Let us take a look at the historical evolution of flagpoles in the United States.
Flagpoles have undergone a number of dramatic changes since people started flying US flags. Before the industrial revolution, flagpoles were made only from wood. Some US companies that specialize in more of the Rustic venue still practice this craft, but most manufacturers of today use more durable materials for longer lasting flagpoles.
The first flagpoles started with carpenters that would hand saw down a straight tree. These trees would be shaped by whittling and then sanding to a smooth finish. Animal fat was then used as a preservative and rubbed over the entirety of the pole for several days to ensure the wood was totally saturated with the fat. In the hands of an expert, these poles could remain functional for over 50 years. These flagpoles were very attractive, but due to their direct installation into the ground, they typically rot at the base and without a ground spike to insulate can be a potential lightening conductor and then burn down or split once hit by the lightening.
During the turn of the century and as early as 1893, steel tubes and the masts from ships were being used as flagpoles making the older wooden processed poles became more obsolete. In the years following the stock market crash of 1929, and during the vast expansion of industry during World War II, items like steel shafts for pile driving and cargo booms on large ships became inspiration for an expanding number of flagpole manufacturers. This type of smooth, tapered steel flagpole dominated the industry for over 20 years. Perhaps the most common of these everyday inspirations were the next step in the evolution of the flagpole. Aluminum was the new and improved material for flagpoles. The Aluminum process has revolutionized the flagpole industry, and comprises the largest portion of today’s flagpole market.
Aluminum has several distinguishing characteristics which allow it to change at the molecular level, and thus create different products for different applications. The aluminum alloy most commonly used for the manufacture of flagpoles is 6063. The flagpoles utilizing this alloy are extruded pipe or tube, and must be produced in accordance with government standard ASTM B241, "Aluminum Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube." Most of these poles are aged, or hardened, by heat treating, to produce a temper rating of T6, the hardest form of this alloy. This temper rating yields an astounding level of minimum stress at 25,000 pounds per square inch, and an allowable design stress for tubes of 18,000 pounds per square inch.
The final step in manufacturing an aluminum flagpole today is the finish. The majority of flagpoles are finished with a directional textured mechanical satin, or brushed finish. This finish is accomplished by abrasive polishing and range from a fine to a coarse texture. Also, a flagpole can be given an anodized finish. This is the process of actually coating the outside of the aluminum flagpole with an oxide. Typically, the aluminum pole is "bathed" in a solution containing sulfur, chromic, or boric acid. In this bath, the aluminum pole is positively charged by connecting it to the positive terminal of a dc power supply, becoming an anode in the chemical process. An inert electronic conductor, usually a plate or rod of carbon, lead, nickel or steel, is then connected to the negative terminal of a dc power supply, thus becoming the cathode. Upon closing the electric circuit, electrons are withdrawn away from the anode, the aluminum pole, and thereby allow ions on the surface on the aluminum to react with the electrolyzed bath solution to form an oxide layer on the aluminum flagpole. This a protective thick layer that keeps flagpoles safe from salt water, mother nature’s heat and keeps the flagpole from becoming easily scratched This oxide can be altered to produce color changes on the pole; the range of available color is limited to shades of bronze to black.
Flagpoles have undergone changes in style, structure, and composition throughout our history. From the wooden flagpoles of the 1800s, to the brilliant, shiny, clear anodized aluminum flagpoles of today, flagpoles still allow people throughout America to show their patriotism.
Americanflagstore.com, Inc carries Commercial Grade flagpoles for both residential and commercial applications with an option for any home or business. Our flagpoles are manufactured in the United States and are polished to a Deep Luster Satin Finish creating an elegant soft sheen or with an anodized Dark Bronze or Black Finish.
Our external halyard system flagpole utilizes the traditional method for raising and lowering flags. Standard fittings include a spun aluminum gold anodized ball, a heavy cast aluminum revolving truck assembly with a single sheave, braided nylon halyard, snap hooks, cast aluminum cleat, spun aluminum ornamental flash collar and a ground sleeve assembly. Our flagpoles with external raising assemblies work by using a system of halyard rope and a pulley. Our halyard, made of nylon is rigged onto the pulley, also known as the halyard truck assembly. The halyard also has two snap hooks affixed to it, one for each of the US flag's grommets. The flagpole also has a fixture known as cleat to store excess rope on. Many upgrades are available including double halyard/ cleat systems, cast collars, heavy duty truck assemblies, Eagles and cleat cover/ halyard channels are available.
The cable based internal halyard system flagpole that we carry, provides the best solution to the problem of vandalism. The heart of the system is a custom stainless steel gearless winch. The winch is mounted on a patented rotating platform for ease of maintenance and elimination of the winch handle hole in the side of the shaft. The winch is accessible only through the keyed, cast aluminum door with a winch handle access hole. A heavy cast door frame is precision welded inside of the shaft opening for strength. The truck assembly rotates on heavy duty sealed bearings. The cable assemblies are constructed of stainless steel components. Upgrades for this flagpole model include cast aluminum Ball/ Truck assemblies and cast collars.
As a great economical option, the Rope Based Internal Halyard System flagpole replaces the stainless steel cable and winch assemblies with a less expensive internal rope and cam cleat mechanism. Eight stainless steel bolts pass through a cast door frame assembly and the flagpole shaft, threading into thick dual inner reinforced plates. This patented concept adds additional important strength to a flagpole when a door is used. A revolving truck is standard. A less expensive stationary truck may also be substituted. Heavy duty revolving trucks and Cast Aluminum ball – both with dual sealed bearing assemblies – are available as upgrades for this internal system flagpole.
When it comes to the installation of a flagpole to be used to proudly display the national, state or other style of flag or banner that brings pride to the owner, americanflagstore.com, Inc is pleased to play a role in the process of providing the highest quality product and the best value available to the customer for their own personal application. We are eager to help with unique applications such as multiple flagpoles with staggering heights on our Tri-Pole Flagpole section. Your projects, from several flagpoles for a Veteran’s Memorial to one flagpole that would just be perfect for your front yard landscape, are very important to us. We are honored that you are considering flagpoles from americanflagstore.com, Inc and we assure you that we will do everything possible to meet and exceed your expectations. Your dream of showing off the US flag that you can raise and lower on a commercial grade in ground flagpole is just one phone call away. Our staff at americanflagstore.com, Inc will help you decide on the perfect flagpole for your application and make your dreams of flying the American Flag become reality.
