Taylor Bickel 0 Posted November 5 I work a lot with a guy who has really old Norms C-Stands. The grip heads seem to be looser and looser after every job. You really have to tighten them down a ton. Is there any way of bringing these old heads back to their former glory, or do we just have to buy all new heads? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg MacPherson 60 Posted November 6 The old Matthews ones I have use a cork wafer/friction washer. You could add that if they needed it. Make your own washer out of cork from the auto parts shop if you can't find them. Same stuff as used for valve cover gaskets etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Dunn 184 Posted November 6 Use contact glue to attach the cork- I think you may know it as contact cement. The stuff you leave to get tacky before joining the surfaces. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg MacPherson 60 Posted November 6 (edited) I didn't glue mine. Meant to add that the gasket material was about 2mm (1/16"). I just looked at the Matthews parts store and these washers are $10/ each. 2-1/2' and 4-1/2' sizes available. Edited November 6 by Gregg MacPherson data error Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Conley 14 Posted November 7 yup- pick up some gasket material- no need to glue. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Field 116 Posted November 7 I don't see a point in repairing them when they're so cheap to begin with:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371923-REG/Impact_KCP_200_Grip_Head_2_5.html 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg MacPherson 60 Posted November 7 Gosh, $18 is really cheap for the head. But consider these thoughts.. -The older brand C stands can last a very long time. They may be worth repairing or maintaining. -Replacing the cork washer is a maintenance issue, that any head may need. -The cork sheet is very cheap and cutting to shape is very easy. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JD Hartman 77 Posted December 1 POS made in China. Looks like a poor copy of an American Grip head. Many complaints about not tightening or staying tight, etc, etc. Look at what most lighting and grip houses send out, that's hardware that lasts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Field 116 Posted December 1 I mean I've hammered nails with these and they still work well. I prefer them to Matthews gripheads because the tightening handle is ergonomic for my big hands. How many years do we need our grip heads to last here? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JD Hartman 77 Posted Tuesday at 12:23 AM Gripheads, with minimal care and maintenance, since they are cast Al, should last virtually forever. Were that not true you wouldn't see used but fully functional American Grip, Matthews, Modern, Norms and even Mole gripheads for sale. Impact gripheads will be in the scrapyard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites