I have a Coastar VTR-95RA tripod. Three flip locks cracked

Ross
-It is possible that you are overloading the tripod, thus causing this problem (check specs on tripod model)
HOWEVER IF YOU AREN'T....Giotto uses (2) different leg lock designs..., quick release (normally adjusted by a socket wrench) or rotary (screw locks)!
- If tripod uses screw locks, sometimes foreign material gets into the mechanism and either damages it or prohibits from tightening!!!!!
Note: rotary locks are easy to maintain & if you need parts..., they are user replaceable and usually inexpensive! (contact Giottos distributor in the country you live in)!!!
BUT FIRST!!!! (often problem is caused by dirty lock mechanism)
-carefully unscrew the leg lock (that is slipping) until it separates from the leg higher leg section & carefully pull out the lower tube (at the top of the lower tube will be 'shims' that are part of the lock mechanism).
-Look closely at existing 'shims' do they show signs of cracking, of a build up of dirt, etc. (if damaged they will need to be replaced)
-if shims are undamaged..., use rubbing alcohol & a clean cloth to clean shims and both the tube they sit on and the inside of the tube they slide into.
-once both sides of the tubes and both male & female threads of the locking mechanism are cleaned..., place a light coating of a light oil into the threads (sewing machine oil, bike chain oil, etc)...., do not get oil on the shims!!!!!
-replace locking shims back into position and carefully slide leg tube back into place..., then screw locking collar on (this should not take any force..., if while threading lock collar back on..., it seems tight..., back off collar and check positioning of shims). Repeat procedure!!!
TEST RESULTS!!!
Note: in most cases with rotary locks, problem is purely a maintenance issue, cleaning usually fixes the issue!!!
Peter

The grey part might be a shim that fits up into the leg lock in order for it to fit more securely. Ambico is no longer in business, and parts are not available so you might have to replace the tripod if you can't fix it yourself. You find tripods here: www.itripod.com

Maybe it could be the clasps not the locks that are broken if you need it functioning right away wedge something in between the clasps, and locks, or the clasps could be over expanded shortten that, and you'd be set.

www.bogentripodparts.com you may need a new leg lock, you have to loosen it enough and the leg should come out. Send us some pictures at [email protected] and we will probably be able to set you up with something.

Use an 8mm, I believe, socket and tighten 1/4 turn the nuts on the lower half of the leg lock. For instance, the top leg lock is connected to the top and middle leg. Tighten the lower 2 nuts (located on the middle leg half of the lock) 1/5 turn. If that does not do it, tighten 1/4 turn again. Be sure not to over-tighten.

Although I'm not familiar with your particular make and model it sounds like a common problem which affects many other tripods. If the legs clamp with a lever action then if you closely examine each clamp as you activate the lever I expect that you'll find a small crack opens up in the clamp assembly.

It's a faulty design as the clamps simply aren't strong enough for the load and eventually crack due to fatigue. Some manufacturers supply replacement leg clamps but they also fail and fitting them usually costs more than the tripod is worth.

Next time, consider buying a tripod which has rotating collars to lock the legs with. They're not as quick to operate as lever action (a.k.a. "quick release") clamps, but they don't take much longer and last far longer. Rotating collar clamps are only suitable for tubular legs, and to be as rigid as extruded profile legs there's usually an increased weight penalty unless you spend far more on carbon fibre versions.

Personally, I tend to buy cheap but perfectly good non brand name lightweight tripods which I can get for £10 including a carry bag and handle and expect to have to replace them when broken: usually about once a year. It's a lot cheaper than spending over £300 on a good one and means I can afford to have a spare one in the car.

ALDI (in the UK and Europe) sell a £10 tripod which comes with a handle, carry bag, pan/tilt head,quick release leg clamps, geared centre column plus two quick release mounting plates and has a bag hook at the bottom of the centre column; it even has a no quibble three year guarantee. It's not a smooth or as well built as many, but can't be beaten at the price.

They are no longer made, but I can show you how to make one.

Assuming you still have the female part with the treads in tact, you can do what I did. I used a hose clamp, the kind used on radiators, but larger. First, take off the lock down knob, then put the hose clamp over the broken plastic housing and mark where the knob would screw through. Then remove the hose clamp, placing it on a sturdy surface and use a 5/16 drill bit to make a hole where the lock down know will pass through. Place the hose clamp over the plastic housing, insert the knob, tighten the hose clamp (but not so much that it restricts the tripod leg from moving) and you are done! I can send you pictures of the process and the final result. It saved me from buying a new tripod! I can be e-mailed at [email protected] if you have questions.
-Spencer

I have a coastar trypod VTR-65 one of the adjusters to tighten center poll from sliding down. The plastic cap you turn to tighten got broke.I need a replacement anyone know where I can get part for it? I didn't know coaster went out of bisness.

[email protected]