If brute force is your forte, you might try a rubber pipe strap wrench
as used to remove an automobile spin on oil filter. *Wrap the strap
around a few times and put something under the gripper teeth to
distribute the force. *I've never tried this but it seems like it
might work.

Those strap wrenches work pretty well, Jeff.

* * * * - 73 de Mike N3LI -

You could try holding the pole vertical and let the whole lot drop a
few feet so that the base falls onto a hard surface (assuming it has
some sort of bump cap on the base).

This inertia and rapid deceleration usually releases even the most
stubborn joints.

I have used these poles a lot, and the 'bump' method usually works for
me. Start on grass to cushion the blow, and gradually increase the
impact force until the joint comes free.

Twisting usually does not work, though a little soapy water and heating
might help.

Be very careful about using any kind of wrench or vice jaws, as these
thin-walled poles are VERY vulnerable to crushing. On the other hand,
I've never damaged one by end-on impact.


--

73 from Ian GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek