Re: [Paddlewise] 2-piece paddle problem

In a message dated 1/9/01 6:09:10 AM, timbre_at_best.com writes:

<< i have a lightning 2-piece paddle.  i love it.  however, it's getting 
harder to put it together and take it apart.  what's the deal.... carbon 
fiber doesn't rust, does it?  the problem doesn't seem to be with the 
ferrule (that's the button, right?)...  i wonder, would 3-in-1 oil be a 
good idea to put on there sparingly?  if you dunk the shaft ends in the 
water first before you put it together easier---that's my husband's 
technique with my paddle-----but i'm not sure that's good for it.
 >>

Hi Kathleen,
    No, carbon fiber does not rust and the button is called, . well . .,  
"the button". The dunking in the water can lead to a build up of organic 
material or worse introduce sand, worsening the problem. In general the 
ferrule (the parts that fit inside each other) can sometimes get dirty with 
various oils and organic materials. This can make the assembly / disassembly 
of the paddle quite difficult. The best method I have found is to clean both 
the male and female parts of the ferrule and lubricate with *pure* silicone 
spray. *Do not use oil* Oil will become contaminated with dirt and will gum 
up. Also make sure that no dirt and sand is present on the ferrule surfaces. 
I have maintained my paddles this way for several years and have never had a 
problem.

Good luck,
Jed
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