Parbar Clamp help

[djderek1971]

Can anyone suggest an easy way to hang a Parbar onto a 4ft kam stand. The standard clamps out there only seem to go up to around 50mm and dont drop down enough, The main body of the par bar is 2" deep. Don't really like using the bungee type things used to secure stuff on a car roof rack. Not only does it not instill safety confidence but it takes 2 to hang it, One to hold the bar whilst the other wraps the bungees round. Must be a better way. Any ideas welcome. Oh and before someone asks, yes I have a stand for the parbar but as you will all know, often, space is very limited.

[deltic]

single or twin overhead?

[Excalibur]

I just know someone's going to be along in a minute, extolling the virtues of the Teutonic equivalent, and crowing that it has threaaded holes on the top for this purpose. ;) :D

Look here, http://www.ultimax1.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=4&Itemid=1

there are some with a six inch drop, the only problem might be attaching them to the parbar. The only way I can envisage it is if you perform a bit of surgery on them. Instead of having a U-shape at the bottom, you need an L-shape.

Bear in mind, this will probably invalidate any warranty, and may weaken the bracket. Always use safety chains.

[Chris1984]

Think you want a couple of these http://www.flints.co.uk/acatalog/Parallel_Double_Ended_Hook_Clamps.html

Or
http://www.flints.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eflints%2eco %2euk%2facatalog%2fLighting_Accessories%2ehtml&WD=coupler&PN=Doughty_Parallel_Coupler%2ehtml%23aDOU57104#aDO U57104

[Excalibur]

Think you want a couple of these http://www.flints.co.uk/acatalog/Parallel_Double_Ended_Hook_Clamps.html

Or
http://www.flints.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eflints%2eco %2euk%2facatalog%2fLighting_Accessories%2ehtml&WD=coupler&PN=Doughty_Parallel_Coupler%2ehtml%23aDOU57104#aDO U57104

Well yes, but don't they face the same difficulties as the Ultimax ones? The bar is over 50mm square, so wouldn't fit in the hook, would it? And if the hooks top and bottom were equal sizes, they might be loose on his overhead ( cos I'm betting a KAM stand won't have a 50mm overhead. ) Hence my suggestion to modify a clamp to have a U at the top, and an L at the bottom. And my disclaimer that I take no responsibility if it snaps after you've bent it. ;) And my caveat that you really must use safety wires.

[djderek1971]

Thanks for the replies folks. Just had a look at the threaded parts that come through the bar that hold the light in place. I thought you had nailed it and so I went to fit my clamp onto the top of the parbar but they have made the thread too big for the holes in my clamps!! Never straight forward is it, so either I drill bigger holes or find clamps with bigger holes. I at least see a way to achieve my goal now, so thanks again lads!

[Chris1984]

My mistake! Mid read that bit!

I would just get some short endless half tonne ratchet straps then - quick simple safe and rated or maybe just maybe if you don't mind spending the money a manfrotto super clamp and attach it to your par bar and then just clamp to stand - easy not the cheapest clamp but it's what they are for
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=manfrotto+super+clamp&hl=en&client=safari&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=u121T86BL7PP4QS75tinDg&ved=0CHkQrQQ&biw=320&bih=416
They really are good!

[Excalibur]

Thanks for the replies folks. Just had a look at the threaded parts that come through the bar that hold the light in place. I thought you had nailed it and so I went to fit my clamp onto the top of the parbar but they have made the thread too big for the holes in my clamps!! Never straight forward is it, so either I drill bigger holes or find clamps with bigger holes. I at least see a way to achieve my goal now, so thanks again lads!

From that description, do I take it that there's a male thread sticking up from the top of the parbar? :confused: My Stairville has female threads on top, and thumbscrews supplied to fit it. I can't remember whether the Stairville has 6mm or 8mm threads.

[deltic]

The knurled knob on a par bar is female

[Excalibur]

The knurled knob on a par bar is female

Then if I understand correctly, and the overhead is a 25mm bar, these are what I use.
http://www.ultimax1.com/castings.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=73&category_id=8
If the bar's 32mm
http://www.ultimax1.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=79&category_id=34
or 50mm
http://www.ultimax1.com/home.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=82&category_id=9

[djderek1971]

Yeah, the male part comes through the individual par light bracket and up into the main body of the bar and out the top. The female part then screws down onto the top of the bar to secure it. What I was trying to explain is the male thread that comes through the bar from bottom to top is too wide for the hole in my clamp. The only other thing would be to find a narrower threat to feed through the bar and use plastic washers top and bottom to avoid damage.