Flag Terminology

Canton

Blue field, white stars. Also known as a field or jack.

Heading

Heavy fabric used to secure the flag to the halyard line, typically made of durable cotton or synthetic canvas.

Grommet

A brass ring or eyelet, normally located 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 flagpole, often an eagle, spear, or ball.

Snap Hooks

Hardware made of either brass or molded nylon to attach a 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 when tied to a cleat or internal.

Flash Collar

The cover for the base of a flagpole, used to complement the looks of the pole and protect the base.

Foundation Tube

Cylinder tube used to form the concrete base of an outdoor flagpole.

Fly End

The end of the flag that flies in the breeze. Also the part of the flag that endures the most stress.

Hoist End

The part of the flag that attaches to the halyard.

Roped Heading

A flag where the hoisted end is reinforced with a rope throughout the heading.

SST

A type of heading that uses the base fabric of a flag to construct a sleeve that slides over a pole, with a tab to attach near the 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 the top.

Pole Hem

The same heading as a fabric sleeve but with a fabric lining.

Outrigger

A flagpole mounted on a building at an angle other than vertical.