DIY tripod mods - Leg protector and Shoulder Strap

[raider]

I have a Slik 614CF carbon fibre tripod. I like it very much as it is extremely lightweight and compact.

After my recent trip, I observed that my tripod has now suffered plenty of scratches and bruises to its legs, mainly due to my carelessness in the field.

So after my trip, I decided to assemble a project to:

1. protect the tripod legs.
2. add a shoulder strap to the tripod for easy transportation.

The main criteria of this project is cost effectiveness as I wanted to spend a minimum amount of money.

So after giving some thoughts to the project, I came up with the following ingredients:

1. A tripod. (this is rather obvious)
2. 2 no. neck straps similar to those used for identification tags - free for me as I used the ones given to me free during red bull air race 2008
3. 1 no ring (as in those rings found in key chains) - free for me as I salvaged from my existing keychains
4. 1 no shoulder strap (you can use any strap; I bought 1 set for A$9.50)
5. 3 rolls of hand grip wraps for badminton rackets (or similar) - I bought them for A$8.50.
6. Some needles and thread - free for me as my wife has them in the house.

Rather than going into details of how I did it and all, here are some pictures, which I hope can speak louder than words.

The top assembly


The bottom assembly.


Tripod legs are now protected, somewhat.


Another view of the tripod legs


Tripod and shoulder strap

[raider]

Part 2

A view of the tripod after all the mods


Another view of the tripod after all the mods


I hope this thread is helpful to anyone.

Thanks for viewing

[Peter Zack]

Yeah but does it return a serve better with the upgrade?

I did the same basic thing with my tripods (strap) and like being able to throw it over my shoulder. I don't worry much about battle scars. Cf and Aluminum don't rust so a few scratches aren't a concern for me.

[raider]

well, the wrapped legs are now warmer to the touch and looks cool as well

[Peter Zack]

It does and I was just having fun with you. It's a great pair of upgrades. Particularly the strap which itself will help reduce scratches.

[raider]

Actually the mods does help me to take better pictures!

[stevebrot]

Great idea using the racket wrap on the legs. It looks great and probably works better than the pipe insulation I would have used!

Steve

[Peter Zack]

Actually for those in cold climates the wrap would be a big plus as well.

[Mike Cash]

Originally Posted by raider

Another view of the tripod after all the mods
Attachment 26499

You're not going to tell us how you got it to stick to the wall like that?

Seriously, though, it is useful. I need to make some sort of strap for my tripod because here lately I've been using it in areas where I have to scramble down embankments and I really need both hands free. I found a cool place yesterday, but I'm going to have to rig a knotted rope to help me climb out again once I get in.

Scratches on the tripod legs I don't care about, but DIY strap ideas are very helpful.

[raider]

Actually my project involves 3 parts: protect the legs, provide a strap and provide a weight hook. But I can't figure out how to do the weight hook since I just can't find an eyebolt that fit the size of the centre column.

The Slik tripod is extremely light but not too stable in strong wind. I am hoping to remedy this.

[Peter Zack]

I can offer a more simple solution although it would require a slight mod to the tripod center column. With a good quality metal drill bit, drill a hole about 15-20mm up from the bottom. Get a little enamel automotive touch up paint to cover the exposed metal around the hole if you want to. Or tape the top of the "S" to protect the tripod around the hole. Then insert this:

[raider]

Good idea but this one requires drilling, that's a tool which I don't have
Any other ideas which don't require power tools?

[Mike Cash]

Originally Posted by raider

Good idea but this one requires drilling, that's a tool which I don't have
Any other ideas which don't require power tools?

You don't need a drill. You just need a box of donuts. Take the donuts to someone who has a drill and swap the donuts for having the hole drilled. Substitute "six-pack of beer" for "box of donuts" if you like.

[dazman]

Originally Posted by raider

Good idea but this one requires drilling, that's a tool which I don't have
Any other ideas which don't require power tools?

Buy a power drill!!! You'll be glad you did, everyone should have one.

Like the DIY on the tripod, thanks for sharing...has given me a few ideas.

[Peter Zack]

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

You don't need a drill. You just need a box of donuts. Take the donuts to someone who has a drill and swap the donuts for having the hole drilled. Substitute "six-pack of beer" for "box of donuts" if you like.

Mike if you ever left the forum. I'd be lost. Love the wit!

Another possibility that could work providing you have a large enough hardware store. Drywall plugs (also for cement) come in all sizes. Take the center column to the store with you and try to find one that will be very tight and put it inside the tube. Then screw in a larger cup hook. If no drywall plugs are available in the size you need. Do the same with a wooden dowel. Buy a small section as close in diameter to the tube and jam it in there 3 cm's is all you need. Again screw in a hook. The screw end of the hook will expand the plug enough to make in very tight.

No drill. I've never met anyone without a drill. I have 5 including one 7 feet tall worth as much as my K20D.....