A few seconds of "manner" to make your lightweight umbrella last longer. Why a little effort before opening it can affect its lifespan

A lightweight folding umbrella that can be kept in a bag is an essential device for modern urban life. However, to achieve its amazing lightness, each part is designed with great precision and intricacy.

There is a perception that lightweight umbrellas are easily broken, but in fact, most of these problems can be prevented by following certain habits when opening them. As an umbrella expert, I will be sharing with you the proper opening and closing etiquette to dramatically extend the life of your beloved umbrella.

Damage to bones at the moment of opening

When it starts to rain, you probably hastily take out your umbrella and open it with a bang, pointing it towards the sky. It's painfully easy to understand the unconscious desire to open your umbrella, looking upwards, desperate to avoid the rain. However, this exact action is actually the moment when your umbrella is under the most strain.

When an umbrella is folded, the fabric overlaps in a complex way, and sometimes the ribs and fabric are in close contact with each other. If you try to force it open while it is tangled, the principle of leverage will cause unnatural force to be concentrated on the thin ribs (such as the support ribs and main ribs).

This initial "loosening" is especially important for high-spec, lightweight umbrellas weighing less than approximately 150g, as each part is made as slim as possible.

A "gravity-friendly" routine to extend the life of your umbrella

It's surprisingly easy to make sure your precious umbrella lasts a long time and functions reliably. Try making the following steps a habit today.

[Step 1: Remove the band and shake it from side to side] After removing the umbrella from the case, first remove the band. Next, gently shake the umbrella from side to side while it is still closed. This will allow air to enter the gaps between the fabric and the ribs, which will naturally dissolve the tangles.

Step 2: Open slowly, facing the ground. This is the most important step. Open the umbrella slowly, facing the ground, not towards the sky. By following gravity, the ribs and fabric will naturally lower under their own weight, allowing the umbrella to open smoothly with minimal tangling.

Instead of opening it all the way at once, first move it to the "half-open" position, and then, once you feel that the bones are aligned correctly, give it one final push to lock it in place.

Just adding this process, which takes just a few seconds, dramatically reduces the strain on your bones. Understanding the characteristics of your tools and maximizing their potential is the secret to mastering them, worthy of those who love tools.

The final step in maintenance is "drying"

Just as important as proper opening is proper care after use. The carbon fiber and aluminum used in lightweight umbrellas are rust-resistant materials, but to protect the fabric and the small parts at the joints, it is essential to thoroughly drain the water and dry it in the shade before folding.

With just a little care, your favorite lightweight umbrella can continue to protect you for several seasons to come. The next time it starts to rain, before you look up at the sky, remember this "how to make gravity your ally."