How to Make a PVC Pipe Flag Holder

PVC may be the easiest and lightest material you can use to make a flag holder. It won't rust or decay, and it can be painted in any color you choose. A PVC pipe flag holder is also versatile enough to hang all types and sizes of flags. These plans are for a multi-piece flagpole with an angled top bar, which will allow you to see more of the flag even on windless days.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Shovel
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Utility knife
• Wrench
• Drill with 1/4 inch bit
• 3-lb. hammer or mallet
• 16-oz. plastic bowl with lid
• 3/4-inch-by-10-foot PVC pipe
• 3/4-inch PVC double female coupling (straight)
• 3/4-inch PVC double female coupling (45-degree)
• 3/4 inch PVC cap
• Two 1/4-by-2 inch threaded eye bolt with nut
• Two 1/2-inch snap rings
• PVC cement

Instructions

1. Cut a 12-inch section from the PVC pipe. Decide where you want to place the base for the flagpole. Be sure to account for the area the flag will occupy when it is fully extended. At the chosen location, dig a hole for the bowl to fit into. The top edge of the bowl should sit flush or just below ground level. Cut a 3/4-inch round hole in the bottom of the bowl, and place it in the hole. Set the bowl lid aside.

2. Drive the 12-inch section of pipe into the ground, through the hole in the bottom of the bowl. The pipe should be below the top edge of the bowl. Place the lid on the bowl to ensure that you have driven the pipe deep enough for the lid to snap on normally. Remove the lid and set it aside.

3. Cut a 4-foot length off the PVC pipe. Clean both edges of the cut to remove the PVC debris. Apply PVC cement to the first inch of the longest piece of pipe. Apply cement to one side of the 45-degree coupling. Slip the coupling onto the cemented end of the pipe. Apply cement to the other end of the long PVC pipe. Apply cement to one side of the straight female coupling and slide it onto the pipe.

4. Apply cement to the open end of the 45-degree coupling. Apply cement to one end of the remaining length of pipe. Slide the pipe into the coupling. Apply cement to the other end of the 4-foot pipe and to the inside of the PVC cap. Slide the cap onto the pipe. Allow all joints to set for an hour.

5. Lay the flagpole flat, and mark the 4-foot pipe to match the grommets on the flag to be mounted. Drill the holes straight through the pipe so that they will go through it from top to bottom when the long piece is standing vertically. Insert an eye bolt in each hole, and tighten the nuts.

6. Stand the flagpole upright and slip the straight female coupling onto the buried piece of pipe. Connect the flag to the pole by placing a snap ring through each grommet and the eye bolts. This will allow the flag to be easily installed and removed, and allow it to swing freely in the wind.

7. Keep the lid of the bowl in a safe place. When the flag is not in use, remove the pole from the plastic bowl and put the lid on the bowl to protect the buried pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the hacksaw to cut excess threads from the eye bolts after installing them. Paint the lid of the bowl to make it blend with your lawn or garden.

References

• Eye Bolts
• PVC Fittings

Resources

• PVC Workshop