[pct-l] Trail Gear - Pole Tips

[Rick Ostheimer]

Leki poles _do not_ require special equipment be used to replace the 
tips.  Almost every tool box has a crescent wrench (adjustable wrench).  
Open it to be slightly larger than the diameter of the lowest section of 
the pole but smaller than the diameter of the pole tip.  Slide the 
wrench over the pole section and down sharply to knock off the pole 
tip.  This usually works with one or two whacks.  Then replace with a 
new tip available at most outfitters.  They are held on by friction fit, 
not super glue (at least on Leki's).

Leki's customer service line (google "Leki Buffalo NY" for their phone 
number).  On my AZT trek, I broke the lowest section of one of my 
poles.  They supplied a new section mailed free via priority mail to the 
next town I was passing through.  With the new section, I also got new 
pole tips since that's how they are stocked.  Leki's may cost a little 
more, but this sort of customer service makes the investment worthwhile.

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