Thought I would follow up on this.
made some changes to the models that people have already made and proven to be useful.
two garden stakes with a 3mm screw head bolt, double washer in the middle for smooth operation and it gives some clearance for the grip.
grips are slightly tacky to the touch, actually mesh tape used on squash rackets. my squash career is over so I thought it would come in handy and also the colour might help me find the bloddy things when left against a tree!
heres the best bit!:
2kg pull magnets expoxied into place opposite each other.
Holds the sticks perfectly together but can be opened one handed.
B&Q finest O-rings to safequard any clattering should that occur
put some more grip tape at a comfortable height for using as a staff.
I also have a long dog leash which when the handle end is looped over the one of top spurs stretches down to the ground with about a foot long piece trailing.
stand on the end and push the sticks away from you and you have a tripod without the extra stuff to carry.
stole that idea from here (bottom of page):
Instruction
total cost: £8