I haven't had any problems getting my poles (Leki) tight enough. And I'm one of those people that has trouble opening jar lids (if banging it on the counter doesn't work, I have to go beg help from a neighbor). Since I have a Tarptent which uses trekking pole support, I have to change the dimensions on at least one of my poles every night and morning. Have you checked out the flick-lock poles? I haven't tried them, but I've been told they're less liable to slip.