Help with a Manfrotto Tripod

[bogeybrown]

I recently purchased a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod for use with both my camera equipment and my rifles. As I got to playing with it, I noticed that the mounting platform that fits on the center column (that the head screws onto) will pull out of the column. It appears to work by means of a cam where you tighten the screw and ears extend out and lock the plate into the column by friction. However, the threads on that screw seem to rotate opposite those of the head, so once I tighten it as much as possible with my fingers on the threads, when I mount a head on it, the head is actually loosening the mounting plate as it's tightening down.

I know that's complicated, but it's difficult to explain. Anyway, can anyone help me figure out how to ensure that the whole apparatus doesn't pull free from the tripod column?

Attached are a couple of pics if it helps:






Thanks Gents