Everything worked fine for me. Just watch a few YouTube videos and you'll be fine. It doesn't take a lot of muscle power to hit and I used the smooth side of a metal hammer because the other end of the hit damaged my hammer. I used it to swap out my tent that requires female end poles for a tent that accepts male end poles (3/8" poles with 1/4" male ends - hence the 1/4" spacer kit) Can't comment on durability yet as I've just installed them.. Bushings didn't come apart when installing. I'll update after using for a few trips. But so far so good. Update 10/12/20: I have Took my tent on several trips.Bushings hold up well, don't snap.Durability and reliability also seem solid.