Clifton offers a wide range of umbrellas, from classic walking length models to micro mini 'pocket size' umbrellas, tailored for everyday and seasonal use.

Depending on usage, Clifton umbrellas have different warranties available, varying by type and brand. While Clifton umbrellas are built to withstand typical weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances beyond standard wear and tear can occasionally cause them to malfunction.

Below is an FAQ along with tips and tricks on how to extend the life of your umbrella.

Important Usage Instructions

• Always face the top of the umbrella canopy into the wind when in use

• If the umbrella canopy blows inside-out, turn the umbrella so that the outside of the canopy is facing the wind and allow the wind to blow the canopy back to the normal shape

• After use, always leave the umbrella open to dry completely before storing. You may leave the umbrella partially open by collapsing the canopy (as per instructions below) without fastening the canopy strap 

• Do not store umbrellas in spaces that get overheated or in extreme humidity

• Do not place heavy items on top of your umbrella as this may impact the opening and closing mechanisms of the umbrella

• While our umbrellas are engineered to withstand typical weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances or extreme weather conditions may impact the umbrella and cause it to malfunction beyond normal wear and tear

• To avoid the impact of a wet umbrella on other valuable possessions, if you are unable to leave the umbrella to dry completely, consider placing the wet umbrella inside the water bottle pocket on the side of a backpack

Walking Length Umbrellas

Walking length umbrellas are the classic style of umbrellas, known for their timeless design and sturdy construction. They typically feature a straightforward mechanism with a runner that slides smoothly along the shaft. This type of umbrella is favoured for its reliability in protecting against rain and sun alike, making it a versatile companion for everyday use.

Walking length umbrellas have two (2) metal pieces on the shaft. These metal pieces can malfunction under certain conditions:

• Pressure applied from the top, such as being stepped on or having heavy objects placed on them, or 

• Improper storage 

This issue can occur with wooden shaft umbrellas as the metal can dig into the wood, becoming stuck or piercing through it. To resolve this issue, carefully pull out the metal piece(s) using pliers.

Tips and Tricks:

1. The release button on the umbrella's runner (the sliding piece on the shaft) is used to close the umbrella. Pressing this button collapses the umbrella's ribs.

2. To open the umbrella, simply slide the runner up and lock it into place at the metal piece. Avoid sliding the runner while pushing the button, as it will not lock the umbrella open. To avoid this issue, place your thumb and forefinger either side of the button and firmly push up until the umbrella clicks into place. 

3. Always replace the cover to protect the umbrella whilst not in use. 

Automatic Open and Close Umbrellas

Automatic umbrellas are folding models, often designed for travel. Derived from classic folding umbrellas: automatic open and close umbrellas are designed for a seamless user experience, making them ideal for quick access and travel.

These umbrellas open by pushing a release button. The runner automatically moves through the shaft to lock into place. Contrary to popular belief, they do not fully retract to the handle when closing. Instead, they collapse the ribs and canopy. To fully close the umbrella, the user must manually replace the runner back to the handle.

Tips and Tricks:

1. After use, manually lock the runner into place to fully close and lock the umbrella. Place the palm of the hand on top of the canopy in the centre of the umbrella and push it down firmly to lock the runner into place. The umbrella will click to indicate that the runner has been locked into place. 

2. Avoid manually pulling down the umbrella without first pressing the button to release the runner's lock. Failure to do so may damage the mechanism, preventing the umbrella from automatically locking when next opened.

3. Always replace the cover to protect the umbrella whilst not in use. 

Manual Open Umbrellas (Folding)

Unlike automatic folding umbrellas, manual models operate similarly to walking length umbrellas. The runner of manual umbrellas must be manually slid through the shaft to lock it into place.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Do not press the button while sliding up to open, as it will not lock into place. To avoid this issue, place your thumb and forefinger either side of the button and firmly push up until the umbrella clicks into place.

2. Press the button only when closing the umbrella to collapse the ribs and canopy.

3. When closing, gently pull the runner back to avoid scratching the shaft, which could cause it to become stuck during opening and closing.

 

Ribbed Umbrellas (Mini)

Clifton offers a variety of mini umbrellas designed for minimal travellers. Due to their size and construction, these umbrellas require extra care. The shaft features a small hole for its locking mechanism.

Tips and Tricks:

1. If the runner doesn’t click into place, gently wiggling it can help align the locking mechanism.

2. Avoid holding the release button while sliding the umbrella open, as it may prevent the umbrella from staying open. To avoid this issue, place your thumb and forefinger either side of the button and firmly push up until the umbrella clicks into place.

3. Mini umbrellas may be slightly more difficult to fold due to their size and ribs. Use fold marks as a guide to carefully fold the closed umbrella canopy into place.

 

Closing and Storing Umbrellas

The method of closing and storing umbrellas significantly affects their longevity and functionality. Here are tips for storing Clifton umbrellas to maintain their optimal condition:

1. Avoid storing umbrellas in cramped spaces or under heavy objects, as pressure can damage the ribs and locking mechanisms.

2. Understand the type of umbrella to properly handle its unique mechanism, whether automatic or manual, to avoid mishandling and causing damage to the umbrella. 

3. Folding the umbrella correctly is crucial:

• Use fold marks to guide the canopy fabric into place

• Slide the runner gently down to the handle

• Tuck the tips inside the handle to prevent snagging

• Use your palm to hold the closed umbrella canopy in place

• Apply gentle pressure and twist the umbrella slightly to secure the canopy fabric

• Secure the umbrella with its Velcro closure before placing it back into its pouch

4. For better storage, consider placing folding and mini umbrellas in the water bottle pocket of a backpack to prevent damage to other valuable items such as keys or electronics. 

These guidelines will help ensure your Clifton umbrella remains functional and in excellent condition for an extended period. 

 

Common Problems

“My umbrella won’t stay open when I open it” 

If this is a standard sized manual umbrella, this issue may be a common user error instead of manufacturing. The umbrella will not stay open if the release button is being held. Simply by not pressing down on this release button, the canopy should lock into place and remain open. To avoid this issue, place your thumb and forefinger either side of the button and firmly push up until the umbrella clicks into place. 

If this is a six (6) rib mini umbrella, then this issue may be due to the cylinder lock being improperly aligned with the lock hole in the shaft. This can be simply resolved by wigging the cylinder when opening the umbrella until the lock clicks into place. Additionally, as above, avoid pressing down on the release button when opening, and instead, place thumb and forefinger either side of the button and firmly push up until the umbrella clicks into place.

If this is a wood shaft umbrella, the issue may be caused by the metal catch becoming embedded into the wooden handle. This may happen accidentally if stored improperly or if a heavy object has ben placed on top of the umbrella, forcing the metal further into the wood shaft than engineered. This issue can be resolved by using a pair of pliers and gently extracting the metal catch from the wood shaft. 

Occasionally, this may happen with fiberglass shaft umbrellas, however this is rare. 

If the problem persists, please contact Clifton Australia at sales@cliftonaustralia.com for assistance. 

 

“My Auto Open and Semi Auto Close no longer work” 

This issue may occur if the Auto Close function is not used to semi close the umbrella previously. If the umbrella is manually forced to fold the whole way, then it can break the auto mechanism and it may jam the umbrella in an open or closed position.  Please always refer to the operating instructions. 

If there is another reason that the umbrella is not operating as expected, please contact Clifton Australia at sales@cliftonaustralia.com for assistance.

 

“My Easy Glide cylinder isn’t locking into place at the top” 

All cylinders without release buttons must be slid up the shaft with some force or momentum to lock the mechanism into place. This is mostly true for six (6) rib folding umbrellas, this issue can occur, but is rare, in walking length and kids umbrellas. 

If the problem persists, please contact Clifton Australia at sales@cliftonaustralia.com for assistance.

Opening and Closing Instructions for all Umbrellas

Folding – Manual Open and Manual Close

Including models starting with A1-LF601; A1-LFP601; A1-LF606; A1-LF808; A1-LF8016; A1-LFP822; A1-LF827; A1-LFP827; A1-LF828; A1-LF829; A1-LFP829; A1-LF830; A1-LFP839; A1-LF851W; A1-LFT852; B2017; B3000; B3100; B3200; BJ-SUPERMINI; BJ-ULTRAMINI; E1-MF831; J1-LFP827; J1-LFP831; J1-LFP835

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Hold the handle firmly and lift the central runner up the shaft without holding the release button down. Keep your thumb and forefinger either side of the release button. The umbrella is open when the umbrella clicks into place at the top. If it does not lock, adjust the cylinder to line up with the small hole in the shaft to lock into place. 

HOW TO CLOSE: Press down the release button to release the runner from the top of the frame and slide the runner down. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover to protect your umbrella. 

Folding – Auto Open and Manual Close

Including models starting with A2-LFA803; A2-LFA810; A2-LFPA810; A2-LFA811; A2-LFA840; A2-LFPA840; B3310; BJ-AUTOHOOK; BJ-AUTOOPEN; E2-MFA809; E2-MFA810; E2-MFA811; E2-MFA825; E2-MFA871

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Ensuring there is no one in your immediate vicinity, face the top of your umbrella into the wind and press the button, which will open your umbrella automatically. 

HOW TO CLOSE: Pull the runner down firmly and in one swift motion from the top of the umbrella towards the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover to protect your umbrella. 

CAUTION: Ensure the umbrella is locked into place, as the umbrella will spring open if not locked correctly. 

Standard Folding – Auto Open and Semi Auto Close

Including models starting with A3-LFA609; A3-LFA812; A3-LFASC813; E3-MFA800V; E3-MFA801; E3-MFA801V; E3-MFTA801; E3-MFA812; E3-MFA890

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Ensuring there is no one in your immediate vicinity, face the top of your umbrella into the wind and press the button, which will open your umbrella automatically. 

HOW TO CLOSE: DO NOT PULL DOWN! Press to close. Hold the handle firmly in one hand. With the other hand, place a flat palm on the centre on the top of the canopy above the shaft and press the top of the umbrella down firmly into the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover to protect your umbrella. 

CAUTION: Ensure the umbrella is locked into place, as the umbrella will spring open if not locked correctly. 

Easy Glide Open and Close

Including models starting with A6-LR800; BJ-MICROMINI; K1-CN817; K1-CPPVC800; K1-CPVC800; BJ-KIDS; B4FUNSTORY

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Hold the handle firmly and lift the central runner up the shaft. The umbrella is open when it clicks into place at the top.  

HOW TO CLOSE: Pull the easy glide runner down the shaft from the top of the umbrella towards the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover (if applicable) to protect your umbrella. 

Walking Length and Golf Length – Manual Release Open and Close

Including models starting with A4-LRW804; A4-LRWP804; A4-LRWT804; A4-LRWP877; A4-LRWP878; A4-LRWP879; B3500GOLF; BJ-GOLF; E4-MR167; E4-MRT167; E4-MRW129; E4-MRW121; G0-ALB; G1-ALB; G3-HURRI; G3-MONSOON, G3-WPRO; G3-WPROPLUS, G4-GOLF

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Hold the handle firmly and lift the central runner up the shaft without holding the release button down. Keep your thumb and forefinger either side of the release button. The umbrella is open when it clicks into place at the top and is held by the upper release mechanism. Hold the lower release button down to allow the runner to slide up the shaft. 

HOW TO CLOSE: Press the upper release button and pull the easy glide runner down the shaft from the top of the umbrella towards the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place at the lower release button. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover (if applicable) to protect your umbrella. 

Walking Length and Golf Length – Auto Open and Manual Close

Including models starting with A7-LRA805; A7-LRSA805; A7-LRSA807; B3400; B3450; B3500SPORT; BJ-AUTODOME; BJ-BJUMP; E5-MRA888; E5-MRWA801; E5-MRA899V; E5-ULTIMATE; G2-PAR; G2-PRO; G2-TORNADO; G6-ULTIMATE

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Ensuring there is no one in your immediate vicinity, face the top of your umbrella into the wind and press the button, which will open your umbrella automatically. 

HOW TO CLOSE: Press the upper release button and pull the runner down the shaft from the top of the umbrella towards the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place at the lower release button. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover (if applicable) to protect your umbrella. 

CAUTION: Ensure the umbrella is locked into place, as the umbrella will spring open if not locked correctly. 

Walking Length Reverse Cover – Manual Release Open and Close

Including models starting with A8-LR860; A8-LRP860; A8-202; A8-230

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Hold the handle firmly and lift the central runner up the shaft without holding the release button down. Keep your thumb and forefinger either side of the release button. Your umbrella is open when the umbrella clicks into place at the top.

HOW TO CLOSE: Press the upper release button and pull the central runner down the shaft from the top of the umbrella towards the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover (if applicable) to protect your umbrella. 

Walking Length Reverse Cover – Manual Open and Auto Close

Including models starting with A8-LRPA865

HOW TO OPEN: Remove the cover. Unfasten the strap and shake the umbrella to loosen the canopy fabric by holding the handle and twisting your wrist side to side. Hold the handle firmly and lift the central runner up the shaft by holding the release button down. Your umbrella is open when the umbrella clicks into place at the top.

HOW TO CLOSE: DO NOT PULL DOWN! Press the button with the down arrow to close. The canopy of the umbrella will collapse automatically. Hold the handle firmly in one hand. With the other hand, place a flat palm on the centre on the top of the canopy above the shaft and press the top of the umbrella down firmly into the handle until you hear a click, which indicates that the umbrella has been locked into place. Tweak the canopy material to return the fabric to the natural fold lines, then holding the canopy in one hand, twist the handle to roll the canopy up and fasten the strap. Replace the cover to protect your umbrella. 

CAUTION: Ensure the umbrella is locked into place, as the umbrella will spring open if not locked correctly.