Problems with RRS tripod (TVC 33) loose leg

[GeraldB]

I bought a RRS TVC 33 Tripod some years ago. From the beginning I found that one leg would become loose and flop around. It needsto be tightened with allen keys. It will only stay tight for a while and then loosen up again. It can become loose during a single day of shooting when starting from fully tight. Is anyone else experiencing this problem before I go back to RRS.
thanks
Gerald

[Colorado David]

Not a RRS Tripod user, Gitzo here, but have you tried Loctite on the screw?

[JohnBrew]

Same thing here. I tighten it regularly. Personally, I don't consider it a flaw. That is, unless RRS has a recall 

Additional thought: I suppose you could take it completely apart and try to determine why it gets loose - but it would seem to me that the other legs should loosen over time also and I haven't had that happen.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

I have been trough that. The problem is probably that RRS has applied Locktite improperly. That has happened to me. I contacted RRS and have been told which Locktite to use and that solved my problem.

Here is my communication:

From: Erik Kaffehr [mailto:Erik.Kaffehr@ksu.se]
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 3:49 AM
To: Info
Subject: Problem with Versa Pro 3 series tripod
 
Hi,
 
I recently acquired a TVC-33S Versa Series 3 Tripod while on travel to US. I was very satisfied with the tripod, but found two issues.
1) The leg joins loosen after a couple days of use. In one week of shooting I tightened the two screws connecting each leg to the tripod neck. Can I fix this by applyin some locktite on the male thread. Which Locktite to use if that would be OK?
2) According to description the APEX lock screw would be fixed with medium strength Locktite. I changed the top plate to a TA-3-LB and felt no resistance when loosening the APEX screws. I expected some resistance. Is that OK?
Due to circumstance I would not like to send in my tripod for service, but prefer to fix it myself. Can you advise?
 
Best regards
Erik
 
-------------

Erik,
 
Loctite is definitely recommended on the leg joint screws. It was installed during assembly here, but as you can see vibration and repeated use can slowly break that free. I’d recommend taking out one screw – whichever comes out easier, the other should stay in place – and applying 1-2 drops of Loctite 242 (blue, medium strength) inside the female threaded barrel.
 
The Suregrip™ Apex locking screws should not require Loctite, but you could do the same with those if you like. I would keep the application to 1 drop for those, since the threads are finer.
 
Please let me know if you have further questions.
 
Jim Weise
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So what happened in my case was that RRS did indeed apply Locktite, to the bottom of the screw. No Locktite in the threads at all. Adding some Loctite solved all problems.

Best regards
Erik

I bought a RRS TVC 33 Tripod some years ago. From the beginning I found that one leg would become loose and flop around. It needsto be tightened with allen keys. It will only stay tight for a while and then loosen up again. It can become loose during a single day of shooting when starting from fully tight. Is anyone else experiencing this problem before I go back to RRS.
thanks
Gerald

[GeraldB]

Thanks Erik. I'll give that a whorl.