Quick release snaps: You can also find these snaps at marine supply shops. They come in SS and they are built for heavy loads, as in sails. They also have several different models and several sizes. Personally, I like the ones with the quick release at both ends. But others prefer the screw together type on one end. So that's another source. Prices seem to be comparable, no matter where you get them. Good luck. Drop pole: Originally my little carriage had a drop pole. I had a welder modify the carriage and the pole assembly with a strip of metal with holes, so that I could add a spring to hold up the pole assembly. Been using it that way for over ten years. Works just fine. Of course, my little battle wagon isn't the prettiest on the block, but it's oh, so functional. Helen, in North Texas where the sun is shining brightly and the air is clear and cool. _________________________________________________________ To Unsubscribe, change to Digest or Vacation mode go to: http://www.drivingpairs.com/dpmem.html `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````