Shorten a Hot Stick?

I have the fiberglass Arriba Hot Stick. I got a great deal on an FX4 so got that instead the shorter FX3 which is more appropriate for an H16. However, after two years of use I think it is too long and would like a shorter one.

Has anyone successfully shortened an Arriba Hot Stick?

I am leery of just cutting off the free ends of both inner and outer tubes. I suspect doing that will remove the stop at the end of the inner tube that prevents the halves from coming totally apart. Will I need to remove the roll pins that attach the inner fiberglass tube to the metal end so I can shorten it from that end, but then need remove the same amount from the opposite end of the outer tube?

Here are the sizes- I am thinking of removing 5" (should I remove more or none at all?).

FX3 52"-96" (H16)
FX4 57"-105"

_________________
Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057