What to Do When the Telescopic Rod Gets Stuck?

[Kenneth]

Telescopic rod stuck and solutions: 1. If the telescopic rod is stuck due to rust, spraying some rust remover can loosen it; 2. If the telescopic rod is stuck because of foreign objects inside, the foreign objects need to be cleaned out; 3. If the telescopic rod is stuck due to slight distortion, simply straighten the rod by twisting it back. Below is some additional information about telescopic rods: 1. Currently, telescopic rods are usually composed of two rods and fasteners, with multiple mounting holes on the two rods. The fasteners need to be disassembled first, then adjust the relative position of the two rods, and finally use the fasteners to pass through the mounting holes of the two rods to lock them together. This structure is relatively troublesome to operate and has limited adjustment range. 2. The new telescopic rod is a retractable hollow cylindrical rod made of metal strips or plastic sheets. The characteristic is that the metal strips or plastic sheets are pre-formed into elastic coiled layers with memory function smaller than the outer diameter of the rod, thus having a self-tightening function, which makes the coiled layer always have the elastic potential energy to apply pressure to the telescopic rod.

[StBethany]

Last time I was washing my car, the telescopic pole suddenly got stuck—so frustrating! Don’t yank it hard. First, locate the release button on the pole and press it firmly while gently twisting the pole. If it won’t budge, use a hairdryer to heat the stuck section—the plastic will expand when heated, making it easier to pull out. If all else fails, pour a bit of dish soap as a lubricant. For metal poles, a couple of drops of WD-40 rust dissolver work wonders. Remember to regularly clean out sand and debris from the pole’s crevices—this grime is a common cause of jamming. Clotheslines and fishing rods need the same maintenance over time, or their spring mechanisms will wear out eventually.

[McJayla]

As someone who frequently uses telescopic rods, here are three practical solutions: Immediately stop the pulling action and check for any foreign objects stuck at the connection points—use a toothbrush to clean out any sand or dirt if present. Grip the middle section and try rotating it 90 degrees left and right, as many telescopic rods have anti-detachment rotational slots. The third method is the most effective: stand the rod vertically on a hard surface and gently tap it a few times to let the internal locking mechanism reset through vibration. If it’s a tripod or selfie stick that’s stuck, remember to remove the camera or phone first to prevent damage. Last year, I saved my photography stand from being stuck using these tricks.

[MarcusLynn]

The method to unstick a telescopic rod depends on its type. For a regular clothes drying rod with a spring latch in the middle, gently tap the rod wall while pressing the locking button. However, for automotive cargo covers with locking hooks, you need to simultaneously press the release buttons at both connection points. Trekking poles are trickier—completely unscrew the tip to clean out mud and debris. Never use pliers to force it; my neighbor once deformed a fishing rod's ferrule, rendering it useless. Finally, applying silicone grease after retracting the rod can prevent rust and extend its lifespan.

[MacRosalie]

Stay calm if the rod gets stuck! Immediately check for any bending or deformation of the rod body. If it's deformed, don't force it. Plastic rods can be soaked in warm water to restore elasticity, but avoid soaking metal rods to prevent rust. In an emergency, applying edible oil to the joint can help, but remember to clean it with alcohol afterward. Important reminder: When car sunshades or jack rods get stuck, always secure the equipment to prevent sudden slipping and injuries. Last time at the repair shop, there was an accident where a stuck engine support rod suddenly snapped back.