Flagpole accessories in Norway – all the parts explained

A flagpole consists of more than the pole itself. The finial, pulley, halyard and cleat decide how easily the flag is raised, and whether it can be lowered to half-mast. The foundation decides how steady the pole stands. Many of the parts wear and are replaced after a few years, and the accessories also affect the price of a new pole.

The parts of a flagpole

Finial and pulley

The finial at the top is a hallmark of the Norwegian flagpole. It is often gilded or white, and in many cases the pulley sits in the finial. The pulley is a small wheel the halyard runs over. A pulley that runs stiffly or has worn edges wears the halyard and makes the flag harder to raise.

Halyard, hooks and cleat

The halyard is a line of polyester or similar material. The flag is attached with hooks or with toggles sewn into the hoist. At the bottom of the pole, the halyard is secured on a cleat. With an external halyard, the line can slap against the pole in the wind. Many tighten the line or hold it slightly away from the pole to reduce the noise, which can also matter to neighbours.

Internal halyard

Poles with an internal halyard have a hatch at the bottom of the pole, often lockable, and a counterweight that keeps the line taut inside the pole. This protects against theft and vandalism. How the systems work is covered in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Pennant fittings

The pennant often stays up day and night. A swivel or rotating arm at the top lets it turn with the wind without wrapping around the pole. Flaggfabrikken also describes the “flyndrevimpel”, which hangs from an arm with a suspension point in the middle of the arm and lies flat in the wind.

Foundation and ground sleeve

The flagpole stands in a cast foundation, a ground sleeve or a foundation with a tilting joint. The maker’s installation kit gives the dimensions, which depend on the pole’s height and the wind conditions. Flaggstangsfabrikken writes that its poles are supplied with a complete installation kit. More on the foundation in the guide to flagpole installation.

Lighting

Floodlights at the foot of the pole are common at businesses and public buildings. Lighting and electrical installations are covered in the guide to flag lighting. How the parts are checked and replaced is covered in the guides to maintenance and flagpole repair.