winch and Winch Handle
If you have an internal halyard pole, you will have a winch for putting up your flag and a handle for using it. Do your best to care for both because purchasing a new winch can be expensive. Getting a new handle can also be difficult, especially if you cannot remember which type of handle you need.
Telescoping Flagpole Components
If you have a telescoping flagpole, you have fewer components to keep track of. However, these are still essential to ensuring that you can raise and lower your flag.
Ground Sleeve
Like a halyard flagpole, the telescoping pole features a plastic ground sleeve that helps prevent the pole from moving. In addition, this portion performs the vital role of preventing your flagpole from rusting if the ground becomes wet.
Side Mount
If you prefer to avoid basing your telescoping flagpole on the ground, the side mount gives you an alternative. It instead allows you to attach it to the side of a vertical surface. You may need to replace the mount or the screws you use to keep the pole attached.
Swivel Ring Clips
Finally, you should become familiar with the swivel ring clips on your telescoping flagpole since they help ensure that your flag is always blowing in the breeze. With the help of the clips, the flag can move where the wind blows.
This part keeps your flag looking good instead of becoming an entangled mess that you will have to adjust. But if the flag ever stops flowing in the wind, you will know it is time to change the clips.
Now that you know these flagpole components, you can do a better job of maintaining your pole. You can repair your pole faster and get your flag flying high in the air again, where it belongs. If you want a one-piece flagpole to add to your residence or business, contact Liberty Flagpoles. We offer dependable, durable products in numerous heights and sizes so that they can fulfill your specific needs.
