Adjusting and Using Your Folding Cane

Folding canes come with many benefits. If you're new to the world of walking sticks, you might want to be able to choose when to reveal your aid and when to simply tuck it in your bag for greater convenience and discretion. That is not to mention the benefits of travelling with a folding cane, instead of a regular, fixed-length stick.

The best thing about folding sticks, however, is the fact that more often than not, they're also height adjustable, which means they offer the highest level of flexibility possible for a walking cane. While extremely convenient, these sticks aren't as straightforward as most wooden everyday canes, which is why we've come up with this short guide to help you get acquainted with you newest walking companion.

The Build of a Folding Cane

A typical folding walking stick is made from several sections of aluminium tubing that is linked together with an elastic bungee cord. When the stick is opened out to the extended position, this cord ensures the sections of the stick remain held firmly together.

Folding and Unfolding Your Walking Stick

To unfold your walking stick, hold all the sections firmly together while removing the rubber band that is holding the stick in the folded position. Then carefully slot each tube into the next, starting at one end of the walking stick.

To fold your walking cane back, pull each section slightly away from the next and then fold the sections next to each other. If you want to be sure your stick will remain folded, secure it with a rubber band or place it inside one of our folding stick pouches.

How Do I Adjust the Height?

Most of our folding canes are also height adjustable, which gives you more freedom when choosing your perfect walking stick. Adjusting the height of the shaft couldn't be easier, and though this isn't something you will need to do often, it's always good to know it won't take much of your time.

The top section of your folding stick comprises a smaller tube inserted into a larger tube that is held in place by a brass security pin. On certain models, this collar may need to be loosened. If not, proceed to the next step.

Depress the brass security pin and ease the inner tube downwards until the brass pin engages with the next hole. The pin should be fully engaged in whichever of the holes provided ensures the correct overall height for your cane, and the collar should be tightened again if necessary to ensure a firm and safe fit.

Finding the Perfect Fit

With height adjustable canes, you no longer have to worry about finding the right fit before you actually start using it. This is great if you are purchasing a walking stick through the internet, or if the cane is intended as a surprise gift for an absent recipient.

At WalkingSticks.co.uk we store a broad range of Folding Sticks. As most of them are also height adjustable, the only thing you need to think about is finding the perfect design that fits your personal style.

How do you feel about height adjustable folding walking sticks? Let us know in the comments, or find us on Twitter and Facebook!