Full-size flagpoles are made up of several components, all of which can be purchased from specialty flagpole dealers. Here's how to install your flagpole and get Old Glory waving.
Dig a hole for a concrete foundation. The size of the hole depends on the size of your flagpole.
Step2
Lay the flagpole out on a flat, clean surface and put the sections together as instructed in the manufacturer's directions.
Step3
Attach the halyard rope (the rope that raises and lowers the flag) and flag snaps as directed, tying the two halyard ends together with a square knot. The flag snaps will eventually attach to holes (or "grommets") in the flag.
Step4
Raise the flagpole once it has been assembled; place it in the center of the foundation hole. Be sure to orient the pole so that it will face in the desired direction for access to the rope, or for any decorative item on the top.
Step5
Prop the pole up with sticks of wood or guy ropes or wires attached to stakes in the ground. Use at least three.
Step6
Check that the pole is fixed so it's "plumb" (straight up and down), using a carpenter's level. Use a level that's at least 2 feet long, preferably longer.
Step7
Wet down the hole just enough so the dirt is damp, and mix enough concrete to fill the hole. After the concrete has set for a while, smooth the top to the finish you prefer. (This is a good opportunity to write your name for the ages!)
Step8
Check the pole one last time while the concrete is still relatively movable to be sure it's still plumb.
Step9
Let the concrete cure for at least 24 hours before removing the supports.
Tips & Warnings
Flagpoles and their components are made from a variety of materials. Inquire about which are most suitable for your climate before purchasing the pole.
If you're unsure what size hole to dig, check with the flagpole supplier.
Professional flagpole installation is also available. Look under "Flagpoles" in your local yellow pages.
Aluminum flagpoles should not come in contact with concrete; you'll need a sleeve of some kind.
Be aware of overhead wires or buried utility cables before installing a flagpole.
on 6/21/2008
I want to install a 20' telescoping flagpole on a granite rock surface which I can't dig into. Does anyone have any idea how large a concrete base I would need to pour to make the flagpole stable? Thanks
on 6/19/2008
I am planting my third Flag pole in ten years. The winds & storms in Oklahoma have taken two down. This ntime I am going to use Steel pipe instead of aluminum, and am putting the base pipe(2"X12') into a five gallon bucket of cement and burying it 26" into a deep hole. Once that cement cures I will use a 1 1/2 X 12' pole to go inside 2" pipe and add cement into that pipe. Afterwards I will affix the neccesary
parts to raise the American Flag & a POW-MIA Flag.
I do believe it will be standing for a long time. I'm open to any suggestions.
Mike Kelly - 6953kelly@cox.net
on 11/22/2005
I have found that when installing a flagpole in good, solid dirt, that concrete is not always needed. Several bags of play sand will hold the flagpole nicely in place, After digging your hole, pour the sand in and around the flagpole, making sure that you get it in all of the cracks and crevices of the hole. Make sure that you check the flagpole often to make sure that it stays plumb. This works for both small and large flagpoles.
on 11/22/2005
I recommend a kit for home flag poles. They are lightweight, economical and easy to install. Usually 20' in 4 sections. Set the base in the sleeve and plum it; you don't need braces. 24 hours later, add the other sections and a 3x5 flag - nylon is best.
Comments
nancypear said
on 6/27/2008 how do I install a flag pole bracket on vinyl siding?
haredwa said
on 6/21/2008 I want to install a 20' telescoping flagpole on a granite rock surface which I can't dig into. Does anyone have any idea how large a concrete base I would need to pour to make the flagpole stable? Thanks
MikeK3 said
on 6/19/2008 I am planting my third Flag pole in ten years. The winds & storms in Oklahoma have taken two down. This ntime I am going to use Steel pipe instead of aluminum, and am putting the base pipe(2"X12') into a five gallon bucket of cement and burying it 26" into a deep hole. Once that cement cures I will use a 1 1/2 X 12' pole to go inside 2" pipe and add cement into that pipe. Afterwards I will affix the neccesary
parts to raise the American Flag & a POW-MIA Flag.
I do believe it will be standing for a long time. I'm open to any suggestions.
Mike Kelly - 6953kelly@cox.net
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I have found that when installing a flagpole in good, solid dirt, that concrete is not always needed. Several bags of play sand will hold the flagpole nicely in place, After digging your hole, pour the sand in and around the flagpole, making sure that you get it in all of the cracks and crevices of the hole. Make sure that you check the flagpole often to make sure that it stays plumb. This works for both small and large flagpoles.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I recommend a kit for home flag poles. They are lightweight, economical and easy to install. Usually 20' in 4 sections. Set the base in the sleeve and plum it; you don't need braces. 24 hours later, add the other sections and a 3x5 flag - nylon is best.