Choose a location for mounting the wind vane. Wind vanes are typically mounted on an elevated position in an area where there are no wind obstructions (e.g., buildings, houses, walls) in the immediate vicinity. Open fields and rooftops are common places where a wind vane can work effectively.
Get a compass and rotate the compass housing to show the proper geographic directions (north, south, east and west). Adjust the position of the vane so the directional markers point to their corresponding geographic locations.
Mount the wind vane according to the manufacturer's instructions while observing the correct position of the directional marker. Let the wind vane stand in the wind for several minutes to allow the wind to swing the wind vane's directional arrow. Look at the directional marker beneath the wind vane's directional arrow to know which direction the wind is coming from.
