External Rope System

External Rope (Halyard) System for Frequently Raised and Lowered Flags

During flag ceremonies, the raising of the flag is the most awaited part of the gathering because it is where all of us can give honor to what it represents as well as paying respect to our country. But have you ever wondered how the flag is easily raised? What system could have been used? Normally, present technology use the external rope (halyard) system for this particular application.

What is an external rope (halyard) system? Actually, it is the system used in raising and lowering the flag. By the name itself, external rope (halyard) system, it already tells us that the rope system is located dangling alongside the pole. The system is composed of a rope or cable , whichever is more appropriate for a specific flagpole; a truck that covers the topmost part of the pole; a pulley, a simple machine that aids the upward or downward motion of the flag; and a cleat where the remaining rope or cable is wrapped around to lock the entire system in place. Usually, the external rope (halyard) system is used for flagpoles where the flags are frequently raised and lowered because it is simpler to do, considering that you only have to remove or uncoil the remaining rope or cable from the cleat.

But for permanently raised flagpoles, it is best to use the internal rope (halyard) system because the entire flagpole mechanism is inside the pole and the free end of the rope is securely kept inside a box with doors and keys. This system is also more appropriate for flagpole areas where vandalism and theft is rampant.