How to Measure Cane Tip Size? (The RIGHT Way)
For a proper & safe fitting, it’s essential to know your cane shaft diameter when you’re replacing your walking cane rubber tips.
You might find the cane shaft diameter stamped on the cane as 1/2″ or 3/4”.
If there is no stamp, or if you are unsure what size to get, you need to measure the diameter of the metal tube that the rubber tip fits over.
You should twist your worn-out tip off and measure the shaft across the bottom.
Measure the diameter of the shaft, not the circumference, by placing the tape measure across the bottom of the shaft.
Should I Measure the Outside Diameter of the Cane’s Tip or the Inside Diameter of the Old Tip?
Both will work, but the most relevant measurement is the outside diameter of the cane tip itself.
So measure the outside diameter of the cane tip or tips if you own a quad cane.
Do Cane Tips Come in Different Sizes?
Yes, the rubber tip of your cane might range in size from 3/4″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 7/8″, 1″, and 1 1/8″.
If your measurement shows that your shaft is 1″ in diameter, you will need a 1″ rubber replacement tip.
When Should the Rubber Tip on a Cane Be Changed?
Cane tips should be replaced regularly to avoid slips and falls. If your cane tip is heavily worn on one side, the rings on the bottom of the tip are no longer visible, or it has been several months, it is time to replace the cane tip.
Here are some examples of tips for popular cane sizes:
Tips for Ice
A specific walking cane tip is designed to provide better traction in ice or snow. It can be used on canes of various thickness/diameters, even on canes thicker than average 1″ and those with a smaller diameter. A different set of screws of different lengths is included to accommodate any diameter or thickness of the cane.
This kind of cane tip attachment works with basically any cane. And it’s easy to flip out of the way when you are inside or don’t need it.
It is an affordable safety aid for people who use a cane and live in ice or hard-packed snow areas.
Read more: Walking Cane Safety Tips (How to Walk Safely With a Cane).
