Well, i tighten it about as much as i can even my boyfriend came over nd helped me set it up the first time, and he was the one that tightened it and it happened from the first time. and i get scared to tighten it too much to the point where i cant unscrew it, since my dad is close minded i have to put it up and down every time i need to use it. -_- i do use the metal things that come with it but idk.. maybe ill try to tighten it a little more. about the gripping i feel like if i grip any looser i wont be able to do a thing -_- ugh this is irritating. well ill try to screw it on tighter nd ill let you guys know what happened. thanks for your suggestions!