Poles in Clam Nanook

[Ihawkangler]

Is anyone else having issues with the poles in the Clam sled style ice huts?  Purchased my Nanook in November and immediately started having issues with 2 of the poles not locking into position when putting up and the buttons / clips not working when attempting to retract.  I thought it needed to be broken in, but as time has gone on, the problem has gotten worse.  It is a major pain to get the 2 poles down-- have to take off gloves, use something to poke the tab and even then it takes ~ 6-8 tries before the poles actually go down.  Any suggestions on how to alleviate this problem? 

[Ice_Fly_Guy]

Yep. I have the same problem on just one of the poles. It's hard enough trying to break it down in wind without issues like that...maybe some penetrating oil would loosen it up. I dunno..

[Huntindave]

"the buttons / clips not working "

I have an older Clam that uses the buttons only, no clips.  I have to take my gloves off so my finger can push the button in far enough to disengage from the outer pole.  Setting up is no problem as the buttons freely pop into place when I extend the pole sections.

If you buttons are no moving freely in and out, possibly the holes have a burr in them or are slightly undersize, which is causing the buttons to hang up.  You may have to remove the offending pole(s) so that you can disassemble them and carefully deburr the holes in both sections.   This will require also removing the button and underlying spring.  Just depress the button fully and reach into the pole with forceps or needle nose pliers, grab the end of the depressed spring and pull the spring and button out the end of the pole.  Now you can work on the holes if needed.

Replacing the spring back into position is as simple as lining the button up with the hole, compressing the spring and shoving it back into the pole till it clicks into place.   Takes more time to explain it than to do it.

I'm just guessing that this may be the problem, don't know for sure, but I've had camping tent poles that had the same issues and opening up the holes a bit by deburring them cured the problem.

[Ihawkangler]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I am willing to try anything at this point. 

[Iceaholic]

Yes having the same problem with my Clam Explorer.  Poles come unlocked for no reason.  Worst design I've ever seen!  I've tried adjusting them, etc, no luck.  Don't know if we can take those off and go with normal set up.  Mine is only a year old and is a POS.  5 of my zipper handles broke also!  I Shoulda bought a Frabrill I guess... 

[cyclones30]

My nanook I bought new last spring hasn't had any issues yet. (knock on wood I guess) Added some sled lights to her and love the setup so far.

[toofuss]

Iceaholic. Send me a pm with your number and we can get together to try and fix that hut.

[Ihawkangler]

Picked up a Shappell sled style hut on a super clearance and anxious to try it out.  Unlike the CLAM, it's poles are not telescoping, so it flips and down with no button pushing.  It also has a bench seat that slides back so you can sit with your feet in the sled vs. on the ice.  Doubt I will use that, but the extra room in the sled is impressive.

[Iowafarmer2014]

I have vouyager and cant get them to go down!!!

[Marcunfish]

The poles on the Nanook are not built well, I have gone through 4 this season and one last season. Thinking of replacing the push buttons with cotter pins it may take longer to set up but wont have to worry about the plastic push butttons breaking off. IMHO