In fixing the topmast of a flagstaff to a mainmast it must be remembered that the masthead, that is, the portion between the two caps, or brackets, is square and slightly tapered, and the caps fit tightly on it, one at the top and the other on the cheeks below. In small flagstaff's, where housing the topmast is unnecessary, the other holes are usually round, the heel of the topmast being round also. After the topmast is hoisted, it is wedged in position, and a fid bolt put through the heel resting on the lower cap; these light poles are not provided with stays. Larger staffs have a sheave-hole in the heel as well as a fid-hole, and the upper cap is fitted with iron bolts, to one of which the end of the mast rope is hitched. The hauling part is passed through the sheave-hole, and through a block hooked on to the other cap bolt. A slack lashing is put round the topmast and hauling part of the mast rope about one-third down, a sailor goes aloft and points the mast, and when the topmast head is well through the upper cap he puts on a grommet (to prevent chafe), and then the stays; he then fixes the truck, and reefs the signal halyards. When the mast is hoisted, he puts the fid in; the mast rope is then slackened, and stays are set up, etc.

Lowering, or housing, is performed in the reverse order.