Cast Aluminum Flagpole Cleat — 6" or 9" Halyard Tie-Off

A cleat is one of the smallest parts on a flagpole and one of the most used. Every time you raise or lower your flag, the halyard ties off here. Our cast aluminum cleat is the standard for the job — sturdy, made in the USA, and available in two sizes to match your pole.

It's a simple piece of hardware, but the size you pick matters, and if you're replacing an existing cleat the hole spacing matters even more. We'll walk through both below.

What this page sells

This is a configurable listing — pick your size and finish at the top of the page. Two sizes are available here:

• 6" cleat — carries a small, low-profile Gettysburg Flag Works stamp on the face. The stamp is minimal and doesn't change the overall look of the cleat.
• 9" cleat — unbranded. Clean, unmarked face.

Which size do I need?

The general rule: larger cleats for larger poles. There's room to wind more halyard around a 9" cleat, and the proportions look right on a taller pole. A 6" cleat on a 30-ft commercial pole looks undersized and won't hold as many wraps; a 9" cleat on a 15-ft residential pole looks oversized.

• 6" — typical for residential flagpoles up to around 25 ft, paired with 4x6 or smaller flags
• 9" — typical for taller residential poles, commercial flagpoles, and any setup flying a 5x8 or larger flag

These are guidelines, not hard rules. If you're between sizes or unsure, the 9" is the safer pick — you can always have more halyard than you need on a cleat, but not less.

Replacing an existing cleat? Read this first.

This is the most common reason a cleat order goes sideways. If you're swapping out an old cleat and hoping to reuse the existing screw holes in the pole, the spacing has to match exactly.

6" Cleat

2" between bolt centers

9" Cleat

2 3/4" between bolt centers

Measure center-to-center on the existing screw holes, not the outside edges. If you're not sure, snap a photo with a ruler in frame and we can tell you what you're looking at.

Specifications

• Material: cast aluminum
• Mounting: two stainless steel screws included
• 6" cleat: 2" between bolt centers, with subtle Gettysburg Flag Works branding
• 9" cleat: 2 3/4" between bolt centers, unbranded
• Finishes available: Silver, Bronze, White, Black (spray finish)
• Made in the USA

A note on the color finishes

The colored finishes (Bronze, White, Black) are spray-painted over the cast aluminum. They look clean out of the box and match the rest of our colored flagpole hardware, but as with any painted outdoor hardware, expect some wear over time at the points where the halyard wraps and unwraps against the cleat.

If you want maximum longevity and don't need a color match, the Silver finish is the bare cast aluminum and won't show wear the same way.

What pairs well with this cleat

Worried about flag theft? The cleat is the access point.

If someone wants to lower your flag, this is where they do it. The cleat is the only exposed hardware on the pole that controls the halyard — and on a residential or commercial pole, it's typically at chest height.

Two options if that's a concern:

You can also browse the full anti-theft flagpole hardware category.

Installation notes

The included stainless steel screws are self-tapping, but on most aluminum flagpoles you'll want to pre-drill pilot holes — it's easier on the screws and gives you a cleaner finish. Mark your hole locations, drill straight pilots, then drive the screws.

Position the cleat 4 to 5 feet up from the base of the pole. High enough to be out of reach of small children, low enough to operate without a step.

Tighten firmly but don't over-torque — you're driving into cast aluminum and the threads can strip if you really lean on it.

Made in the USA

Our cleats are cast and finished in the United States. We've been sourcing American-made flagpole hardware since 1993 and we're proud of it. Learn more on our Made in the USA page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which size cleat do I need — 6" or 9"?

Larger cleats go on larger poles. As a guideline: 6" for residential poles up to about 25 ft with 4x6 or smaller flags; 9" for taller residential, commercial, or any setup flying a 5x8 or larger flag. When in doubt, go larger — the 9" gives you more halyard wrap.

Are mounting screws included?

Yes — two stainless steel screws come with every cleat. No need to buy hardware separately.

Will this fit my existing cleat's screw holes?

Only if the hole spacing matches exactly. Our 6" cleat is 2" between bolt centers; our 9" is 2 3/4". Measure your existing holes center-to-center before ordering. If they don't match, you'll need to drill new holes.

What's the difference between the branded 6" and unbranded 9"?

The 6" cleat has a small, subtle Gettysburg Flag Works stamp on the face — minimal and not visually prominent. The 9" cleat on this page is unbranded. If you specifically want a 9" with a more prominent GFW-branded face, that's a separate product — see our standalone 9" branded cleat.

How durable is the painted finish?

The Bronze, White, and Black finishes are spray-painted over cast aluminum. They look clean out of the box, but expect some wear at the halyard contact points over time. Silver is bare cast aluminum and doesn't show wear the same way.

How high up the pole should I install the cleat?

4 to 5 feet from the base. High enough to be out of reach of small children, low enough to operate without a step.

Can someone untie my flag at the cleat?

Yes — that's why cleat covers exist. If theft or tampering is a concern, look at our cleat cover box or full halyard security cover.

Questions about flagpole cleats?

If you're replacing an existing cleat and not sure about hole spacing, or you're between the 6" and 9" and want a second opinion, we'd rather you ask before ordering. Reach out through our Contact Us page and one of our flag and flagpole specialists will walk you through it.

You can also browse our full selection of flagpole cleats or our broader in-ground flagpole hardware catalog.