Flagpole mechanics in Denmark: flag line, pulley and tilting bracket

The mechanics of a flagpole are simple: a pulley at the top, a line and a fixing point at the foot. Even so, a dignified raising of the flag depends on the parts working. Dannebrogs-Samfundet writes that a failed raising of the flag because of poor maintenance is an embarrassing experience. This guide explains how the parts work together.

Pulley and flag line

The flag line runs over the pulley in the finial and down along the pole. The flag is attached to the line with flag clips or a flag knot, and when one side of the line is pulled, the flag moves up or down.

According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the slack lowering line gives a certain elasticity that spares the flag in the wind.

The line and the weather

The flag line works with the moisture. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the line contracts in damp weather, and a line that is too tight can bend the pole. That is why the line is often wound loosely around the pole a couple of times. If it hangs too slack, it can slap against the pole, which is both noisy and wears the surface.

Internal winch

On some glass-fibre poles, the mechanism sits inside the pole. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, a winch for the flag line is fitted, and the flag is raised and lowered with a crank. A flag weight on the flag keeps the line taut inside the pole. This solution is common at businesses and in public squares.

Half-mast

At half-mast, according to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the flag is first raised right to the top and then lowered until its upper edge sits about one third of the pole’s length below the finial. The line is secured so the flag stays in that position. When it is taken down, the flag is raised to the top again before being lowered completely. More in the guide to half-mast.

Lowering the pole

The flagpole is lowered when it is sanded, painted or cleaned, or when the pulley and line are inspected. Bolius describes the procedure for a wooden flagpole on a concrete base: the bolts are loosened until only one is left for the pole to pivot on, and the pole is lowered slowly to the ground. It takes a couple of people, both when the pole is lowered and when it is raised again.

Glass-fibre poles can stand in a tilting bracket that makes it easier to tilt the pole down. Dannebrogs-Samfundet notes that the position of the pole takes into account that it can be lowered.

The parts are described in the guide to flagpole accessories, and safety when lowering a pole in the guide to flagpole safety. When a part breaks, the common faults are covered in the guide to flagpole repair.