flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

I have a Stroboframe Flip Flash bracket and the 1/4 X 20 camera mounting screw head has moulded plastic wings, which has broken. B&H lists the factory part, and I have been on the "Notify me if it ever becomes available again" list for a couple of months. I have tried several other makers' bracket screws, but the unthreaded part is not long enough. The entire shaft is 1/2 in., and the threaded portion is 3/16 in. Does anyone have one they are willing to sell, or suggestions for an alternative?
Thanks

GOT IT!

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Quixdraw Loc: x

As a cheap fix attempt there is an epoxy putty, two pieces you kneed together. You might be able to clean the part with alcohol, repair the break with epoxy, let set and file / sand smooth. A few bucks and a little effort. If nothing else, you might get some more usage while waiting for a part.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Would it work if the entire length of the shaft were threaded? If so, your local woodworking shop has these, but the shaft length and handle size may be longer/larger than desirable. If so, you could cut down the length or the “wings” and if the full length threads are an issue (binding in the adapter’s hole), just ream it out slightly. Here’s an image of one with 1/4-20 threads: the downside is there is no easy way to lock it into the slot in the frame unless you can put in a lathe and cut down the threads on the upper portion.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider going to Customer Service at an Ace Hardware store. They are very creative people.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Great idea!!!
But you don't need a lathe. You just chuck the end of the screw in an electric drill and use a file to remove the threads you don't need, But first put a nut on the threads this will straighten the threads after you cut off the excess.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

They have a tray of similar screws/fasteners, I've usually forgotten how handy "Ace" can be for such items.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Good points!

DaleBrown

Try to Google threaded knobs male. A lot of sources for threaded knobs available. If relieved portion behind threaded end is necessary it can be easily achieved by chucking up the tread end in a drill and creating relief with the side of a mill file.
Hope this helps.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

I just went out to the garage and picked a screw like in the picture above out of my parts bin and took a picture of it. I should have scrolled down, I'd have seen that great minds think alike.. If you can't handle the rework I can make one for you.

davesit Loc: Media, PA

You might want to go on ebay and look for a used bracket. They are going for under $20 these days.

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

ANY hard ware store or department (look for fasteners), will carry 1/4-20 it is the single most common bolt in the world (literally). Get a longer 1/4 20 bolt that will go through the frame opening such that a 1/4 20 wing nut will mount inverted and threaded down to the top of the bolt, with this through the frames opening you can screw this into the 1/4 20 female end. If you set the bolt in place you can then roll the wing nut down to make a not too tight fit.

If, you want to get super sophisticated about your handy work, tighten the bolt in place just firmly, with the wing nut set. In the plumbing section you can locate Plumber's Epoxy, it is in two parts wrapped in a plastic wrap and in a plastic tube for storage. Cut off as much as you need. Wearing nitrite gloves or exam gloves, press the two parts togeather and kneed this into one gray mass. Do this for three to four minutes no longer, it is curing. Now mold this around the wing nut and bolt. Leave this to set, I recommend thirty minutes. I have a large studio with loads of screw mounts, a month does not pass where I don't need to 'repair' some cheap photo part. By the way, I don't wait to repair any French photo part, I simply take them (including and especially GITZO) to the work bench, shatter the cheap plastic part and then mold plumber's epoxy around the item.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you actually want to create this kludge, the answer for chemical staking threads is Loctite, not plumber’s putty.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

Pick out the correct length Thumb Screw, and about 5 minutes later in my lathe you will have it.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, another good possibility (and a metal lathe is very handy tool). Don’t you just love McMaster Carr?

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

FOUND TWO! BOUGHT 'EM BOTH!