Friday, April 12, 2013


Looking back on our adventures as FlagRunners, I always loved this video on the Shriners Memorial in Michigan City, IN. With children's hospitals all over the world, the Shriners show their international presence with flags. So how hard would it be to do upkeep on poles like these?





The Shriners are not just guys in parades wearing cool hats...

Shriner Memorial Children Hospitals have some of the coolest flag displays. Whenever we see one, it is like running into the gates of flag heaven. We love the creative way they display statues with plaques. Typically, you'll find several international flags like this one.

Anytime you have multiple flagpoles you have to manage, you want to take an inventory of what they are. If they are all the same, consider changing all the parts out at once. If you replace parts only after they break, you'll be faced with additional cost, time, and hassle. If you replace all the parts at once, you'll be sure to know how old the parts are. You will also be sure to know your flag problems will be left to a minimum.

These are well-kept external halyard commercial flagpoles. Probably this model here: EC25. These flagpoles are the top end of the architectural series. If you are an architect, or contractor looking to put in multiple flagpoles, go to FlagDesk.com and look at the flagpole finder (click on FLAGPOLES on the homepage banner). You'll be able to get a good idea of quantity discounts, and they can work with your situation to recommend the most cost effective solution.

How do you test your parts for external halyard (exposed rope) commercial flagpoles?

  1. Flagpole Truck: Test the pulley, see if it turns. If you have a rotating truck, see if the truck spins.
  2. Halyard / Rope: As you lower / change the flag, look at the rope and see if there are signs of fraying, damage, or general wear. Look just above the top of the flag snap. This is where the rope sits on the pulley of the truck. This place takes most of the stress. You can get extra time out of your rope by moving the flag so a different part of the rope sits on the pulley. Keep in mind you always want the rope knott to be located between the top and bottom snap hook, holding the flag.
  3. Swivel Snap Hooks: Test the spring to make sure the snap still closes tightly. Use your finger to check for rough spots. See if the hook has grooves warn from the grommet. It is always good to replace hooks when you see these signs as the flag will catch on these problem areas.
These 3 items are the only things you need to monitor on an external halyard flagpole. The halyard and swivel snaps will be replaced more often that the truck, ball, cleat, etc. It is a good idea to get your flags from a place that can help you manage your flagpole parts to get the longest flag life.

The best flag for you lasts the longest while also flying freely in the wind and looking beautiful. Flag flyers deserve the best.