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What is a Flagpole Counterweight and Do I Need One?

Here we are answering some of the frequently asked questions we receive about flagpole counterweights.

What is a Flagpole Counterweight?

A flagpole counterweight is a weight made of rolled steel with eyebolts welded onto one or both ends.  The steel is then coated in white or colored plastisol to protect your flagpole. These come in 3 1/2 lb, 7 lb, and 14 lb weights.

What Does a Counterweight Do?

A flagpole counterweight is an essential part of an internal halyard system.  It maintains the flag tension on a flag arrangement, as well as assists in lowering the flag.

Do I Need a Counterweight?

If you have an internal halyard system flagpole, then YES, YOU DO.  As a counterweight is chiefly responsible for ensuring the flag flies and hangs properly, no counterweight means your flag will be all over the place.

If you have an external halyard system flagpole, a counterweight is not needed.  That being said, many external halyard system users choose to have one anyway, as a means of maintaining proper tension along the header.

What Size Counterweight Do I Need?

Counterweights are typically sold according to your flagpole height. 

Up to 25' flagpole - 3.5 lb counterweight

30' - 45' flagpole - 7 lb counterweight

50' - 80' flagpole - 14 lb counterweight

*Some flagpole experts advocate going a step heavier than listed above in certain cases of flying multiple flags, flying an oversize flag for your pole, or being in a high wind zone.

 

As always, if you have any questions about deciding what you need for your flagpole, feel free to contact us!

See our selection of counterweights HERE