Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I have a manfrotto 055MF3. I want to add a hook to it for a camera bag, weight support etc. unfortunately, I am having a bugger of a time finding the lynch pin to make this work.

The centre column of this tripod separates into two pieces.
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg ... 1291221527
The joint on the top piece (R055,038) has a female M6 threaded hole where the bottom piece screws into (the screw is internal to the column). My simplest solution would be to jettison the bottom piece of the column, and screw the hook into the hole. For various reasons I have settled on an eye bolt over just a hook, mainly related to safety and easier modification below this point (for example adding a chain or caribiener).

For the love of all that is holy, I have not been able to, from local sources, find a single M6 eye bolt in stainless steel, and for the one place I have, they want a minimum order which is more than I need.

So I throw it out for suggestions on how to modify my plan to use either more easily available components, how to source what I'm looking for locally (please provide specific confirmation, as I have already called a lot of places), or a specific website where I can find this thing.

Thanks in advance.

It should be easy to find at a marine store

http://stores.ebay.com/Ratseys-Yacht-Ri ... 2634520010

Chris,

I do not know what a M6 is, but if it means 1/4-20 thread I have one you can have.

M6 = 6mm METRIC. Alas, that will not work.

You will have to go to industrial hardware suppliers for anything out of the ordinary.

Spaenaur in KW has something similar, but looks quite small.
Brafasco, but limited selection.
Irwin Fasteners, probably the largest in GTA supplying every manufacturer I've dealt with, but they don't publish a catalogue and website basically says they have everything with no specifics.

Or try M6 threaded rod and bend to suit. Or any number of M6 thumb screws, leveling foot type attachment and drill your hole.

Use an M6 bolt and JB-Weld what ever you want to the bolt head.

Sorry, I couldn't be of help. Good luck!

Can I order a quantity less than 10 with any of these suppliers?

BTW, Brafasco was the first place I tried and they had nada.
I found them at Fabory, but they want a minimum order of 10 (and at 5 bucks plus per bolt, I don't think so)...

Hey hotwire,
I know it's been some time since you posted... But I haven't been around lately and I didn't see a resolution... Have you tried Fastenal? Otherwise, consider a larger diameter bolt and re-thread it.