It’s hard to display the American flag in front of your home or business without investing in a flag pole. When raised to the top of a flag pole, your American flag will hang and flow naturally in the wind. Not all flag poles are the same, however. While they all consist of a pole, they are available in many different types. Below are five important things to consider when choosing a flag pole.
#1) Material
Different flag poles are made of different materials. Some of them are made of plastic, for instance. Plastic flag poles are inexpensive, but they aren’t particularly strong. After being exposed to the elements for a prolonged period, they tend to degrade. Fortunately, flag poles are available in other materials. There are aluminum flag poles that, like all aluminum products, are strong and lightweight. These properties make them ideal for displaying the American flag.
#2) Finish
Some flag poles are designed with a finish. A finish is simply a layer of new material that’s applied over the base layer of material from which a flag pole is made. A brushed finish means that the flag pole will have a textured surface that’s attractive as well as protective.
#3) Size
Don’t forget to consider the dimensions of both the flag you plan to use and the area of display when choosing a flag pole. You can find flag poles in different sizes. With that said, most wall-mounted poles are around 6 feet long. This length makes them ideal for most homes and single- or two-story buildings. If you’re planning to install it in front of a taller building, such as a commercial office building, you may want to choose a taller, in-ground flag pole.
#4) Tangle-Proof
You may want to choose a tangle-proof flag pole as well. Flags can tangle when displayed outdoors. As the wind blows, it can turn your American flag over while causing it to wrap and tangle into a mess. Fortunately, there are tangle-proof flag poles available that prevent this from happening. They will allow your American flag to freely rotate without tangling.
#5) Adjustable Grommets
It’s a good idea to choose a flag pole with adjustable grommets. Grommets are fasteners that are used to hold flags in place. When raising your American flag on a flag pole, you can use them to hold it in place. Maybe you want to display your American flag at the very top of the flag pole, or perhaps you want to display it three-quarters up the flag pole. With adjustable grommets, you can change the position of your American flag while ensuring that it doesn’t fall or otherwise move around.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
