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View Full Version : DIY Treking poles (~3.5oz each)



tlbj6142
07-16-2004, 14:54
I posted this elsewhere, but I know some folks here are into the DIY stuff...

We'll I've done a bit more work now.

I have the arrow shafts (size 2317) cut to length with the inserts in place
($13.50 for 3 shafts/cut-to-length/inserts). I also have some long
8-32 screws that I'll need to cut the heads off to use as all-threads
as I wasn't able to find pre-cut all-threads in short lengths (in 8-32
size). I figure I'll wrap the middle part of the all-thread piece in
tape so it will make a tighter fit into the un-threaded portion of
shaft's inserts. This might make the joint a bit more solid.
Otherwise I can see there being a bit of sloppiness at the joint.
Sloppy == weak.

What about using a round 8-32 double ended stand-off? Do they make these?

I also bought Leki tips (though I could have pulled them off my
current Lekis) for $14. Seems like there has to be a cheaper option
for the tips. Since I could screw something into the tip, I wonder if
there is some sort of "hollow-point-like" arrowhead or carbide screw
that would work just as well?

Some folks like to use Leki's rubber tips on their poles, if want to
try that you could epoxying them to an 8-32 screw. And then just
screw them into the bottom.

Any other ideas for inexpensive tips?

I thought the Leki tips are a bit of a sloppy fit on 23xx shafts. So,
I'm thinking I'll circle the shaft with a bit of duct tape to keep the
tip from wobbling on the end of the shaft. Size 24xx and 25xx shafts
are a much tighter fit, but can only be inserted 3/4". Which I didn't
think was far enough.

GRIPS! GRIPS! GRIPS! I can't for the life of me find anything
locally to use as grips. I've been to 2-3 sporting good shops, golf
shops (even lady grips are way too big) looking for some type of foam
grip. I even called a fishing speciality store in town and they don't
carry foam fore (or butt) grips. And were not aware of anyone else in
town that does. Guess we don't have enough hard-core fishing folks in
Columbus.

The closest I've come was an EVA "floatie" on sun glasses strap. It
would have been perfect (maybe a little too small in diameter), but it
was $10 (or $20 for a pair). Guess I'll have to order something
online.

I'm still working on a strap attachment method. Here is my current plan...

While at Lowes I found some black clamping knobs with 3/4" 8-32 studs.
This will be perfect on the top. I'm thinking I'll take some 3/4"
grosgrain (or webbing) and pierce (or maybe appropriately sized rivet)
it with the screw. Cut in a 2"-3" buttonhole-like opening in the
strap and feed it back over the stud sandwiched between a couple of
washers. This should give the strap a Leki-like adjustable feel.

That's it for now.

tlbj6142
08-10-2004, 15:05
I have now had a chance to use these on the trail. Here are a few updates...

I still haven't added straps. I'd thought I'd give it a shot without them. Feels kinda weird as I've always been a strap user. Maybe another trip.
I thought 2317 alone were still too flexible (Don't even try the 2315 I originally listed above). The poles had just too much bend in them when I would lean on them. As such, I have put 2117 inside the 2317 poles. They are a perfect fit. In fact, you'll need to sand off the glue from the flights (feathers) and the price tag to get the 2117 inside of the 2117.
I had too many issues with the wimpy 8-32 screw (replace each "8-32" with "12-24" in the above directions). So I tapped the inserts to 12-24 (1/4" might work but I didn't want to push it). This change made the connections rock solid. I wish I could find 12-24 screws in stainless but alas I can only find them in zinc. Even with the softer metal the tight fit of the 12-24 "all-threads" makes the joints great.
I found grips at a local fishing store. It was $2.50 for a 12" long piece of EVA. I cut it in half and shoved a piece on each pole.
Total per pole weight of 4.0oz EACH.
With the 2317 alone not only did the poles bend too much, they didn't appear to be stable enought to use as tarp supports (which I want).

"Damn. YJ at 8oz a PAIR (strapless) those are kinda heavy". True. They are not as light as the 2317 only poles or the fixed length graphite poles from www.backpackinglight.com (http://www.backpackinglight.com/) or www.gossamergear.com (http://www.gossamergear.com/). But...

They are stiffer than the 2317 only poles. And probably the Gossamergear poles. Which I like.
While they are fixed length (I guess you could lug around different sections if you needed some type of variable length pole), they do break down in to short sections. Which is a real plus for travel. And as my thru-hiking brother mentioned, hitching rides is difficult with long fixed length poles.
They are cheaper than the graphite poles.
YMMV. I'm going to take them to ME in 3 weeks. I'll report back later.