 Walking sticks and seat sticks are generally robust items suitable for active use. However, a little care and maintenance will improve the appearance of your walking stick or seat and may extend its working life. Some useful tips are as follows:
Wooden sticks
Wooden walking sticks should be regularly cleaned of mud and grime by wiping them gently with a damp cloth. They should be dried after use in wet weather and stored somewhere dry and warm but away from direct heat sources such as stoves and radiators. An occasional light polish with furniture polish or beeswax will also protect the wood and enhance the finish, although this should not be done with natural bark rustic sticks that have not been varnished. Ensure worn or damaged metal or rubber ferrules are replaced promptly, both for safety reasons and to prevent damage to the cane.
Aluminium canes
These are very robust items, but care should be taken not to scratch the coating as this will affect the appearance of the cane. The tightening collar should always be re-tightened after the height of the cane has been adjusted, to ensure the cane is secure and does not audibly rattle or click.
Folding canes
Folding canes have simple mechanisms, but it is best not to dismantle them as small but important components can be lost. They should be stored in dry warm areas, but not near strong heat sources in case this causes the internal rubber bungee cord to perish. Care should be taken when using folding canes in very cold temperatures as rubber naturally loses some of its elasticity when conditions are very chilly. After the height has been adjusted, those models of folding canes that are fitted with tightening collars should always have these re-tightened, to prevent rattling sounds and increase stability.
Ferrules
Both rubber and metal ferrules should be checked regularly and replaced once they start to become worn. This is important for safety as well as aesthetic reasons. It is especially important in the case of three and four-legged seats, which may become unstable if used with worn or missing ferrules.
Leather seat sticks
Leather is a natural product and can become mildewed or mouldy if left in a damp place. After a rainy day in the countryside, always bring it inside, dry with a towel and store away from radiators and other heat sources that may cause the leather to become cracked and hard. If the leather becomes a little dry, its suppleness may be improved by a light application of leather food.
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