• A new series on installation instructions.
• A curious question posed by one of our Customer Service people.
• More questions about the Shoebase Mount from Customer Service.

Installation Instructions Page

We are often asked, "Why this is so?" This, especially when our Executive line has as standard a single halyard system. This, when all Concealed halyard systems provide only a single halyard.

The best answer we can provide is that double halyards have historically been provided because that is the tradition. We believe the tradition comes from the military. In military applications, the U.S. flag MUST be raised completely before any other flag is raised on the same or adjacent shafts. If using the same shaft for multiple flags, then there is a need for double halyards.

So what is the purpose of having two?

It could be a spare. If that is the case, why have only one spare. Why not three or four halyards? If you really think you’ll need a spare, we would suggest monitoring the halyard for wear and be prepared for periodic preventative replacements. OR, upgrade to a wire core halyard that will provide an internal safety cable that prevents halyard breakage even when the outer jacket is worn completely through.

It’s for flying two flags. In reality, most people flying multiple flags use the same halyard. It is easier, and generally thought to present a better image. Flags on two halyards in a stiff breeze will be flying from both sides of the shaft. OR .... The larger flag will pull ahead in the breeze and the smaller will possibly start wrapping around the shaft.

It’s because the specifications call for double halyards. This is often the only reasonable answer. Yet the underlying reason for architectural specifications to call for double halyards goes back to "it’s always been done that way" or "that's the way the spec software reads".

May we suggest that a single halyard flagpole offers several advantages? First, they will cost less. Not much, but some. Second, it enables consideration of an upgrade to a Heavy-Duty Truck assembly. That will cost a bit more initially, although slightly offset by the savings from a double halyard system. The HD truck assembly with sealed bearings will ultimately save the owner money, as it will not have to be replaced in the foreseeable future, if ever.

A single halyard system also lends itself to an upgrade to a Ball/Truck combination in lieu of the traditional separate truck assembly and finial ball. This is not available in a double halyard configuration. The change can be made initially or anytime in the future without wondering what to do with that extra cleat.

A general consensus is that the single halyard system presents a more pleasing picture than the double halyard. One flag, one rope. One flag set, one rope. No extra (unused) halyard rope to bang against the shaft. No additional halyard to twist about the shaft. No needless double cost for cleat covers, if so equipped.

Not that we are against tradition ..... just food for thought.

There are some common misconceptions and important drawbacks to shoebase mounted flagpole that I wish to address here.

Shoebase mounts cost more than embedded mounts

The shoebase casting is attached during the manufacturing process. It cannot be safely added later. The casting itself must be a very strong item to provide the needed support. There is additional labor needed for the welding of that item creating an increase in manufacturing cost.

Shoebase mounts need a smaller foundation

NO!! The recommended foundation for a shoebase mount is EXACTLY the same size as an embedded mount. In reality, MORE concrete will be needed as there is no foundation sleeve taking up space in the hole. The recommended size of the foundation support is based on the exposed height of the shaft not the type of mount. So there is no savings on the foundation.

Shoebase mounted shafts are weaker
than embedded shafts

If the shoebase casting is attached during the manufacturing process, AND the entire shaft with mount is heat-treated as normal, there is only a 20% loss of shaft strength. This compares to the same size shaft with a standard embedded mounting. IF that same shoebase was welded to the shaft and not heat-treated, the loss of shaft strength can be as much as 50%! There is no known way to attach a shoebase and retain the same shaft strength as an embedded length. Shaft strength translates directly into flag supporting capability in high wind circumstances AND in the ability for the shaft to stand up in high winds without a flag present. Additional information on this is available from Concord or NAAMM.

So why have a shoebase mount?

A shoebase can be useful in circumstances requiring the shaft to be mounted onto a column, this much like light standards in parking areas. A shoebase can be used to mount a flagpole onto a building’s flat surface (like a roof) or to the building’s support structure (steel beam).

To recap.....

• Shoebase flagpoles are limited in the sizes of shafts available in that configuration.
• Shoebase flagpoles cost more than the same shaft as a ground set.
• Shoebase flagpoles are weaker than their ground set counterparts.

Any other questions???