[jay moley]

Following on from my post about buying an Ova8 because I was fed up with the Gardiner spinning sections:

Are there ways to avoid this or is it just part and parcel of an ageing pole?

I'm back to a SLX25 now.

Thanks

[deeege]

The quality of the Gardiner poles has deteriorated massively the last few years.  A pole used to last 12 months + before starting to spin. My most recent 2 have started spinning after about 3 months and are almost unusable past 6 months.

[zesty]

I still maintain the best pole ever was the xtreme series 2 with the metal bands.

Never had any wear.

Lasted ages.

No spinning because the metal bands never wore down.

It was perfect for domestic work.

The x3 xtreme is of course stronger but just does not last. The sections wear down ridiculously quick.

[Scottish Cleaning Service]

Making anything that is reliable and lasts a long time is not profitable. Boiler and car manufacturers realised this and moved over to plastic rather than metal. My insert is not good news if it lasts a long time. Thanks to the person who recommended araldite which will be better than CT1.

[jay moley]

Are Phoenix poles any better?

[Simon Trapani]

My slx sections don't spin until they're very old. Do you adjust them correctly (not over tight) & change the shims from time to time? I sometimes even change the springs as it brings back the 'snap' in closing.

[jay moley]

My slx sections don't spin until they're very old. Do you adjust them correctly (not over tight) & change the shims from time to time? I sometimes even change the springs as it brings back the 'snap' in closing.

Yeah not overnight or too loose.

Is the shim the flat part next to the spring?

[Bungle]

My slx sections don't spin until they're very old. Do you adjust them correctly (not over tight) & change the shims from time to time? I sometimes even change the springs as it brings back the 'snap' in closing.

Yeah not overnight or too loose.

Is the shim the flat part next to the spring?

It's the tiny dome shaped thing with a hole in it. You can buy them off Gardiners. Where is Mr G, not seen him post in ages.

[Spruce]

Mr G once said that he doesn't get that involved any longer as most of the questions have been asked and answered in previous posts.

However, if something 'serious' is brought up, I've seen him chime in.  So he must read the posts on the forums regularly.

[richard connett]

On the bit where you clamp( the ends) use tape .  You’ll get loads more life from the pole and you’ll find you can loosen off everything a bit. Only problem is you can’t clamp anywhere on the pole then , but you get used to it .  Also as others have said replace the shims or the whole lever section including the springs

[zesty]

On the bit where you clamp( the ends) use tape .  You’ll get loads more life from the pole and you’ll find you can loosen off everything a bit. Only problem is you can’t clamp anywhere on the pole then , but you get used to it .  Also as others have said replace the shims or the whole lever section including the springs

Yeah I might use some electrical tape at the top, middle and end of each section to replicate the old mk2 metal band poles.

[tlwcs]

On the bit where you clamp( the ends) use tape .  You’ll get loads more life from the pole and you’ll find you can loosen off everything a bit. Only problem is you can’t clamp anywhere on the pole then , but you get used to it .  Also as others have said replace the shims or the whole lever section including the springs

Yeah I might use some electrical tape at the top, middle and end of each section to replicate the old mk2 metal band poles.

I’ve used aluminium tape from Screwfix. Helps a lot on wear.

[richard connett]

I’ve used metal tape before but in the end I found electrical tape easier and longer lasting. Taping in the middle might work I haven’t tried it

[Scottish Cleaning Service]

When I clamp the top pole 4" to 12" to clean ground level then I vary the spot I clamp it. If we clamp at same spot then it will wear out so I start at 4" and the next clean 5" and right up to 12" and then go back to 4".

[Mattymarske]

You can also use Facelift Phantom Clamps on Gardiner poles. The the TPU insert they help a lot.

My phantom pole has Gardiner levers as more ergonomic, Gardiner shims and springs. And my slx has the same phantom clamps. Given it a new lease if life 🤞👌