Replacement tripod mounting screw

[Markus Albertz]

G' day,

Quick tripod question: does anyone happen to know where I can get a tripod mounting screw that looks somewhat like the one shown in the first picture below? The screw was just pressed into the aluminum knob and it came loose when I set up my 8x10 camera the other day. Fortunately, I caught it before it dropped to the ground. The second picture shows the head section of my old wooden Camera Equipment tripod. BTW, these tripods are very sturdy and sell fairly cheap on ebay, but be sure to keep an eye on the mounting screw...

Many thanks in advance,

Markus

 

[Dave Parker]

Hi Markus,

Many of our local hardware stores sell metal knobs that I have been successfull using for replacement knobs on tripods, the ones I have found have been machine aluminum with the threaded part very securly mounted in them most of the ones I have found the knob is actually screwed onto the threaded portion.

By the way I shipped your 8x10 the other day and then was printing more orders out and found the order for the 11x14, so I am sorry, I did not ship them together, I should be shipping the 11x14 in the next few days.

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass

 

[Dan Williams]

Something else you could try - There are a group of products sold in the US under the name Locktite (or maybe a variation of the spelling) that are very good at fastening metal to metal.

It appears to me that the threaded section was pressed into the knob. If that is the case, this stuff may work for you. I have used it several times for repairs on machinery and, more often than not, it did the job. Try Google - I have never seen it in a consumer store. I think I use to get it in a bearing supply house.

 

[photomc]

Good advice already, pretty sure you can find a good replacement at one of the home stores like Lowes or Home Depot if one is available in your area. They sometimes have some with the bolt with a black plastic knob on it. Thanks for the tip on the Camera Equipment tripod....looks nice.

 

[Wilbur Wong]

Go to http://www.mcmaster.com/ I am sure that you will find a usable replacement

 

[Donald Miller]

Locktite should fix this with no problem. Just be sure that the surfaces are clean if you decide to try it. The material is anearobic.

 

[Dave Parker]

Locktite is availabe at most automotive supply stores...

Dave

 

[Charles Webb]

If you are handy with tools, and have a drill press, it would be very simple and easy to drill into the shallow part of your star through the 1/4 by 20 threaded screw, then use the lock tite and pin the two parts together.
Peen the heads of the pin so it dosen't come out. The lock tite will hold it very well. Just a thought! Charlie.........

 

[Markus Albertz]

Thank you...

... everyone for your helpful suggestions. I'll check the local hardware stores today and see if I can find something suitable. Dave: thanks for the update on the gg status; no worries about not shipping them together. photomc: I bought this tripod for around $US 150. The head can be taken off very easily (not obvious from the photograph in my original post) and put in a backpack for longer hikes. The legs can then be just carried over your shoulder or strapped to the backpack.

Best, Markus

 

[Terence]

Assuming it's a 1/4"x20 screw check out www.leevalley.com and check under "jig parts'. They have a few lengths of screws and a few different knobs.

 

[Markus Albertz]

Fixed !

It was actually quite simple: I bought a 1/4" tap (thread cutter for female part) and high strength Loctite. I drilled a hole through the aluminum base, cut a new thread, put a new bolt through it, and locked it permanently with Loctite. Works like a charme...

Thanks again,

Markus