Help needed w/ unstable tripod

My tripod's column below the ball head (just above the pin) has a bit of play. The only way I see I can separate the mount from the main column is by pulling the small pin as shown in the photo but it seems impossible. It doesn't go all the way through to the other side. Any ideas?

Dump the column, make up a small insert that will slot into the hole suitable to attach the head. Thats what I've done with my Manfrotto 055PROB, works extremely well.

Alternatively, it looks as though the "pin" just locks what might be a thread holding to two together? If so, then drizzling something like araldite (or thinner if you can find it) epoxy glue into the joint might rescue it.

The manufacturer should be able to offer advise.

Lowner wrote in post #10720141
Alternatively, it looks as though the "pin" just locks what might be a thread holding to two together? If so, then drizzling something like araldite (or thinner if you can find it) epoxy glue into the joint might rescue it.

+1 That looks like a CF tube, if it is loose then maybe the bonding has failed, the pin looks like a mechanism to strengthen and back up the bonding. Removing it will further weaken the structure at the tube / tripod head plate join.

What sort of tripod is it, maybe you can get a replacement center column. ?

Yes it's made of CF thus I'm assuming it doesn't have threads. The pin is probably used to hold/lock the thread that the plate connects to.

It's a Giottos MT 8340. Maybe I can order a replacement but if they are all built this way they are bound to have the same problem. The only solution I can think of is to use loctite. I just have to figure out how to dismantle it then apply the loctite.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

One off the wall suggestion:

Very popular amonst boat owners with leaking windows. "Captain Curries Creeping Crack Cure". Yes, it really is called that!

It's a clear, thin liquid which seaks out crevices and hardens. Actually not that effective for its intended use, but might be exactly the solution here.

Lowner wrote in post #10724210
One off the wall suggestion:

Very popular amonst boat owners with leaking windows. "Captain Curries Creeping Crack Cure". Yes, it really is called that!

It's a clear, thin liquid which seaks out crevices and hardens. Actually not that effective for its intended use, but might be exactly the solution here.

Thanks for that Lowner. I had a look at the website. It says something about it being flexible so I guess that means it wont be as hard as super glue when it cures, but then again I wont be putting a lot of stress on the column.

MannP wrote in post #10719710
My tripod's column below the ball head (just above the pin) has a bit of play. The only way I see I can separate the mount from the main column is by pulling the small pin as shown in the photo but it seems impossible. It doesn't go all the way through to the other side. Any ideas?

Contact the manufacturer. If they are reputable, they should replace the bad part for you as it should never have loosened up.

SkipD wrote in post #10724568
Contact the manufacturer. If they are reputable, they should replace the bad part for you as it should never have loosened up.

+1

why pay for a tube of fix before trying to get the company to fix it for ya?

I see that Giotto offer a 5 year warranty, at least they do here in the UK. How old is your 'pod?

You guys have a point. I think I'll contact the manufacturer. It isn't more than 2 years old and I've barely used it which makes it all the more frustrating.