Trekking Pole Accessories (Baskets/Tips) Replacement Guide: Extend Your Gear’s Life

Worn tips or cracked baskets compromise safety, traction, and pole integrity. Replacing them is cheaper than buying new poles! This guide covers DIY replacement for all major brands (LEKI, Black Diamond, Komperdell, and more).

⚠️ When to Replace

• Tips: Exposed metal (>50% carbide worn), chipped edges, or loose fittings.
• Baskets: Cracked spokes, stripped threads, or deformation.
• Rubber Tips: Splitting, hardening, or loss of grip.

🔧 Essential Tools

• Pliers or multi-tool
• Hammer (for carbide tips)
• Rubbing alcohol & cloth
• Threadlocker glue (optional)

🔥 Step-by-Step: Tip Replacement

1. Remove Old Tip:

• Twist-off tips: Grip shaft with cloth; twist counterclockwise.
• Glued tips: Use pliers to wiggle loose. Cut rubber tips with a knife if fused.
• Stubborn cases: Heat tip with hairdryer for 30 seconds to soften glue.

2. Clean the Shaft:

• Scrape debris from the groove with a screwdriver.
• Wipe with alcohol to remove dirt/oil.

3. Install New Tip:

• Carbide Tips:Align tip perpendicular to shaft.Tap gently with a hammer (wrap shaft in cloth to avoid scratches).Stop when tip seats firmly (no wobble!).
• Rubber Tips:Apply soapy water to shaft for lubrication.Push tip until it "clicks" into the groove.

❄️ Step-by-Step: Basket Replacement

1. Identify Thread Size (Critical!):

• LEKI: 4mm (trail) or 8mm (mountain).
• Black Diamond/Komperdell: Standard 6mm.
• Budget poles: Measure with calipers.

2. Remove Old Basket:

• Hold pole firmly; twist basket counterclockwise.
• If stuck: Use pliers with cloth padding to avoid cracking plastic.

3. Install New Basket:

• Align threads and twist clockwise until hand-tight.
• Avoid overtightening! Plastic threads strip easily.
• Pro tip: Apply threadlocker for alpine use.

⚡ Troubleshooting Common Issues

🧰 Accessory Compatibility Guide

💡 Pro Maintenance Tips

1. Carry Spares: Pack extra rubber tips and 1 basket in your repair kit.
2. Seasonal Swaps:Summer: Small trail baskets + rubber tips (protect rocks).Winter: Large snow baskets + carbide tips (ice penetration).
3. Storage: Remove baskets/tips after salty or muddy hikes to prevent corrosion.

❗ When Replacement Isn’t Enough

Replace the entire lower section if:

• The shaft is bent or cracked near the tip.
• Threads are irreparably stripped.
• Cost >50% of a new pole (lower sections cost $15–$40).

"A $5 tip replacement saved my Mt. Rainier summit attempt after my pole snapped through old carbide."— Jen R., Alpine Guide

Final Advice: Invest in OEM parts for complex systems (e.g., LEKI). For generic poles, third-party accessories work if sized correctly. Replace proactively – your poles are only as reliable as their weakest point!