SteadiHub
2012Gimbal forum

Drilling a hole in a gimbal handle to accommodate a low mode bracket pin

14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A gimbal handle can be safely drilled to accept a pin for use with a low mode bracket if done properly on a milling machine rather than freehand.
  • The hole should be drilled completely through the handle to achieve double shear, which provides greater strength than a single shear configuration.
  • A hole diameter of 3/16 inch works well with a #10 hardened screw or quick pin, though 1/8 inch diameter is also acceptable for 5/8 inch post systems.
  • A low mode bracket is necessary when flying heavy cameras close to a stage because it positions the arm's working end into the gap between camera and battery, preventing the arm from hitting the camera during operation.
  • A pin through the gimbal handle is essential for safety when using an F-bracket or J-bracket, and relying solely on clamping or set screws is insufficient.
  • A clamp on the gimbal handle provides no functional value when a proper pin connection is used with a low mode bracket.

Depends on

  • The advice assumes the hole is drilled on a mill rather than freehand, which may not be accessible to all users.
  • The specific hole diameter recommendations may vary depending on the post system diameter.
  • The discussion references specific bracket models and gimbal systems from 2012 that may not apply to all equipment.

Gear in this thread

Master Seriescatalog

Parts

Low Mode, Arm Post

Same gear or parts

  1. 2026Choosing between upgrading an older ProVid-2 kit or investing in a professional rig: workshop-first versus equipment-first approach for beginners.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  2. 2026Adjusting play in a Steadicam® Master Series gimbal yoke and balancing it for smooth 180-degree pan without tipping.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
  3. 2026Entry-level stabilizer strategy on a 15,000 USD budget: Rever EVO versus used Artemis 2 or M2 plus Volt, in a market with limited secondhand availability.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
  4. 2026Proper clamping force on gimbal saddle clamps with heavy cameras: risk of over-tighteningFacebookSteadicam operators group
Read the original threadAsk about this threadThe answer cites the archive