There will come a time when you need to clean your tripod / monopod leg section assemblies.

Perhaps that last trip out left your tripod covered in sand or mud and some may have worked its way into the leg sections.

The tell tale signs that it needs cleaning are the screw locks are stiff to operate or the legs wont extend smoothly.


So here's a run through of how best to go about cleaning them (using the CT-3372 tripod as an example).

First off, you need a few things!

We recommend:

1. A bowl of warm water with a drop of mild detergent.
2. A lint free cloth for cleaning.
3. A soft toothbrush for getting any debris out of the threads.
4. Paper towel for drying.
5. Silicone oil for thread lubricant (not solvent based e.g. WD40 or 3 in 1).

Step 1 - Leg section dis-assembly

a) Work on each child leg section separately and unscrew the screw lock [1].

b) Slightly uncurl and remove the stop collar [6], slide off the 4 collet components [2,3,4,5] and screw lock [1].

c) Note component orientation and keep all components in leg section sets.

d) Repeat for each leg section and leg.

Step 2 - Cleaning leg sections, screw locks and collets

a) Wash all components in warm water with a drop of mild detergent.  The synthetic collet components are relatively delicate and can be damaged, so gently does it!

b) Use a soft toothbrush to clean any debris from the the screw lock and leg section threads.

c) Rinse off all components in fresh water.

d) Thoroughly dry all components.

Step 3 - Leg section re-assembly
 
a) Start with the smallest diameter leg tube and proceed to assemble.

b) Slide on the screw lock [1].

c) Slide on the collet components [2,3,4,5] noting the correct chamfer arrangement for each. Also, orientate each collet component so that their split is radially offset to the next collet component and not aligned.

d) Slide on the stop collar [6] and align the two internal spigots so that they locate as a retained sleeve with the two holes at the top of the leg section.   

f) Ensure the collet assembly is fully inserted.

g) Put a few drops of silicone oil on the parent leg section threads only. Do not be tempted to put any lubricant on the collet assembly!

h) Slide the screw lock [1] up to the parent leg thread and loosely tighten. Tightening the screw lock [1] should be effortless, so be careful not to cross thread it. If resistance is felt, then it is likely that the collet assembly [2,3,4,5] is jammed or cross threaded. In this instance, do not force it, dis-assemble and check that the collet components [2,3,4,5] are correctly installed. For reference, note the position of the screw lock [1] relative to the leg section thread when tightened. 

i) When assembled correctly, operating the screw lock [1] should be no more than 1/4 of a turn in either direction to extend or retract the leg section. 

j) Repeat the assembly procedure for subsequent leg sections and legs.


In order to keep your Tripod or Monopod in tip-top condition and to ensure years of trouble free service, FeisolUK recommend that the frequency of cleaning should be proportionate to amount of use it receives and the environment it's used in. In other words, if it looks grubby, give it a clean!

If you have any queries or need spares, do not hesitate to contact FeisolUK Support.   

We have tried many adhesives and found that a few drops of Loctite 480 is the best solution.

Loctite 480 is a black, rubber toughened grade adhesive for bonding metal to metal and metal to rubber; especially suitable with applications where high peel strength is required and/or shock loads are present.

Loctite 480 is available in 20g or larger bottles and varies in price significantly, so shop around!

If you would like us to permanently fix the rubber feet to your tripod prior to shipment, please add a note to the order prior to checkout. There is no charge for this service!

Please note that Loctite 480 is a Cyanoacrylate (super glue) based product and proper care and handling must be adopted before use. FeisolUK cannot be held responsible for any accident or injury arising from the use of this product and suggest that appropriate product data sheets are reviewed and followed accordingly.