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

 

[INresponse]

..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

My customer is my day job boss. And if I have to buy new, thicker, flag poles I will. Good customer service is of more value than having the thinner poles in my inventory. Plus, I can make some light weight flags related to my local area and sell them with the wimpy poles at my farmers market ...... eventually.

 

[SoJer]

My customer is my day job boss....if have to buy new, thicker, flag poles I will. Good customer service is of more value...

Ah, gotcha, Great attitude, That's the Way to Long-Term Success.

PS - One final question: What happened to the Wrestler-dude in yer 'Avatar's nipples? ..'Lost em in a Tragic Boating Accident'? Maybe That's why he's 'So Angry'?

Never mind - Don't answer that.. I just now noticed that, and thought I'd be a smartass before I have to go fix the Dryer.... Again.

Cheers..
jd

 

[Caribou]

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

One reason is visibility. Running in tall glass or hilly areas lets other riders know where you are so as to avoid collisions.

 

[SoJer]

One reason is visibility. ..

Yep, down here, Lots of people even run the Dunes at Night, so.. They use 'LED whips' to ensure when yer coming up / over a 'blind hill' - there's a split-second More time to 'see what'sa comin'...

jd

 

[Mountain trapper]

One reason is visibility. Running in tall glass or hilly areas lets other riders know where you are so as to avoid collisions.

That's makes sense if you're riding in populated areas. Thanks.

 

[Cabin Fever]

Just buy the base for a military whip antenna.

Or, you could buy the entire antenna

 

[Tirediron]

the oil patch makes everybody run whips here in Alberta, I think they are about 3/8 dia., and often have a couple of l e d s at the top. usually about 10 feet long, and have a spring base like Cabin fever posted, or a old style CB whip antenna spring base.

 

[INresponse]

Just buy the base for a military whip antenna.

Well, the problem is the 1/4" fiberglass pole that is about 6 feet long flexes in the wind when riding, and the heavier flags I provided really weigh down on the pole in the wind. The 1/4" poles wholesaled at $2.00 each my cost so buying something $15 or more each is not an option. I emailed my supplier and although they do not have them in stock they are checking with the manufacturer for the 5/16" poles.

Hopefully they come through for me.

Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[montanabill]

Make a dip tank from a piece of pvc pipe to dip the lightweight poles in your resins....faster.

How about some of your $2 poles bound together. Two or three would be much more resistant to bending. Just have to figure out the base mounting...One idea for binding them together might be heavy duty shrink tubing here and there...

 

[Digout]

Look for a fibreglass fishing rod blank of suitable diameter