Safety warning for hiking pole spreader bars

**hairbear** · 02-22-2013, 15:07

Last trip out I had one of my hiking poles get stuck between two board in a small bridge type crossing. I heard the stressing,so i looked them over,finding no damage.
Well this afternoon i set up in the basement to work on my hammock . When i sat down in it i heard a ripping sound,and I dropped in the hammock,while hearing a slapping sound on the wall.
The results were that the tip at the bottom of the pole snapped off right where the aluminum pole enters the replaceable tip. The force was amazing,as the pole hit the wall under good speed. I thought i should warn people before this happens to you.
The poles were makalu leki corks. The tips are hollow plastic,and should be recognized as a dangerous weak point.

**Beast 71** · 02-22-2013, 15:11

Let me be the first to ask the important question; Is the hammock OK?

**hairbear** · 02-22-2013, 17:51

Originally Posted by Beast 71

Let me be the first to ask the important question; Is the hammock OK?

Yes the pole cleared the top of the hammock ,all is well except a broken pole tip.
I didnt get to see it happen,just heard it.

**Gideon** · 02-22-2013, 19:40

I'm sure you'll McGuiver that thing in no time HairBear! or is it "Mr. Gadget"?

**Acer** · 02-22-2013, 19:42

Ouch! Glad everything is ok.

**dragon360** · 02-22-2013, 19:47

Good to hear all is alright (except the poles of course)!

**gmcttr** · 02-22-2013, 19:47

That would sort of screw up a trip...no spreader bar and only one hiking pole.

I have a 12' bridge on my property and have learned not to plant a pole without looking. Otherwise, I can hit a slot every time.

**jayf124** · 02-22-2013, 22:33

Any pictures of the crime scene or evidence?

Jay

**Rain Man** · 02-23-2013, 02:37

Originally Posted by hairbear

The force was amazing,as the pole hit the wall under good speed. I thought i should warn people before this happens to you.

A good reminder of the tremendous forces put on things by hammock rigging and the effects of "leverage" (i.e., physics).

Thanks for sharing.

Rain Man

.

**hairbear** · 02-23-2013, 02:48

The pole took a chip out of the concrete wall about the size of a third of a 22 shell lead.I believe it had enough power to puncture skin ,or take out an eye for sure. When examining the pole tip you can plainly see that the plastic that the tip was made from is half of the wall thickness on one side, as compared to the other. Got to be a better way.