What is the reason for that little ball on the top of the flagpole?

Question

Yes, it would seem that they use it to keep the flag from flying off, but that isn't really true. It can't be. So why do we continue to manufacture these flagpole balls? It seems they serve no purpose.

Answer 1

It was thought to be there so the flag wouldn't fly off of the pole. That is correct but it is as much decorative.

Answer 2

It made entirely of chocolate, a prize for anyone who can reach it!

...wow, someone has no sense of humor...

Answer 3

Good answer Joe.  Yes why worry about the ball on the flag stick?  Worry about the one your trying to hit!

Answer 4

Like a finial on the end of a curtain rod, it serves two purposes. One is functional; the other is decorative.

The pole itself is just a long pipe (or multiple pipes connected). The "ball" is part of a larger one-piece mold that includes a flat base, which is often used as the device that holds the rope on which the flag is attached. The piece is either screwed or welded into/onto the pipe. (It also prevents precipitation from getting inside the pole.)

Sometimes the ball is an eagle or other symbol. Balls are often used when the tops of the poles are simply too far to see with the naked eye. They are cheaper than the custom-molded symbols.

Now, the more relative question is why this is such an important issue for you.

ADDED - 4/4, 10:10pm CT ... Thanks, CableGuy but I didn't even consider that the questioner meant to say flag "stick." Big difference between a "pole" and a "stick." Still, I'll "stick" to my answer regarding the "pole."

ADDED - 4/5, 1:42pm CT ... To TheFist, I'm the guy that gave you the thumbs down. It's not that I don't have a sense of humor. (You can ask around.) It's that your answer wasn't funny. (You can ask around.)

Answer 5

Decorative and for Depth Perception.