Flagpole accessories in the Netherlands: finial, halyard, cleat and more

A flagpole consists of more than the tube. At the top are the finial and the pulley, the halyard runs along the pole, the cleat is at the bottom and the ground fixing is in the ground. This guide describes the accessories Dutch suppliers name and what they are for.

Finial and pulley

On top of the pole sits the finial (mastknop), which closes the top and in or under which the pulley sits over which the halyard runs. There are fixed and rotating finials. According to the supplier Vlaggenmasten.nl, a rotating finial turns with the wind so that the flag can move as freely as possible around the pole. This reduces the chance of the flag wrapping itself around the pole, though it can still happen in strongly shifting or rapidly changing wind.

Halyard and cleat

On most poles the halyard or cord runs on the outside of the pole. After the flag is raised, the halyard is made fast on the cleat (kikker), a fitting on the pole. According to the supplier, this system is easy to operate and makes raising, lowering and changing the flag simple; that is why it is the standard version on many poles. One drawback the supplier names: an external halyard can slap against the pole in the wind.

Internal winch and counterweight

With an internal winch system, the halyard runs inside the pole and the flag is operated with a winch. According to the supplier:

• no halyard hangs down the outside to slap against the pole;
• the hoisting mechanism is not freely accessible, which deters theft;
• a counterweight guides the flag along the pole and keeps it under tension.

According to the supplier, such a system is available for aluminium poles from a diameter of 70 mm and for polyester poles.

Attaching the flag

The flag is attached to the halyard with hooks or snap hooks, or with a cord with loops at the flag’s hoist. The orange pennant needs an extra attachment above the flag, because under the flag instruction the pennant flies above the flag on King’s Day and the birthdays of Queen Máxima, Princess Beatrix and the Princess of Orange. More about the pennant is in the guide to flag types.

Ground fixing

For installation in the ground, Vlaggenmasten.nl names four fixings:

With wall brackets, a suitable pole can be fixed to a façade or other structure. How the foundation is laid is described in the guide to flagpole installation.

Façade bracket and flagstaff

On the façade, the flag hangs from a flagstaff in a façade bracket, a holder screwed into the wall. The staff stands at an angle and the flag is attached directly to it.

Lighting

A flag that stays out after sunset is usually lit. According to the Dutch government, it is then good practice to light the flag so that its colours are clearly visible. Ground spotlights and lamps for fitting to the pole are available for this. More is in the guide to flag lighting.

Wearing parts

The halyard, the pulley, the hooks and the finial are wearing parts. According to the supplier, the halyard, the fixings, the finial and the moving parts are checked regularly. More is in the guides to flagpole maintenance and flagpole repair, and how the parts work together in the guide to flagpole mechanics.