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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> DIY ideas for mounting stuff to tripods?
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08/02/2009 06:02:58 PM · #1
I bought some of those cheap Sunpak tripods on Woot.com a couple of weeks back. I want to use them for holding reflectors (automobile sunshades, actually), foam core and flashes.

The flashes are easy because the flash stands have screw holes for the purpose, but I'm looking for ideas for how to mount the reflectors and foamcore boards before I head off to the hardware store looking. Thanks.
08/02/2009 06:15:23 PM · #2
you can get a bag of assorted sizes of these plastic spring clamps at Lowes for about $9 (Home Depot where I live does not carry them)

I got some of those same tripods. Main limitation seems to be the max height, but still useful.
08/02/2009 06:27:51 PM · #3
wire coat hangers might be of use.
08/02/2009 06:32:11 PM · #4
Originally posted by chromeydome:

you can get a bag of assorted sizes of these plastic spring clamps at Lowes for about $9 (Home Depot where I live does not carry them)

I got some of those same tripods. Main limitation seems to be the max height, but still useful.


How do you attach the clamps to the tripod head?
08/02/2009 06:33:45 PM · #5
I find the variously-sized steel binder-clips available at office supply stores can manage many clamping needs inexpensively. The largest size can probably clamp something to a tripod leg. You can also use them as an "instant grommet" to provide a place to attach a string or chain to something solid you don't want to punch a hole in (like a reflector) so you can hang it or affix it to some handy object.

If you have an accessory which can fit a tripod mount, you might get one of those little mini-tripods and attach that to the leg of the bigger tripod.

The tripod mount uses a standard 1/4" thread ... you can should be able to get bolts, nuts, eyebolts, and various other parts with that thread at any (US) hardware store.

Message edited by author 2009-08-02 18:36:13.
08/02/2009 06:41:33 PM · #6
Maybe some form of an L bracket for the clip ideas?
08/02/2009 06:50:23 PM · #7
"Billy Mays here for Might Putty....."
08/02/2009 07:18:43 PM · #8
Duct tape?
08/02/2009 07:23:02 PM · #9
Originally posted by Kelli:

Duct tape?


actually, gaffers tape (pricey) or that blue painters tape will work for lots of things without leaving a residue :-)
08/02/2009 07:26:30 PM · #10
but sometimes, there is no substitute for it:

08/02/2009 07:31:45 PM · #11
Originally posted by GeneralE:

If you have an accessory which can fit a tripod mount, you might get one of those little mini-tripods and attach that to the leg of the bigger tripod.

That might work well, If I can find a small cylinder with 1/4" threads on both ends, I can put an upside down gorillapod on it and that can hold pretty much anything.

Thanks for all the ideas.
08/02/2009 07:50:56 PM · #12
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by GeneralE:

If you have an accessory which can fit a tripod mount, you might get one of those little mini-tripods and attach that to the leg of the bigger tripod.

That might work well, If I can find a small cylinder with 1/4" threads on both ends, I can put an upside down gorillapod on it and that can hold pretty much anything.

I forget what it's called, but it's just like a hex-nut, only about an inch long -- should be under $1 at the hardware store. You could also use a turnbuckle with the hook-/eye-bolts removed.

In my earlier posts, I was thinking you were going to have the camera on the tripod but wanted to attach other things to it as well; but it seems you are just using this tripod as a stand for other things ...

Message edited by author 2009-08-02 19:53:40.
08/02/2009 07:56:43 PM · #13
Originally posted by GeneralE:

I forget what it's called, but it's just like a hex-nut, only about an inch long -- should be under $1 at the hardware store. You could also use a turnbuckle with the hook-/eye-bolts removed.

In my earlier posts, I was thinking you were going to have the camera on the tripod but wanted to attach other things to it as well; but it seems you are just using this tripod as a stand for other things ...


Exactly what I need, now I know what I am looking for. Thanks.
08/03/2009 01:59:19 AM · #14
Get some flat bar stock, put pieces on each side for rigidity wherever you want, drill through, bolt+nut to keep them together. Sick the hex thing between them and clamp it down real nice or drill it too and clamp. Stability and cheap.
08/03/2009 02:01:47 AM · #15
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Get some flat bar stock, put pieces on each side for rigidity wherever you want, drill through, bolt+nut to keep them together. Sick the hex thing between them and clamp it down real nice or drill it too and clamp. Stability and cheap.

I'm not following what you are suggesting.
08/03/2009 02:06:22 AM · #16
"Billy Mays here for Might Putty....."

aww....R.I.P. :(
08/03/2009 02:40:55 AM · #17
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Get some flat bar stock, put pieces on each side for rigidity wherever you want, drill through, bolt+nut to keep them together. Sick the hex thing between them and clamp it down real nice or drill it too and clamp. Stability and cheap.

I'm not following what you are suggesting.


Give me a minute, I'll whip up a paint diagram! ;)

Do you know what flat bar stock is?
08/03/2009 03:04:39 AM · #18


I think everything is labeled alright. There will be flat bar stock on both sides of the reflector, so the reflector will be sandwiched between them. The blue dots are bolts with a nut on one side, which will hold the flat bar stock in place and keep things rigid. The hex thing (not sure on the name) should also be between the two pieces. Then you can thread it onto the top of any tripod. You could also just get a justin clamp, but they're kinda pricey.
08/03/2009 09:19:09 AM · #19
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Give me a minute, I'll whip up a paint diagram! ;)

Makes sense now. Thanks.
08/03/2009 09:30:20 AM · #20
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Get some flat bar stock, put pieces on each side for rigidity wherever you want, drill through, bolt+nut to keep them together. Sick the hex thing between them and clamp it down real nice or drill it too and clamp. Stability and cheap.


The thingy is a coupling nut.
08/03/2009 10:46:37 PM · #21
Got some items today over lunch and it all works nicely. A turnbuckle turned out to be the perfect thing to mount the hardware store clamp lights to the the tripod. This will be nice. Thanks for all the advice!
08/03/2009 10:57:09 PM · #22
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

A turnbuckle turned out to be the perfect thing to mount the hardware store clamp lights to the the tripod.

Dang! That was a good idea ... glad I thought of it -- now I'll have to try that out myself!
08/03/2009 11:18:21 PM · #23
diy boom arm reflector holder
08/03/2009 11:27:16 PM · #24
Originally posted by BeeCee:

diy boom arm reflector holder

Time for another trip to Home Depot! Thanks.
08/03/2009 11:30:51 PM · #25
I haven't made one yet but have had it bookmarked forever. Some day I'll get around to it!
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