What goes in a flagpole truck?

Asked by: Sherry Johns

The rather uninspiring truth is that there’s nothing hidden inside those gold balls. Well, at least not in the flagpole finials we have on our site. Commonly referred to as “trucks” in military circles, the finial is mounted to flagpoles to keep rainwater out and serve as ornamentation.

What’s inside the truck on flagpole?

Inside is a razor blade, a match, and a bullet. You must use the razor blade to cut the stars and stripes from the American flag, the match to burn the remains, and the bullet to defend the base or shoot yourself … depending on the circumstance. At least, that’s what the legend says.

Why is the ball on top of a flagpole called a truck?

‘Truck’ is the term for the finial — or ball — on top of the base headquarters’ flagpole. It’s kind of a trick question because every other ‘truck’ is either a military or privately-owned vehicle.

Where is the truck on a flagpole?

A flagpole truck is the part that fits on the top of your in-ground flagpole and covers the top, holds the finial in place and includes the pulley that your halyard is attached to.

Why is there a gold ball on top of flagpoles?

The main purpose of the ball is to hold the flag in place. More specifically, it prevents the flag from sliding off the top of the flagpole. Many flags feature a tube-like section of fabric that runs vertically along the left-hand side of the flag.

What is buried under a flagpole?

The most popular items claimed to be stored inside the gold ball are a razor blade, a match and a bullet. The razor must be used to cut down the flag from the halyard, or tear it into strips.

What is a flag rope called?

Halyard rope, or flagpole rope, is used to raise and lower your flag on most external halyard flagpoles.

Why do they fold the American flag in a triangle?

The flag gets folded into a triangle because it is actually meant to resemble a tri-cornered hat, like the ones worn by George Washington and other soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

What is a flagpole finial?

Flagpole finials are the decorative ornaments that are placed at the top of the flagpole. Finials can also serve to protect outdoor hollow flagpoles from the rain or be used to hold pulleys, which allow the flag to be raised and lowered.

What do you do if the American flag touches the ground?

The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it’s severely soiled or damaged to the point where it’s no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.

What color should a flag pole be?

The most popular colors are silver, bronze, black, and white. You might want to choose one that matches the trim of your house or possibly the color of your fencing. The most common types of finishes on flagpoles are powder coating, painting, or anodizing.

What is the top of a flagpole called?

Finial

Finial: The decoration that sits on top of most flagpoles. For example, a ball or an eagle. Finish: The surface of the flagpole.

How do you get to the top of a flagpole?

I use the same principle with attach to my feet and walk right up the pole. As if it had spikes on it I've been doing it since I was 15 and I turned 55. Last month or November.

How do you put a rope on a flag pole?

Pinch. The rope loop. Through the clip. And pull tight this process is the same for both our metal and nylon clips. Now you'll attach your first clip to the top krama of your flag.

How do you put a new rope on a flag pole?

Cut the old rope above the knot. And continue holding both ends with your new piece of rope bring the end of it together with the end of the old rope using electrical tape wrap.