Adapter to put 1/4-20 threads on a 5/8" light stand stud?

[darkvibe]

I want to mount a shoe flash on a boom arm. The boom has a standard 5/8" stud fixed to the end.

Is there an adapter to get a 1/4"-20 thread on there? The stud is not removable, it's pinned in. I looked around B&H, gadget infinity and flashzebra and I don't see anything other than umbrella swivel brackets like I use on my other light stands. Is there anything smaller and simpler or should I just order another umbrella bracket and have it done with?

[TMR Design]

I think this is what you want.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38168-REG/Novatron_N4053_5_8_Female_to_1_4_20_.html

[SkipD]

Drill into the end of the stud with a #7 drill and then tap it with a 1/4-20 tap, finishing with a 1/4-20 bottomming tap (to get the inside threads all the way to the bottom of the hole). Then use a piece of threaded rod (I would prefer brass) and possibly a little super-glue if you want to have a permanent 1/4-20 stud coming out of the end of the 5/8" stud. If you don't want it permanent, just use a jam nut on the threaded rod.

I just looked at the thread again and read Robert's post. That works, but this is a LOT less expensive.

[darkvibe]

Ah, I'm such an idiot sometimes. I was looking in the "Umbrella/Flash Mounts" section thinking it would be a "flash mount". Oops. That's exactly what I'm looking for, thank you. It's on backorder with no arrival date but now that I'm looking in the right place (thanks to you :) ) I found this one too...

http://www.adorama.com/BG3105.html

[TMR Design]

Drill into the end of the stud with a #7 drill and then tap it with a 1/4-20 tap, finishing with a 1/4-20 bottomming tap (to get the inside threads all the way to the bottom of the hole). Then use a piece of threaded rod (I would prefer brass) and possibly a little super-glue if you want to have a permanent 1/4-20 stud coming out of the end of the 5/8" stud. If you don't want it permanent, just use a jam nut on the threaded rod.

I just looked at the thread again and read Robert's post. That works, but this is a LOT less expensive.

That's good thinking Skip. For those of us with the tools and know-how it's a great solution. As I'm sure you know though, some people don't even know which way to turn a screwdriver :D

[TMR Design]

Ah, I'm such an idiot sometimes. I was looking in the "Umbrella/Flash Mounts" section thinking it would be a "flash mount". Oops. That's exactly what I'm looking for, thank you. It's on backorder with no arrival date but now that I'm looking in the right place (thanks to you :) ) I found this one too...

http://www.adorama.com/BG3105.html

Don't sweat it. You know how long it took me to become familiar with all the categories and types of doo-dads? Forget about it!

[SkipD]

That's good thinking Skip. For those of us with the tools and know-how it's a great solution. As I'm sure you know though, some people don't even know which way to turn a screwdriver :DOf course.... :p

Sometimes, though, just having the base idea gets things rolling for the folks who are in the middle of the pack, so to speak. ;)

[darkvibe]

Drill into the end of the stud with a #7 drill and then tap it with a 1/4-20 tap, finishing with a 1/4-20 bottomming tap (to get the inside threads all the way to the bottom of the hole). Then use a piece of threaded rod (I would prefer brass) and possibly a little super-glue if you want to have a permanent 1/4-20 stud coming out of the end of the 5/8" stud. If you don't want it permanent, just use a jam nut on the threaded rod.

I just went back and read Robert's post. That works, but this is a LOT less expensive.

The DIY method hadn't even crossed my mind. I have a drill and set of taps. No bottomming tap but I can just drill the hole deeper than I need it and tap it as far as I can. I can probably drill straight through the stud for that matter.

Sounds like I have a project for tomorrow night so I can use this thing. Now to find somewhere to steal some sand for the counterweight. :)

edit to add: DIY also fits this whole project perfectly. It's an amvona boom arm/stand that I don't need but happened to see ending on ebay with 3 minutes left and bidding was at $7 or something like that. Cheap = good.

[PacAce]

Here's another one a little cheaper:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543910-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_195_195_5_8_Stud_to.html

[TMR Design]

Good find Leo. I never saw that one.

[jmb4370]

Coupling nuts are used to join 2 sections of threaded rod, and a good hardware store will have them with with a 1/4 in thread in one end, and a 3/8 thread in the other. You then use a slotted or socket head 1/4 inch set screw, and then you won't even have to cut a section of threaded rod, or cut the head off the machine bolt. Just screw the 1/4 inch set screw into the 1/4 threaded end of the coupling nut, and screw the 3/8 threaded section of the coupling nut onto the 3/8 stud of the light stand.

[Lotto]

I think the umbrella bracket will give lot more options for positioning of the flash. It's easier to swing and tilt the flash than moving the boom arm.

[darkvibe]

1/4-20 threaded brass rod is $2.47 at home depot for a 12" piece. Brass nuts are $0.98 for like 5 of them so I have about $3.50 invested and have rod and nuts left over.

Sorry for the bad picture. Kodak P&S was handy, the canon was packed away. :)
http://www.darkvibe.org/misc/boom1.jpg