Fortunately, flag wrapping around the pole is one of the problems most easily solved by the flag owner. When you know how and the type of repair that will work for your setup, you can end the wrap without spending a cent for a new pole.
Why Does a Flag Wrap Around the Pole in the First Place
Three Root Causes of Flag Furling
There are nearly always three reasons for the flag to be put up around the pole. The first and most common is a fixed, non-swivel attachment. With the wind changing direction, if the snap hooks can't turn, the flag has no other choice but to go around the pole. The second is the flag being too large. If the flag is too big for the pole, it will have a lot more momentum when the wind blows in a different direction and will be able to rotate around the pole. Wind turbulence in the vicinity of structures is the third cause. Even if your pole is up to 10' away from a house, fence or a large tree line, flags wrapped on a swivel will swirl and reverse in strong winds.
Why Fixing the Wrap Matters More Than You Think
The United States Flag Code calls for flags to be displayed in a manner showing full respect for the colors. A flag isn't displayed when it's tightly rolled around the pole. It is covered by every puff of wind and it is marred and disgraced by each puff pressing it more tightly to the shaft. When it comes to flying the Stars and Stripes, a state flag, or any other flag, making the correct choice to fix the wrap is a practical and flag care and maintenance decision.
The Fastest Fix: Swivel Snap Hooks
How Swivel Snaps Stop Flag Wrapping Instantly
The quick and inexpensive solution to flag wrap around the pole is to use swivel snap hooks instead of standard fixed snap hooks. The flag's grommet is attached to the halyard rope by a standard brass snap hook and it does not rotate. The flag wraps when the wind changes direction. With a swivel snap, the flag's grommet will turn with the wind rather than securing the fabric to the pole.
No tools required for swivel snaps to install in less than a minute. They operate on flag poles that are raised on poles that are attached to the ground and the flag is attached to them by a rope. For most residential flagpole installations, this is the first remedy to consider when looking for solutions.
Choosing the Right Swivel Snap for Your Flagpole
For outdoor applications, brass swivel snaps are the most corrosion-resistant option. The metal is protected from scratching the flag's grommet over time, thanks to the rubber coated swivel snaps. Select the size to match existing snap hardware to assure the fit of the halyard rope remains secure and snug.
Anti-Wrap Spinning Rings: The Best Long Term Solution
Anti-wrap spinning rings are the best solution for one-piece house bracket poles on which the flag is not attached to the rope or pole. Each ring is secured to your pole with a locking screw and the flag's grommet is held by an inner rotating collar. If the wind is blowing towards the pole, the inner collar rotates freely and pulls the flag back into the air rather than clinging to the pole.
How to Install Anti-Wrap Spinning Rings on Your Pole
First remove the flag all the way. Place both rings on the pole from the end, and place the top ring close to where the top grommet on the flag will go. Temporarily hold the flag against the pole and attach the bottom ring. Hand tighten set screws. Excessive tightening causes the ring to become out of round, and to not spin freely, to the detriment of the whole purpose. A finger's grip is the right contact with the pole. Use the two grommets on the ring clips and test to make sure that each ring moves separately before lifting the pole.
Getting the Ring Spacing Right
Most guides don't mention ring spacing. If the rings are placed too close, the flag header bunches between them causing slack that bunches as much as if there were no rings. If you space them too wide apart, the header will tighten up and will strain the grommets with each whiff of wind. That's the way to do it: measure the distance between the two grommets on your flag and then space your rings so that they're approximately half an inch from that distance. This enables the flag to rotate freely at each of its attachment points without stiffening in the header.
Getting Your Flag Size Right for Your Pole Height
An oversized flag in a turbulent location is a situation where no anti-wrap hardware is completely effective. The basic guideline is to make the longest side of your flag no more than 1/4 of the total height of your pole. A 3x5 flag is best suited for a 15 foot pole. A flag is 4x6 feet in size and requires a 20 foot pole. A flag that is 5x8 feet in size comfortably fits on a 25 foot pole. The larger flag has more momentum in turning in windy conditions but also puts a lot more strain on the anti-wrap hardware than is designed for.
Grommet Flag vs Sleeve Flag: Which Anti-Wrap Fix Do You Need
This is the most frequently made flag hardware purchase error. It attaches directly to a standard spinning ring, which has a clip or screw hole, with a grommet flag that has two brass or stainless eyelets on a reinforced canvas header. Sleeves flags are a flag with a sewn fabric channel for sliding the flag over the entire pole. Standard grommet rings will not fit on a sleeve flag and this cannot be used. Sleeve flags require an anti-furl tube kit that fits in the sleeve channel, or an anti-furl ring system with an internal fabric tab attachment specially designed for sleeve flag use.
Review the header of your flag before purchasing any equipment. This is a cost and frustration saver if done correctly the first time.
Special Flags That Need Extra Care: Colombian Flag Betsy Ross and More
It's not only the beauty of these flags, but the meaning that should draw extra attention when it comes to the care of displaying these flags. The Colombian flag, which is a bold yellow, blue and red horizontal stripe design, is one of the most popular flags to fly worldwide, and thus deserves to be able to fly at all times and in proper style – in particular, the anti-wrap hardware is important so that owners can show it off with pride.
Owners of the Betsy Ross flag, as well as people who love American history, frequently need to fly the flag without damage, in a perfect state. The Betsy Ross flag is often constructed with the highest quality nylon with strengthened stitching, so ensuring that its header is not damaged by the typical rubbing and friction of pole wrapping is crucial to maintaining the flag's quality over time.
Whenever possible, for flags that carry a personal, patriotic, or historical significance, it is always worth the investment in quality anti-wrap hardware.
Where to Find Premium Flags and Flagpole Hardware
Veteran flag company Baldwin Flags proudly serves St. Louis, Missouri since 1908 with a full range of top-quality American flags, historic flags including the Betsy Ross flag, international flags and flag pole hardware and accessories to help you display your flags properly and without the need to wrap them.
Baldwin Flags, a company of U.S. Military Reserves, knows that a free and proud flag is a tribute and not a decoration. Visit www.baldwinflags.com/shop to see the complete line of flags and hardware, e-mail sales@baldwinflags.com to choose the right flag for your home or business today!
FAQs About Keeping Your Flag From Wrapping Around the Pole
What is the fastest fix for a flag wrapping around the pole?
Replacing fixed snap hooks with swivel snap hooks is the fastest and most affordable fix, costing under ten dollars and taking under five minutes to install.
Do anti-wrap spinning rings work on all pole types?
Spinning anti-wrap rings work on one-piece stationary house bracket poles. Halyard and in-ground poles need swivel snap hooks on the rope instead. Telescoping poles use swivel rings at the section joints.
Can I use spinning rings on a sleeve flag?
No. Standard spinning rings clip through grommets and have nothing to grab on a sleeve flag header. You need an anti-furl tube kit or a sleeve-compatible ring system designed specifically for sleeve flags.
What flag size should I use on a 20-foot pole?
A 4x6 foot flag is the recommended size for a 20-foot pole. Using a larger flag increases the wrapping risk and puts additional stress on your hardware.
Does Baldwin Flags carry flagpole hardware and accessories?
Yes, Baldwin Flags carries flagpole hardware and accessories alongside their full collection of premium flags. Visit www.baldwinflags.com or call plus one three one four five three five two eight zero zero for assistance.
How to Keep Your Flag From Wrapping Around the Pole