Flagpole accessories in Finland – finial, halyard, cleat and more

Besides the pole itself, a flagpole is made up of a number of small parts whose condition affects how easily and safely the flag can be raised and lowered. This guide goes through the most common flagpole accessories and what they do. The workings of the pole as a whole are described in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Finial and pulley

At the top of the pole is a finial (nuppi), which protects the top of the pole and finishes its appearance. With the finial is a pulley, over which the halyard runs. The pulley is meant to turn freely so that the halyard does not wear or jam. On many poles the finial and pulley sit in the same top piece, which can revolve with the wind so that the flag and pennant do not wrap around the pole.

Halyard and snap hooks

The halyard runs over the pulley to the foot of the pole, and the flag’s snap hooks are attached to it. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the flag is folded after use so that the snap hooks and halyard are left free, which makes the next hoisting easier. The halyard is usually braided synthetic fibre that withstands moisture and sunlight. A worn or stiff halyard is a common reason for the flag not rising properly.

The cleat

The cleat (knaappi) is, according to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the tying hook on the pole. Once the flag is raised, the halyard is wound a few times around the pole and tied firmly to the cleat. The cleat is usually at hand height at the bottom of the pole.

The hatch of an internal halyard pole

On a pole with an internal halyard, the halyard runs inside the pole and is handled behind a lockable hatch at the bottom of the pole. The construction protects the flag from vandalism and theft and reduces halyard slap in the wind. The hatch’s lock and hinges are among the parts that need care.

Pennant and pennant line

The house pennant is a long, narrow pennant that according to Suomalaisuuden Liitto flies on the pole to show that the family is at home. The pennant is about half as long as the pole, according to the Association. It can fly day and night, but on official and established flag days the pennant is lowered and the Finnish flag raised. The pennant and flag usually share the same halyard, so they are not flown at the same time. Pennant sizes are described in the guide to flag sizes.

Base, sleeve and tilting base

The bottom of the pole is fixed in the ground either with a ground sleeve cast in concrete or with a tilting base bolted to the foundation. The tilting base allows the pole to be lowered horizontally for maintenance. The foundation is described in the guide to flagpole installation.

Lighting

A light mounted at the foot or top of the pole is an optional accessory. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the flag may exceptionally stay up until the end of a celebration if the flagpole is in a lit area, but the flag is not left up overnight. According to Tukes, fixed electrical installations are work for electrical professionals. Lighting is described in the guide to flag lighting.

Spare parts and the condition of accessories

Of the accessories, the halyard, snap hooks and pulley wear fastest. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, regular care of the pole and checking the fittings is appropriate for example every spring after the winter. More information is in the guides to flagpole maintenance and flagpole repair.