Replacing the steel tip of a walking stick
A Leki walking stick has a sturdy steel tip at the end. This tip gives you maximum grip on the surface. Over time the steel tip will wear out. Fortunately, that does not mean the end of your walking stick, because the steel tip can easily be replaced with a new one. However, that requires some skill and strength. In these repair manuals we will take you through it step by step. Then it will certainly work.
Supply needed
Warning: any repairs done are at your own responsibility. See terms of use.
There is a round plastic part at the bottom of your walking stick: the 'basket'. A basket prevents your walking stick from sinking into soft surfaces. To replace the steel tip, first remove the basket. The basket is mounted on the walking stick with a screw thread. Loosen the basket counterclockwise while pulling the basket downwards. You have to apply a little force to get the basket loose. Is the basket itself no longer alright for use, or do you want a different size? These are also available in our stores or via the webshop.
Then remove the bottom segment of the stick by opening the quick disconnect and pulling the bottom segment out of the segment above. This makes it easier for you to work.
Remove the old tip
The tip is glued to the stick. To remove the tip, you must first soften the glue. This can be done with a hairdryer, but boiling water works even better. Hold the hairdryer against the tip (the part in the white frame) for a while or place the tip in boiling water for 10 minutes.
When the tip is quite warm, you can remove it. This can be done in a few ways. It is easiest to place the point in a vice. Do not clamp the walking stick itself in the vice, as this will damage it! Place the tip in the vice, grab the walking stick with both hands and pull it out of the old tip with a rotating movement. Even though the glue has softened a bit due to the heat, the tip can still be quite stuck. A pair of rubber work or cleaning gloves can help. This gives you more grip on the walking stick. Stay alert, because the tip of the walking stick may still be warm.
If you don't have a vice at your disposal, try gripping the tip with pliers.
Mounting the new tip
The tough part is done now. You can simply slide the new tip over the walking stick until it is back in the old place. If necessary, use a hammer to gently tap the tip into place, but be careful not to damage the back of the segment.
Finally, put the basket back into place by turning it clockwise over the tip until it fits neatly into the back of the tip.
Result
Your walking stick is ready for the next walk! Give yourself a pat on the back. By carrying out this repair, you have reduced your impact on the environment. Repairing extends the lifespan of items and that saves a lot of raw materials and energy. By replacing the tip of your walking stick you have made a small contribution to Mother Earth.
If you use your walking stick(s) on a hard surface such as asphalt or stone, a steel tip will provide less grip and will also wear out faster. You can easily prevent this by sliding a set of Leki Powergrip Pads over the steel tips. You place those manually and without the use of tools over the existing end of your walking stick.
And done! What a feeling!
Did you manage to fix it?
Yes!
