RRS Stud Options

Anyone know of somewhere to buy a 3/8"-16 x 3/4" stud other than RRS? They want over $11 for one. I checked a local hardware store, but no luck.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …e=Stud-3%2f8-16x3%2f4&eq=

Yes the markup on some of their stuff is unbelievable but then Markins charges $8 for one so they're all at it.

Just get a 3/8"-16 bolt from your hardware store, cut to size and discard the end with the nut on it. That's what I've done & I've had no issues.

peter_n wrote in post #15979356
Yes the markup on some of their stuff is unbelievable but then Markins charges $8 for one so they're all at it.

Just get a 3/8"-16 bolt from your hardware store, cut to size and discard the end with the nut on it. That's what I've done & I've had no issues.

brilliant thought. Although, I was hoping to get one with that can be tightened down with an allen or torque wrench

Mcmaster-Carr filled my need for a similar item a few months ago.

The only trick is finding it in their online catalog.

pdrober2 wrote in post #15979372
brilliant thought. Although, I was hoping to get one with that can be tightened down with an allen or torque wrench

The key to doing this so that the end of the stud is completely flush with the base of the clamp or tapped socket is to use a thread locker to seal the stud to it. Use Loctite blue thread locker, not the red stuff. When you buy the bolt look at the end of the shaft and make sure it's nicely finished, as that's what you're going to see every time you use the clamp and you don't want that end to look like crap.

Once you've cut the bolt use a fine file to make sure the thread is good where you've cut it, then use an old toothbrush to clean off any filings or tiny particles. Make sure that the cut end of the stud screws easily into the top of the ball stem, and if it doesn't you need a bit more filing until it does.

Next you secure the stud in the clamp socket. Assuming you're right-handed, hold the clamp in your left hand and place your index finger over the tapped socket in the middle. If the socket is counter-sunk you'll want the top of the stud flush with the bottom of the counter-sink otherwise it's going to look funny. If there's no countersink you want it flush with the base of the clamp. It's a good idea to screw the stud in and out of the clamp a few times so you pretty much know ahead of applying the Loctite roughly how far to screw it in. Remember to use the "nice" end of your stud in the clamp.

Place just a dab of blue Loctite onto the stud near the top of the "nice" end. All you need is a dab as when you screw the stud into the clamp the Loctite will get spread along the threads. Hold the clamp as before and quickly screw the stud in until it hits your finger. Take a look and make sure the top of the stud is exactly where you want it if not move it fractionally. Do all of this quickly as the thread-locker acts pretty smartly.

Now let the assembly set for a few hours (I actually leave it for a day) then spin it onto the ballhead. Tighten it gradually onto the ball stem and don't use sudden force and you should be all set.

http://www.mcmaster.co​m/#set-screws/=myp431

You can sort by length/thread on the left.

*sigh* wrote in post #15979747
http://www.mcmaster.co​m/#set-screws/=myp431

You can sort by length/thread on the left.

those look like the right fit, but you have to order 5-10 at a time and shipping will be just as expensive as RRS.

pdrober2 wrote in post #15979828
those look like the right fit, but you have to order 5-10 at a time and shipping will be just as expensive as RRS.

Yeah but you have backups.

Unless you can find it locally it's going to be just as expensive, mainly due to shipping costs. What hardware store did you check? Have you checked a place like Ace Hardware? They generally have a better selection of individual screws, bolts, etc than some of the larger places like Home Depot and whatnot.

My hardware store carries 3/8 - 16 set screws (hex in one end) for less than a dollar. It's one of those national chains. Pretty easy item to pick up and you don't need a hacksaw. If you don't mind using a hacksaw you can get all thread and cut to whatever length you might want and have a bunch leftover for the next job. I think the big box stores have set screws too.