Help! Xpole tool broke trying to loosen joints!

Jenn started this discussion · 8/15/2011

I'm in trouble! I was trying to take my Xpert down today because I am going to be traveling with it in a couple days. The joints are so tight that when I was trying to loosen them up, the tool broke in half!! Now I have no tool and no time to wait for Xpole to send me a new one. I am going to check out the hardware store to see if they have an Allen key in that size that I can buy, but how am I going to loosen the joints without snapping another key in half?? Any and all advice is very very appreciated!!

16 replies

IntimateSpins · 8/15/2011
Do you have the new xpole design or the old one? I have problems with my older style. The metal tools (sticks) tend to bend and eventually break over time tightening and loosening the joints. We're down to one now and use a screw driver for the other tool until we get some new ones in the mail. If it's the newer model then you just need to purchase another allen key at the hardware store. I would recommend putting the allen key in place then using a wrench to grasp and turn the key. This might give enough leverage to unlock it. Another trick would be to use a hammer to lightly tap the key in the right direction to loosen it. We've done this with the older style and it really does help. I hope that possibly helps some...I'll keep my fingeres crossed for you!! =)
Jenn · 8/15/2011
I have the Xpert with the X joints, not the ones that screw together.... Is that what you mean? Or is there an even newer version of the Xpert?
IntimateSpins · 8/15/2011
It sounds like you've got the newest style...I've got the older version that screws together and uses the bars to tighten and loosen. Those have gotten to be a pain LOL! I would think the Allen key style would loosen if you have a good grip with a wrench. You could probably get a good grip with the wrench on the key then lightly tap it the right direction with a hammer. Just to loosen the lock on it. I wouldn't think you'd want to put anything as far as oil into the joint at all, but you could always call xpole and I bet they would have a remedy for the problem. 🌸
PoleFitMom · 8/15/2011
You should actually be able to find an allen key very easy, just take the broken one with you to match up the size! From my husband's set I use a size 5.0. X pole recommends not using the tools they send with the sets because they are a softer metal that can strip the screws, bend, or even break. I hope this helps, good luck! xoxo
chemgoddess1 · 8/15/2011
Just also a note for proper allen key usage....the short end is used for final tightening and initial loosening. It is a pain to have to switch back and forth. Any allen from Lowes or Home Depot can be used. I think the large one for the X Joints is either 4 or 5 mm.
Jenn · 8/15/2011
Thanks everyone. I found a key in my boyfriends tool box and used the hammer tapping idea and also applied force by placing the key pushing the pole against the ground, to create more leverage and that did the trick. Was scary for a min there! I was so afraid of stripping the screws but everything turned out good!
Prncsopowr · 8/15/2011
Ok, so I had the same thing happen and I picked up a new allen wrench at Home Depot. But, am I crazy to wait until its colder out to try to loosen mine so that the poles contract a little?
HotelChick · 8/15/2011
My new x-pole was actually twisted past the screw hole so I couldn't get at it with the Allen wrench. I put my pole in my walk-in freezer for a couple hours and used a boiling hot towel to grip and loosen the pole. Oh. And two very strong men ;) So, yes. The cold does help contract the x-joint. And men are usually eager to assist a damsel in pole distress. Ha!
MochaKat · 8/16/2011
I think I have stripped my xjoint too but don't have walkin freezer any other suggestions. It's stuck in my pole:-(
MochaKat · 8/16/2011
I think I have stripped my xjoint too but don't have walkin freezer any other suggestions. It's stuck in my pole:-(
chemgoddess1 · 8/17/2011
MochaCat, there on instructions on the XPole website on what to do if this happens. It involves sticking a broomstick handle up there and knocking the joint out.
Prncsopowr · 8/17/2011
I have had to use the broom stick method before - it was effective.
MochaKat · 8/17/2011
Thanks guys will try that. Guess if the joint is stripped I will have to get new ones
MochaKat · 8/17/2011
Thanks guys will try that. Guess if the joint is stripped I will have to get new ones
chemgoddess1 · 8/17/2011
There really is no "stripping" this joint. It is an expansion joint that is held in place by pressure. The things you have to look at are the little hex screws that are right in between the holes where you tighten and loosen and the one that is on the opposite side. These 2 hex screws should be sticking out of the X joint when you place it inside the 2 pieces. There is a little groove that they sit in that is designed to keep this twisting from happening.
ShellyBelly · 8/24/2011
I just stripped my screw today, so now my pole is stuck on static :( I looked at FAQs, but couldn't find anything on the subject. I did email Xpole, since I now notice the Allen wrench they provided is actually too small. So I'm very sad :( I'll let you know their response as soon as I get one.