I haven't had any problem with getting Leki poles tight enough, or adjusting them to use with my shelter--even though I'm one of those who has to get a neighbor to help when I need to open a jar! I don't have enough strength in my fingers to work the flicklocks on Black Diamond or the new Leki poles, though. Just proves we're all individuals!

There are fixed length hiking poles available, or you can get used ski poles. I can't use fixed length poles because the length I need for hiking is shorter than what I need to support my shelter. If you're not a shorty like me, it's easy to adapt a longer pole to a shorter shelter.

The advantages of using two poles are great. I used a single hiking staff for 15 years after my knee injury before switching to two. The improvement in my hiking speed and in my balance was infinitely greater, and I'd never go back to a single pole!

Here is an excellent site showing how to adjust and use trekking poles.