Removing Tripod Head

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taxboy

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I've got the Benro GFHAD1 adapter to go with the geared head but would like to swap it to use on another head. However I simply can't turn it - it's locked on tight. I have removed the small locking grub screw but no joy.
I'm thinking about buying a strap wrench but open to advice about removing it without damaging it. I don't have access to a vice and I've checked about getting another but everywhere is out of stock with next supply being September (I'd imagine this is not a retailer held item with delivery direct from Benro ?)
Has anyone successfully resolved a similar issue please

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Heating it with something like a hair dryer or pouring hot water on it might help.
 
Try wrapping something around it, tea towel or Tshirt etc.. it'll give you a little more grip and extra leverage to unscrew it.

Try a quick sharp turn ;)
 
Gav-canon said:
Try wrapping something around it, tea towel or Tshirt etc.. it'll give you a little more grip and extra leverage to unscrew it.

Try a quick sharp turn ;)
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I've tried that but I guess I'm too much of a weakling
 
It's not a left hand thread is it?

Long shot but try turning it (by hand) clockwise.
 
taxboy said:
I've tried that but I guess I'm too much of a weakling
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Do you have any WD40 or thin oil, drip a little on the mating faces, leave a few minutes for it to 'soak' and wipe off and try again.

A gentle side tap may 'break' the seal.

If you're brave enough and have good doors in your house they can make good vices if you trap the part in the hinge zone ;) ... I can't be blamed for any damage to the door
 
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Gav-canon said:
It shouldn't be, as it's a spacer (at least I think it is)
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I can't see why it would be a left hand thread either Bud, although I would try it, to rule it out.
 
Dale. said:
I can't see why it would be a left hand thread either Bud, although I would try it, to rule it out.
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It's just a part that screws to the tripod the same as a ball head would :)
 
Gav-canon said:
It's just a part that screws to the tripod the same as a ball head would :)
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Yup, I see that, curiosity would get the better of me though.

*remembers the time he stripped a pedal thread on a Raleigh Chopper*

Curiosity did get the better of me, I looked it up and can't find anything about it being left hand.

:coat:
 
Maybe the same as on my old Manfrotto tripod....,...

There are grub screws in the centre column 'head' that can be used to secure a ball head (or any other tripod head) from unscrewing.

These grub screws are accessed under the centre column head base. Not an ideal description but I hope it makes sense........you need to look under the edge of the of the column head to see the grub screw holes
 
From memory, there are 3 grub screw holes so it's possible (although overkill!) that all have been fitted.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - there's only one grub screw and I've removed that but still locked tight. I think I'll stump up for a strap wrench and if that doesn't work I'll have to wait until September when fresh stock arrives !!
 
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Sometimes tightening a frozen thread can help break the lock - counter intuitive, but it works. If the tripod isn't new then there may be some corrosion on the threads, or perhaps locking compound.

One last time, before forcing things, do check there aren't any hidden locking grub screws.
 
I had a manfrotto video head lock-up recently. WD40 and an improved strap wrench solved the problem.
 
A little penetrating oil left overnight has worked for me in the past. On a couple of occasions (after soaking), heating with a hair dryer (as opposed to a heat gun) managed to do the job.

A strap wrench should be in everyone's toolbox. ;)

Good luck . . .
 
Sky said:
A little penetrating oil left overnight has worked for me in the past. On a couple of occasions (after soaking), heating with a hair dryer (as opposed to a heat gun) managed to do the job.

A strap wrench should be in everyone's toolbox. ;)

Good luck . . .
Click to expand...
If heat does not work, a night in the freezer could help.
 
Water-pump pliers with a rag over the jaws always works for me.
 
Wow! That's expensive! Got exactly that one for Mrs Nod's Mum a couple of years ago (OK, just pre plague!) for a fiver. Now use it here.

Glad you've got the head/adaptor off.
 
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