I have stripped apart the sections of my 30 ft slx to clean it of grit etc because it was sticking a bit, and as mentioned in another thread, it turned out the end stop tape was chewed up..knackered.
So I have attempted to replace end stop tape but when i prise the clamp jaws open to reinsert pole section, the tape keeps getting chewed up its a nightmare! Its not easy doing this job on your own. Im thinking of marking the pole somehow, paint or nail varnish but i dont know whats safe to use so as not to break down the carbon fibre? Im forgetting the tape for now as at the minute I feel like breaking the pole across my knee! although i couldnt do it
Generally a pole with joint stops will be far quicker and easier to use than a pole with joint markers. The clue to getting the joint stop tape in is not to put too much of it on the section. Best to use either a good quality insulating tape or ring us and ask for a little of the Fibre-Glass tape.
If using insulating tape then put just a single wrap of tape with just a few mm of overlap. When re-assembling the section prise apart the clamp jaws with something (I use an allen key, insert the short arm between the jaws and use the longer part to lever, really is the best thing to use) and slide the section in. When you get to the tape make sure the overlap area is at the front where the jaws are widest apart, you then need to gently twist the section so that the tape twists down into the section past the clamp. If it really will not go in then take the tape off and put just a single wrap around with no overlap. Make sure that the tape is well stuck down and try again. This should sort it for you. If using the fibre-glass tape which is slightly thicker then do no overlap the tape at all.
If you do want to paint an overlap marker instead, then you can buy an all purpose type spray paint from B&Q which can be sprayed on metal and plastic. Using masking tape mask off the pole leaving just the base 15cm exposed and spray a thin layer of paint over the whole of the bottom section. Spray lightly so that the paint does not build up at all. Leave the paint to dry overnight before use. This paint will probably have to be reapplied every month or so.