Tripod Cam-Lock Repair

thingiverse

The Cam-Locks on the Manfrotto tripod model 728B are prone to cracking due to a thin wall thickness. The body of the cam-lock sees a tremendous amount of stress which over time leads to a catastrophic failure (hopefully not when you have a $2000 DSLR mounted on it). In my opinion, a high-end tripod shouldn't have a $0.25 molded part that is prone to cracking and costs $15ea to replace. The model I generated has a wall thickness of almost 4mm at its thinnest compared to the factory's 2mm. I haven't put it through temperature cycling and aging, but I am confident it will hold up better than the original. Instructions Start from the smallest tube and replace one section at a time. Remove the rubber foot. Remove the old Cam-Locks by pushing out the brass pins with a hammer and drift (any punch or small screwdriver smaller than the pin diameter will work). Save the pins, the cam levers and the rectangular pressure block that falls out. Pull off the old Cam Lock body. Slip on the newly printed body. A rubber mallet helps, but it shouldn't be necessary. There is a rectangular hole in the tube....The opening in the cam-lock body should line up with the hole. Drop in the pressure block into the hole of the cam-lock body. The pressure block is slightly curved on one face....This should face the cam lever. Position the cam lever in the body with the lever in the open position. Press in the brass pin with a rubber mallet. Repeat for the remaining sections.