Wooden Shaft Umbrella Won’t Stay Open? Here’s Why (& How to Fix It Easily)

We understand the frustration. You’re preparing for your big day (or simply enjoying one of our beautiful umbrellas) when suddenly, it won’t stay open. While this can feel like a product fault, the good news is that it’s rarely permanent and is very easy to fix.

At La Bella Wedding Umbrellas, quality and reliability are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we want to explain exactly why this happens, how you can quickly resolve it at home, and how to reach us if you need extra support.

We recommend always opening and checking your umbrellas as soon as they arrive so that we can send new ones ASAP (if needed)! 

💡 Why Your Umbrella Might Not Stay Open

If your umbrella won’t stay up when opened, it’s usually due to compression during storage or transport. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

• Compression in transit: Umbrellas are tightly packed to ensure safe, efficient shipping. This can sometimes cause the internal spring mechanism to shift slightly out of position.

• Runner-spring misalignment: The small metal clasp inside the umbrella’s shaft holds the black runner (the part that slides up and down). When that clasp or spring moves due to compression, the umbrella can’t “lock” into place when opened.

• Normal post-delivery behaviour: This is a very common occurrence, and part of the natural settling process that can happen after storage or temperature changes.

The umbrella itself is not faulty - it simply needs a quick manual reset of its spring system.

🛠️ How to Fix It (Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide)

1. Close the umbrella fully.
   Place it on a flat surface or hold it upright with the handle firmly supported.

2. Locate the spring and metal clasp.
   Open the canopy slightly and look underneath where the shaft meets the ribs. You’ll see a small metal clasp attached to a spring.

3. Reset the spring position.
   Reach inside and gently push the spring off the metal clasp so it rests on top instead of being caught around it. Do this every time you close your umbrella.

4. Reopen the umbrella.
   Push the umbrella open firmly until you feel the black runner click into place on the metal clasp.

   • You’ll notice a small hole in the runner where the clasp fits in securely (you may need to twist this left or right until it aligns).

   • Once the clasp is properly seated in this hole, your umbrella should stay open as normal.

5. Test it a few times.
   Open and close the umbrella two or three times to ensure smooth movement. The spring should now function correctly and the canopy should stay open without slipping. Make sure the spring is off of the metal clasp every time you close and store your umbrella.

🌦️ Why This Simple Fix Works

Our umbrellas feature precision-engineered springs designed to balance flexibility with strength. During long-term storage or shipping, these springs can compress the metal clasp, causing the metal locking pin to become wedged into the wooden shaft.

By lifting the spring and reseating it, you allow the runner to reconnect with the locking clasp, restoring full functionality without damaging any internal parts.

This minor adjustment is the same method used by our quality control team and ensures your umbrella continues to perform beautifully: rain or shine.

☎️ Need More Help? We’re Here for You.

If your umbrella still doesn’t stay open after following these steps, or if you’re unsure at any point, please reach out. Our support team is always happy to help guide you through the process.

You can contact us anytime:
📞 Call: 1800 036 161
📧 Email: sales@cliftonaustralia.com or info@labellaumbrellas.com.au
💬 Chat: Use the chat box on our website & we’ll get back to you promptly.

We take pride in our aftercare service because every La Bella umbrella is made to be cherished for years to come.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Umbrellas that won’t stay open are usually affected by spring compression during shipping, not product defects.

• You can fix it easily by resetting the spring and clasp alignment.

• This quick adjustment restores full functionality and takes just a minute.

• If you ever need assistance, our team at La Bella Wedding Umbrellas and Clifton Australia is always available to help.

At La Bella Wedding Umbrellas, we believe your umbrella should open as effortlessly as your special day unfolds... beautifully, reliably and with care.

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La Bella Wedding Umbrellas is here to make sure every bride, groom, and guest stays elegant and protected—whatever the weather.

Written by: Chel Nash