To lube or not to lube
Apr 10, 2023 22:01:47 #
I just unboxed a nice Neewer tripod specifically for its ability to set up super-low to the ground and can also set up for overhead shooting. Each leg has a detente button which allows the leg to be adjusted through various angles, up to the aforementioned one where the camera is less than a foot from the ground and can be pointed upward via a very good ball head. My problem is that those detente buttons are stiff, very difficult for my arthritic fingers to handle. Would I be doing any damage if I were to give those 3 buttons a dose of WD-40? I'm guessing it would probably be all right as long as I don't drench them (which I wouldn't do anyway), but I have a lot of R & A for the knowledge and experience of the folks on this forum.
Apr 10, 2023 22:24:20 #
Any chance the WD-40 might attack plastic present?
Would a spray silicone lube be safer?
Would a spray silicone lube be safer?
Apr 10, 2023 22:28:21 #
You might try Tri-Flo. It has teflon in it. I've used it on items that include plastic with no problems.
Apr 10, 2023 22:34:32 #
sjb3 wrote:
I just unboxed a nice Neewer tripod specifically f... (show quote)
I don't know that specific tripod, but just be careful that whatever you do does not loosen too much, so the legs would not hold the desired position.
Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City
Apr 10, 2023 23:01:09 #
Apr 10, 2023 23:27:55 #
Have you considered contacting the manufacturer? They would be able to tell you what lubricant would be best. It would be better to go with their recommendations so that in case warranty work were needed they couldn't say that what you did voided the warranty by using an unapproved product.
Dodie
Dodie
Apr 11, 2023 03:43:14 #
Longshadow wrote:
Any chance the WD-40 might attack plastic present?
Would a spray silicone lube be safer?
Would a spray silicone lube be safer?
I should have mentioned that in the first place, that the buttons are plastic, because that was what I'd had in mind when I made the original post: would the petroleum-based WD-40 have an effect on plastic. Admittedly, I didn't think of silicone, but I will now, along with checking into the several other lubes referred to by the other members who made posts. Thanks!
Apr 11, 2023 03:45:37 #
luvmypets wrote:
Have you considered contacting the manufacturer? They would be able to tell you what lubricant would be best. It would be better to go with their recommendations so that in case warranty work were needed they couldn't say that what you did voided the warranty by using an unapproved product.
Dodie
Dodie
That would be a last resort; I knew straight off that I could and would get a straight and accurate answer right here on UHH. Thanks much for your reply.
Apr 11, 2023 03:46:25 #
Apr 11, 2023 03:51:29 #
rlv567 wrote:
I don't know that specific tripod, but just be careful that whatever you do does not loosen too much, so the legs would not hold the desired position.
Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City
Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City
Neewer is a good and popular brand of equipment, moderately priced. I'll be careful, whatever I end up doing and/or using to fix the problem; I just want to be able to press the button and adjust the leg angle with one hand instead of two. Thanks very much for your reply.
Apr 11, 2023 03:53:10 #
nicksr1125 wrote:
You might try Tri-Flo. It has teflon in it. I've used it on items that include plastic with no problems.
I'll be Googling it; thanks much for your reply.
Apr 11, 2023 03:55:20 #
Thanks very much to all who took the time to address my relatively trivial problem; it's greatly appreciated.
Apr 11, 2023 06:36:59 #
Apr 11, 2023 07:15:56 #
[quote=sjb3]Neewer is a good and popular brand of equipment, moderately priced. I'll be careful, whatever I end up doing and/or using to fix the problem; I just want to be able to press the button and adjust the leg angle with one hand instead of two. Thanks very much for your reply.[/quote
I agree with the “popular” portion of your description, but in my experience the “good” adjective is inappropriate. As I understand it, Neewer makes nothing by themselves, but sources products from other makers for resale. So, contacting the Neewer for technical issues could be an exercise in frustration. I had a problem with a Neewer tripod a few years ago, in which the tripod became unusable, and after many exchanges with “ customer service,” I was informed that the tripod was “ within spec.” You get what you pay for.
I agree with the “popular” portion of your description, but in my experience the “good” adjective is inappropriate. As I understand it, Neewer makes nothing by themselves, but sources products from other makers for resale. So, contacting the Neewer for technical issues could be an exercise in frustration. I had a problem with a Neewer tripod a few years ago, in which the tripod became unusable, and after many exchanges with “ customer service,” I was informed that the tripod was “ within spec.” You get what you pay for.
Apr 11, 2023 08:12:30 #
I suspect they are hard to operate because of spring pressure, rather than friction. Be careful lubing anything that isn't intended to be lubed. WD-40 really isn't a lubricant, anyway. Maybe try a drop of oil, if your think it might help.
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