Where can I buy paper brakes?

JonathanRyan

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Got a shoot coming up where I'll be working in a makeshift studio with a colorama.

I have heavy stands, weights, crosspole etc. Where can I get paper brakes? You know, the things you hammer into the roll to stop it moving on the pole. Like this http://www.karlu.com/product_info.php?products_id=12834 but if you already have the pole :)
 
You don't need "paper brakes" mate, a set of grips/clamps either side will do you.

I've used clamps on paper rolls suspended 6+metres up, so there's a good amount of weight on that drop

Edit: heavy duty spring clamps are all you want mate
 
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Another vote for the clamps here, I use them every time I use the paper backdrop on the pole, under a fiver for a pack of 4 from tesco when I bought them. They have plastic 'jaws' so dont mark paper you are going to use in the future, and sit behind the pole/roll, so don't look untidy either.
 
I just used to use a couple of bits of foam pipe insulation over the crossbar inside each end of the paper tube - just needed to up the friction between the card core and the crossbar.

Paul
 
Yeah, I'd normally use clamps but with the roll being on stands it bothers me a bit. I suspect the stands will flex a little and thought that would make it unroll a bit.....

Foam lagging might be a good idea ;)
 
Yeah, I'd normally use clamps but with the roll being on stands it bothers me a bit. I suspect the stands will flex a little and thought that would make it unroll a bit.....

Foam lagging might be a good idea ;)

Well in reality anything 'stuffed' in the end that increases rolling resistance would be fine - for vinyl I needed something different so used high density foam packing blocks and they work a treat but now I just use an Expan roller set-up.

Paul
 
JonathanRyan said:
Yeah, I'd normally use clamps but with the roll being on stands it bothers me a bit. I suspect the stands will flex a little and thought that would make it unroll a bit.....

Foam lagging might be a good idea ;)

Not a chance. Get some heavy duty spring clamps, I use some that take most people 2 hands to open up, no chance that b****r will drop
 
Not a chance. Get some heavy duty spring clamps, I use some that take most people 2 hands to open up, no chance that b****r will drop

Well the idea behind the paper brake is still to allow the paper to be unrolled, but in a controlled manner, so that was why I suggested a very cheap option for the same thing.

Paul
 
i used to use bicycle clips clipped over the ends of the roll, 1 at each end, this stopped the roll unwinding but the spring clamps are just as good or some gaffer tape at the ends, the last thing you want is for the paper roll to unwind all over the floor.The manfrotto expan system solves all problems but how many people want to pay the money for it. David
 
I use some that take most people 2 hands to open up, no chance that b****r will drop

Let me guess - you use thumb and little finger...? :D

The manfrotto expan system solves all problems but how many people want to pay the money for it. David

Cost isn't the issue. AFAIK that's a permanent wall mount - we need to break down at end of day.

I reckon I once saw a thing like a paper brake that you just hammered into the end of a roll and could clamp onto with a super clamp. That's what I really wants! Did I dream these?
 
Let me guess - you use thumb and little finger...? :D



Cost isn't the issue. AFAIK that's a permanent wall mount - we need to break down at end of day.

I reckon I once saw a thing like a paper brake that you just hammered into the end of a roll and could clamp onto with a super clamp. That's what I really wants! Did I dream these?

My triple Expan set is mounted on Superclamps - clamped to Autopoles, you can also get a pair of single Expan hooks for use with Superclamps or just use a pair of these to mount on the top of stands.

Paul
 
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Best results for me after using unwieldy clamps with tape around them to stop marking has been a pair of unwrapped sponges, like the small ones you'd use to wash a car. Pop them in each end of the tube and Bob's your aunty.
 
My triple Expan set is mounted on Superclamps - clamped to Autopoles, you can also get a pair of single Expan hooks for use with Superclamps or just use a pair of these to mount on the top of stands.

Paul

Ah right - yes that would probably work thanks :)

Wish I could use my autopoles. Unfortunately it's a sloping drop ceiling so I'll have to hope the weights do it ;)
 
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