[Paul Coleman]

I've had two sections of my superlite 2 stuck together for most of the day (sections 3 and 4).  It hasn't been a problem as I'm spending the whole weekend on one big job but it will be a problem tomorrow when I need to pack my gear away.  I've left the two offending sections locked away on site as 10 ft of pole won't go in my van.  I asked some guy to hold one section while I pulled and twisted but he couldn't get enough grip.  I have been using the PTFE spray quite liberally too.  Although I have taken care not to push the sections into each other too hard, I'm wondering if the cleaning action has perhaps nudged them further into each other because it has been a very dirty first clean and I've been quite vigorous at times.
So, are there any tips on how I might be able to separate these two sections please?

[Alex Gardiner]

Get the two of you, both wearing rubber gloves! It gives a lot more grip. Rather than pulling the section apart, try twisting them apart. Get one of you to hold the upper section, the other needs to twist the lower section clockwise. It may help to stand side on to the section and twist it away from you.

If this doesn't work (which it really should) email me on alex@agardiner.co.uk .

Extended first clean work, with hours of vigorous pushing must have gradually jammed them together.

[Jeff Brimble]

Heat the joint areas  up until they are a bit too hot to hold a couple of times and  leave them cool naturally. Then try. Also if you are used to locking the joint when assembling lets say clockwise then try untwisting it anticlockwise.  Have you tried the 3 man release ?
I have also heard of wd40 helping.

Then put a few wraps of tape round the top of the base section joint to stop it compressing down the pole. The tape can be moved later as the pole wears.
They all compress with use. No matter whose pole it is.

[Alex Gardiner]

Make sure that you twist the lower section clockwise when separating the joints (on all but the top joint) as they have been designed with a spiral weave which will unwind when twisted in correct direction.

In standard use these joints will not need a tape stop. For prolonged heavy duty use then it may be of use.

[stevekennedy]

Hi Jeff

Where exactly do we put the tape? Any pics?

[Jeff Brimble]

Push the joint together so its secure as usual.  Then undo it slightly about 1/8th inch,  wrap the tape say 3 times to create a ring/stop with distinct collar edge that will stop the top section sliding further down over the base section. If its too loose it will spin.

Its the consant flexing in a vertical position that compresses each joint and the higher you go the more it is driven down if your using it for long periods.
Did the F16 2 years ago and havent yet had to move the tape. You could also colour code the tape - say traffic lights, if your poles are not numbered.

Karlos also has the spiral weave on his Garbolino and had to send  for replacements as they are still locked together. Tape all the joints !

[stevekennedy]

Hi Jeff

Ta for the reply.
What kind of tape do you recommend?
Will the joint still be tight enough to keep it together?

[frames to panes]

Rubber glove trick worked on mine a short time ago, sections four and three got stuck in wet weather. This is the only joint i don't tape as the section won't fit inside the first when not in use. I've had a cheaper modular pole stick before and crushed it by gripping too tightly. Strange thing is that i've found they stick even more after spraying with ptfe as it seems to encourage the joint to slip even further over the next pole.

[Captain Scarlet]

I have also heard of wd40 helping.

Alex said a wet lubricant isnt suitable for these poles, Luke

[Jeff Brimble]

WD40 I aint tried it either.
 But the tape stops it happening.

[frames to panes]

Couple of turns of black insulating tape is what i use. Then i put several turns on the bottom of each section to stop it chipping.

[Captain Scarlet]

I will put tape on my pole eventually. I have never had it jam yet though, but its worth doing. It doesnt harm your pole but improves it, Luke

[Jeff Brimble]

If you use your modular on domestics there is a lot of ups and downs movemet and probably not enough to lock the joints. But if you plan to work at height or you use a heavy brush like the Vikan for say more than half an hour , then the poles begin their compression and locking by gravity.
Tape the joints.

[Captain Scarlet]

Another reason to do it is the nature of the poles. Because they arent fully adjustable then sometimes you can be working closer to horizontal which makes the joints push together more, Luke

[frames to panes]

Luke, if or when it happens - you won't believe how tight they go. I was at the limit of my strength to twist mine apart with rubber gloves on.

[Captain Scarlet]

yes the carbon can nearly weld itself together , Luke

[Jeff Brimble]

Spray doesnt work vertically, tape does.

[NWH]

You get one person to hold one section while you twist the other,the person holding dosen`t twist he just holds as tight as to stop it moving and they will easily come apart.

[Captain Scarlet]

but the tape will help to reduce carbon wear, but both together, well its like Spiderman and Superman, the Super combination!!!! Luke

[Jeff Brimble]

Maybe the tape reduces the wear by stopping a lot of the "hard" friction but doesnt stop it happening because there still has to be "soft" friction. Its friction and gravity that keeps the joints together, but its a really good point Luke and maybe you second generation guys will come up with more answers !