I have a Markins M20 BH with its originally quick release clamp with the srew knob. I want to replase it with RRS lever-release, however I don't know how to remove the clamp from the BH. I tried to unsrew it without success and now I'm a little bit scared to damage anything if using more power. Has anyone an idea how to remove the clamp. Thanks in advance for any good hint.
the clamp is attached to a threaded stud and the other half of the threaded stud is screwed
into threaded hole in ball. It's all Loctited together (Loctite is essentially a glue used on threaded fasteners).
So, to break down the Loctite, you need to heat up the clamp/screw (the heat breaks down the Loctite). and then twist off the clamp.
since it's all aluminum (conducts heat well), you need to do this pretty quickly w/ something like a propane/butane torch. You will probably want to put a damp washcloth around/over the ball (absorbs excess heat and prevents damage to the inner
BH parts).
If you do not feel confident in your ability, you can always send it back to Markins and ask them to do it.
I wrote to Markins to get some hints as well and they're suggesting a different way as mentioned by howardm4. See text below.
The clamp on the M20 is fastened by a high strength Loctite for performance and security. It can be unscrewed by high impact. You can follow the instruction below. However, if you want, you can send the head back to us for the job.
1. Remove the head from tripod and hand-hold it.
2. Tighten the tension to maximum.
3. Using a plastic hammer (to prevent cosmetic damage to the clamp) hit the clamp knob such a way that the clamp turns counter-clockwise against the head.
4. Continue it until the clamp is separated.
If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Steve Yoon
Customer Support Team
Markins - Home Of The Ultimate Professional Q-Balls
If you are not comfortable doing the fix yourself, you can send it back to Markins for a megar charge of $20, they will remove it for you. It was the avenue I took and the turnaround was superfast.
Richard Nye wrote:
I'd write to Markins and ask them. I think there is some teflon around the ball and if you get that too hot it may not work right.
I love Markins products. They are well engineered, well made, and reasonably priced.
it is a polyethelene sleeve that does not do well with any heat so be advised the alloy will conduct heat quite rapidly down to the ball. its your choice
