Flag Terms & Descriptions

FLAG DESCRIPTION & TERMINOLOGY

Canton: Blue field, white stars. Also known as Field or Jack.
Heading: Heavy Fabric used to secure flag to the halyard line, made of durable cotton or synthetic canvas.
Grommet: Brass ring or eyelet (normally in the heading) for mounting outdoor flags.
Truck: The device at the top of an outdoor pole that houses the pulley wheel.
Finial: A decorative top for a flag pole, often an eagle, spear or ball.
Snap Hooks: Hardware made of either brass or molded nylon to attach the flag to the halyard line.
Cleat: The device used to secure the bottom of the flagpole halyard.
Halyard: Rope used to raise the flag, can be external and tied to a cleat: or internal.
Flash Collar: The cover for the base of the pole, used for cosmetic and protective purposes.
Foundation Tube: Cylinder tube used as a form for the concrete base of an in-ground flag pole.

Hoist End The part of the flag that attaches to the halyard.

Roped Heading A flag where the hoisted end in reinforced with a rope throughout the heading

Fly End The end of the flag that “flies” in the breeze, also the part of the flag that endures the most stress
SST A type of heading that uses the base fabric of the flag to construct a sleeve that usually slides over a pole, with a tab to attach near top.
Fabric Sleeve A type of heading that adds a piece of fabric to an existing flag to construct a sleeve that usually slides over a pole, with a tab to attach near top.
Pole Hem The same heading as fabric sleeve but with a fabric lining.