Mummified Poles, Oh My! How to Stop Your Windsock from Wrapping Around the Pole (Aussie Edition)

Ever looked out over your site only to see your windsock doing a nice little twirl around the pole instead of flying free in the breeze?
Yep—your windsock’s not throwing a party, it’s wrapped itself up. And it’s a pretty common issue on sites across Australia.

So, what’s actually going on—and more importantly—how do you fix it?

Why Is Your Windsock Wrapping Around the Pole?

The main culprit is usually a stiff or sticky hoop frame that doesn't swivel properly. In a perfect world, a gust of wind fills your sock, and the whole hoop and sock swivel as one smooth unit.

But if the swivel joint is stiff, the hoop may start spinning before the windsock gets a chance to inflate—leading to a twist, a tangle, and one frustrated safety manager.

How to Fix a Windsock That Keeps Wrapping Around the Pole

Here are a few ways to sort it out:

✅ 1. Check Your Swivel

Make sure your frame can rotate freely. This is the most common fix.
Sometimes it’s as simple as a squirt of WD-40 or a quick clean-up.
Other times, the hardware might be worn out and in need of replacement.

A stuck swivel means you’ll always be fighting against the wind—literally.

✅ 2. Use the Right Windsock Size

Longer isn’t always better. If you go for a windsock that’s too long for the diameter of your frame, it’ll need more wind to inflate and leave a lot of material that can easily get caught and wrap around.

Stick to sock-to-hoop size ratios that make sense for your conditions.
Need help deciding? Our team can point you in the right direction.

✅ 3. Consider an Extended or Cage-Style Frame

If you’re upgrading or replacing your windsock hardware, think about going with a cage-style frame (also called an extended windsock frame). These frames have two hoops connected by spokes, which help keep the throat of the windsock wide open—even in light wind.

They’re also designed to minimise wrapping, since the sock is kept further away from the central pole. This setup gives you quicker inflation, better wind reading, and fewer headaches.

Wrapping Up the Wrapping Problem

Whether you’re running a mining operation in the Pilbara, managing a construction site in Sydney, or need a reliable sock for a regional airstrip in Queensland, a wrapped windsock isn’t just annoying—it can also be a safety hazard.

Let us help you sort it out.

📧 Email: info@custom-windsocks.com

We’ll help you choose the right sock, the best hardware, and make sure your windsock stays flying straight—not hugging your pole.