Tripod cam-lock repair for Manfrotto 785b Modo

thingiverse

The cam-locks on my Manfrotto 785b Modo suddenly started to crack and break, both locks on the second section (counting from the bottom). Apparently this is a known weakness of this (cheap) plastic locks, also on other types of Manfrotto tripods. Instead of throwing it away, I decided to make a replacement part in ABS. The ABS should resist forces better than the plastic that was used before, but hey, time will tell. Instructions I prepared the print with slic3r, using the support material option. It took some extra time to remove the supports, but it gave me a nice result on the overhanging parts, even from the very first print. To remove the original camlocks, first push out the brass pin with a hammer and drift. Then take out the small rectangular block that locks the shaft. Now you should be able to remove the lock, make sure you don't lose the small parts that fall out.