Trekking-Pole Ferrules: The Small Part Doing Big Work

That tough sleeve above your carbide point? That’s the ferrule. It takes a beating so your pole doesn’t have to. Here’s how to keep it doing its job.

What the ferrule does

• Seats the carbide tip and provides the thread for baskets.
• Protects the end of the carbon/aluminum shaft from impacts and moisture.

Wear & failure signs

• Cracks in the housing.
• Baskets don’t tighten square.
• A faint wobble you can feel when planting the pole.

Fixes (usually a tip unit swap)

• Most brands integrate ferrule + tip. The cure is the same process as replacing carbide tips.
• If your pole uses a separate ferrule, match inner/outer diameter and basket thread.

Prevention

• Use rubber tips on pavement/indoors.
• Replace worn baskets; loose baskets chatter and wear threads.

Shop the gear

• Carbide Tips (2-pack) and baskets: https://freevane.com/collections/trekking-pole-accessories

FAQs

• Is the ferrule metal or plastic? Typically a tough plastic composite; the tip itself is carbide.
• Can I fix a cracked ferrule with glue? Temporary at best—replace the tip unit.