How to replace broken carbide tips on trekking poles?

Carbide tips are the business end of your trekking poles – they bite into rock, ice, and hardpacked dirt. Over time, they wear down, become blunt, or even break off entirely. Replacing them is usually straightforward and far cheaper than buying new poles. Here’s how to do it correctly, whether your poles have screw‑on or press‑fit tips.

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Step 1: Determine if your tips are replaceable

Most quality trekking poles (Leki, Black Diamond, Komperdell, Decathlon, etc.) have replaceable tips. Look closely at the tip – there will be a small metal ferrule (the base) and the carbide point. If the carbide is simply moulded into the ferrule, it may be replaceable. If the tip is a single plastic‑moulded piece that covers the end of the shaft, it’s likely not replaceable (budget poles). Check your manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: Identify the attachment type

There are two common types:

• Screw‑on (threaded) tips: The tip screws onto a threaded post at the end of the pole. You’ll see a small hex or flat slot, or just a knurled surface.
• Press‑fit (friction) tips: The tip is held by friction inside a hollow ferrule. No threads – you pull it off and push the new one on.

Step 3: Remove the old tip

For screw‑on tips:

• Use a small wrench (often included with replacement tips) or a pair of pliers. If the tip has a hex slot, a hex key may work.
• Grip the tip firmly and turn anticlockwise. It may be tight due to dirt or threadlock.
• If stuck, apply a penetrating lubricant (WD‑40) to the base and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then use a rubber band or cloth to improve grip.

For press‑fit tips:

• Grip the tip with pliers or a dedicated tip puller (some brands sell a small tool).
• Pull straight out – do not twist. The tip is held by friction; a firm, steady pull will remove it.
• If it’s stuck, dip the tip in hot water for 30 seconds to expand the plastic, then pull.

Step 4: Clean the ferrule

Before installing the new tip, clean the metal ferrule (the part where the tip attaches). Remove old dirt, rust, or residual threadlock. A small wire brush or an old toothbrush works. Ensure the threads (if any) are clear of debris.

Step 5: Install the new tip

For screw‑on:

• Apply a tiny drop of threadlock (e.g., Loctite 242) or anti‑seize compound to the threads – this prevents loosening but allows future removal. (Not strictly necessary, but helpful.)
• Screw the new tip on clockwise by hand until snug, then give it a quarter‑turn with pliers – do not overtighten (you could strip the threads).
• Some tips have a built‑in O‑ring – no threadlock needed.

For press‑fit:

• Align the new tip straight with the ferrule.
• Tap it firmly with a rubber mallet or press it against a hard surface (a piece of wood on the ground). You’ll feel it seat fully. Do not use a metal hammer – you may crack the carbide.

Step 6: Test the new tip

After installation, plant the pole on a hard surface (rock or concrete) and apply light pressure. The tip should feel solid – no wobble or rotational play. If it spins, it’s not seated correctly; remove and try again.

Where to buy replacement tips

• Manufacturer websites (Leki, Black Diamond, Komperdell) – best fit, but more expensive.
• Outdoor retailers (Decathlon, Cotswold Outdoor, REI) – often stock universal tips.
• Amazon or eBay – look for “trekking pole replacement carbide tips”. Ensure they match your pole’s diameter (usually 8–10 mm ferrule).

Tips to extend tip life

• Use rubber covers on pavement.
• Avoid dragging the tip sideways – plant vertically.
• Remove mud and grit after hiking.
• Don’t use carbide tips as levers or prying tools.

When to replace tips

• The carbide point is visibly rounded (no longer sharp).
• You see the steel ferrule exposed – the carbide has worn away.
• The tip is missing or cracked.
• The pole skids on rock or ice where it used to grip.

Final verdict

Replacing broken or worn carbide tips on trekking poles is a simple DIY task that takes less than five minutes. Identify whether your tips are screw‑on or press‑fit, remove the old ones, clean the ferrule, and install the new tips. With a small investment in replacement tips (€5–15 per pair), you can restore your poles to like‑new performance. Keep a spare set on hand, and you’ll never be caught with blunt tips on a rocky trail.