I took my wife's pair apart and the plastic pieces at the end of the pole sections have cheap screw holding them in place. That is what came loose making the pieces not sit properly and seem like they were broken. After replacing with a longer beefier screw it performs a bit more reliable. Every now and then the plastic pieces still become unset which can permanently lock the section in place or leave it loose.

Anyhow I read that some Walmart store are now selling poles under the brand "Outdoor products" and they now have flip locks like the Black diamond brand treking poles. You may want to pick one of those up instead.