Just wanted to announce I discovered a great new tool for removing high signs! This is an extensible lightweight hiking pole like you get at REI. I have it in my van at all times anyway so this is another multi-use for it. Just stretch it out, reach up and pry the sign off. Much easier and safer than climbing!

Way to go! I understand those things have carbide tips

DenverShark

Can you post pictures, or a website URL where this tool can be purchased?

Thanks!

These do have a carbide tip, though I can't imagine what value that would have for sign abatement. Possibly as a defensive device against angry spammers. Or maybe for high signs attached with zipties, the edged tip is certainly sharp enough to cut the nylon. If you could get the right angle on the ziptie.

The one I have is "REI Hiker Shock Light Staff": http://rei.com/product/745686 which also serves as a camera monopod, you unscrew the cork ball and mount your camera. That is why I bought the stick. It comes with a rubber sheath for the sharp tip and also a "hat" the prevents sinking too far when hiking in mud. Both those need to be removed to abuse the stick in the aforementioned way.

But REI has a whole lineup of these things, ranging from $60 up to about $140. The higher end models have a built-in flashlight, etc.

Yeah, but that's expensive for a sign whacker!

I always carry an extensible painter's pole in my car - the heaviest one I can find. And sometimes my old trusty sharky stick, made from heavy electrical conduit (see the CAUSS tools section).

DenverShark

Denver: like you, I have an extensible pole (adds about 8' to my 6' height) I got from Home Depot for $20. I attached a razor knife to the business end, and well, coroplast doesn't stand a chance! I have another razor knife for low work, and some side-cutters that easily snip through zip ties. Bring - it - on...

>Yeah, but that's expensive for a sign whacker!
That might be true if it was a sign wacker, but it is actually a hiking pole. Its real use, and the reason I have it, is to push myself up hills backwards in my wheelchair.

>my old trusty sharky
>stick, made from heavy electrical conduit
Good for you. I am disabled and barely able to get out of my van so the lightweight telescoping pole is what I can handle.

I had been trying to figure out how to get at those high signs for years, and none of the recommended tools would work for me. And in any case, I don't have room for a lot of equipment in my wheelchair van.

Hope that explains my situation, that we are not all as physically fit as yourself.

In addition, I have already been convicted of two felonies, in both cases assault with a deadly weapon. Having a long pole in my hands with a knife strapped to the end could get me life in prison. Because Colorado is a three strikes you're out state.

If you never had to think about these things, I am glad for you.

Hey - I appreciate your work removing illegal signs. So do thousands of people who no longer have to look at the eyesores.