Flagpole accessories in Denmark – all the parts explained

A flagpole consists of more than the pole itself. The finial at the top, the pulley, the flag line, the cleat and the foot are all parts that wear and can be replaced. Many of them have particular Danish names, which Dannebrogs-Samfundet explains in its glossary. This guide goes through the parts from top to bottom.

Overview

Finial and pulley

According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, a half-round or onion-shaped finial of wood or plastic sits at the top of the flagpole. The finial contains the pulley over which the flag line runs. When Dannebrog is flown, the finial is half-round and red according to Dannebrogs-Samfundet. Bolius writes that the finial is normally white or red, but can also be gold, for example. The pulley and the line are checked when the pole has been lowered.

Flag line, flag clips and flag knots

The flag line is used to raise and lower the flag. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, newer Dannebrog flags have flag clips between line and flag. Otherwise, the flag is tied to the line with a flag hitch, for example a flag knot with a round turn or a double flag knot. Once the flag is up, the hoisting line is taut and the lowering line slack, so the flag can turn with the wind.

Cleat and line around the pole

The line is carefully secured so the flag stays where it is. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the flag line can be wound loosely around the pole a couple of times, with or without a pennant. In damp weather the line contracts, and a line that is too tight can bend the pole. If the line hangs too slack, it can slap against the pole.

Internal halyard

According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, glass-fibre flagpoles can have a winch fitted inside, where the flag is raised and lowered with a crank. A flag weight is then fitted to the flag. The mechanism is described in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Foot, base and tilting bracket

According to Bolius, most flagpoles are fixed to a foot or base of concrete or wood that is dug in, possibly with a foundation. A wooden flagpole is usually mounted on a concrete base with two or more bolts. Glass-fibre poles can also have an invisible internal foot, such as a spike or post, or a tilting bracket.

Pennant and stander

According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, a pennant or a stander is raised when the flagpole has no flag. The pennant has a metal rod and an eye at the end facing the pole, where the line is attached, for example with flag clips. The stander can have two sewn-in flag clips. Both can fly day and night without lighting. The sizes are in the guide to flag sizes.

Lighting on the flagpole is covered in the guide to flag lighting, inspection in the guide to flagpole maintenance, and replacing parts in the guide to flagpole repair.