I was trying to get some poles apart and was about to get the vice grips. I think my wife heard me, and came out with the ultimate answer. She said "we'll, it works on jars, why not poles? All u need is to get a grip". Not sure what she meant by that, but here it is, worked great, soooooooooo easy...
Quick trip to Kroger and now I have one for the boat.

