How to fix this tripod head? I got some saltwater on my tripod head, and now the pin is stuck. I tried submerging it into freshwater, but it's not helping. The pin remains stuck. I'll...

KG

I got some saltwater on my tripod head, and now the pin is stuck.

I tried submerging it into freshwater, but it's not helping.

The pin remains stuck. I'll try a few drops of oil when we get home (we are traveling), but as of right now there aren't any tools around I could use to fix the thing.

Any ideas?

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

That appears to be a brass insert into a steel tripod head. If so, you might try heating it and then cool it. The expansion and compression might loosen it.
Even a BIC lighter could heat that small of part. Then cool it with an ice cube...maybe worth a try.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

brass + aluminum + saltwater = Electrolytic corrosion. This reaction is often the dominant cathodic reaction in systems. the cathodic (electrical conduction)of the salt. The electrolyte provides a means for ion migration whereby metallic ions can move from the anode to the cathode. This leads to the anodic metal corroding more quickly than it otherwise would. better known as Galvanic corrosion. try
phosphoric acid in the form of naval jelly. keep trying prressure it will give may take awhile put it over very very low slow heat if it is real stubbron. we deal with this some with aircraft., we only go this way on real expensive planes most time then replace bolt an nut sometimes we cut an replace if not part of frame of frame.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

KG wrote:

I got some saltwater on my tripod head, and now the pin is stuck.

I tried submerging it into freshwater, but it's not helping.

The pin remains stuck. I'll try a few drops of oil when we get home (we are traveling), but as of right now there aren't any tools around I could use to fix the thing.

Any ideas?

Salt maintains moisture. I'd try some WD40 or CRC , both dissipate water and lubricate at the same time.

PHFoto Loc: Idaho

Try soaking it in vinegar..

Rabbit wrote:

KG wrote:

I got some saltwater on my tripod head, and now the pin is stuck.

I tried submerging it into freshwater, but it's not helping.

The pin remains stuck. I'll try a few drops of oil when we get home (we are traveling), but as of right now there aren't any tools around I could use to fix the thing.

Any ideas?

Salt maintains moisture. I'd try some WD40 or CRC , both dissipate water and lubricate at the same time.

KG

Yeah, the WD40 was my first thought. But I don't have any nearby.

Would vinegar dissolve salt?

What about alcohol? I have some Johnnie Walker handy :)

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Johnnie Walker :thumbup: :thumbup: lol

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

if there is an aircraft supply parts store close by get some AERO KROIL thats about THE best penatrater they is. it's best corrosion fighter in a can you can get. after you get it apart put oil on it let it soak then clean it then another shot of aero kroil

Carl A Loc: Homosassa FL

WD 40 should work

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Rabbit wrote:

KG wrote:

I got some saltwater on my tripod head, and now the pin is stuck.

I tried submerging it into freshwater, but it's not helping.

The pin remains stuck. I'll try a few drops of oil when we get home (we are traveling), but as of right now there aren't any tools around I could use to fix the thing.

Any ideas?

Salt maintains moisture. I'd try some WD40 or CRC , both dissipate water and lubricate at the same time.

WD40 should be available in a Wmart type store or hardware, get the smallest can with a snorkle, try gentle tapping, helps get the oil in where it works, Bob.

Iduno Loc: Near Tampa Florida

If WD40 won't fix it, you don't need it.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

KG wrote:

Yeah, the WD40 was my first thought. But I don't have any nearby.

Would vinegar dissolve salt?

What about alcohol? I have some Johnnie Walker handy :)

Err .... good idea Doc, drip vinegar on the pin then take about 4 oz. of the Johnnie Walker.

It's not gonna loosen up the pin but you'll forget allllllll about the broken tripod.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Iduno wrote:

If WD40 won't fix it, you don't need it.

If it doesn't move and it should - WD40
If it moves and it shouldn't - duct tape

Vic. Loc: Ohio

Try pb blaster or coke. Coke will loosen almost any have used in frozen up motors before and works.

SlimDude Loc: Cambridge, Ontario

Vic. wrote:

Try pb blaster or coke. Coke will loosen almost any have used in frozen up motors before and works.

Coke has phosphoric acid in significant quantity. Should do the job.