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Rebuilding an Old Tripod |
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Step
1: Inspect tripod to identify any worn or broken parts. If you need to
disassemble the tripod to identify worn parts reassemble it before you store
it so you do not loose track of what part goes where on the tripod. You may
remember now what the sequence is, but if you are forced to wait a few weeks
for parts, your memory may fade. |
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Step 2: Purchase
replacement parts and lay them out sequentially so that as you take the old
parts off the tripod the new parts are readily available and easy to replace
without confusion. |
Step 3: As you remove
the parts inspect them, any good parts that do not need to be replaced can
be wiped with a cotton cloth like an old t-shirt to degrease them.
(Tip: When replacing some tripod parts such as leg locks several parts may
need to be removed before you can get to the needed repair. This is why it
is very important to take the tripod apart in sequence and to lay everything
out in sequence as you take the tripod apart to make reassembly less
confusing. We like to use a large table and work one leg at a time.) |
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Step
4: As you reassemble, use tiny amounts of white lithium grease to
re-lubricate the parts.
(Tip: Use grease sparingly so as not to collect too much dirt as you use
it. You can use a coffee stir or a tooth pick to apply a thin film on
sliding parts and inside moving parts or on balls and on hinge points). |
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Step 5: Reassemble
tripod with new parts, check that all screws and bolts are snug, but not too
tight. Too much tension, even on parts that do not move can warp and fatigue
the metal parts around them |
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Step
6: Test and adjust ALL parts for tension. Leg locks that are too loose are
adjusted in this fashion: Unlock the lever or bolt, turn the lower
tightening screw ¼ turn. Lock the leg lever or bolt and test again. Repeat
this step until the leg holds fast and no longer slips when weight is
applied. Ball heads and fluid heads may have two adjustments on the
tension. Make sure the fine adjustment is at the minimum before adjusting
the coarse adjustment. |
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Tip: You can use
Stainless Steel or Brass metal washers to allow further tightening of loose
parts. Old tripod parts tend not to tighten as securely as when they were
new. Washers can generally fix this problem by adding back some of the
worn area. More washers for more tension is not a good idea. If the part
is severely worn, replace the part. |
