One twist for all: Tucker clamps down on section slippage
March 1st 2006

With a newly patentend 'one twist' clamp system now on the market, Tucker Pole says it has swiftened and simplified pole extension - and solved the problem of slippage due to wear and tear Tucker Pole has made a major change to the way its telescopic, waterfed pole sections are clamped together. After months of development the outcome is the Pennel Clamp.

According to the company, there is nothing quite like it in the marketplace and the concept is already gaining popularity with many in the industry. Poles, with the new clamp, are now being assembled both here and in America.

Twist and stick

The original Tucker method of connecting their aluminium pole sections together has always been strong and reliable. However, the worm gear clip requires a hand tool, for tightening - and many consider this a disadvantage. The competition uses a single action lever clamp which is viewed as being quicker and more convenient.

The new Pennel Clamp has been devised and patented by Aquafactors, Tucker's UK agent. It is loosely based on the 'wing nut' concept. A simple clockwise twisting action and the clamp is tight enough to prevent any pole slippage.

Take up the slack

According to Tucker, the beauty of the Pennel Clamp is that none of the main advantages of the original clamp have been lost. Firstly, the theory behind the original jubilee clip concept is still employed - but improved. If there is any deterioration around where the sections are joined the clamp is designed to continually take up the slack. It can always be tightened 'a little more'giving high cohesion characteristics between the sliding sections and therefore performs better under duress.

This is where most competitive poles fail. The one position clamping action can cause wear around the top of the pole. Over time this can cause the sections to move and slip. This eventually makes working with the pole almost impossible and repair is often not straightforward.

Secondly, the benefit of being able to reduce and extend Tucker poles by removing or adding sections is still possible with the new clamping system.

Thirdly, the new clamp reduces the weight marginally and the improved tolerances between sections makes the pole slightly more rigid without detracting from the unique 'flex' action which has always been a trademark of the aluminium system.

Retrofit to existing poles

Perhaps the best thing about the new system is that companies which have already invested in a Tucker system don't miss out: all existing poles can be upgraded with the Pennel Clamp; great news for the many users around the country. Aquafactors are introducing a conversion kit that involves removing the existing clip and gluing a new clamp to each of the sections. The kit has been designed to be DIY orientated and as simple as possible to use.

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