Short answer: press the button in fully with a blunt tool (like the end of a pen or a coin), and at the same time twist and pull the sections gently in opposite directions. If it’s stiff from dirt, clean around the button and shaft and dry everything. Never force it with pliers or a screwdriver, and if the button or spring is damaged, replace the cane. A height lock that doesn’t lock is a fall risk.
Adjustable canes are brilliant until the little push button refuses to cooperate. Either it won’t press in and the cane is stuck at the wrong height, or it won’t pop back out and the cane slides shorter when you lean on it. Here’s how to sort out both.
Problem 1: the button won’t press in
- Take the weight off. Hold the cane horizontally, or upside down.
- Press the button with something blunt, like a pen end or a coin. Fingertips often can’t push it far enough.
- While pressing, wiggle and twist the lower section very slightly, then slide it. Sometimes the button is pinched by the edge of the hole.
- Clean it. Grit and old grime around the hole can jam the button. Wipe around it with a damp cloth and use a toothbrush to clear the edges. Dry thoroughly.
- Try a tiny amount of dry lubricant (a silicone spray made for metal parts) on the inner shaft if it’s still stiff. Wipe off any excess so your hands don’t get slippery. Avoid oily lubricants, which attract dirt.
Problem 2: the button won’t pop out (cane slides shorter)
This one is a safety issue. If the cane gets shorter when you lean on it, stop using it until it’s fixed.
- Line up the holes. Slide the inner shaft slowly until you hear or feel the button click fully into a hole.
- Check that the button sticks out properly. It should poke through the outer hole clearly, not halfway.
- Clean the inner shaft and the button. Dirt can stop the spring from pushing the button fully out.
- Test it: stand the cane upright and press down firmly on the handle. It must not move.
Problem 3: the button is loose, bent or missing
Inside the shaft there’s usually a small spring clip that pushes the button out. If the clip is broken, bent or has slipped, the button won’t lock reliably. Some manufacturers sell replacement clips, but for most people, a new cane is the safer choice. The cost of a cane is small compared with the cost of a fall.
What not to do
- Don’t use pliers on the button. You’ll dent the shaft or bend the clip.
- Don’t hammer or force the sections apart.
- Don’t tape the cane at a fixed height as a “fix”. Tape won’t hold your weight.
- Don’t soak the cane in water to loosen it.
Once it moves: reset the height properly
Stand in your usual shoes with your arms relaxed. The handle should line up with your wrist crease. Full guide: what size cane do I need?
Prevent it happening again
- Wipe the shaft and the button area weekly.
- Dry the cane after rain or snow.
- Check the lock as part of a monthly safety check: how to clean and maintain a cane.
Other common cane fixes
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WD-40 on my cane?
A light, silicone-based spray is usually a better choice, because oily products can attract dirt and make your hands slippery. Use very little and wipe off the excess.
Why does my cane click when I walk?
Often the button isn’t fully seated, or there’s play between the sections. Clean the shaft and check the button sits fully through the hole.
Is it safe to use a cane with a damaged button?
No. If the height lock isn’t reliable, the cane can collapse under your weight. Replace it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Using a cane
- MedlinePlus: Preventing falls