where to replace my monopod tightening tool

[ThomasOwenM]

I don't even know the correct name for it, but it's that tool you use to tighten a monopod's screws. I even have a photo of it:

http://tommeinenphotography.com/photographygear/MonopodTool.jpg

I'm annoyed. I used to keep it in my camera bag, but then I decided to clip it around the monopod's leg like it's designed to for easier access. Then the first time out, I lost it.

My advice: Keep it in a special pocket in your camera bag. So how do I go about replacing this thing? They didn't have them at the local camera shop. My monopod is a Manfrotto.

[jeromego]

i suggest you email them ... http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/3429;jsessionid=CFA474AE8D21ED824D8ED25FBF81C2A8.w orker2
Bogen Imaging Inc. Application market
Ramsey, NJ Camera Photo
Camera Video
Lighting
565 E. Crescent Avenue
Phone number: 001 2018189500
Fax number: 0012018189177
Email address: info@bogenimaging.com
Website: www.bogenimaging.us

[SkipD]

Any standard 8mm 6-point socket or nut driver will work just fine. You should be able to find them at your local hardware store.

[JWright]

Any standard 8mm 6-point socket or nut driver will work just fine. You should be able to find them at your local hardware store.

I agree... And the advantage to the socket or nut driver is that they are made of steel and less likely to break like the plastic Manfrotto tool. You're really better off without it.

[RDKirk]

Any standard 8mm 6-point socket or nut driver will work just fine. You should be able to find them at your local hardware store.

Maybe not. If the bolt is set within a close surround as it is on the venerable Manfrotto 2130 tripod, you can't get to it with a standard socket. You need a very thin-wall socket (thinner than the normal "thin-wall" socket).

The toolkit available from Manfrotto works, but it's rather pricey, but it is all-steel (even the handle). I have three of them.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/551442-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_WMANTOOL_WMANTOOLKIT_To ol_Kit_Set.html

[Lowner]

Manfrotto offer two choices of socket, as the attached shows.

But a cycle shop might offer a cheap thin walled socket which would do the job.

[ThomasOwenM]

An update: I was able to find a nut driver at Sears for about six and a half bucks.

[joepineapple]

Seriously - I never knew what that gizmo did before. I used to play with it in between shots. I just went out to see if it was attached to my monopod, and wouldn't you know it, it's gone. I always used a socket set to tighten all the nuts.