Making a UL Umbrella Extendable
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Since I hike with two hiking poles and want to be able to use an umbrella, I have been looking for an umbrella that would work well hands free.
I thought that an extendable umbrella would work, but I didn’t find an extendable umbrella for sale I liked, so I decided to try making my own (or modifying one).
I started with a Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Ultralight Umbrella (6.8 oz) worked on it and came up with an extendable umbrella that is about 8.3 oz.
Some instructions and links to pictures below for anyone interested.
What I used:
Umbrella – Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Ultralight Umbrella
Triangular File – or something that will cut carbon fiber
Small Hose Clamp – No 2 (7/32 – 5/8)
Superglue
Carbon Fiber Tube – that fits in the umbrella shaft cut to the desired length
Optional – Baking Soda and a very small triangular file
Cut the umbrella across the shaft a little above the handle.
To cut the shaft, gently saw back and forth with the tip of the triangular file’s edge at a right angle to umbrella shaft. Once a small cut is made with the file, turn the umbrella slightly and saw again until the umbrella shaft is circled. Continue until the shaft is cut.
2 Glue the carbon tube inside the handle with Superglue
Once the carbon shaft is inside the handle where desired, baking soda can be sprinkled on the superglue to set the superglue. This hardens the superglue quickly.
Cut an inch and a half groove parallel to the shaft in the umbrella shaft on the runner side. This will let the umbrella shaft close around the carbon tube when the hose clamp is tightened.
Cut a small hole at the top of groove to help keep the carbon fiber from cracking beyond it. Put a small dab of superglue above the groove and hardened it with baking soda to help prevent cracking beyond the hole.
Put it all together.
I have found that a dime works well to tighten and loosen the hose clamp. At the length I have made my umbrella, when fully extended, it can reach up to 50 inches. At that length, I think it may be used as a support for a tarp (more testing is needed for that).
Thanks,
John
