How to strengthen a fiberglass flag pole for ATV/UTV use?

[INresponse]

I made some way cool flags with the customers logo on both sides, which means the material was double think so the images didn't show through on the other side. But the standard 1/4" flag pole is too thin to adequately support the weight and the flag pole bends too much when riding.

I have looked and the only 5/16" poles I have found so far are on ebay and at $15 each. Any thoughts on what I could coat the bottom half of the fiberglass pole with to strengthen it to reduce the flex? A coating of fiberglass resin would work but it sets up so fast I could only do a few poles with each mix, same with epoxy. I can't use a metal sleeve as it has to be able to bend during a roll over. I know I am grasping at straws but I am hoping someone has an idea.
Thanks in advance.

 

[zoomzoom]

Bend during a rollover? I won't ask.
How about copper? It'll bend.
https://www.amazon.com/Quickun-Copper-Seamless-Tubing-3-28FT/dp/B09921BZCJ

 

[Neb]

I made some way cool flags with the customers logo on both sides, which means the material was double think so the images didn't show through on the other side. But the standard 1/4" flag pole is too thin to adequately support the weight and the flag pole bends too much when riding.

I have looked and the only 5/16" poles I have found so far are on ebay and at $15 each. Any thoughts on what I could coat the bottom half of the fiberglass pole with to strengthen it to reduce the flex? A coating of fiberglass resin would work but it sets up so fast I could only do a few poles with each mix, same with epoxy. I can't use a metal sleeve as it has to be able to bend during a roll over. I know I am grasping at straws but I am hoping someone has an idea.
Thanks in advance.

insert pole inside a PVC pipe?

Acetone should remove any markings on the PVC.

Ben

 

[Peanut]

Rebar inside pvc pipe?

 

[SoJer]

... the standard 1/4" flag pole is too thin to adequately support the weight and the flag pole bends too much when riding.
..Any thoughts on what I could coat the bottom half of the fiberglass pole with to strengthen it to reduce the flex?..

I'd give this stuff a Shot: https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-FiberWeld-Automoitve-Repair/dp/B09BBGS7CN Works as-advertised, Tough as Nails..

..or This, if you need 'wider' https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Repair-Simple-Furniture-Winding/dp/B08Y8L2MKS

Keep us posted..

jd

 

[Caribou]

How about a long, tightly wound spring? They use them to support copper tubing etc.

 

[INresponse]

Bend during a rollover? I won't ask.
How about copper? It'll bend.
https://www.amazon.com/Quickun-Copper-Seamless-Tubing-3-28FT/dp/B09921BZCJ

Well, the object of the flexible fiberglass whip style pole is to allow it to bend without breaking if it hits a tree branch or if the rider does something stupid and rolls the machine. The fiberglass will bend and should not break, in most cases.

insert pole inside a PVC pipe?

Acetone should remove any markings on the PVC.

Ben

That would work but way too redneck. I doubt the customers would appreciate the look.

Rebar inside pvc pipe?

Rebar isn't exactly flexible. It would bend but it wouldn't return to the original position.

I'd give this stuff a Shot: https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-FiberWeld-Automoitve-Repair/dp/B09BBGS7CN Works as-advertised, Tough as Nails..

..or This, if you need 'wider' https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Repair-Simple-Furniture-Winding/dp/B08Y8L2MKS

Keep us posted..

jd

It is an idea but it would be rather pricey reinforcing 50 flag poles.

How about a long, tightly wound spring? They use them to support copper tubing etc.

Another idea but still on the redneck side of possibilities.

Honestly, I don't think there is an option but I asked hoping someone had a usable idea.

 

[Mountain trapper]

What's the purpose of a flag pole on an ATV?

 

[Peanut]

I guess a smaller flag is plan B?

 

[SoJer]

It is an idea but it would be rather pricey reinforcing 50 flag poles.

..Can you 'Upcharge' to cover the cost? Maybe no 'profit' in that reinforcement, but.. If Your 'Flag n Poles' become famous for 'They Never Break!', well..

..Repeat Biz may help, eventually, 'pad that slim margin'..

Fwiw..
jd