Tripod-Head to Monopod-Head Adapter on 43 cents. Literally.

Short version of my story:
I bought a camera, it came with a bundle of accessories, including a Samsonite 1100 tripod. I have a monopod. I want to go take photos with a swivel-head on the monopod really soon, and didn't have 40$ to spend to get one locally.

I need an adapter, and I need it now. (But I'm putting in an online order for a "real" monopod head anyhow.)

Lo, and behold: a bolt, half a rod coupler and 43 cents later (it was 5am and I decided that it would be awesome to see just how jury-rigged I could make this thing), I have a little mount that will let me use the swivel-head on my monopod. I don't exactly trust it, but since I plan on getting a "real" swivel head, this'll do in a pinch.

These steps are for what I did, specifically. You may have to make alterations, and I will try to note where other models may require different steps/sizes/consideration.

Materials:
1/4" x 2" bolt
Threaded rod coupler/ 2 nuts (either item may be referred to as a "nut" here)
1 quarter (or 1/4" fender washer)
2 nickels (Mandatory for Samsonite 1100)
8 pennies (or 1/4" normal washers)

Tools:
Hacksaw
Drill (+ metal drilling bit)
Clamps will make your life easier
Epoxy
Calipers or crescent wrench (for greater ease in comparing diameters)

Basic idea: the swivel-head comes off the tripod, but the clamp needs something the right diameter to hold on to, and that thing needs to attach to the monopod. Nickels are exactly the right diameter for me. The quarter acts as top cap, pennies as the spacers and the nickels as the only real contact points this widget makes with the clamp. The bolt is epoxied to the nut, and one spacer, but all other items are free-spinning.

Disclaimers: I'm sure this voids several warranties, but I'm not responsible. Don't saw off an arm. Et cetera.

Step 1 Disassembly & Measuring

Disassemble: Take apart your tripod. Unscrew the various screws, and such--it's pretty self evident what you need to do. There might be a little cap or sticker over certain bolts, but you can see what you'd need to pry off in most cases.

Measure and match diameters: Locate the point where the tripod legs are linked to the head. Think of it as a ball and socket, except in 2 dimensions instead of 3 ("cylinder and sleeve" is more accurate, I guess, but it's not as effective as a descriptor). Examine the diameter of this joint. Locate plastic or metal discs or cylinders of equal diameter. The US nickel works for my Samsonite 1100.

Guesstimate spacing: Find "spacers" to stick between, above and below your nickels. Having the nickels stacked right next to each other will make the head wobblier (if you stood with your feet close together, you'd be easier to knock over than if you stood with your feet slightly further apart), so find a way to distance them.

You will want enough spacers to accommodate the height of the sleeve, as well as any part of the whole head assembly that might jut into your monopod. Prepare a few extra spacers, just in case.

Note, however, the Samsonite 1100's bolt that tightens the sleeve sticks out such that the inner diameter is not consistent on the sleeve. You will need to make sure your nickels are not going to get in the way. Right now, it's hard to plan for this. I find it easier to prepare the entire adapter and then fiddle with the spacers right before I epoxy things in place.

Comments

[jake2600]

@m1sterb0b
its only illegal to deface currency if your intent is to defraud the government or others with the currency (ie pounding nickels into quarter sized slugs for the arcade machines)
Make magazine confronted this just a short while ago Make: pdf (see page 6)

[m1sterb0b]

thank you for that information. You brought that to my attention in a much nicer way than someone else did on a different section. I'll make sure to bookmark that link. I was always under the impression that it was illegal to deface coins or other currency unless in protest. not quite sure where I got the penny thing from either way. Anyways, Thank you.

[m1sterb0b]

Even though its illegal to deface any American currency greater than the penny, interesting concept.

[ryzellon]

Which law makes it legal to deface the penny?

[m1sterb0b]

"Deface an American currency greater than the penny" meaning, not including the penny. Im not sure when it was made legal to deface the penny but you can. All greater currencies are illegal to deface.

Section 331 of Title 18 of the United States code shows that its illegal.
http://www.usmint.gov/consumer/18USC331.cfm?flash=yes

again, im not sure where it says that its legal to deface the penny but IM pretty sure it is legal. (ill keep trying to find out)

[snoyes]

Good use of readily available materials. Don't dip it in salt water or you might get electrocuted. ( http://www.instructables.com/id/E5227V5K1QEZBF8OQH/ )