My walking stick broke

Midnight Scout

Midnight Scout

Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
299
I have a Komperdell Travelite Titanal walking sitck my sister gave me a few years ago. It is collapsable and I love it.

I got it wet on my last hike and today when I used it I noticed that a thin plastic film on the pole sections had deteriorated and was coming off. No big deal, but then the locking mechanism on the lowest section got stuck and I think it is due to the plastic film gumming up the threads. I can't get the section to twist right or left, nor can I get it to go in or out.

Anyone have experience with Komperdell's locking mechanisms and have ideas on how to get it unstuck? The pliers have not worked, so I am thinking I might heat up the pole section and maybe an expansion of the pole will loosen the mechanism? I don't want to break it trying to fix it.

Thanks!
 
I had the same problem with a pair of Lekis when some sand gunked up the locking mechanisms. I doused the spot with WD-40, let it soak for a while, and then was able to just push and twist real hard to get the locking mechanism back in place. I took it apart just to see how the mechanism worked, and it is basically just a piece of plastic that expands when you twist the pole, locking the section in place. Hope this helps...
 
Thanks, I'll give it a try. I was worried that WD-40 might damage the plastic inserts, but if yours are OK, I'll se what it can do for mine.:thumbup:
 
Hey Guys...

The locking section on one of mine was destroyed.. I ended up putting a couple of self tapping screws to lock the sections together....

Looks a little Redneck,, but it works....

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Yeah, I wanted to avoid that because I like to collapse it as far as it will go so it goes into my luggage when I travel. Plus, when I hike I usually keep collapsed and only open it up when I am navigating rocky hillsides. I think it is easier to walk along with with collapsed than it is when it is open. But it is a great sitck, so if I have to drill it to fix it, I will.
 
Man, I hope my hickory stick never does that!

Sorry, that was smart-mouthed. I had no idea that the newer poles would do that. My son has one, and really likes the light weight.
 
I don't know guys, if I am going to carry a walking stick, it's going to be a real stick and I'm gonna be able to defend myself with it...it's a multiple-use sort of implement to me...even if I have knives, yes, yes, yes...and a gun...
 
Yeah, no offense intented to those that use the high tech stuff, but like Don Rearic states, the low tech sticks/staffs are multiple use tools and because I carry a fairly long staff, if it breaks, it's just a shorter version of itself and is still a functional tool.
 
I'm not knocking these kinds of high-tech sticks, but I have had the same problems with ski poles, extension paint roller handles, sweep broom handles, etc. What I carry is a real wooden walking stick with a hex-head lag bolt on the tip for those occasional middle-of-the-forehead applications that need to be applied.
 
Codger_64 said:
Buford Pusser, Theodore Roosevelt, and Mrs. Andrew Jackson. :D
Click to expand...

:D:):p:D:):p:D:D

LMAO

I have a Komperdell stick (forgot the model) that has been through hell and is still going strong. The only thing I don't like about it is the selectable "shock absorbing" feature. The stick kind of rattles a little with the feature "on".

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Codger_64 said:
Buford Pusser, Theodore Roosevelt, and Mrs. Andrew Jackson. :D
Click to expand...

It took a minute, but then I spit Bloody Mary all over the Mac.

My stick is Persimmon (which may account for my wife's expression), but there is a LOT of hickory in my new locale (Upstate S.C.)

Rob
 
I completely understand the attraction of the utility and light weight of the new (to me anyway) synthetic and metal hiking sticks. But there is a lot to be said for the heavier wood ones as well. I hope you can resove your problem with the adjustment feature. Maybe the manufacturer can help.

Hickory and persimmon are excellent. WHen I need something now and not later, I use locally available willow. It is not nearly as stiff or durable, but it performs a staff's functions short term and I can leave it in the woods without a loss.

Ash is good too. Both hickory and ash hoe and rake handles can be reworked into great hiking staffs, albeit not quite as rustic appearing as one crafted from a raw withe.

Codger
 
I've had a 6 ft. piece of bamboo for about 30 years. Light weight, tougher then nails. After walking with that stick for years I just don't think I could give it up.
 
I make all my own sticks and canes from the surplus of native Beech in my woods, it grows pretty straight, tall and knot free.

It takes me about a year and a half to let it slow dry and cure, then to sand and seal.:)
 
The plastic locking mechanisms can be replaced, if you want to try that before more permanent mods.
 
I'm with Teddy Roosevelt: "Speak softly but carry a big stick."

This usually means 6' long, comfortably thick, and I believe my current one is dogwood. Kills armadillos quite nicely with a solid hit to the head, too. I also have a shorter stick more suitable for town, if I wanted to take one into town; about 36"-37" and made of holly, with some really nice purplish veins showing in the wood. It's solid as steel, but light, and packs a mean punch. I used it as a monopod for my camera today, taking some macro shots.
 
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