Manfrotto tripod leg locks work loose (1 Viewer)

[israel]

My 8 year old Manfrotto 441 carbon fibre tripod leg locks require constant tightening. Despite my changing the nylock nuts, often, the problem soon reoccurs.Any ideas?

A friend of mine has a similar problem with a relatively new Velbon Geo so if i decide to buy a new tripod (i'm not keen on screw in locks) anyone suggest a reliable brand?

Chris.

 

[chris butterworth]

You could try 'Loctite'. It's a bit like super glue for nuts and bolts, except you can undo them if needed. Most car accessory shops sell it. I used to use it on all the bolts on my motorcycles ( including a Triumph Trophy that used to vibrate like mad ) and nothing, apart from me, ever fell off.

Chris

 

[israel]

You could try 'Loctite'. It's a bit like super glue for nuts and bolts, except you can undo them if needed. Most car accessory shops sell it. I used to use it on all the bolts on my motorcycles ( including a Triumph Trophy that used to vibrate like mad ) and nothing, apart from me, ever fell off.

Chris

Thanks for that.I have considered Loctite but wasn't sure the small bolt would be able to be tightened at a later date given the small Phillips screwdriver needed.

Having said that i may still try it and buy a new tripod if it fails.

 

[dantheman]

My dad used to be an optician and one of the tricks was to use clear nail varnish on the small screws on the sides of glasses to stop them working loose. Same principle.

 

[gvca1]

Blue Loctite should be fine. The Blue version is designed for dis assembly/reassembly, and as long as you use the correct size screwdriver, it should be no problem.

I would be more concerned that there is something else going on, however, since I would think replacing the nuts with 'nylock' would have done the trick.

regards,

Jim

 

[Barred Wobbler]

I've had a Manfrotto 443 carbon tripod for a number of years (about 10 or 11) now and I'm forever having to tighten the leg clamp screws.

I don't think it's a problem with the screws becoming loose, it's more to do with the legs wearing down.

You can tighten the clamp and the leg seems fine at first, but after a few months use, at the slightest pressure or weight the leg starts to slide - but only so far. After sinking a couple of inches the collapse stops as the clamp comes into contact with an unworn section of leg a couple of inches below full extent.

I think it's just the price to pay for having a leg that's built of resin with carbon embedded rather than a good old-fashioned metal leg that would be resistant to wear.

Each time you use the tripod you're effectively sanding the top of each joint down a little more, requiring adjustment every few months.

No amount of Loctite is going to stop that.

 

[israel]

I've had a Manfrotto 443 carbon tripod for a number of years (about 10 or 11) now and I'm forever having to tighten the leg clamp screws.

I don't think it's a problem with the screws becoming loose, it's more to do with the legs wearing down.

You can tighten the clamp and the leg seems fine at first, but after a few months use, at the slightest pressure or weight the leg starts to slide - but only so far. After sinking a couple of inches the collapse stops as the clamp comes into contact with an unworn section of leg a couple of inches below full extent.

I think it's just the price to pay for having a leg that's built of resin with carbon embedded rather than a good old-fashioned metal leg that would be resistant to wear.

Each time you use the tripod you're effectively sanding the top of each joint down a little more, requiring adjustment every few months.

No amount of Loctite is going to stop that.

I've measured the legs with a micrometer and there is no wear to speak of. On closer inspection i can see the wear is actually on the locking collar and tab/lever that you flick to lock and unlock.

I've ordered a replacement locking collar (£15.59) and if thats satisfactory will replace the other 5 as its solid tripod otherwise.

Thanks for your response.

 

[bentleyg]

I have the aluminium tubed version and it has similar problems. I think it's because the correct setting of the clamp nut varies with the expansion and contraction of the casting with temperature.

 

[trealawboy]

This has been happening to my 443 for years too.

:-(