Just in case you can't do my suggested swap and are stuck with the sticks you have, I'll move swiftly on to the chain "spreader" question.
No dissasembly of the sticks is necessary to fit a chain spreader.
Get your three lengths of chain, 3 wire ties ,
(
http://www.actfs.com/CatalogProducts.asp?nProductsID=50)
and one of those clips you use to go over a trouser belt loop to hold keys etc.
Fit wire tie around bottom of both lower leg twin tubes, threading it though the end link of one of the pieces of chain as you do so.
Do likewise for the other two legs and other pieces of chain.
Set tripod to minimum height, thus sandwiching the wire tie between bottom of top leg and bottom of lower leg.
Spread the legs to desired tripod height, then clip all three chains together so they are taking the camera/ tripod weight.
Voila'.
Tripod will now go as low as you like and stay there. If you're always going to shoot at that height, the chains never need be unclipped.
Simple.
CS
PS: Should be obvious but I'll say it anyway - the chain needs to be welded link, not compression or other design that can unravel. The ties need to be pretty heavy duty as well (if you think you may want to remove them completely from time to time, the unzipable ties would be better).
PPS: I was going to mock a set up for you and post a piccie, but as the tripod is black, the only chain I have is black, and the cable ties ditto, it's a bit like taking a picture of a black cat in a coal cellar using a match for illumination.