Sticking telescopic aluminium boathook.

[TQA]

I have the ubiquitous boathook. 3 parts, telescopic aluminium, pull out then twist to lock. It does not get used very often and when I needed it it stuck.

I did free it off eventually and a fair amount of powdery aluminium oxide was evident.

My first thought was to give the sliding sections a wipe with an oily rag before it gets returned to the locker but is there anything better that I could use?

A dry lubricant of some sort maybe?

 

[VicS]

I have the ubiquitous boathook. 3 parts, telescopic aluminium,
.......... but is there anything better that I could use?

A non telescopic one

My wooden one has never stuck once in its near 40 year life.

 

[LadyInBed]

Cheap anodised aluminium, little use, dunked in salt water, never rinced with fresh water, recipe for disaster!
Rub it vigorously with green abrasive pot sponge and hot fresh water.
When you decide to get a new one, don't! Cut the hook off and attach it to a broom stick

 

[Len Ingalls]

Lobsterman's gaff or lube yours with lanolin.

http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/tools/2,1099.html

 

[Ric]

My first alumnium boat hook was exactly like yours. However, I replaced it with a different manufacturer (don't know which) bought from SVB.de and this one has worked perfectly for 12 years. Maybe it is something to do with the grade of aluminium.

 

[alteredoutlook]

Maybe it is something to do with the grade of aluminium.

Or may be its because its bent!

 

[Momac]

Made me think of my granddaughters push chair which has an aluminium frame and was reluctant to fold.
Tried a squirt of Pledge and it worked a treat.

 

[Yngmar]

I've been told that the best thing to do about aluminium oxide is to leave it, as it basically forms a protective layer preventing further oxidation.

 

[hartcjhart]

candle wax

 

[Lodesman77]

I have the ubiquitous boathook. 3 parts, telescopic aluminium, pull out then twist to lock. It does not get used very often and when I needed it it stuck.

I did free it off eventually and a fair amount of powdery aluminium oxide was evident.

My first thought was to give the sliding sections a wipe with an oily rag before it gets returned to the locker but is there anything better that I could use?

A dry lubricant of some sort maybe?

ACF 50 would do it. Or maybe silicon spray?

 

[LittleSister]

Yes, clean it up to make it easier to slide, but I would avoid anything lubricant as this will increase the likelhood of the end coming off when the pole's under tension.

 

[TQA]

OK cleaned up with a green Scotch scrubber and lubricated with a candle.

Lets hope it works next time out.

 

[blackdogsailing]

Our primary boathook is a long wooden one with a metal end which slides into the boom nicely. we do however have a telescopic one. The secret is to keep using it ! Leave it on deck to let the rain rinse it and pull it in and out every time you use the boat. Ours is 6 years old and works fine.

Chris