How to keep my head screwed on tight?

[Stephan Goldstein]

I have a Gitzo 1227 tripod and a Linhof Profi-II ball head.
For a reason I haven't been able to fathom the head won't
stay screwed on tight to the stud in the center-column.
I've tried cleaning the stud threads and the threads inside
the head as best I can. Loctite Blue didn't work. There
aren't any interposing pieces, just the stud in the column
and the head.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Steve

[MikeWhy]

"Stephan Goldstein" > wrote in message
...
> I have a Gitzo 1227 tripod and a Linhof Profi-II ball head.
> For a reason I haven't been able to fathom the head won't
> stay screwed on tight to the stud in the center-column.
> I've tried cleaning the stud threads and the threads inside
> the head as best I can. Loctite Blue didn't work. There
> aren't any interposing pieces, just the stud in the column
> and the head.

Bogen/Manfrotto heads use setscrews to keep their heads from rotating. It
might be a bit of trouble to drill and tap your Gitzo. Loctite Red is much
stronger. Heat or extreme pressure is needed to release it. This might be
viable if there is no plastic close to the mounting stud on both the tripod
and the head.

[Nicholas O. Lindan]

"Stephan Goldstein" > wrote

> I have a Gitzo 1227 tripod and a Linhof Profi-II ball head.
> the head won't stay screwed on tight to the stud in the
> center-column. There aren't any interposing pieces, just
> the stud in the column and the head.

You need something deformable and springy between the head and
the column. The usual solution is a lock washer, but that
isn't practical in this application (a lock washer with a
1/4" ID and a 3" OD).

Gitzo columns usually come with a black plastic or rubber &
cork washer/surround on the top. If this is missing then
you will need to replace it. Automotive gasket material
may work; try an autoparts store. Another alternative
would be to apply silicon RTV to the flat faces of the column
and the head - you may, however, have difficulty taking the
thing apart later.

BTW: make sure there is no oil or grease on the flat
mating surfaces. Try cleaning both surfaces with acetone
(or whatever) and then putting it all together.

I don't think Loctite will work well in this application.

--
Nicholas O. Lindan, Cleveland, Ohio
Consulting Engineer: Electronics; Informatics; Photonics.

[Paul Lester]

I had the same problem with my Slik tripod and a Bogen head. Locktite Blue
fixed it. The first time it didn't work because the threads have to be
clean and oil free.
Spray on some Windex, or Formula 409, or anything that will act as a
degreaser.
Clean the column post threads as well as those inside of the head. Clean
twice, or however many times it takes to get them very clean.
Dry both with a clean, dry, cloth.
Wait a few minutes for them to dry, or use a hairdryer to speed things
along.
Add a drop of the Loctite Blue to the post, in this case, less is more.
Make sure that you shake it very well before applying.
Mate the two parts together and wait for at least 20 minutes.

It should be pretty solid. Mine is very solid.

Paul

"Stephan Goldstein" > wrote in message
...
> I have a Gitzo 1227 tripod and a Linhof Profi-II ball head.
> For a reason I haven't been able to fathom the head won't
> stay screwed on tight to the stud in the center-column.
> I've tried cleaning the stud threads and the threads inside
> the head as best I can. Loctite Blue didn't work. There
> aren't any interposing pieces, just the stud in the column
> and the head.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Steve