s&k tri pole

[H Key]

Hi everyone! I have a question about a s&k tri pole. Has anyone ever drilled another hole in the pole to shorten and does it maintain its strength?
We're suppose to have possible 60 mph gusts this afternoon and considered lowering some to help protect the 20 babies in four gourds. Thanks Hubert

[DebA]

I used to have the tri-tel. I never drilled a hole to shorten for lowering but I did drill a hole by the bottom hole. A few inches away. I placed a bolt through it with a wing nut. I did this for safety so my pole wouldn't come crashing down. The plastic buttons are prone to break and would cause disaster with eggs especially if the house fell. We have winds all the time in Kansas and I never noticed strength of the pole compromised. Lots of people drill them for this reason.

I did this year two and year four of my two poles. I had clip breakage in both. Another problem I noticed before I drilled even, was difficulty getting the pole back up. Seemed tight. I'm no weakling but sometimes it was all I could do to raise. I can tell you what NOT to do. Don't use WD40 on your pole. It sure helped with raising but my hands would come away black.

These poles served their purpose in starting my colony. This year I invested in a Trendsetter system that comes with a 2" square with cable and winch. I am in heaven every time I use it.

[kcscriv]

As far as the wind issue i lower the complete upper, smaller sec. and leave it that way,never had a problem,the martins pick that one first every year. also have had some strong winds over the years and so far no problems, it is as noted a good idea to drill your pole for saftey. good luck

[H Key]

Thanks for input Deb and scscriv. I purchased some metal pins that s&k started offering for buttons and will use them as backup. Wasn't sure how the birds would adapt to lowering one section but may try that. Thanks Hubert

[willbird]

I have the tri tel at present. One nice feature if it rains is the hydraulic lowering feature that sprays you right in the crotch with cold water :-) shooting out of the clip hole :-).

Wondering if there is a way to make a winch system to run an assembly up and down the pole and not telescope it.

Looking at all kinds of ideas, I have machine tools and a welder so the sky is the limit in reality :-).

Bill

[John & Linda - KY]

Wasn't sure how the birds would adapt to lowering one section but may try that.

They may circle for a few minutes but will soon resume normal activity. -- John

[Connie]

I have the tri tel at present. One nice feature if it rains is the hydraulic lowering feature that sprays you right in the crotch with cold water :-) shooting out of the clip hole :-).
Wondering if there is a way to make a winch system to run an assembly up and down the pole and not telescope it.
Looking at all kinds of ideas, I have machine tools and a welder so the sky is the limit in reality :-).
Bill

If you figure something out please let me know!!

[Siberman]

I have the tri tel at present. One nice feature if it rains is the hydraulic lowering feature that sprays you right in the crotch with cold water :-) shooting out of the clip hole :-).
Wondering if there is a way to make a winch system to run an assembly up and down the pole and not telescope it.
Looking at all kinds of ideas, I have machine tools and a welder so the sky is the limit in reality :-).
Bill

If you figure something out please let me know!!

x 2

[willbird]

I'm thinking of a 2" square pole (maybe steel), so it will not be a "fix" as such for the tri-tel.

Bill

[H Key]

Hi folks! Well. I lowered my top section down where the gourds were about 10 ft. off the ground. I drilled a 3/16 hole for the metal s&k pins in the section of pole and one in the bottom section for added security for the plastic button. Yes Bill, I too have been wet after a rain but only once.
The birds did as John said by circling a little and coming back in. I am thinking of going to either a Gemini or the delux gourd rack for next season and using the tri-tel pole for a oyster shell and feeding station. As soon as I figure out how to add picture to post I'll show my housing. Thanks guys and gals for input. Hubert

[tonyg]

You won't go wrong with either the Gemini or Deluxe, I have both...I'd get rid of that s&k pole ASAP..neighbor had one, its an accident waiting to happen!!