Ball head "cleaning"

[erich6]

All,

I recently went camping at the beach and took a Manfrotto ball head mount with me. The mount picked up enough salt and humidity and now it feels rough and does not move smoothly like before.

What do you recommend is a good cleaning procedure? I thought I would first use a wet cloth to try to get some of the salt off and then add some lubrication.

Erich

[Khaos]

Don't use any alcohol or cleaning agents.

Get a light brush, tilt the head in various directions and brush of the debris. Use a soft towel to wipe away any moisture.

I would email manfrotto for specific advise. Arca Swiss actually has dealers that refurb the ballhead if needed. Markins suggests some WD-40, all are different.

[Angelo]

Don't use any alcohol or cleaning agents.

Get a light brush, tilt the head in various directions and brush of the debris. Use a soft towel to wipe away any moisture.

I would email manfrotto for specific advise. Arca Swiss actually has dealers that refurb the ballhead if needed. Markins suggests some WD-40, all are different.
I would NOT use WD-40. It tends to get gritty and also attracts dirt and grime. A clear silicone spray (Home Depot) would probably do the trick.

[erich6]

Thanks guys. I'll checkout Manfrotto's web site and see if they offer any info.

Will stay clear of the WD-40!

Erich

[ian408]

Did you get the head cleaned? How'd it go and what did you end up doing
to clean it?

Ian

[erich6]

Did you get the head cleaned? How'd it go and what did you end up doing
to clean it?

Ian
Ian,

Sorry I missed this question....

I ended up cleaning it with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush for the hard to get places. Wiped it down several times until I got rid of the salt. Didn't need to lubricate. It seemed to work well enough although I don't think it's quite as good as it was when brand new. I think I waited too long to clean it. The vendor advises to clean immediately after exposure to salt.

I may still follow-up on Angelo's tip of a silicon spray.

Erich

[ian408]

Ian,

Sorry I missed this question....

I ended up cleaning it with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush for the hard to get places. Wiped it down several times until I got rid of the salt. Didn't need to lubricate. It seemed to work well enough although I don't think it's quite as good as it was when brand new. I think I waited too long to clean it. The vendor advises to clean immediately after exposure to salt.

I may still follow-up on Angelo's tip of a silicon spray.

Erich

Thanks. Salt is fairly corrosive and unless cleaned, will cause some pitting
in the aluminum. The damp cloth/toothbrush sounds like a good method for
cleaning up.

Ian