Flagpole Anatomy
Here is a breakdown of the various parts and components of a flagpole. You can refer to the diagram below to identify many of the common parts and accessories of an internal or external halyard flagpole.
Flag Pole Part Diagram
A – FINIAL
A decorative ornament that’s mounted at the top of the flagpole, above the truck. Typically, a finial might be in the shape of an acorn, a ball, or an eagle. B – TRUCK ASSEMBLY
Pulley assembly that mounts at the top of the flagpole. Stationary trucks are mounted over the top of the flagpole and are secured with setscrews while revolving trucks screw into the flagpole’s top with a standard 1 ¼” National Pipe Thread spindle. Revolving trucks are mounted with bearings that allow them to turn along with prevailing winds. C – SNAPHOOK
Also referred to as a flag snap, the snap hook is a metal or vinyl hook with a spring closure, used to attach the flag to the halyard. Snaphooks are similar to the type of closure often found on a dog’s leash.D – HALYARD CHANNEL
Usually, several feet long, the halyard channel extends upward from the cleat, covering the external halyard and helping protect against theft or vandalism.E – HALYARD
The halyard is the rope that is used to raise or lower the flag and can be located internally or on the outside of the pole. The halyard runs through the pulley system in the flagpole’s truck and is secured with the cleat at the base of the pole.F – CLEAT
This T-shaped metal device holds the hoisted flag in place by wrapping the halyard around the cleat multiple times. The cleat is typically mounted to the pole about five feet above ground level.G – BUTT
The flagpole’s butt is its base end; the larger, lower end of the flagpole shaft
A decorative ornament that’s mounted at the top of the flagpole, above the truck. Typically, a finial might be in the shape of an acorn, a ball, or an eagle. B – TRUCK ASSEMBLY
Pulley assembly that mounts at the top of the flagpole. Stationary trucks are mounted over the top of the flagpole and are secured with setscrews while revolving trucks screw into the flagpole’s top with a standard 1 ¼” National Pipe Thread spindle. Revolving trucks are mounted with bearings that allow them to turn along with prevailing winds. C – SNAPHOOK
Also referred to as a flag snap, the snap hook is a metal or vinyl hook with a spring closure, used to attach the flag to the halyard. Snaphooks are similar to the type of closure often found on a dog’s leash.D – HALYARD CHANNEL
Usually, several feet long, the halyard channel extends upward from the cleat, covering the external halyard and helping protect against theft or vandalism.E – HALYARD
The halyard is the rope that is used to raise or lower the flag and can be located internally or on the outside of the pole. The halyard runs through the pulley system in the flagpole’s truck and is secured with the cleat at the base of the pole.F – CLEAT
This T-shaped metal device holds the hoisted flag in place by wrapping the halyard around the cleat multiple times. The cleat is typically mounted to the pole about five feet above ground level.G – BUTT
The flagpole’s butt is its base end; the larger, lower end of the flagpole shaft
H – FLASH COLLAR
A cover that goes around the base of the pole at ground level, usually the same color and material as the flagpole. A flash collar gives the pole a clean, finished look and helps protect the flagpole and foundation from the elements.
I – FOUNDATION TUBE
A steel or PVC tube is placed in the ground to support and hold the shaft securely in place.