2007Steadi-Newbies forum
Reducing squeaking noise from Steadicam Flyer vest during operation
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Flyer vest can produce squeaking sounds during use, particularly from plastic components rubbing together.
- Stuffing tissues into the clips and taping them reduces squeaking to a moderate degree.
- Dry silicone spray lubricant can help eliminate noise from plastic parts, but WD40 should be avoided as it can cause screws to loosen.
- The Flyer socketblock has the same mounting hole pattern as industry-standard vests, allowing it to be transferred to a different vest.
- Lining the inside of the chest plate buckle with paper tape prevents plastic-to-plastic friction and reduces squeaking, though the tape needs periodic replacement.
- French chalk may work as a noise reduction method but produces mess.
Depends on
- The squeaking problem may originate from different sources and require diagnosis before selecting a solution.
- Transferring the socketblock to a new vest requires ensuring compatible mounting holes.
- The paper tape solution requires regular maintenance as the tape deteriorates over time.
- Some suggested approaches are untested or mentioned speculatively rather than confirmed as effective.
- Most solutions address symptoms rather than eliminating the underlying cause of vest squeaking.