Tripod hack (Improve stiffness)

[Anchor Zero Six]

So I had a theory and decided to give it a try and I'm happy to say I think I'm onto something.

long story short I knew I was giving up some stability by moving from a Feisol 3472 to the 3342 but I wanted a less bulky tripod.

I know the flex is due to the small leg diameter on the lower sections and wondered if there were a way to improve that.

I decided to try filling the lower leg sections with expanding spray foam and it does seem to have a noticeable effect in improved stability by decreasing lower leg flex.

For folks concerned about weight the single leg section weighed 2.2oz on my postage scale before filling and 2.5 average between all three after filling. So a total weight increase of .9oz

This was simple and non invasive meaning you are not going to ruin the tripod provided you completely disassemble the leg and mask it off completely. The cost was a can of spray foam from Home Depot under $5.00

Only word of caution is this shit does expand and is messy so tape the entire leg exterior, plug any holes there might be for spikes and dont trim until its set. It does expand greatly so there will be a big blob on top when its setting. Simply trim away with a razor and then remove the masking tape once the foam is set up. Can says to let cure for 8 hrs I assembled at 6.5 (close enough for me)

Worth a try for the adventurous DIY folks especially those running cheaper tripods or lighter rated ones.

A06

 

[FourT6and2]

Not a bad idea!

 

[hk dave]

I wonder if closed cell foam would be even better. What an interesting idea.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Well one of the reasons I posted this was in hopes that others might know of better fill mediums.

The idea of the spray foam hit me at a project site while we were filling voids in concrete around conduit.

I selected the foam that seemed to be the least flexible of the offerings carried at HD.

If anybody has ideas for other materials to try lets start brainstorming.

 

[matt2143]

They make 2 part structural closed cell foam. Seen it used in road track cars by filling rocker panels and such, increased rigidity.

 

[hk dave]

They make 2 part structural closed cell foam. Seen it used in road track cars by filling rocker panels and such, increased rigidity.

This. I've seen closed cell foam thick and dense enough to be mistaken for rubber.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Links to this stuff?

 

[knockemdown]

Good idea, Anchor!
I have a (smaller) Feisol 3402, and wound up removing the lower leg sections, completely. Since I only use it off a low turkey or dove stool, the remaining 3 sections offer enough height and are actually more stable. Might try filling them up and re-installing...thanks for the idea!

 

[JMcBurn]

Links to this stuff?

Take a look at US Composites Polyurethane Expanding Foam. They sell from 2lb/cuft to 16 lb/cuft. Stuff is like $25 bucks for a 4lb kit and around 20 bucks for shipping.

I am looking at this as an option to fill a plastic t3x varmint stock.

 

[6point5CM]

Tag.


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