Does the umbrella crank stay fully open, or does it slip back (allowing umbrella to sag)?
198373
The umbrella stayed fully open the first time I used it. Then it broke completely the second time I used it. Looks like a plastic piece at the top broke. Very cheap.
198374
it ratchets open as you crank it but only if you crank it a certain direction. You can hear it clicking if you crank it the right way. if you crank the wrong way, it will sag down.
198375
You have to wind it past the tightest setting until it starts making a clicking noise, then it won't sag. Ours sagged, too, when we first cranked it up, but this seems to have fixed that. Just make sure it "clicks" while raising or lowering the umbrella.
198376
It stays fully open. It will click when it is fully opened and remains in place. We have had no problems with ours.
890570
The umbrella isn't removal, however, it does collapse and then you can rotate it to where it point towards the ground.
2006424
If you continue to turn the crank after it the umbrella is fully open, the automatic tilt mechanism engages and you will see it tilting. The more you crank, the more it tilts. Yeah, it is amazing that Strathwood furniture did not think to include those simple instructions. I was reluctant to continue cranking for fear that i would break it.
28043
The umbrella will not rotate - in a way probably good since the umbrella is rather big and any wind would move it around....Used some garden stones to keep the base in place.We just love this umbrella and it gives plenty of sun protection !Easy to install and handle !
1013654
The umbrella needs a heavy base to keep it from being blown over in a strong wind. If your table has an umbrella hole and you use a 25 or 30 lb base it is unlikely the umbrella will topple. The umbrella crank is about 40" from the ground and the crank needs to be above the umbrella hole in your table.
2247250
I have had this clothes line "umbrella" since March. the lines are continuous around the device - that is, one line goes on all three sides. I have not noticed any excessive "sagging" - the lines are not too terribly long - so perhaps that limits the sag. The line could be easily tightened by taking out the excess where it is currently "knotted" -
889056
Technically, no you dont since the bar has both upper and lower guide holes. However you wont be able to open or close it without having to lift and hold up the umbrella every time. So without a stand or something else to raise it up you wont be able to operate the crank handle.
128880
I have one of these and I do not find that closing is any more difficult than opening. Perhaps the umbrella is "hanging up" on the upright post? If so, change the angle of the umbrella before cranking closed.
936371
Not sure what challenge you are having, but my crank quits clicking near top of lift, and the tilt is hard to unlock to upright position. This is a great umbrella,had it about a year and very pleased with the quality and price. I can figure out ways to overcome bad engineering.
1102049
The umbrella holder is shallow and doesn't go through to the ground. Nevertheless it held the umbrella fine all last summer. Of course we keep the umbrella down until we use the table. The teak table itself is very well constructed and quite heavy so it doesn't move around in the wind. If you go ahead and purchase it, oil it wit h teak oil once per season and it will last indefinitely.
1254936
Yes, there are two knobs just above the base that are easily tightened. Our 13 foot umbrella has stayed secure, never a problem. When you move the umbrella around a lot, make sure and check that the knobs are still tight. I have noticed they can come loose after a lot of movement.
575265
Curious problem. In testing mine, I encountered no trouble in opening the umbrella. In cranking the lifter, I simply continued to crank beyond the tilt mechanism until the umbrella was tight. The tilt mechanism was locked in the upright position. That locking mechanism is pretty straight forward and intuitive. If you still don't succed. please get back to me. RWM
1254940
There are two thumb screws on the lower stand tube. When these are tightened, the umbrella pole is held tight and doesn't turn or lift. Just keep the screws tight!
1343513
I have never closed mine unless to exchange umbrellas. It holds up in strong winds because of the water in the bottom.
618572
I haven't noticed a spinning, but I do put the umbrella in collapsed position during windy days.
548276
It stays in place, but it is relatively easy to close. I wouldn't say it locks in place because it will close if pushed. There is no actual locking mechanism. My oldest one is easier to close than my newest one, but it still doesn't flop closed.
541350
Mine stays back no problem. I see what others were talking about in terms of the lid needing to go back a certain distance before it locks in place, but it can lock itself back without assistance nearly every time for me. I definitely never have to hold it open manually; the spring has always supported it just fine on its own. Its kind of like an umbrella. It's kinda loose until you pass the latch point and then it stays open on its own.