How to fix vintage tripod legs?

Yan Lauzon

Senior Member
Greetings.

I have an old husky elevator tripod by Quickset incorporated.

It's a very heavy duty tripod.

The legs are sturdy but two of the tension holding thing that keeps them extended are broken. Well, one is completely missing.
They are plastic rings that screws in the upper leg to hold the lower section in place.
I'd like to find replacement tensors for it. But Google search only brings eBay sales of complete units...

Here's what it looks like.

Any help sourcing possible replacement would be greatly appreciated.
351a40776a4d39c899cd0141252e49a1.jpg
f578fec1c54a6a5d28ae3e2eb36814b4.jpg
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Well, what kind of option do you want when your only option is to buy another tripod since only entire units are what are available on the market?

I suppose you could just wait for who-knows-how-long before someone decides to sell a broken one for parts.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Do you have a camera store near you? Maybe something from a different manufacturer might fit as there are other companies that make twist locks for their legs. It's a long shot but no harm in checking.
 

Yan Lauzon

Senior Member
Do you have a camera store near you? Maybe something from a different manufacturer might fit as there are other companies that make twist locks for their legs. It's a long shot but no harm in checking.
I don't know much in terms of tripod company, but that's pretty much what I'd hope to get, something of a similar function and size.
I failed so far to find "general tripod replacement parts" on Google.

Sadly I don't have a camera store nearby.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
So, everybody here trash their tripods when something is wrong with them?

If there are no replacement parts available, or the cost to repair it equals or exceeds the purchase of a replacement................... yes.

I disagree with Sparky. If you aren't able to repair the legs, then I'd try to sell it for parts. But first I'd call some of the big box stores (not sure what you have in your area or country) and ask if they've ever heard of the brand and also ask if there are ways to repair it. Or...take it to a hardware store. Maybe someone can jury rig something to fit in the place of those missing twist locks.

There are other companies that use twist locks on their legs...just not sure if locks from other manufacturers will be compatible. The odds would be against it, but you just never know unless you check.
 

Yan Lauzon

Senior Member
I disagree with Sparky. If you aren't able to repair the legs, then I'd try to sell it for parts. But first I'd call some of the big box stores (not sure what you have in your area or country) and ask if they've ever heard of the brand and also ask if there are ways to repair it. Or...take it to a hardware store. Maybe someone can jury rig something to fit in the place of those missing twist locks.

There are other companies that use twist locks on their legs...just not sure if locks from other manufacturers will be compatible. The odds would be against it, but you just never know unless you check.
Thanks Hark.

In my opinion, there's always parts somewhere. Sparky is not helping by going the short route as first option.

The quickset husky seems to have been manufactured by a company named "Moog" somewhere down the line, but that also doesn't lead to much.
I see similar Manfrotto parts online but without measurements. I wonder if Manfrotto is solid enough by comparison and if they make suitable ones.

Another option, again if I find proper diameter, is other types of pressure collars.

This tripod is so sturdy that with the legs collapsed in, I can put the camera at about 5' from the ground in a very stable manner. I believe it was intended for a large and heavy television camera. It would be a shame to trash it without looking for repairs.
 

STM

Senior Member
Not sure if you would be able to find anything but if you found out the NPT of the threads you might be able to find a fitting the right diameter and right NPT.
 
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