Introduction
Are you a flag enthusiast with a keen interest in DIY projects? Or perhaps, you're simply looking for a budget-friendly, robust flagpole solution? Today I share instructions for building your a DIY telescoping flagpole using Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) conduit. It's easier than you might think, surprisingly sturdy, and a fantastic way to proudly display your flag. And, because this flagpole is retractable, it can be quickly and easily be put up and taken down! This article features 2 x varieties of flagpoles, mounted vertically in the ground, or at an angle.
Before we dive into the project, let's discuss our main material - EMT conduit. This type of conduit is a thin-walled, galvanized steel tubing used in the electrical industry to protect and route electrical wiring. Its strength, rigidity, and resistance to the elements make it perfect for a multitude of applications, including our DIY telescoping flagpole project. It is readily available to purchase at most hardware stores, and is extremely cost-effective for projects that require metallic tubing.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Supplies:
1 x Ground stake
1 x Dispensing gun
1 x Metal file
1 x Cordless drill
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Decide on the height of your flagpole. Let's say we want a 12-foot pole. The bottom section will be the 1" conduit, the middle section will be the 3/4" conduit, and the top will be the 1/2" conduit. Measure 4 feet on each conduit using the tape measure, and mark it. Wearing appropriate safety gear (e.g. safety glasses), cut your conduit pieces at the marked points using a rotary tool cutter. Remove any sharp edges or burrs using a rotary deburring tool, metal file, or Dremel tool where needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Telescoping Portion
These EMT conduit telescoping clamps make it easy to create a telescoping pole out of EMT conduit! They're made of injection-molded UV-resistant and durable plastic which is suitable for outdoor use, and they clamp onto the outside of the conduit - no drilling required!
Step 3: Add the Pole Attachments
Add the flag clips to the 1/2" conduit using a Phillips head screwdriver. These will serve as the anchor points for your flag:
The top ornament can be affixed to the 1/2" conduit in several different ways:
Use caulk/sealant to affix the ornament to the tip of the 1/2" conduit. Wait for 24 hours to allow the sealant to dry before deploying your flagpole.
Wrap the male threaded portion of the ornament with electrical tape so it fits snugly into the 1/2" conduit.
Drill a hole through the 1/2" conduit, and through the post of the plastic ornament, and feed a #10-32 bolt through both, affixing it with a corresponding #10-32 nut.
Step 4: Paint (Optional)
If you want your pole to have a specific color, this is the time to do it. Apply a coat of metal primer first, then spray paint it with your chosen color (or use a paint + primer combination spray.) Allow it to dry completely before handling.
Step 5: Mount the Flagpole
This article shares two ways to mount your flagpole: vertically in the ground using a stake, or attached to a vertical surface such as a wall, tree, or other mounting point. For a more permanent mounting solution, you can dig a hole for a bucket to fill with concrete, and position the base of the flagpole in the concrete until it fully hardens.
Conclusion
This article shared an easy way to build your own low-cost DIY telescoping flagpole from EMT conduit! The flagpole can extend and retract, allowing you to easily transport the pole, or bring the flag and pole inside during inclement weather. The telescoping couplings used for this project are available for purchase from Elation Sports Technologies:
Check out our other blog posts! To subscribe to our free newsletter, click the Log In button in the top right corner of this page so you never miss a post:
Elation Sports Technologies LLC offers mechanical and electrical engineering design consulting. I'd be happy to discuss your project's needs to see how we may assist you - simply reach out to schedule a chat.
Thanks for reading!
Austin Allen
Founder and Owner
Elation Sports Technologies LLC
Коментарі