Setup
Set up adjustable poles and check their locks
Set an adjustable pole before relying on it for support. The exact steps depend on its lock and sections, so the instructions supplied with the pole are the authority. The points below turn the manufacturer's directions into a pre-hike checklist; they do not replace the manual.
Before the first outing
Identify the model and read its manual. Check the shafts, joints, tips, baskets, strap and grip for damage or parts that are not firmly attached. Extend the pole only to the maker's allowed range and observe any stop line. Set its length for your use, close the locks as directed and apply a careful hand check before walking. Do not put your full body weight on a pole to test an uncertain lock.Check tension and slippage
If a telescoping section moves while the lock is closed, stop and follow the instructions for that mechanism. Black Diamond says to adjust its FlickLock tension if a lower shaft slips and cautions against making the lever so tight that it becomes difficult to close. That is not permission to adjust a different brand's clamp in the same way. If the pole remains unreliable, do not use it until the maker or a qualified repair source advises you.Keep shafts clean and dry
The Black Diamond instructions warn not to place oil or silicone on pole shafts because the joints can slip. After wet use, they recommend taking lower sections apart and allowing them to dry completely before storage. Other designs may have different disassembly limits; follow the exact product instructions and do not force a stuck joint.Repeat the check after impacts
Inspect for dents, gouges, cracks, deformation or other damage after a collision or fall. A lightweight shaft that looks bent or split should not be treated as a normal adjustment problem. Review the manufacturer's warnings and seek a product-specific repair assessment before further use.Read the complete Black Diamond trekking-pole manual for its full warning and adjustment information. Its instructions are not transferable to another maker's locking system.