FLAGPOLE ASSEMBLY TIPS & INFO

     This page is to show just how easy it is to assemble a 2 or 3 piece pole. Naturally our 60 thru 80 ft. poles will be a bit more challenging, this assembly is for a 2 piece 35' flagpole. Accomplished by one individual from the digging of the footing, mixing the concrete for same, and assembly of flagpole and erecting it by hand.

Note: this pole is a 5" x 35' x .156 wall total weight of flagpole is 150 lbs. larger poles will require a boom truck or larger to erect, but many smaller poles can be pushed up like standing a ladder. Better if you have two or more to help.

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	1- Our two and 3 piece flagpoles are relatively easy to assemble and install. Ours have a patented construction method which makes fit and assembly smooth. I have over 40 years on installation experience along with sales and fabrication. These photos will help you understand just how to. I can’t install every flagpole, but if I can help you to understand how easy it is we will be able to sell more of them.
	2 - Let’s start with laying out.  first lay out the bottom section, the pole should be resting on sand bags on the ground not on the ground or asphalt. Clean the ends that will slide together if mill filings are present. Lay out the top section and align the alignment marks (they may be numbers or letters).
	3 - Now go to butt end of pole NOT THE TOP. Smack the butt a couple of times with hammer, ( ours is 28 lbs.)
	4 - Look it is coming together but more to go. Let’s smack it a few more times. Our poles are designed with a rolled shoulder (lower end) and the top is machine beveled to fit snugly on the shoulder. leaving an almost invisible hair line fit.
	5- A bit more to go . The flagpole sections will marry up tightly but if not lying perfectly in line or no spray lube is used it could take quite a few smacks. I often will cover area at end of pole with a oak board to protect the aluminum from the hammer. Also you can use liquid soap for a lube. (any excess will wash off pole)
	6 - Smooth clean finish. A flagpole that fits together perfectly. No welded plugs, no welded splice that don't fight tight.
	7 -  Now assemble the top head and ball together and screw into top of pole. Threads on pole and ball should both have a dab of silicone sealer on the threads. (bathtub caulking SILICONE)This when It cures will act like a rubber gasket that will keep vibrations from losing the parts.
	8 - Install and tighten, some of the threads may still be showing, this is normal.  Pull the line through the pulley, walk to end of pole and tie ends together.
	9 -Now slide flash collar up the pole about 6’ and tire halyard around the pole to prevent flash collar from slipping down. (if hammering damaged at the bottom of pole and collar won’t slide on you can file the dings or slide all the way down from top of the pole, be careful not to scrape pole.
	10 - If you damaged or scuffed the flagpole during setup it can be sanded out. Our flagpoles are sanded to a 150 grit polish. Use 150 or 120 or 180 grit sand paper and pull sand paper across pole following the same finish lines to remove marks.
	Scuff removed. Now before standing or handling the pole, Wash Your Hands. I use Windex to spray and wash hands to remove any oils from hands, otherwise when you handle or push pole up into position every place you touched pole you will leave a print and dirt will stick to it, and three months from now your hand prints will still exist. To Finish Installation
	This flagpole finished and in place 35' tall 38' 6" overall length, and no evidence that it was delivered in two sections. Our flagpoles are designed to fit together. Our patented forming method of the rolled shoulder on lower sections and beveled end on upper sections makes for a perfect fit, no welds, no pieced in sections with plug welds or poor fitting inserts.

     A bit about me, My name is Alan Koch,  I am 58 as of 2007, I am the president of Anchor Flag INC., I still install locally (gets me out of the office) to install. While many of the larger jobs we do are dug with a large auger, all residential jobs and many 25' & 30' flagpole footings are still dug by hand. It is often a better choice where equipment might tear up a yard or landscaped area. I am not to proud to dig a hole with a shovel. It's a good work out (and it pays well) Although many times I wish I were in my 30's again.