Gitzo tripod repair--which glue?

[mikeseb]

Hello all, it's time for me to pay a stupid tax so I want some advice from the gang!

My Gitzo 1548 has come unglued in one spot--where the leg locking collar attaches to the leg tube above the joint, so that it can tighten on the leg tube below the joint. When I try to tighten or loosen the collar, the whole apparatus turns on the tube above.

As much as I'd like to send it to Gitzo under warranty, I find myself unable to prove my eligibility due to a complex and comical series of mishaps with the documentation, which is now AWOL. So I'm stuck--I think, unless Gitzo hears my pleas--with a costly factory repair, or a cheap and workable schmuck-in-the-field repair.

What kinda glue would be best? Any ideas?

Thanks all, and best holiday wishes to the lot of you!

[bellimages]

I had a similar occurance with my Giottos tripod. I found that using super glue worked great. Make sure that you allow the recommended "cure" time before subjecting it to any stress.

[wolfnowl]

I had a similar occurance with my Giottos tripod. I found that using super glue worked great. Make sure that you allow the recommended "cure" time before subjecting it to any stress.
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Super Glue (cyanoacrylate) is designed for metal.  It does have one flaw, though, which is if it freezes it will often separate.  I'd recommend epoxy instead, which will cure even down to -40 and is not damaged by freezing.

Mike

[Jonathan Wienke]

I vote for epoxy as well, but recommend gently working the locking mechanism and extending/retracting the leg section occasionally while it cures to ensure you haven't epoxied the leg to a fixed position. Any adhesive will get in the wrong place if you let it...

[Curt]

There is a super glue known as Black Belt. Color is black not clear as all of the others. We use Black Belt at work to cement steel to steel, steel to plastic, & plastic to plastic. Cure time is longer then the clear version. The strength of the joint is greatly superior.
Available from McMaster-Carr.

[mikeseb]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I've got a message in with McMaster-Carr re the Black Belt as I couldn't find it on their site. They've got a line of Loctite Black Max superglues that might fit the bill.

Someone also suggested the glue used to reattach metal fittings to carbon-fiber shafted archery arrows. Interesting idea.

Appreciate everyone's help, and happy new year to all.