Poles have been holding a shade awining for only 3 weeks. They are bending and strippng out the threads. I'll have to return unless a fix can be applied.After buying the pole itself and finding that it did not come with the mounting plate (which is required to mount the pole to any surface), I ordered the mounting plate which is shown with four bolts to attach it to the surface to which you want to mount the pole. Once the plate arrived, I discovered that it did not come with the four bolts. In my case, I was able to buy mounting bolts at my local Home Depot that actually worked out better, as I could imbed them in the concrete pad I was pouring rather that having to drill into the finished concrete. But still, this whole process felt like I was being nickel-and-dimed.This is a larger diameter and doesn’t fit std pipes. Even though it includes a small set screw, that doesn’t stay set when the tension Is high.The construction is very heavy and robust. I did not get the rubber gaskets that you install between the joints they were left out.. The exterior has a light coat of paint. After I installed my hands were covered with rust so I added two more coats of paint and used light grease on the treads to help with assembly and corrosion. The cost of the product is greater than the quality of the product.The pole seemed sturdy and it's 3" diameter was what I was looking for but the threaded design at the base is the issue. All the force is at this point and even with a 2.5' poured concrete footer with j hook anchors, it snapped right out of the base and stripped the threads. Look for a pole that's welded to the base, that's what I'm getting now. If you want to fly a flag off this it should be fine but any more tension than that and it'll be on the ground.Purchased two of these as anchors for a three corner sail awing. The third corner mounted to my garage. At first I thought the awning was stretching after a couple of Michigan rain storms. But while mowing the grass one day I noticed there was a gap on one side where the pieces screw together. And I noticed the pole had a slight lean to it. I pulled the pole back to upright and it popped back together. Apparently the threads are not cut into the steel but rather are inserts that are press fit into the pipe. There is absolutely not enough strength in that design. We contacted the company and they replied the next day requesting photos and so I sent them right away. Have not heard a word since. That was two months ago. Shame on Amazon for selling this crap.At 10feet the pole bends at the top when tightening the sail shade ropes.These well built and designed. I just finished building a sun sail and used these poles. That was a great choice!