Flag Stand Point?

Lee Hachigian

Active member
Question: I'm replacing the points (1/4-inch Dia. Steel) on my flag stands because they have rusted and oxidized. In lieu of stainless steel, does anyone have any experience with brass points? I've got Smiley flags on homemade stands.

Thanks, Lee :confused:
 
Lee,

Question: I'm replacing the points (1/4-inch Dia. Steel) on my flag stands because they have rusted and oxidized. In lieu of stainless steel, does anyone have any experience with brass points? I've got Smiley flags on homemade stands.

Thanks, Lee :confused:
we should talk at St. Louis.

David
 
Just a suggestion

If the point section on your vertical rod will allow, cut the point portion off and drill and tap for a cone point socket set screw. maybe 3/8" to 1/2" long.
The steel is hard and will last a long time and if you have a problem just remove and replace.
You could use a Hex lock nut or loctite if the screw goes in loose.

The brass would last but depending on the degree of angle the point might get dull. Well theirs Brasso :cool:

I have used this set screw installation on my front rest screws with no problem at all.
Now they fit into my new super feet.
Centerfire
 
You can simply glue a ball bearing inside the flag pivot and face the end of the rod flat, and polish. Then again, very little of the friction we deal with in the flag pivot actually comes from the end of the pin/pivot. By far, most comes from side load, particularly on large diameter pins such as 1/4". Lots of people feel like they can simply balance the flag perfectly and do away with most of the side load. Truth is, that load varies with wind speed and flag design. What's balanced in a static state is not when it starts moving or wind force is applied.

That's why I prefer smaller pins and teflon pivot material on my flags. Side load is inevitable. I think we just have to deal with it as best we can.
I've seen ss rods that were pretty badly scoured by the flag pivot...likely from dirt or some abrasive getting inside. For that reason, I think brass would be less than ideal.
 
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Lee...why do you want to use brass rather than stainless? I'm not headed anywhere with that question - just asking.
 
All, Thank you for the suggestion and thoughts. I made a few out of a brass rod and I will give them a try. If they don't work I'll order a length of SS rod online. Not a lot of effort to make.

See you all in September.
Lee
 
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I think they will work just fine. Holler back if you have any trouble so we'll know....
 
Lee, the points that come on Smiley poles are a point. Not much of one, but somewhat of a point. Maybe angled at about 30 degrees about like a bolt nose. The tips are quite a bit smaller in diameter than what the flag is. Not sure why that is. But, are about a 1/16" smaller with the poles and flags that I got from Smiley at the Shamrock a few years ago.
 
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