DIY - Take better photos with the “Mountaineer’s Monopod”

The “Mountaineer’s Monopod” can help you stabilize your camera and take better photos.  Cost: under a buck.  Weight penalty: too light to measure.  Time: a few minutes on a rainy day.

This brilliant tip was submitted by Mazama Robert Lee.

Tools/parts required:

1. One ¼-20-.75” hex cap screw (this is the standard thread for all cameras with bases)
2. Hacksaw or Dremel tool with steel blade or cutoff disk
3. 7/32 drill bit and drill
4. Epoxy or red thread locker
5. Frosty glass of your favorite beverage

Simple installation:
Take your ¼”-20-3/4” (or even a 1”) screw and use the hacksaw to cut the “head” off.  Leave as much thread as possible, and don’t strip/damage the threads.  Next, use the 7/32” drill bit to drill a hole approximately 0.5” deep into the top of your ski/hiking pole.  Go slow and make certain that you have a good, solid, and straight drill.  Take your threaded piece and hand tighten it deep within the hole to tap the thread.  If necessary, use a towel over the threads and use a set of pliers to thread it in without damaging the threads.  Back it out and place some epoxy or thread locker into the hole, and tighten the bolt back into the hole with enough thread for your camera!  Wipe up any excess thread locker, and let it set overnight to cure.

I prefer not to have too much thread sticking out, but its personal preference, and you’ve now got a monopod for that awesome shot!