Flexstake Highway Delineators: A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Flexible Delineator
Flexible highway delineators may look simple, but choosing the right one involves more than selecting a post height and reflective color.
Where the delineator will be installed, how it will be mounted, traffic conditions, visibility requirements and project specifications can all affect which model is appropriate.
Flexstake offers several styles of flexible highway delineators designed for different roadway and traffic-control applications. Understanding the differences can make it easier to select the right post, mounting system and reflective configuration for your project.
Why Use a Flexible Highway Delineator?
Highway delineators help provide visual guidance along roadways, medians, curves, intersections and other locations where drivers need a clearly defined path.
In locations where a delineator may occasionally be struck by a vehicle, a flexible design can provide an important advantage. Rather than relying on a completely rigid post, Flexstake offers delineators designed to flex when impacted and return to an upright position.
That can help reduce the maintenance associated with replacing damaged posts, particularly in locations exposed to repeated vehicle contact.
Start With the Installation Location
One of the first decisions is whether the delineator will be installed on a paved surface or in soil.
Surface-Mounted Delineators
Surface-mounted Flexstake delineators are available for applications involving asphalt, concrete and other suitable paved surfaces.
Depending on the model and installation, mounting options may include adhesives, epoxy or mechanical fasteners.
Surface-mounted delineators are commonly considered for applications such as:
Roadway channelization
Medians
Curves and intersections
Lane separation
Parking and facility traffic control
Locations where installation into soil isn't practical
The correct mounting method depends on the particular Flexstake model, surface and application.
Ground-Mounted & Soil-Anchor Delineators
For roadside and other appropriate unpaved locations, a soil-anchor delineator may be the better choice.
These systems secure the delineator in the ground rather than attaching a base to pavement.
When selecting a ground-mounted delineator, consider the soil conditions, required post height, visibility and the specifications for the project.
Understanding the Different Flexstake Series
Flexstake manufactures several delineator designs, and they aren't interchangeable simply because they are all flexible posts.
SM 700 Series
The SM 700 is a surface-mounted flexible delineator available in multiple heights, colors and reflective-sheeting configurations.
Flexstake identifies the SM 700 as a four-part assembly consisting of the post and hinge, base, grips and pin.
This design also makes individual components replaceable, which can be useful when maintaining an existing delineator installation.
TM 750 Series
The TM 750 is a tubular surface-mounted delineator.
Its tubular design provides 360-degree visibility and Flexstake specifically describes the series for applications where traffic may be merging into a thoroughfare.
Several TM 750 configurations are available, including different bases and flat-top versions, so the complete model designation matters when requesting pricing or replacement components.
780 Series
For applications involving especially demanding impact conditions, Flexstake also offers its 780 Series surface-mount delineator.
The manufacturer offers the 780 with either an epoxy installation or anchor-cup configuration and identifies it for high-speed, high-impact applications.
As with any delineator, the appropriate model should be selected according to the requirements of the actual roadway project rather than impact performance alone.
Height, Color & Reflective Sheeting Matter
After determining the mounting style and product series, you'll need to specify the appropriate configuration.
Depending on the Flexstake model, choices can include:
Post height
Post color
Reflective sheeting color
Reflective sheeting configuration
Base or anchor style
Replacement components
The correct combination depends on where and how the delineator will be used.
If you're working from a DOT, municipal or other agency specification, use that specification when selecting the complete delineator configuration.
What About MUTCD & DOT Requirements?
This is an area where it's important not to treat every delineator as interchangeable.
The MUTCD establishes requirements for traffic-control devices used on public roadways, while individual states, agencies and projects may have additional specifications or approved-product requirements.
Flexstake provides product-specific testing and technical information for its different delineator series.
Before purchasing for a regulated roadway project, verify the specific model, height, color, reflective configuration and installation method required by the agency or project specifications.
If your bid or project documentation identifies a particular Flexstake model or part number, include it with your quote request.
Don't Forget Replacement Parts
One advantage of many Flexstake systems is that individual components can be replaced.
Depending on the model, replacement parts may include posts, bases, pins, grips and installation accessories.
For highway departments, municipalities and contractors maintaining a large number of delineators, keeping commonly needed replacement components available can make repairs easier and may eliminate the need to replace an entire assembly.
When requesting replacement parts, provide the existing Flexstake model or part number whenever possible so compatibility can be confirmed.
Choosing a Flexstake Delineator: Quick Checklist
Before requesting pricing, gather as much of the following information as possible:
Surface mount or ground mount
Installation surface or soil conditions
Desired Flexstake series or model
Required post height
Post color
Reflective sheeting requirements
Approximate quantity
Applicable DOT, agency or project specification
Replacement parts or installation accessories needed
Don't know all of the answers? That's okay. SC Supply can help narrow the choices based on your application.
Need Flexstake Airport Markers?
Flexstake also manufactures flexible markers specifically for airport applications, including surface-mounted and ground-mounted airport marker systems.
Airport products have different specifications and applications from general highway delineators, so we've kept them separate from this highway delineator guide.
Watch for our upcoming guide to choosing Flexstake airport markers.
Get Pricing & Shipping From SC Supply
SC Supply Company has more than 25 years of experience supplying traffic-safety equipment to contractors, municipalities, government agencies, utilities and other organizations.
Because delineator orders can vary considerably in quantity and shipping requirements, we don't simply apply a standard online shipping charge.
Send us your Flexstake requirements and we'll prepare a quote that includes product pricing and shipping. We look for competitive shipping options and, when possible, combine products shipping from the same supplier to help reduce the total delivered cost.
Request a quote for Flexstake highway delineators, replacement parts and accessories, or call SC Supply at 800-640-1843 for help selecting the right product.
