finally own a monopod (and what the heck is this?)

[ThomasOwenM]

I finally went out and bought a monopod for use with my 20D in music performance photography. It's a Manfrotto, and I like that it's light weight and collapses into a billy club that I can attach to a belt loop. I got a monopod head with it.

The monopod came with no manual, but I don't really need one. It's pretty self explanatory -- except for one thing. It came with a small piece of plastic that can snap around the leg. However, maybe I'm dense, but I just don't get what it's for.

Hey, this is the digital age, so I figured why not just take a quick snapshot of it and ask you guys what this piece if for. Here it is:

http://www.renamestar.com/monopod/IMG_0095.jpg

[calicokat]

Hex wrench

[SkipD]

It's a handy wrench (handy, that is, if you snap it around the monopod's largest diameter tube) to adjust the tension of the clamps if necessary.

[Naturalist]

Also, those two little "ear" cutouts you see on the inside diameter ... that's to run sync cords and such holding them tight to the leg.

[R Mutt]

My advice would be to take it off and keep it in your bag. Lost mine first time out.

[troutfisher]

I always wondered what the little ears were for.

[Gadgetholic]

Thanks for posting this, I have one on my monopod too, and while I knew it would be ok to run cords under I really had no idea what it was for..and altho I use the forum everyday, I never thought to ask.

[primoz]

Another useful thing about this is, that you can clip starting list to monopod with it :)

[Reaperman]

I finally went out and bought a monopod for use with my 20D in music performance photography. It's a Manfrotto, and I like that it's light weight and collapses into a billy club that I can attach to a belt loop. I got a monopod head with it.

The monopod came with no manual, but I don't really need one. It's pretty self explanatory -- except for one thing. It came with a small piece of plastic that can snap around the leg. However, maybe I'm dense, but I just don't get what it's for.

Hey, this is the digital age, so I figured why not just take a quick snapshot of it and ask you guys what this piece if for. Here it is:

http://www.renamestar.com/monopod/IMG_0095.jpg

Def HEX Wrench holder. Only thing is.... I have these on my Manfrotto kit but I never got the wrenches with it. Having paid a lot of money for the kit you'd think Manfrotto could supply it. and yes I know its only a few pence but that is not the point.
Would be nice to have one with Manfrotto stamped on it:lol::lol::cool:

Or have I been cheated out of my wrenches? :lol:

:DReaperman

[SkipD]

Def HEX Wrench holder. Only thing is.... I have these on my Manfrotto kit but I never got the wrenches with it. Having paid a lot of money for the kit you'd think Manfrotto could supply it. and yes I know its only a few pence but that is not the point.
Would be nice to have one with Manfrotto stamped on it:lol::lol::cool:

Or have I been cheated out of my wrenches? :lol:The plastic thingy in the photo IS the wrench to adjust the clamps on Manfrotto monopods and tripods. It's not merely a holder for another tool.

[PacAce]

The plastic thingy in the photo IS the wrench to adjust the clamps on Manfrotto monopods and tripods. It's not merely a holder for another tool.

If it's made of plastic, how strong can it be as a hex wrench? My Manfrotto monopod came with something like that, too, but it was just a holder for a real (i.e. metal) hex wrench which I prefer over an all-in-one, plastic wrench/clip. :)

[SkipD]

If it's made of plastic, how strong can it be as a hex wrench? My Manfrotto monopod came with something like that, too, but it was just a holder for a real (i.e. metal) hex wrench which I prefer over an all-in-one, plastic wrench/clip. :)The wrench does not have to be very rugged, as you merely adjust the tension-control nut with the latch lever in the loosened position. There's virtually no torque needed other than that required to overcome the friction of the nut on the threaded bolt. The adjustment process is a trial-and-error thing, making the adjustment only while the clamp is loose.

[primoz]

If you use it when those clips are "unlocked" it definitely works. I use it regularly on my monopod, and never had problems with it. If you have clips locked, then I guess it wouldn't do really good :)

[CoolToolGuy]

If it's made of plastic, how strong can it be as a hex wrench? My Manfrotto monopod came with something like that, too, but it was just a holder for a real (i.e. metal) hex wrench which I prefer over an all-in-one, plastic wrench/clip. :)

That may well be the point - the nut may not need much torque to be correct, and the supplied wrench will almost guarantee that.

Have Fun,

[scokar]

guess i'll be the first to say it then, nice bokeh :)

[whitedime]

I like how you called it a billy club... security for your camera. :)

[ThomasOwenM]

I like how you called it a billy club... security for your camera.

Ha ha ha. In fact, I am concerned that clubs won't let me bring it in because it could be used as a weapon. I plan to conceal it in my tripod bag since I won't be bringing my tripod.

Many thanx for all the responses.

[bob393]

Yup it is a wrench with some other uses.

[zoti]

I just attached mine to the monopod strap with a removable string so I don't loose it.

[Reaperman]

The plastic thingy in the photo IS the wrench to adjust the clamps on Manfrotto monopods and tripods. It's not merely a holder for another tool.

Hmmmmm. At the price of Manfrotto equipment you'd think thy could treth for a metal Hex Wrench. Tight or what?

Just tried the plastic one and whilst it fits the head it feels very frail. I also now have a metal one and obviously it fits better and feels more secure.

:DReaperman

[PacAce]

Hmmmmm. At the price of Manfrotto equipment you'd think thy could treth for a metal Hex Wrench. Tight or what?

Just tried the plastic one and whilst it fits the head it feels very frail. I also now have a metal one and obviously it fits better and feels more secure.

:DReaperman

Maybe it depends on the model of the monopod. My monopod came with a plastic clip used to hold a metal hex wrench. AAMOF, it's the same clip and wrench kit that came with my 3221 tripod.