Thursday, December 6, 2012


90º out today. We finished fixing a flagpole, and throw on some running clothes for a good old flag run. Typical Friday afternoon, until we see a white beacon in the distance. Of course we chase it. Sever hundred paces later and we have descended on this steel tapered 50 ft. flagpole. Fantastic foundation, fantastic hardware, fantastic flag. You don't see this everyday (unless you work here).

Most flagpoles today are made out of aluminum and follow the same assembly line as a light pole, just with slightly different finishing. Once the shafts are spun, they are good to be packed and shipped or they head to an anodization plant where they are dipped with a special bonding paint. Steel poles are made slightly differently. the difference is in the finish. Steel can rust, aluminum doesn't rust. So steel flagpoles need to have a coat of paint between the outside elements (rain) and the metal.

Over time, this paint will chip and crack. These cracks allow water onto the metal surface causing rust spots. Rust can become brittle and will cut into your flagpole parts, eat up your flags, and stain your flags. It was clear this flagpole had a nice coat of paint on it, preventing any real problems with the flag. Not a bad find indeed.