Tripod Locking Collar Replacement (Velbon - Challenger 3)

thingiverse

The replacement sleeve for this type of tripod can break over time, and it's a waste to discard the entire thing just because of a small part. This will upgrade the upper locking collar on the "Velbon" Challenger 3 tripod at least. It's likely that the lower locking collar will eventually break, and then I'll add that piece too. It took several hours to model these pieces accurately, so updates won't happen anytime soon. I only recently discovered (by disassembling an intact leg) that there's a small block behind the cam-lock which affects the high-friction clamping on the leg. As it turns out, this block is a convenient way to adjust the tension on the lock without constantly adjusting the cam lever shape. Therefore, three blocks are included so you can choose the one that works best for optimal tension. They print quickly, allowing you to pick your preference and discard the others. Print with a moderate density to ensure everything holds together securely. I used 60% in my final print. The dimensions have been increased to hopefully provide more resilience this time around. Note that the vertical pin is slightly smaller than the actual pin used in the product part. I replaced it with the shaft of a pop-rivet, which is about 2.5mm in diameter, since I had lost the original pin. For the cross-pin connecting to a central post, I used the original pin. Drill or adjust according to your preferences. The chances are low that anyone else has this same tripod, but I've shared this here for two reasons: a) for anyone who does have one, and b) as a reference point in case you have a similar tripod and want to use this as a starting point for your design.