Tip for Walking Stick

wintermute

wintermute

Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
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Just curious, what does everyone, who chooses to make one, use for a tip on their DIY walking sticks?
 
I don't put tips on mine. They usually get a nice collection of dirt etc :D. I have some that I did not make, but have rubber tips screwed on to the bottom of the shaft. I've seen some with folding chair rubber tips.
 
I've read where some people use a copper cap on the end of walking sticks.

You can also use Plasti-dip to coat the tip, but it takes alot of time.
 
Rubber cane tips work well. CVS or even Home Depot carries them. They provide good traction and are cheap and replacable.
 
Copper pipe or cap on the end to keep wood from separating,than a rubber cane tip.
 
I've used a variety of stuff but I'm partial to copper end caps. They're durable and I like how they look. I have some pics up in the article I did on walking sticks.
 
TStetz said:
I've used a variety of stuff but I'm partial to copper end caps. They're durable and I like how they look. I have some pics up in the article I did on walking sticks.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tim! I didn't want to narrow my stick down to under 1" just to get an ugly crutch end on it. I feel stupid for not thinking about pipe caps myself. Great article.
 
I can't take credit for it myself! I passed along what I learned with that article but someone else cued me in somewhere along the line. I'd give proper credit if I could remember who the heck ever first told me about it. :p
 
Copper pipe + rubber cap. Handles rocks and concrete better.
 
The one stick I've made, I used a pipe cap. Just find one that is close to the diameter of the end of your stick. It will keep the wood from mushrooming and splitting.

I affix it with 2 ton epoxy, and a copper wire pin. I peen the pin while the epoxy is still wet.

2502171491_90dff8aa4a.jpg
2502167977_b6249d6a3d.jpg
 
I made a bamboo stick using the tip from a telescoping aluminum pole. I just glued it into the open core of the bamboo. It had a 4" section of the aluminum left in it, so it was quick. Mine was from a damaged pole, but you can buy new ones. It allows you to use the baskets made the brand you swiped the tip from too.

I wonder how an old drill bit would work? Drill the stick and epoxy a broken but sharpened drill bit into it. I bet that would grip well. No lack of supply or finding the right size.
 
I make them for a hobby and put Rubber cane tips on them. I have a few that have a rubber cap on both ends. The top one is to cover a lag screw that sticks out about 1/4 inch so I can just flip it over and use the screw end on ice. Reversible.
 
i've done one of a few things...

1. use a copper pipe cap.
whittle the end of the stick for a tight fit. put the cap on (with a glob of silicone or other glue inside) and put a wide headed nail straight into the bottom to wedge the wood apart to hold the cap on tight. the glue will keep water from getting inbetween the cap and the stick and causing rot issues.

2. use a piece of steel or copper pipe about 3/4"-1" long, whatever diameter closest fits the size of the stick.
whittle for a tight fit. attach the pipe so that the bottom is level with the bottom of the stick. drill a hole all the way through the pipe and stick. use a nail or piece of copper wire through the hole. rivet the ends over to lock the pipe in place.

both of these will take the brunt of the wear from sidewalks as well as rocks and gravel. they also keep the end of the stick from splintering apart and collecting dirt and rotting apart.
 
I prefer to use a copper pipe or splice rather than the end cap. It still does the same job and is not rounded. They seem to slip less. I don't care for the big rubber cane tips but a rubber tip is nice if you will be walking on a hard surface much. I have been thinking a piece of rubber from a tire cut to fit in the bottom of my copper pipe might be good but I have not tried it yet. I suspect that those carbide tips are nothing more than horse shoe studs.

Here are some store bought options.

http://www.thestickman.co.uk/ferrules.htm

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=44075&cat=1,250,43243

http://www.canesgalore.com/hiking-staffs-rustic-walking-sticks-accessories-hiking-staff-accessories-c-8_49_50.html

http://www.kevinscustomcanes.com/id55.html

http://www.treelineusa.com/walking-sticks-and-canes/stick-tips
 
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