Commercial Aluminum Flagpoles
We do it differently. As you go through our step-by-step process, we'll give you plenty of information to help you completely understand the terminology and the choices you're making. And we won't disappear once you've clicked "Submit" in the shopping cart. We help you coordinate delivery with the carrier and make sure that your pole gets delivered to you quickly and in perfect condition. Plus, we'll give you the expert advice you need to get your pole installed, whether you're hiring a contractor or doing it yourself.
Step One
First thing first — decide which halyard configuration is best suited to your needs. By the way, the halyard is simply a fancy term for the rope that the flags attach to.
- External Halyard
-
- Simpler and less expensive to own.
- Good when security is not an issue.
- Good when moderate noise is not an issue.
- Internal Halyard
-
- Keeps you flag away from vandals.
- Won't make noise when it's windy.
- A cleaner and more upscale look.
External Halyard vs. Internal Halyard in Depth
External Halyard Flagpoles
External halyard flagpoles are the traditional or standard flagpole configuration. The halyard is a rope that is tied in a loop that extends up to the top of the pole, then back down to within a few feet of ground level. The halyard passes through the pulley that's part of the "truck" mechanism at the top of the pole and is wrapped around the "cleat" near the bottom of the pole. The flag is attached to the halyard with clips known as "flag snaps" that are tied to the halyard. The flag is then raised or lowered simply by pulling the halyard in one direction or the other. Just as is true with internal halyard flagpoles, there are some very good reasons to choose an external halyard.
- Since external halyard flagpoles are simpler both mechanically, and in terms of the number of parts required, they are significantly less expensive than internal halyard poles.
- If your flagpole is situated in a location where security is not an issue, an internal halyard pole may be overkill.
- The maintenance costs for an external halyard are almost certainly going to be less. They don't require special halyards like the internal halyard models nor do they require other parts like retainer rings and weights.
- In many locations, the moderate amount of noise that an external halyard pole creates will not be an issue.
In short, if the initial cost to own a flagpole as well as future maintenance costs are a major consideration, and the security and noise issues are not a problem, then save yourself some money and get an external halyard pole. In respect to quality and construction, the external halyard poles are identical to the internal halyard models.
Internal Halyard Flagpoles
Internal halyard flagpoles have the halyard concealed inside the length of the pole. The flag is raised and lowered by unlocking an access door and either pulling the halyard through a self-locking mechanism or inserting a crank handle to operate a winch, depending on the model. The flag is attached at the top to the halyard that passes through a pulley to the inside of the pole and at the bottom, to a retainer ring and weight that keeps the bottom corner of the flag close to the pole. Internal halyard flagpoles are more expensive than external halyard poles but there are some very good reasons to consider this configuration.
- Since the halyard is concealed within the pole and cannot be accessed without a key, it makes it difficult for vandals to get their hands on your flag.
- We're all familiar with the sound of a halyard slapping against an aluminum pole whenever it's windy. Internal halyards won't make noise that keeps people awake at night.
- An internal halyard flagpole has a much cleaner and more upscale look, although sometimes the traditional look of an external halyard pole is preferred.
If one or more of these reasons for owning an external halyard pole is important to you, we recommend that you think twice before settling for an external halyard. You'll probably regret it the first time your flag gets stolen or you or your guests are kept awake half the night.
