[matthewprice]

Morning . Decided to get a gardeners extreme 25 . Due to shoulder problems . Read about  how you guys maintain this pole . Been rinsing the inside .using ptf  spray .yesterday was going to strip it down but couldn’t separate the sections .even took bolts completely out . Been using slx s for years and had no problem . How do you guys manage . Matt

[Splash and dash]

They can be a bit tight on the taped section just try putting a screwdriver in the bit on the clamp ware the bolt goes and slightly lever it open a bit wider , or alternatively just try “ unscrewing” the pole section out of the other section whilst pulling it they will come apart , could be the tape needs replacing ?

[Scottish Cleaning Service]

Had one for years and only spray poles with silicon. I don't take them apart bar the first section when fitting a univalve. I always use the yellow widget from Gardiners when removing the first section.

[AuRavelling79]

It's a two person job without the Gardiner's widget.

Use a large flat blade screwdriver carefully wrapped in cloth to wedge open the clamps as person two pulls out the section.

Wash sections with soapy water and hose through. I use a long dowel and clean rag to pull through each section to get any residual carbon dust cleaned out.

Then re tape and put back together.

Every 4 months or so I lacquer all except the bottom section with Halfords clear spray  lacquer giving it two coats.

Then I re tape before assembly.

[M & C Window Cleaning]

In dry weather I don't need to do any maintenance other than to wipe down the outside of the pole with a dry microfibre from time to time.
Once the weather turns and the ground stays wet then I strip my pole down every couple of days.
I Never wash it or spray anything on it. Just wipe  down the outside of each section with a dry microfibre, then push a damp microfibre through each section except the top one (#1) with a long dowel. I then wipe around the bottom of the lowest pole section inside and out to get any any accumulated grit from inside the reinforcing collar. Then re-tape if necessary.

To take the sections apart I use the Gardiner widget to spread the clamps once the bolts have been slackened off. The No.#1 section is always the most difficult due to the tight tolerance. Never force it as sometimes the old tape gets all jammed up inside.

[matthewprice]

Thanks everyone . Think I actually have the widget. But didn’t know why or what it did . Will look for it tomorrow  matt