There are plenty of accessories to choose from to protect the flag and keep it visible for everyone to see. However, there are also essential items that will guarantee that the flag stays in position regardless of where you’re placing it. Cable and rope thimbles are important in keeping the cords of the flag setup intact for any occasion. These may be small items but they are truly necessary in protecting the banner and keeping it in good condition against the wind, rain and outdoor elements.
Cable and rope thimbles are usually made of iron, steel or aluminum which is stain and rust-proof. These are placed at the top of the flagpole to secure the rope and allow you to raise and lower the flag conveniently. The thimbles can be opened or closed using a pair of pliers. These are positioned at the end of the rope so you can easily hook it at the top to create the flag setup. The cable and rope thimbles will differ in size, although standard flags generally use 1/8 inch.
A thimble is very cheap, costing only less than one dollar in most shops. You can also get bigger ones that can support tension cables for lifting and lowering bigger banners. These are preferred for ships and government buildings which feature giant banners. The cable and rope thimbles can be purchased with the rope or cable already attached or welded in place. All you need to do is slide the rope through the holes of the flag to raise it on top of the pole.