How to Repair Trekking Poles

mtneer_man on Flickr

Trekking poles can do wonders for relieving the stress of hiking on the back, knees and feet, particularly if you are carrying a backpack. Poles are suggested to be able to reduce up to 25 pounds of carried weight pressing down on your joints by transferring the load to your arms and the poles. They are also shock absorbing and can help stabilize you on rough terrain. But like any tool, they require occasional maintenance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

WD-40 Soft cloth Steel wool or brush
WD-40
Soft cloth
Steel wool or brush

Step 1

Fix corroded threads on the expansion plug by rubbing with steel wool or brush to break off pieces of rust.

Step 2

Use a cloth to wipe off broken rust.

Step 3

Spray WD-40 onto the metal threads and let it sit for five minutes to an hour, depending on the degree of corrosion. Then wipe it away with a cloth.

Step 4

Fix failed locks on your telescoping poles by increasing friction between the plug and tube. Hold the pole horizontally, keeping one hand at the joint. This stabilizes the plug.

Step 5

Continue rotating the smaller tube until the plug expands and tightens against the larger tube. It should be firm enough that it allows sliding of the pole, but not turning.

Step 6

Extend or retract the pole to your desired length and lock it in.

Tips & Warnings

Place a small drop of grease or oil onto metal threads after they've been cleaned to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Do not get WD-40 on the expansion plug.

Resources

Trails.com trekking poles

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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