Ball head "cleaning"

erich6erich6 Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
edited August 24, 2005 in Accessories
All,

I recently went camping at the beach and took a Manfrotto ball head mount with me. The mount picked up enough salt and humidity and now it feels rough and does not move smoothly like before.

What do you recommend is a good cleaning procedure? I thought I would first use a wet cloth to try to get some of the salt off and then add some lubrication.

Erich

Comments

  • KhaosKhaos Registered Users Posts: 2,435 Major grins
    edited July 26, 2005
    Don't use any alcohol or cleaning agents.

    Get a light brush, tilt the head in various directions and brush of the debris. Use a soft towel to wipe away any moisture.

    I would email manfrotto for specific advise. Arca Swiss actually has dealers that refurb the ballhead if needed. Markins suggests some WD-40, all are different.
  • AngeloAngelo Super Moderators Posts: 8,937 moderator
    edited July 26, 2005
    Khaos wrote:
    Don't use any alcohol or cleaning agents.

    Get a light brush, tilt the head in various directions and brush of the debris. Use a soft towel to wipe away any moisture.

    I would email manfrotto for specific advise. Arca Swiss actually has dealers that refurb the ballhead if needed. Markins suggests some WD-40, all are different.
    I would NOT use WD-40. It tends to get gritty and also attracts dirt and grime. A clear silicone spray (Home Depot) would probably do the trick.
    www.angelo.smugmug.com

    Moderator of: Location, Location, Location , Mind Your Own Business & Other Cool Shots
  • erich6erich6 Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited July 26, 2005
    Thanks guys. I'll checkout Manfrotto's web site and see if they offer any info.

    Will stay clear of the WD-40!

    Erich
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited July 30, 2005
    Did you get the head cleaned? How'd it go and what did you end up doing
    to clean it?

    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • erich6erich6 Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited August 24, 2005
    ian408 wrote:
    Did you get the head cleaned? How'd it go and what did you end up doing
    to clean it?

    Ian
    Ian,

    Sorry I missed this question....

    I ended up cleaning it with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush for the hard to get places. Wiped it down several times until I got rid of the salt. Didn't need to lubricate. It seemed to work well enough although I don't think it's quite as good as it was when brand new. I think I waited too long to clean it. The vendor advises to clean immediately after exposure to salt.

    I may still follow-up on Angelo's tip of a silicon spray.

    Erich
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,948 moderator
    edited August 24, 2005
    erich6 wrote:
    Ian,

    Sorry I missed this question....

    I ended up cleaning it with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush for the hard to get places. Wiped it down several times until I got rid of the salt. Didn't need to lubricate. It seemed to work well enough although I don't think it's quite as good as it was when brand new. I think I waited too long to clean it. The vendor advises to clean immediately after exposure to salt.

    I may still follow-up on Angelo's tip of a silicon spray.

    Erich

    Thanks. Salt is fairly corrosive and unless cleaned, will cause some pitting
    in the aluminum. The damp cloth/toothbrush sounds like a good method for
    cleaning up.

    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
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