For a flag company, Memorial Day is a milestone each year. We push out flags, flagpole parts and accessories like hot cakes. People need something a simple as a bracket or as complex as 30 deluxe indoor sets shipped next day air for a military ceremony. There is nothing we love more than hearing the stories of our customers around this time of year. But instead of sharing a customer experience, I thought I might share a little story of the Memorial Day weekend of our own.

Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10 Mile

It started off as a typical weekend. Exhausted from the push of the week, we had a relaxing Friday night. Woke up early Saturday, and I ran 9 miles down to a running race called the Soldier Field 10 mile, where my brother placed 4th out of 10,000 runners. From there we hopped in the car and were off to Indianapolis. Indiana holds a special place in our hearts. Being born there myself, I always felt at home. There is a race called the Little 500, hosted by the University of Indiana, where my father took home 1st place 3 of the 4 years he rode.

But we weren’t here for the Little 500, we were here for the Indy 500, a car racing spectacle. We were graciously hosted by one of Dad’s college mates, Steve Dayton. The night before the race we headed down to Broad Ripple to watch the Hawks crush the Flyers and prove that it is not always sunny in Philly. We woke up early, after a small run, we biked to the race.

There are very few words in my years of vocab to describe what is the Indianapolis 500. Always from the TV, we would watch as the announcer gave us the info we needed to stay informed. But this time, on the starting line, we sat in a 95 degree sun and witnessed first hand the impressive machines below. They ripped around the 2.5 mile track at 220 miles per hour causing vibrations to run through the stadium of fans and embrace your entire being.

We sat across the pits, just after the brick line. And if you have been to the track, then you know these are among the best seats available. It was the greatest sports event I have ever been to, charred into my brain. Lost in the moment, I enjoyed the race, all the while a true test of my spirit awaited around the corner.

The long ride from Sharpsville to Chicago

The next morning after the rains, Dad and I awoke and silently packed our bags over instant coffee. We had a plan to set out from Sharpsville, Indiana to Chicago, Illinois. A 204 mile ride through the back streets of Indiana. What was to follow was a test of wills, a first hand witness of the beauty that is our Midwest and the pride felt by seeing so many flag displays scattered from small town to small town.

The Route... Not the reality...

The first day demanded a lot. We stopped at each town and surveyed the scene. Flagpoles felt like street lamps lighting out paths. Beautiful flags waved and cheered as we passed. We couldn’t help but notice that while the flags were clearly well maintained, many times the hardware could use an upgrade. The biggest reason for loss of flag life, is poor equipment. But the sheer mass of flagpoles scattered about Indiana was impressive to say the least.

Flag From The Road

We finished our 120 mile day in Le Porte Indiana and were hosted by another college buddy, Tim Todd. He took us in. We found our way to a small bar and continued to inhale 2 large pizzas. That was one of the best night sleep I have ever had.

Good Morning

The morning came and again we hopped on our bikes and rode through the dunes. Into Gary and around the horn to the south side of Chicago. Rolling up the Lakefront path I felt like I had new eyes on Chicago, a foreigner to the majesty that is this city. We crawled in capping about 97 miles for the second day.

Single Speed 204 Miles

Prior to departure we had visions of what the ride would mean or what we could accomplish or what our hesitations were. And as Murphy’s law would have determined, what we met was the unexpected and the lessons we thought were well learned by now, became the struggles laced into the pavement of each mile. Inspired and tired, we agreed that this was the Memorial Day to remember.

-Wes Alexander

It is given many names:

CABLE Colors 70180, 70001, 70075;

PANTONE Colors 193C, (white), 281C;

WEB Colors #BB133E, #FFFFFF, #002664;

RGB Values (187,19,62), (255,255,255), (0,38,100).

American U.S. United States Made Outdoor Flag

But typically we know it as, red-white-and-blue. Strung together in songs lyrics, political speeches, not to mention interchanged with words such as freedom, these are not simply colors. On Memorial Day and the 4^th of July we dust off that one loud tie or sweater, a birthday gift from your mother-in-law. And for some of us, these holidays are a chance for us to visit the ones we love who have passed on, and we honor those fallen to protect our red-white-and-blue.

Most of us know the 50 stars represent the 50 states that comprise our nation. It is lesser known that the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies which founded our country. But stars and stripes are not the only representations on the flag. This is not an ordinary red-white-and-blue, but is the red of valor and hardiness, the white of purity and innocence, and the blue of justice, perseverance, and vigilance.

Before there was a north or a south, a republican or a democrat, a civil rights movement or a civil war, there was a red, a white, and a blue. Throughout it’s 47 years of revision and reinvention, one thing remained, the red the white and the blue.

Recently we were delivered samples of a stick flag being delivered for Memorial Day to mark veteran graves. Much to our dismay, the red was Canada red (PMS 485). This flag was unmarked, so we assumed it was made over seas as many flags are. While we are not the authority by any stretch of the imagination, we do feel a stick flag, honoring our veterans which gave their life to protect the symbols and ideologies we stand for should be made in the USA.

Getting the color right is not only an American dream. Other nations specify PANTONE colors for their flag as well. You can even follow Facebook strands on the topic (click here). The following is a brief history of the 47 year development of our flag, the stars, the stripes, the red, the white, and the blue.

The Betsy Ross Flag signifies the birth of a nation. The Grandson of Betsy Ross, William J. Canby recalls the momentous occasion when General Washington called on behave of the not-yet-official Congress to have a formal version of a United States flag produced under his sketches.

William J. Canby writes:

“It is not tradition, it is report from the lips of the principal participator in the transaction, directly told not to one or two, but a dozen or more living witnesses, of which I myself am one, though but a little boy when I heard it. … Colonel Ross with Robert Morris and General Washington, called on Mrs. Ross and told her they were a committee of Congress, and wanted her to make a flag from the drawing, a rough one, which, upon her suggestions, was redrawn by General Washington in pencil in her back parlor. This was prior to the Declaration of Independence. I fix the date to be during Washington’s visit to Congress from New York in June, 1776 when he came to confer upon the affairs of the Army, the flag being no doubt, one of these affairs. ”

A new flag was made from American Revolution Battle of Bennington.

We built the 1^st National Outdoor Flag after the formation of the Confederate States of America, delegates from the seceded states met as a provisional government in Montgomery, Alabama. Among the early actions was appointment of a committee to propose a new flag and seal for the Confederacy. Each Star represents a states of the Confederacy–South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. This flag also came to be known as the “Stars and Bars.”

Shortly after the 1st National flag was produced for the State of the Confederacy, complaints began to appear. From the Military point of view, the 1st National Flag looked to similar to the original and opposing flag. What resulted was much confusion during the battle of Manassas. “The mistake of supposing Kirby Smith’s and Elzy’s approaching troops to be Union reinforcements for McDowell’s right was caused by the resemblance, at a distance, of the original Confederate flag to the colors of Federal regiments,” recalled Confederate Lt. Gen. James Longstreet. Civilians on both sides also argued for a new and clearer flag to follow. Thus the Confederacy created the 2nd National Flag.

The 2nd National’s pure white field posed a problem for the Confederacy. On the battle field it was often mistaken as a flag surrender, on March 4, 1865 the 3rd National Flag of the Confederacy was adopted. This design added a red bar to the end of the “Stainless” flag. This flag flew for thirty six days in 1865 until the south surrendered on April 9th.

The sister-in-law of Major Isaac Johnson, commander of the West Florida Dragoons, Melissa Johnson created the Bonnie Blue Flag in September 1810. Settlers in the Spanish territory of West Florida revolted against the Spanish government and proclaimed an independent republic. The Bonnie Blue Flag was raised at the Spanish fort in Baton Rouge on September 23, 1810. After 74 days, West Florida was annexed by the United States and the republic ceased to exist as an independent entity.

On this Memorial Day, remember the things that we stand for, stood for, fought for, lived because of, and died for. And remember that there is a flag the encompasses it all that has stood by us from the conception of our country.

If you are asking the question, “why does my flag seem to always get wrapped around the pole?” You are not alone. Even in a big city you will see this problem. Notice how the Chicago flag is wrapped around the pole. This is not surprising as Chicago is known as the windy city.

The table below shows the different types of flagpole trucks based found in internal and external halyard outdoor flagpoles.

Flagpole Trucks Vocabulary

• Stationary Trucks – do not revolve around the top of the flappole.
• Revolving Trucks – revolve or rotate with the wind around the top of the flappole.
• Cap Style – are designed to fit over the top of the flagpole and are secured with 1/4″-20NC stainless steel set screws.
• Threaded Type – have a 1-1/4″ NPT threaded spindle which screws into the top of the flagpole.
• Single Pulley – for flagpoles with a single internal or external halyard.
• Double Pulley – for external halyard flagpoles with a double halyard.

The flagpole truck screws onto the top of your pole and the ball top ornament screws into the truck assembly. There are many different types of trucks, but they all fall under  two categories, revolving and stationary.

Stationary Truck

Revolving Truck

A revolving truck will adjust with the wind preventing the flag from wrapping around the flagpole. Replacing a truck is not recommended without renting a bucket truck, or cherry picker. If you are going the route of changing the truck, a new ball top will does wonders for an old flagpole.

If you have a outdoor internal or external flagpole and are having problems with the flag getting caught on the pole, It might be worth taking a look at purchasing a revolving truck. The first thing you will need to know is the pole-top diameter. From there, the options become wide open.

Here is a list of stationary trucks:

http://www.flagdesk.com/flagpole-trucks-accessories/custom/1,2,3,14,15,12,16,21/1/Stationary%20Flagpole%20Trucks

ST-1 Flagpole Trucks	ST-32 Flagpole Trucks	OT Flagpole Trucks	IH-1 Flagpole Trucks	IHT-VS Flagpole Trucks
Fiberglass-1 Flagpole Trucks	Fiberglass-2 Flagpole Trucks	Fiberglass-IH Flagpole Trucks

Here is a list of revolving trucks:

http://www.flagdesk.com/flagpole-trucks-accessories/custom/4,5,6,7,19,8,9,10,11,13/1/Revolving%20Flagpole%20Trucks

RTC-1 Flagpole Trucks	RTC-2 Flagpole Trucks	RTS-1 Flagpole Trucks	RTS-2 Flagpole Trucks	HDT-1 Heavy Duty Flagpole Trucks
HDT-2 Heavy Duty Flagpole Trucks	XHDT Extra Heavy Duty Flagpole Trucks	IH-2 Flagpole Trucks	150 Flagpole Trucks

If you are going to replace the truck, you are going to need to get to the top of the flag pole. For up to 60 feet we recommend a bucket truck or cherry picker. For larger poles you may need to rent a crane. Once you are up there, you want to make sure you have the right parts. You also want to make sure you go up there as few times as possible. So also ask yourself whether you just want to replace the truck assembly. A new ball top ornament can make any old flagpole look like new!

Song Lyrics

FlagDesk.com

We got what you want

Doesn’t matter where you’re from

Our shipping wont take long

FlagDesk.com

Fly one on your lawn

Show your neighbor tell your mom

You’ll know us by our song

Give your people a flag to follow

40% off is what we offer

FlagDesk.com

Fly one on your lawn

Show your neighbor tell your mom

You’ll know us by our song

When you think about creating a message that represents a company, there are many things to take into consideration. As a flag company, it is important to think about what the American Flag represents, how it is unique and also how we can best respect our history. I believe that what makes us great as a country is our constant reinvention, exploration, and overwhelming philanthropic spirit dating back to our forefathers.

The FlagDesk Theme Song is all about giving your people a flag to follow. We want you to know we are excited about making that a possibility for your business. When I wrote and produced this song, did we go over the top? Yes.  But in today’s market it is important to state your point, quickly and effectively. My hope is that you laugh a little and more importantly think about flags in a new way. We are excited about flags and believe they are symbols helping to attract and influence your target audience, whether they’re customers, vendors, employees or the community itself.

Going into this concept, I wanted to represent some of my favorite American musical developments over the past century. The combination of heavy metal, funk, punk and rock fused together sums up the contemporary American musical revolution. The video is even more simple and basic, but the combination of these elements intertwine to be a hilarious 50 second piece, I sincerely hope you enjoy.

As the world changes and markets expand globally, the flag remains one of the only advertisements that communicates to this day. The expansion to the west, the creation of the internet, Niel Armstrong landing on the moon, Lance Armstrong on a bike; countless sacrifices to maintain our freedom and represent our country with pride. These are among the few things which make the United States what it is today. One symbol above all catalogs these events, and that is the American flag.

So what does it mean to give people a flag to follow? In this fast paced world of social media and brand names, it seems that all companies are fighting for a point of difference. From the low cost leader to the luxury experience, no stone is left unturned when it comes to the need to be unique. And sometimes this aim has the side effect of overlooking the basics a company should stand for; trustworthy, quality service, honesty, commitment to the customer, and commitment to it’s employees.

At it’s origins, our country chose a flag to represent it’s message. It chose the colors red, white and blue as the colors of freedom. The government may change, people may change, but the flag will always remain consistent in the hearts of Americans. A flag outside your building not only shows your company stands behind these values, but acts as a simple request for others to stand behind those same values. As I say it in our FlagDesk Theme song, I say to you now, give your people a flag to follow.

Sincerely,

Wes Alexander

These are 4 easy steps on how we at FlagDesk recommend attaching Snap Hooks and Snap Hook Covers to Halyard for your flag and/or banner. We hope you find this helpful and as always, proper maintenance of your flag, flag part, and flagpole hardware will result in longer life, attractive presentation, and lower cost for your company display.

Step 1: What is it and do I need it?

Swivel snap hooks, snap hooks, and Snap Hook Covers are particularly recommended for high wind zones. They help protect your snap hooks as well as reduce the noise of your snap hooks as they hit against the pole. Rubber coated snap hooks can work, but tend to not be as effective. While you won’t get too much noise from nylon snap hooks, they tend to need to be replaced more often than their steel or brass counterparts. Be sure to keep your local weather conditions in mind when purchasing snap hook covers.

Step 2: Pinch halyard through eye-lit

It is important not to tie the snap hook onto the halyard. You want to be able to adjust the placement of your snap hook to accommodate the size of your flag. For example, a 5×8 will be about the span of your arms, this is a good place to start, but once you get the snap hooks on the halyard, be sure to adjust them once you put the flag or banner on. If the snaps are too far apart of too close together, this can effect the life of your flag. Pinch your halyard, creating a loop and thread it through the eye-lit of the snap hook.

Step 3: Pull the loop up and over

Now that you have threaded the halyard through the eye-lit of the snap hook, pull slack through large enough so you can wrap the halyard loop over the snap hook. Loosening and tightening this slack can be an easy efficient way to adjust the location of the snap hook on the halyard.

Step 4: Tighten the rope so snap hook is secure

Once you have the halyard loop over the snap hook, take up the slack so that the snap hook is secure to the halyard. As the wind blow and the snap hook moves, this system will tighten down on the snap hook so it is sure not to move. Repeat the process for you second snap hook, attach your flag, and enjoy!

But let’s say you are getting complaints from the neighbors about noise. Or you have a brand new pole and you live in a windy area and want the flagpole to look like new for a long time to come. What you want to use with your swivel snap hook, is a snap hook cover. These covers do not apply to vinyl or plastic snap hooks.

These are 5 easy steps on how we at FlagDesk recommend attaching Snap Hooks and Snap Hook Covers to Halyard for your flag and/or banner. We hope you find this helpful and as always, proper maintenance of your flag, flag part, and flagpole hardware will result in longer life, attractive presentation, and lower cost for your company display.

Step 1: What is it and do I need it?

Snap hook covers are particularly recommended for high wind zones. They help protect your snap hooks as well as reduce the noise of your snap hooks as they hit against the pole. Rubber coated snap hooks can work, but tend to not be as effective. While you won’t get too much noise from nylon snap hooks, they tend to need to be replaced more often than their steel or brass counterparts. Be sure to keep your local weather conditions in mind when purchasing snap hook covers.

Step 2: Pinch the halyard through the cover hole

...and thread it through

Pinch the halyard creating a loop and thread it through the hole of the snap hook cover. Make sure you go from the outside of the snap hook cover to the inside of the snap hook cover. Draw enough slack to go through the device to the open side.

Step 3: Pinch halyard through eye-lit of the snap hook

It is important not to tie the snap hook onto the halyard. You want to be able to adjust the placement of your snap hook to accommodate the size of your flag. For example, a 5×8 will be about the span of your arms, this is a good place to start, but once you get the snap hooks on the halyard, be sure to adjust them once you put the flag or banner on. If the snaps are too far apart of too close together, this can effect the life of your flag. Pinch your halyard, creating a loop and thread it through the eye-lit of the snap hook.

Step 4: Pull the loop up and over the snap hook

Now that you have threaded the halyard through the eye-lit of the snap hook, pull slack through large enough so you can wrap the halyard loop over the snap hook. Loosening and tightening this slack can be an easy efficient way to adjust the location of the snap hook on the halyard.

Step 5: Tighten the rope making sure the snap hook is secure and inside the snap hook cover

Once you have the halyard loop over the snap hook, take up the slack so that the snap hook is secure to the halyard. The snap hook should sit inside the snap hook cover. You pull the snap hook through the cover to attach the flag. Once the flag is attached, the snap hook covers should slightly jam between the halyard and the flag. As the wind blow and the snap hook moves, this system will tighten down on the snap hook and the snap hook cover will prevent noise. Repeat the process for you second snap hook, attach your flag, and enjoy!

While we recommend the above type of Swivel Snap Hook Cover most, there are also other kinds. The following instructions illustrate the installation for this other type of snap hook cover in 6 easy steps. Whatever you choose, make sure you buy the right stuff for not only your arrangement, but also be honest with how much upkeep and maintenance you will spend and want to spend on your pole. A few extra dollars today can save you several extra dollars tomorrow.

Step 1 - Locate the upper snap position on the rope

Step 2 - Slide the snap into the snap cover

Step 3 - Squeeze the rope together and slip loop through the eye of the snap

Step 4 - Pull the loop over the snap

Step 5 - Draw the rope tight

Step 6 – Measure down the rope to the next snap locations repeat these steps for the remaining flag snaps. If you are flying two flags, allow about three inches between the flags. The snap location can be adjusted as needed if the size of flag changes.

We see it everywhere, especially in these times. A U.S. flag atop a wonderful flagpole which is torn at the seems, tattered, loose threads flying in the breeze. We were surprised to find out that this had less to do with how long you fly, and more to do with what you fly. Beware, not all flags are made the same. Cutting costs are a part of business, but when it comes to the U.S. flag, state flag, or your custom flag, quality and integrity can not be compromised. The first step is to know the differences between chain stitched and lock stitched flags.

Chain Stitch

The truth is, both are useful in their own way. But when it comes to your flag, chain-stitching will simply not do. The reason is that chain-stitching is a sewing technique in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. The earliest examples of chain-stitching are found in Chinese silk fabrics dating from the 5^th to 3^rd Century BC, and because chain stitches can form flowing, curved lines, they are used in many surface embroidery styles that mimic “drawing” in thread.

Lock Stitch

While the chain-stitching technique does come with a certain versatility, it lacks in strength and durability. Lock-stitching answers this call where chain-stitching leaves off. First of all, lock-stitching uses two threads, an upper and a lower, To ensure the best quality for your flag, look for “4 needle lock-stitching.” The upper thread runs from a spool to the machine, a take-up arm, and finally through the hole in the needle. The lower thread is wound onto a bobbin, which is inserted into a case in the lower section of the machine. The machine lowers the threaded needle through the cloth into the bobbin area, where a hook catches the upper thread at the point just after it goes through the needle. The hook mechanism carries the upper thread entirely around the bobbin case, so that it has made one wrap of the bobbin thread. Then the take-up arm pulls the excess upper thread back to the top forming the lock-stitch ideally in the center of the thickness of the material, the tension mechanism prevents the thread from being pulled from the spool side, the needle is pulled out of the cloth, and the feed dogs pull the cloth back one stitch length, the cycle is repeated as the machine turns mechanically.

Different Size Flags Have Different Lock-Stitching

When it comes to flying an outdoor flag, we’ve seen it all. Chicken wire, rusty steel chain, yarn, hemp, not to mention all kinds of rope and even no rope at all. We always scratch our heads when we see a U.S. flag zip tied to a pole when halyard is cheap and an obvious answer. In this article, we will discuss the different types of halyard, the best approach to tying the halyard, the signs of old halyard, and cheap ways to replace a halyard without renting a bucket truck.

Different Types of Halyard

Halyard has been specifically designed over the years to improve the life of your flag. Good quality halyard comes in two kinds, multi-braided polypropylene rope, and heavy duty nylon wire-core rope. Each type has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Some of the dependent factors are, weather, use, pole height, halyard (or rope) system, and even crime rate. Whether you are replacing the halyard or installing a new flagpole, make sure to keep the halyard clean and in a dry place. This will improve the life of your halyard and the appearance of your flag arrangement.

Wire Center Halyard

Multi-braided polypropylene halyard is a durable UV resistant material which stretches. As the flag catches the wind, the halyard stretches, absorbing the shock. Most suitable for external halyard flagpoles, this halyard can withstand most weather conditions and will still sparkle in the sunlight. If you live in a high wind zone area (see wind zone chart for details), this may not be the best solution for you. Constant wear on the rope will cause fray and your halyard may even come apart and fly right off the pole. There is nothing more deterring from flag flying as needing to replace the halyard with a bucket truck, which can cost a lot to repair. One more factor is crime rate. In our experience, if you know your flagpole is in a place that may be prone to vandalism, it is better to go with the wire-center.

Nylon Halyard (No Wire Center)

Heavy duty wire-core nylon halyard is typically for commercial applications. Suitable for internal halyard flagpole systems, it can also be used for external halyard flagpoles. Due to its wire-core center, this halyard will stand up to any weather as well as most vandalism. Because of it’s wire-core, it lacks the ability to absorb as much shock taken on by the flag. However, it does have some give. Wire-core halyard is also great for heavy loads. If you are looking to fly multiple flags on your outdoor flagpole, this is a great way ensure a lasting impressive display.

Halyard Also Sold By Spool

In any case, halyard is cheap and sold by the foot. If you know the height of your pole, you can double it and subtract the distance to the cleat, or winch system. Better safe than sorry. Having a few extra feet will help during installation and you can easily adjust the overall length of the halyard later. Don’t neglect your halyard, it can save you time, money and more days with your flag in the breeze.

Tying the Halyard Together

The best way to make sure your halyard is securely attached and will last on the flagpole, use a Fisherman’s knot. Whether you are replacing the halyard or whether you are installing a flagpole for the first time, you will need duct tape (preferably in the color of the rope) and to follow these 4 easy steps.

Step 1 - Create two overhand knots

For this illustration we used two different colors of rope to better illustrate the knots as shown.

Step 2 - Tighten both overhand knots

Step 3 - Pull knots together tightly

Step 4 - Tape loose ends

For external halyard poles, this fisherman’s knot should be located between the snap hooks of the flag. This is good practice for two reasons. The first reason is aesthetically, it is more pleasing. The second, and more important reason is in case the knot should fail. While this wont entirely prevent the halyard from coming undone, causing your flag arrangement to fall, and the halyard to thread back through the truck, it will greatly slow this from happening as the halyard will most likely be held together by the snap hook knots. The most important thing is to keep an eye on your flagpole. Once a day, or once a week, just make sure everything looks great.

Signs of Old Halyard

This leads us to the signs of an aging halyard which needs replacement. If you have regular polypropylene halyard, it is best to replace this once a year. Throughout the year, the halyard will be damaged by the cleat, the truck and the snap hooks. If you live in a high wind zone, regular halyard may need to be replaced more often. Look for fray around key points in the rope, snap hooks, the cleat, and the truck. The best time to do this is when you are replacing the flag, or taking the flag down. The alternative is wire center halyard. Wire center halyard will last longer., up to 2x longer.

Replace a Halyard Without Bucket Truck

When replacing the halyard, it is best to be safe than sorry. Replacing a halyard can be as simple as a taping two ends of rope together to renting a bucket truck or cherry picker and having to replace the halyard from the top of the pole. To illustrate our point, we want to share a customer experience below.

Customer Asked

I have to replace the halyard on my 25 foot outdoor flagpole. Is there a method of doing that replacement? I do not have access to a cherry-picker (bucket truck). Is it possible to splice out a bad area of a halyard?

Our Reply

Fabulous picture, thank you! Your display tells the real story. You are the man of Sherman Way. You may want to get some of our silver polypropylene halyard, 5/16″ should do it. If your halyard is wearing your swivel snaps probably are too. If you don’t need that stuff or you need help ordering it just let us know. It’s no problem.

Now, we need silver duct tape, the kind with the webbing in it. We will tape inline one old end to the new end of the halyard, making the old line continuous with the new line. These two pieces of halyard should be of one consistent diameter. To secure the two pieces of halyard together, twist the duct tape into the halyard to create a good bite and test it a bit to make sure it is a strong hold. We do want that halyard too wide for the pulley at the top of the pole (also known as the flagpole truck). If it looks ready, pull it up through the flagpole truck. Take your time with this step, sometimes you have to jiggle it carefully to get the taped ends up and through the truck. Once it is through the pulley, bring the rest of the halyard down and tie the new halyard to the cleat and remove the old halyard from the duct taped end. We don’t want the wind to blow separating the new halyard from the old. Tie the two ends of the new halyard together using a fisherman’s knot, two opposing square knots wrapped in duct tape. This knot is to be located at the top of the pole between the swivel snaps that attach to the flag. The flag acts as a safety if something goes wrong later.

Place the snaps on the halyard as usual. Poke the rope through the eyelet hole and then overlap the halyard over the end of the snap hook, this makes it easily adjustable, but will not move when the flags are raised. Raise the flags and enjoy being the pride of Sherman Way!

Customer Reply

Thank you sir. Just placed the order. Thanks so much for the special help. It was reassuring to see that your solution was about the same as mine; shows the old brain is not quite dead.

The components of an indoor (or parade) flag set are fairly simple. Knowing how a set is put together is the first step to building your own or repairing your existing one. Our belief is, “if you can, you should.” Built right, an indoor set can last you for years and is an impressive way give life to any room in your building. In this process, if you can manage to not rule out some creativity and a little muscle, it wont be long before your flying something you can be proud of.

Deluxe Indoor Mounting Set with US Flag

An indoor flag set is made up of four sections, the floor stand, the pole, the ornament, and the flag. Sounds easy, right! Unfortunately, it depends how deep you want to get. The first step is to decide what size pole you want. Sets mostly come in three heights, 7 ft., 8 ft., and 9 ft. (other sizes are available) and with a 15/16″, 1″, 1-1/8″, o

r 1-1/4″ diameter. This is the most important question and will dramatically narrow your options, which at this point is a good thing. The reason for this is that the size of your pole determines the appropriate dimensions of your base, ornament, and recommended size of your flag. If you have a pole which needs repair, the most difficult question is already answered for you.

Oak Finish Pole with Brass Screw Joint

A broken wood pole (usually finished oak) can be easily fixed with a brass screw joint. These little handy devices connect your two-piece pole together. You can get them in polished brash or chrome depending on the look and type of pole you have. Aesthetics are the key here. If you have purchased a set from right out of the box, it’s as simple as screwing the pole together and placing it in your floor stand. But if you are purchasing a base separately, you may need an adapter in the base designed to fit smaller size poles.

Standard Brass Ferrule

Special Brass Ferrule

Heading to the top of the pole, we sometimes get the question, “Do I need a ferrule or a spindle?” In almost all cases, if you have a wood pole you are going to need a ferrule and if you have an aluminum pole you’re going to need neither. Aluminum poles typically have a top adapter (known as a brass ornament adapter) already installed that will accept the female threading of an ornament. The ferrule, however, slides over the top of a wood pole and is secured with a small set screw and will also accept the female threading of the ornament.

Standard Aluminum Spindle

A spindle, finally, is used for outdoor poles. If you are looking at adapting an outdoor pole to have an indoor ornament, then you are looking for a spindle.

Various Types of Ornaments

The ornament can be a big deal. If you are flying the U.S. flag, an eagle can look particularly attractive, but we would not use the eagle for a state, county, or city flag. In this case, you would use a flat spear ornament. There many different types of ornaments from the California Bear to the Texas Star. An ornament can really tell a story and complete your indoor set. Slide the ornament over the top of the pole.

Finally it comes down to your flag. You may be asking yourself, “Do I go with the fringe? What about the cord and tassel?” Again, this really depends on your style and preference. Most of customers prefer indoor flags with fringe, however, any flag with a pole hem will suffice for your set. The cord and tassel is optional, but we also think they add a nice touch.

Flag Spreader

Flag Spreader Easy Clamp

However, by far the most advisable purchase which will improve the life of your flag and increase it’s attractiveness is the flag spreader. You will not be disappointed for about $15.

To attach the flag to your indoor set, find the open pocket or sleeve at the back edge of the flag. Slide the flag sleeve (pole hem) up the top flagpole section, top edge first, until the top of the flag reaches the brass screw. Find the leather or Velcro tab inside the top of the flag sleeve and slip it onto the head of the brass screw to hold the flag in place. If you have your flag spreader, you can now attach the two edges of the flag and anchor it to your pole. Adjust as needed.

Flag size is based upon the height of the pole and the diagonal length of the flag going on that pole.

*Flag will not touch the ground but is not recommended for the height of the pole.

Cord and Tassel

Lastly, to add the cord and tassel, fold the cord in half and hold the tassels together in one hand. Adjust the cord so one tassel is higher than the other about 3″ and the other end forms a loop. Push the cord loop through the eye screw at the top of the pole. Once the loop is through the eye screw, push both tassels through the loop and pull tight to form a slip knot. About 1/3 further down the cord, make a new loop by wrapping both pieces of cord around three fingers. With the other hand, pull the two strands of cord through the loop you made around your fingers, just enough to form a new loop (approximately one inch). Pull the cord strands through your new loop to form yet another loop about the same size. Continue this step until you have connected 4 loops. On the 4th loop, pull the tassels all the way through and tighten slightly to form a loose knot. Adjust and tighten the links to be uniform in size.

If you have any questions, leave a comment and we will be sure to answer them the best we can! If you prefer a set with these parts already selected see our mounting sets.