Rod kicker question

[BlueChip]

I am just refitting my Selden gas strut rod kicker after having had the mast down for the winter
When I push the two sections together its as if the sliding part is coming up against a hard stop
I had expected there to be a little give and i wonder if something has jammed inside.
Even if I stand the pole vertically and hang on it there is no give (I weigh 15 stone)
Does this sound ok to you, if not what could be wrong?

 

[malcp]

Don't worry. I had exactly the same experience some years ago when I took my mast down for the first time. You have to apply a larger force than you can apply by hand; you need to tighten the kicker or the mainsheet to compress it, ie something with a mechanical advantage. It does work. Just re-assemble and tighten up on the kicker.

 

[robbieg]

Agreed. I had exactly the same experience-very suprised at the force needed to compress the kicker but it worked fine when back in place. Gave me some idea of the forces the kicker (& gooseneck) is subject to.