Tripod head handle shortening

[Tmcgarrigle]

What has everybody done to shorten their tripod head handles on their video or fluid heads? I have both a Sirui VA5 and a Slik SVH501 that I'm wanting to shorten as they both come too long for my liking.

 

[JDB9818]

I have done this before on a head with an aluminum handle. I was able to pull the rubber grip off the handle and I just shortened it a few inches using a hack saw. Put the rubber grip material back on after smoothing the edges and you couldn't even tell that the handle was shorter.

 

[mtnrunner260]

I cut my VA 5 down with a hacksaw.

 

[roughnecknine0]

+1 to @JDB9818's recommendation on just chopping it. My buddy did that for his custom VA-5 window mount and it looks great.

This is probably the thread @BBob was mentioning. I remember after seeing this I was able to find "carbon fiber" tubes of the right size on Aliexpress for super cheap and then it's just a matter of cutting to the length you want and swapping over the rubber cap and metal "head" that attaches to the tripod.

 

[sram9102]

I took the handle off of my VA5. I don't feel like I am missing anything not having it.

 

[warrbuk]

I used a plumbers copper tubing cutter, super clean cut. I hacksaw will suffice also with some work from a file to clean up the end.

 

[cornfedkiller]

Done both a benro s2 and a va-5. Twist the grip to break it loose, then slide it off. Cut it down with a hacksaw, clean up the burrs, and slide the grip back over it.

 

[roughnecknine0]

Someone in the classifieds is back with carbon handles

 

[ElDiablito]

Take it off - no need for it if you’re trying to save weight.

 

[Tmcgarrigle]

Take it off - no need for it if you’re trying to save weight.

It’s not for saving weight. It’s just too long for my preference. I prefer glassing with a shorter handle.

 

[ElDiablito]

Then I’d use a tubing cutter as suggested above

 

[sndmn11]

Use an arrow shaft

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’m selling CF ones that fit perfect for $25 shipping if you want one. I’ll cut to whatever link you desire.

 

[Stache Attack]

Waking this back up. How are you guys getting the rubber off? I kinda like it and want to run it shortened but with the rubber piece. I am pondering a little heat on the handle to see if maybe mine is glued? I I gave it the onion pulling and maybe got 3/4” and I can feel something rolling in there.

 

[tracker12]

Getting that rubber piece off in a PIA. I ended up cutting to length then going to a hardware store and getting a replacement.

 

[TaperPin]

Waking this back up. How are you guys getting the rubber off? I kinda like it and want to run it shortened but with the rubber piece. I am pondering a little heat on the handle to see if maybe mine is glued? I I gave it the onion pulling and maybe got 3/4” and I can feel something rolling in there.

Handlebar grips, or golf club grips are often removed with a blast of compressed air between the metal and rubber, so maybe that would work? IDK