Choosing a windsock is not only a question of colour or length. The inlet diameter must match the frame, the mounting system must suit the structure, and the complete assembly must remain free to rotate and respond to changing wind direction.
This guide explains how to measure a windsock, choose a compatible frame and prepare the information needed before installation. It covers the stock sizes currently displayed on the Custom Windsocks Australia storefront. It does not replace project-specific engineering, site-safety requirements or instructions supplied by another frame manufacturer.
Visibility illustration only. Actual visibility depends on colour, background, weather, installation height and viewing conditions. The windsock sizes are metric, but the viewing-distance labels in the current artwork are in yards.
Before choosing a size, record:
If you already have a circular frame, the frame diameter usually determines the windsock inlet diameter. You can then choose an available length that suits the required visibility and site conditions.
For a new installation, the simplest option is to start with a complete windsock-and-frame kit. The kit pairs the windsock inlet with the matching circular frame, which removes the most common sizing mistake. Choose the orange-and-white Airport Windsock Kit with Frame or the Orange Airport Windsock Kit with Frame, then plan the supporting pole or structural mount separately.
If you are replacing one component in an existing installation, choose the windsock and compatible frame together rather than ordering from nominal dimensions alone.
Windsock dimensions are shown as:
inlet diameter × overall length
For example, a 450 mm × 1,800 mm windsock has an inlet opening of approximately 450 mm and an overall length of approximately 1,800 mm.
The current Australian stock selectors include the following heavy-duty sizes:
| Inlet diameter | Available stock lengths shown on the AU storefront |
|---|---|
| 200 mm | 900 mm on the solid-orange range |
| 250 mm | 900 mm |
| 330 mm | 1,400 mm |
| 450 mm | 1,200 mm, 1,500 mm, 1,800 mm or 2,400 mm |
| 600 mm | 2,400 mm |
| 900 mm | 3,650 mm |
Not every colour or construction is offered in every size. Check the selected product page before ordering.
Available heavy-duty stainless-steel windsock frames are currently shown in 200 mm, 250 mm, 330 mm, 450 mm and 600 mm diameters. For a 900 mm frame requirement, contact us before ordering so the complete installation can be reviewed.
For a standard circular frame, match the nominal frame diameter to the windsock inlet diameter:
| Windsock inlet | Matching nominal frame |
|---|---|
| 200 mm | 200 mm frame |
| 250 mm | 250 mm frame |
| 330 mm | 330 mm frame |
| 450 mm | 450 mm frame |
| 600 mm | 600 mm frame |
Do not choose a smaller inlet and assume it can be stretched over a larger frame. A poor fit can prevent correct attachment, distort the inlet and interfere with rotation.
For 900 mm windsocks or any size not listed in the frame selector, contact the Custom Windsock Co. before ordering.
Existing frames are not always built to the same dimensions. The nominal first-hoop diameter alone may not be enough to confirm fit.
Provide:
Provide:
If a correctly fitting windsock is available, also measure:
Because manufacturers use different hoop spacing and rear-hoop dimensions, fit should not be confirmed from the first-hoop diameter alone. A replacement may require alteration or custom production.
See the existing heavy-duty windsock sizing page for the current measurement diagrams.
A heavy-duty circular frame supports the mouth of an airport or industrial-style windsock. A hanging pivot arm is used with a windsock designed for hanging attachment.
Do not treat the two systems as interchangeable.
Current AU hanging-windsock sizes shown on the storefront are 200 mm × 600 mm, 250 mm × 900 mm and 300 mm × 1,200 mm.
The current heavy-duty frame and pivot-arm product pages describe 304 stainless-steel construction, enclosed dual ball-bearing rotation and a ¾-inch NPT threaded mounting stub. The Custom Windsock Co. now supplies its current circular frames with the ¾-inch NPT connection; the older ½-inch NPT frame configuration is no longer offered.
The supporting pole, coupling, wall bracket or structural connection must suit the selected frame and installation site. Before buying mounting hardware, confirm:
Current Custom Windsock Co. frames use a ¾-inch NPT connection. Confirm that the receiving coupling and supporting structure are suitable for the selected installation before work begins.
The Windsock Extension Pole is not currently offered for the Australia market and is not part of this guide. Source any supporting pole or structural mount separately after confirming the required connection and site loads.
The exact installation method depends on the frame and supporting structure, but the work should normally be planned in this order:
For the existing installation notes, see Heavy-Duty Windsock Installation. The older reference to ½-inch NPT hardware is obsolete; current Custom Windsock Co. frames use the ¾-inch NPT connection.
Start with the viewing requirement and the applicable operational or site specification. Do not assume that one size or material claim applies to every aviation installation. Review the Australian aviation windsock collection and confirm any compliance requirement for the site.
Prioritise visibility, continuous outdoor exposure, corrosion resistance and safe maintenance access. Confirm whether the windsock must be visible from multiple work areas and whether the supporting structure needs site engineering or HSE approval.
Choose a location with clear airflow and visibility from the work area. Avoid mounting immediately behind buildings, trees or other obstructions that can create turbulence or shield the windsock.
Corrosion resistance and routine inspection are important. Salt exposure may increase the need to inspect attachment points, bearings and supporting hardware.
For a new circular-frame installation, use a matched windsock-and-frame kit instead of selecting the two components separately:
Both kits are currently published for Australia. They pair the windsock with the matching frame diameter. The supporting pole, structural mount, coupling and installation labour remain separate unless the product page explicitly states otherwise.
Check each product page rather than assuming a complete installation is included.
An individual windsock product normally does not include:
An individual frame or pivot arm normally does not include the windsock or the supporting structure. The windsock-and-frame kits above are the recommended exception for customers starting without a frame.
For current component products, review Frames and Hardware or contact us before ordering a mixed system.
Email info@custom-windsocks.com with:
This information lets us check the available products and identify where customisation or additional hardware may be required.
