To lube or not to lube
Apr 11, 2023 08:21:37 #
sjb3 wrote:
I just unboxed a nice Neewer tripod specifically f... (show quote)
To answer your query directly...no...you will do no damage to your tripod with WD...it's fine...it's more than an oil after all.
It displaces water is the main attribute...and was used in the space program.
It's also a penetrating oil...it's both.
Yes, do not douse it...just as you described doing it...will be fine.
Just keep it off of parts you handle...initially at least.
Apr 11, 2023 08:22:28 #
Been using wd40 , on cars for decades , never had a issue with plastic . You could use silicone .
Apr 11, 2023 08:26:20 #
[quote=ClarkJohnson][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.[/quote]
Sure can't argue about any of that, especially your last line (so I won't). Thanks just the same for your reply.
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.[/quote]
Sure can't argue about any of that, especially your last line (so I won't). Thanks just the same for your reply.
Apr 11, 2023 08:53:36 #
jerryc41 wrote:
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.
As it happens, the problem is solved. One thing I took away from these responses (especially yours), was to not just jump in blind but to step back and take a second look. In so doing, I found that in moving the leg into any of the 3 angles it's capable of, I wasn't letting it lock fully into position, which caused the button to stick and be very difficult to release. When I had another go, I was careful to let the leg lock into position, and the button then clicked into position properly and was perfectly fine, i.e., easy to press and release the leg to move it to a different angle. No lube needed so it wasn't done.
The tripod is fairly heavy, and being new is probably why it's stiff and tight. Most likely it'll loosen up with use. Thanks very much for your good advice. And I really enjoy reading your many posts, no matter what the subject is.
Apr 11, 2023 10:06:56 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
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
Apr 11, 2023 12:37:02 #
lenben
Loc: Seattle
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?
Apr 11, 2023 12:37:47 #
lenben
Loc: Seattle
A safe alternative is graphite- a lubricating powder (good on locks) which will not attack your tripod.
Apr 11, 2023 13:01:10 #
sjb3 wrote:
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.
Just sayin’, I would think Dodie’s suggestion would be a first resort. Why not talk to the manufacturer first, and use what they recommend?
Apr 11, 2023 14:15:37 #
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 too swear by Tri-Flow. I learned to use it from a locksmith.
Apr 11, 2023 14:52:41 #
nicksr1125 wrote:
You might try Tri-Flo. It has teflon in it. I've used it on items that include plastic with no problems.
Apr 11, 2023 18:49:48 #
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
Don
Apr 11, 2023 19:44:32 #
Try a lubricant that you believe is safe, but do it to one button and see how it goes before proceeding.
I know what you mean about those buttons. Also twist-locks on tripods are also pretty hard to use. I always look for flip-out levers but those aren't as common, unfortunately.
I know what you mean about those buttons. Also twist-locks on tripods are also pretty hard to use. I always look for flip-out levers but those aren't as common, unfortunately.
Apr 11, 2023 21:15:35 #
Consider that whatever you "put" on the tripod will eventually end up on your camera/lens.
--Bob
--Bob
sjb3 wrote:
I just unboxed a nice Neewer tripod specifically f... (show quote)
Apr 12, 2023 07:29:38 #
Apr 12, 2023 20:48:04 #
I thank everyone who took the trouble to reply to my post. The problem is solved and it turns out no lube was needed. What follows is taken from the text of my my reply to jerryc41's opinion on the issue:
"One thing I took away from these responses (especially yours), was to not just jump in blind but to step back and take a second look. In so doing, I found that in moving the leg into any of the 3 angles it's capable of, I wasn't letting it lock fully into position, which caused the button to stick and be very difficult to release. When I had another go, I was careful to let the leg lock into position, and the button then clicked into position properly and was perfectly fine, i.e., easy to press and release the leg to move it to a different angle. No lube needed so it wasn't done.
The tripod is fairly heavy, and being new is probably why it's stiff and tight. Most likely it'll loosen up with use".
"One thing I took away from these responses (especially yours), was to not just jump in blind but to step back and take a second look. In so doing, I found that in moving the leg into any of the 3 angles it's capable of, I wasn't letting it lock fully into position, which caused the button to stick and be very difficult to release. When I had another go, I was careful to let the leg lock into position, and the button then clicked into position properly and was perfectly fine, i.e., easy to press and release the leg to move it to a different angle. No lube needed so it wasn't done.
The tripod is fairly heavy, and being new is probably why it's stiff and tight. Most likely it'll loosen up with use".
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