[Pope vader]

first off i think gardiners stuff is great, brushes are fantastic,  i just dont like the clx,  am fed up with constantly adjusting the clamps,  the only way it will not spin, is to have the clamps that tight they hurt my fingers when i have to open and close them,  i use a metal gooseneck and it is contrantly coming loose,  i must lose 30mins a day messing with it,

so have decided  will get a new pole  what options are out there,  i had a xtel and have had more problems with the clx in 4 months than i had with a xtel in 2 years, 

your opinions please

[Gardiner Admin]

first off i think gardiners stuff is great, brushes are fantastic,  i just dont like the clx,  am fed up with constantly adjusting the clamps,  the only way it will not spin, is to have the clamps that tight they hurt my fingers when i have to open and close them,  i use a metal gooseneck and it is contrantly coming loose,  i must lose 30mins a day messing with it,

so have decided  will get a new pole  what options are out there,  i had a xtel and have had more problems with the clx in 4 months than i had with a xtel in 2 years, 

your opinions please

Sorry you are having these problems. If your metal gooseneck is not tightening properly on the top metal thread of the pole then a simple solution is to take the gooseneck off, wrap two wraps of insulating tape around the male metal thread on the top of the pole and then screw the gooseneck back on, fully tightening it.  The tape acts as a thread lock and will prevent it from loosening again.

With regard to the clamp issue, the clamp should only ever be done up just tight enough to hold the section.  If you are having to tighten them more than this then either the pole surface has worn or the clamps are not operating correctly for some reason.  A simple replacement of barrel nuts will cure the need to constantly adjust and may help with the issue of them being too tight.  The lever cam can also be lubricated with a small drop of 3-in-1 type oil.   This type of maintenance will help the clamp action to remain smooth and easy through the life of the pole.

Please ring the Office and ask for some replacement barrel nuts.  If you feel the clamp issue is something else then please send an email to alex@agardiner.co.uk along with some photos of the clamps and sections in question.