I have just bought a giottos mml3260b monopod - it says that if you push the main screw down it will show the smaller mounting screw as it is spring loaded i have tried to do this but the top is solid any suggestions

Take your tripod to a Giotto dealer, or go to www.giottos.com/ and order a replacement quick-mount camera plate. While you're at it, buy a spare!

Best to contact closest Giottos support or distribution centre in your country. Check this site. maybe first try your local camera shop.

GIOTTOS IND INC

Look like it may be a very old model as it is not showing up in the current product lists.

-If you need to order repair parts for your Giottos MG8240b tripod..., (vs accessories such as camera plates)..., I would suggest that you use the following link to contact the Giottos distributor in your country. They should be able to supply you with parts diagrams, this will allow you to provide them with the info to get your tripod up and running again.
GIOTTOS IND INC
-Hope this helps.
Peter

You unfortunately can replace the screw; however you can find a new plate at www.tripodquickrelease.com. They carry Giotto quick releases.

In the USA send it to the Giottos distributor for service. HP Marketing Corp. PO Box 715 16 Chapin Rd. Unit 908 Pine Brook, NJ 07058 800-735-4373
In other countries send it to the local Giottos distributor for that country.

In the USA just call us. 800 735-4373

Call us at 800 735-4373 regarding serving Giottos tripods and for our address to get this properly repaired. It does not need lubrication.

Call us at 800 735-4373 if you are in the USA. From your description of the problem the answer is no. We would have to know which tripod and exactly what broke.

can youy turn it up side down and use gravity to you advanage?r

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/james_1cb31da1bc8c6102

I had a similar problem with my Giottos carbon fibor monopod, but it was still under warranty so they just replaced it.  I'd still give contacting the company that handles Giottos in the US a note and ask them to take care of it, or if not, a recommendation.  
http://www.hpmarketingcorp.com/warranty.html

There is an email address on this page.  They were quite helpful when I had my problem.  It cost me shipping to send the old one back and I had a new one in under a week from the time I sent if off.