Internal Halyard 25NSM-YA(G) – 40NSM-YA(G) Installation Instructions

Important

• THIS FLAGPOLE REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
• Please read and understand these instructions before installing your flagpole.
• It is important to select a location for your pole where it cannot be struck by automobiles, bicycles,
  lawn mowers, or any object that can damage it.
• It is most important to avoid any overhead obstructions. AVOID ANY LOCATION IN THE VICINITY OF POWER LINES.
• It is most important that you are aware of any gas or power lines or any type of obstruction below
  ground. Always contact your local “Dig Safe” service before digging or excavating the area.
• Do not allow the pole to lie around a job site. Keep the pole straight and dry during storage and erect as soon as possible after delivery.
• DO NOT allow children to operate a flagpole unattended.
• DO NOT climb flagpoles and DO NOT lean ladders against flagpoles.

Parts List

1. Flagpole Shaft
2. Ground Sleeve
3. FLAGPOLE FITTINGS
   1. Gold Ball (1)
   2. Halyard (rope) (1)
   3. Flag Snaps (2)
   4. Truck (pulley assembly) with Self-tapping screw
   5. Tube of Loctite (1)
   6. Cleat with Stainless Self-tapping screws
   7. Decorative Flash Collar

Tools & Accessories Required (not supplied by manufacturer)

1. Level
2. Pliers
3. Screwdriver
4. Cedar Wedges
5. Dry Sand
6. Cement
7. Drill and Drill Bit
8. Shovel/Excavating Tools
9. Crushed Stone
10. Wrench

Foundation

The foundation requirements depend on the height of the pole, the butt diameter, and most importantly the type of ground content, i.e., gravel, dirt, sand, etc.

1. Dig a hole 3 to 4 times the diameter of the pole and deep enough for the ground sleeve to be flush with the surface. (If the ground is soft or sandy, increase the diameter of the hole.)
2. Center the ground sleeve in the hole and fill about 2” of crushed stone in and around the ground sleeve for drainage.
3. Fill around the ground sleeve with cement. When the hole is about ½ full, plumb the sleeve by placing a level into the sleeve at 2 points 90 degrees apart. As you continue adding cement, be sure the sleeve remains plumb.

Flagpole And Fittings Assembly

1. Leave the plastic wrap on the pole for protection.
2. Slip the flash collar onto the bottom of the pole, the fittings kit box can be used to hold this up while installing.
3. Apply Loctite to the threads of the gold ball and screw into the truck. DO NOT apply turning force on the ball. Use pliers on the spindle to tighten. Tighten the lock nut.
4. Place the ball/truck assembly into the top of the pole. Drill 3 holes with a 1/8” bit, 120 degrees apart, through the shaft and truck stem about 1.5” from the top of the pole. Secure the truck to the pole with the self-tapping screws provided.
5. Thread the halyard through the sheave (pulley), attach the snaps (see illus.) and secure halyard ends with a square knot. Adjust the spacing between the 2 snaps to match the flag grommets. Install the yardarm or a yardarm and gaff at this time, referring to the instructions below.

Yardarm/Gaff Fittings Assembly

1. Un-wrap the yardarm or yardarm/gaff and the top 1/3 of the flagpole. The bracket should be placed 1/3 of the way down from the top of the flagpole (see chart below). Lift the flagpole and slide the section of the bracket with the yardarm attached under the pole. When you place the flagpole back down, it should rest inside the bracket tube. Take the other section of the bracket (back plate or gaff) and place it on the pole. Line up the tabs from both bracket sections (4 tabs per section) and insert bolts. Tighten the bolts so that the bracket assembly is firmly fixed to the flagpole. (It may be necessary to re-adjust the bracket placement for a secure fit of the bracket.)
2. Place the halyards through the two ends of the yardarms and join each of the two ends with a square knot. Fasten the flag snaps above and below the knot (see Snap illustration).
3. (For Yardarm/gaff) – Place the halyards through the pulley in the gaff truck and the two pulleys at the ends of the yardarm and join each of the ends with a tight square knot. Fasten the flag snaps above and below the knot (see illustration for attaching snaps).
4. When drilling for the two yardarm cleats, place them on opposite sides of the pole below or above the main halyard cleat. This will prevent a weak spot from occurring around the pole as the case would be if all three cleats were placed in the plane.
5. (For yardarm/gaff) – When drilling for the three yardarm/gaff cleats, place the cleat for the gaff exactly opposite the cleat for the main truck. Place the two cleats for the yardarm opposite each other either above or below the cleats for the main truck and gaff. This will prevent a weak spot from occurring around the pole as the case would be if all four cleats were placed in the same plane.
6. Do not tighten the yardarm/gaff halyards around the cleats. Leave them loose to prevent straining the assembly when the halyards shrink. A slight bow in the halyard from the yardarm/gaff to the cleats is recommended.
7. Remove the rest of the plastic wrap.

Yardarm/Gaff Distance From Top of Flagpole

Model#	Above Ground Height	Measurement From The Top
25NSM-YA OR -YAG	25′	8.5′
30NSM-YA OR -YAG	30′	10.0′
35NSM-YA OR -YAG	35′	12.0′
40NSM-YA OR -YAG	40′	13.0′

Flagpole Installation

1. When the cement is firmly set, remove the upper 2/3 of the plastic wrap from the pole, raise the pole upright, and lower into the sleeve. Rotate the pole so the pulley faces a direction away from the prevailing wind.
2. Cut strips lengthwise from a cedar shingle (wedges) and push them part way down between the pole and sleeve in 3 or 4 places. Double the shims, if necessary, to keep them from dropping in the space. The shims can be used to plumb the pole by sliding opposite shims up or down as necessary. Use a level to plumb the pole. Be aware, the pole is tapered, and the bubble will not indicate on center but should remain in the same relative position as it’s placed against the pole on all sides.
3. When the plumb is established, pack the area between the pole and the sleeve with dry sand and tamp it firmly. Break off the shims level with the sleeve.
4. Remove the rest of the plastic wrap.
5. Drill 2 cleat holes* approximately 48” above grade and opposite the pulley and secure the cleat with the self-tapping screws provided. Positioning the cleat on the opposite side from the pulley makes the halyard take a half turn around the pole, preventing a good deal of rope slapping in the wind. It also helps keep the pole clean.
   *3/16” bit for 24’ – 40’

Caring For Your Fiberglass Flagpole

1. Dirt on the pole comes mostly from a dirty halyard. The polyester halyard is machine washable. Replace the halyard often.
2. When the flag is not flying, bring the flag snaps together and wrap them around the cleat to prevent them from hitting the pole.
3. Wipe off dirt marks with soap and water using a sponge. With white poles, stains or old dirt can often be removed with a mild bleach solution. DO NOT use sandpaper or any abrasive material on the surface. The pole can be polished with a nonabrasive cleaning compound recommended for fiberglass surfaces. A “magic” eraser type pad is also a great, gentle cleaner.
4. Proper flag etiquette precludes flying the flag in inclement weather. The flag should not be flown in high winds. It can damage the pole and place unnecessary wear on the flag and halyard.