It's the basics but we want to say it anyways, every flagpole needs parts. Not just any parts, but the right commercial flag pole parts. Here at the Chevrolet dealership in Highland, Indiana, we can see a flagpole just on the other side of the front lot with a completely mossed-over rope which has actually shrunken over time and pulled the truck down. Yes, indeed. Every flagpole needs parts. The right flag pole parts. And much like an archeologist carefully excavates a site, we like like to retrace the steps of flagpole breakdowns.
History?
We can deduce that this pole is approximately 10 to 20 years old. The signs of about a decade of ware show on the clear anodized finish. However, for the most part, the clear anodic process clearly saved this flag pole from fading its luster as you might see in a standard spun satin aluminum flagpole. Not only is the finish a tall tell sign, but the 40 ft. flagpole itself appeared about 8 inches in diameter at the base. The truck at the top, when new could swivel 360ยบ around with stainless steel bearing in a cast aluminum housing. Now the flagpole truck has oxidized to a dark brown color and is cocked with the prevailing winds. You could tell this flagpole was a commercial grade piece of work in its prime.
Over time however, like most things outside, the elements began to attack the various working components of the flagpole. What turned into a few neglected parts, resulted in a fully malfunctioning system. We believe that eventually, flying a flag was no longer an option and the pole was left to sit until a maintenance person had the ability to go up top and fix the problem. But each time the opportunity arose, the flagpole was an after thought and they never got around to it. It is possible after that, the frozen rope on the pole started breaking down, becoming a home to plant life, and nature put so much force on the truck, while we can't be 100% sure, this force may have pulled the threading and slowly started tipping the truck. Now, instead of just a rope problem, they have an entire assembly issue.
What's the solution?
Unfortunately, you have to go up to the top of the pole. Before you go, you are going to need a few things:
- New Ball Ornament
- New Double Revolving Truck
- Set of Pole Top Adapters (click here to see why you may need a set)
- New PH10 Halyard
- New Swivel Snaps
- A Nice Lock-Stiched 8 x 12 ft. US Flag
- A Metal Saw (Saws-All will do)
- Plumber's Wrench
- Crescent Wrench
- Allen Key or Screw Driver
- Duct Tape
