Aluminium Walking Pole
While bush walking on uneven terain, it can be useful to have a walking pole to help with balance. This project sets out to see if a walking pole can be made from aluminium cans.
Supplies
Empty Aluminium beverage cans.
Making a Beverage Can Unit Stronger
Bamboo is used to build scaffolding in some parts of the world. Strength is obtained from cross sections along it's length. In a similar way to make this aluminium beverage can walking pole stronger, more cross sections will be incorporated along it's length than just from joining beverage cans together. The number of cross sections will be doubled by first cutting the cans in half and then inserting one half into the other.
To do this:
* Cut a can in half at the middle using a pair of scissors
* Trim both edges to make them straight.
* Insert one half into the other and press in well.
To do this:
* Cut a can in half at the middle using a pair of scissors
* Trim both edges to make them straight.
* Insert one half into the other and press in well.
Joining the Units
Make multiple units as described in the step above and join them together by pressing one into the other. Ensure straight alignment and good connections.
Straightening and Tightening
To ensure the walking pole is straight - Place it on a flat surface such as a concrete slab or table top and roll it while tightening the cans together. You could apply tape on the outside to ensure they remIn together but I choose to see how it would go without the tape.
Bottom and Topping Caps
A bottom cap was added by cutting the concave bottom off a can flipping it over and glueing it to the bottom can. This strengthening innovation ensures the weight is transferred equally around the outside of the can when used. A cap was also added to the top for comfort and style.
Performance
The walking pole worked well and was useful while walking over rocky terrain. Along the walk a coastal taipan was encountered on the path but we went separate ways, so no worries.
Epilogue
A few observations:
*European beverage cans don't appear to be as strong as Australian ones and are not suitable for the poles construction.
*The cans need to be securely joined and held together.
*Only light pressure should be applied to the pole. Its for balance rather than support.
Another walking pole was made at the beginning of a 3 day, 30km, coastal walk. It was made from narrower, 250 ml cans which were inverted one into the other without cutting them in half.
The walking pole lasted the distance and proved useful.
*European beverage cans don't appear to be as strong as Australian ones and are not suitable for the poles construction.
*The cans need to be securely joined and held together.
*Only light pressure should be applied to the pole. Its for balance rather than support.
Another walking pole was made at the beginning of a 3 day, 30km, coastal walk. It was made from narrower, 250 ml cans which were inverted one into the other without cutting them in half.
The walking pole lasted the distance and proved useful.