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
Parts
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