How do I fix a boom pole collar that is too tight?

[bda92]

Hello everyone.

I just received a new (open box) condition VDB XL-QT in the mail a couple of days ago and am having difficulties with two of the collars, particularly the first one. In order to extend the thinnest section of the boom pole, I must first slightly extend the next one down and hold onto that while I unlock the first. Otherwise, I can't get it to unlock. Except for one other section, all the other collars open fine, but the first section in particular seems impossible to open by itself.

I wondered if perhaps I should lubricate this collar, but their website suggests that the QT collars shouldn't need this. Considering I bought the pole in "open box" condition, I wasn't the first to open it, so I worry something is wrong. It is also my first "pro" boom pole, so perhaps I just don't know what I'm doing.

Thank you for any advice you might have.

[r.paterson]

Strip cometly apart and clean with a fibre cloth no tread parts on vdb q except for the threaded 3/8 quick mount .. See vdb video

 

 

[Fred Salles]

I suspect this post is not genuine as the title chosen is phrased in a general way that reads like an affirmation, which is very demeaning for the brand VDB.

(plus poster's not real name and first post ever).

Please kindly change the phrasing of your title.

 

VDB boompoles are very reliable and there is no way a brand new pole would be problematic as they test manually every single one of them before shipping.

If you really have a problem like the one you describe then it means the boom has been misused by previous owner and not been properly cleaned after being exposed to dust and/or rain. Dismantle every parts like in the video above and clean with gentle soap and warm water, even brush if needed, then dry thoroughly before putting it back together. Mind than the first collar, the smallest one that hold the 3/8 mount has sometimes a small screw on the side that needs to be unscrew a bit to allows the removal of the collar (not shown in the video as it depends on model).

You will never need lube if the boom is clean and well maintained.

[Aprikot]

I have the VDB L-QT and experienced a similar sounding issue, but with a different collar - it was more difficult to quarter turn than the others.

 

Disassembling and cleaning the pole as mentioned definitely helps.

 

Assuming your open box purchase is still under warranty, I would reach out to the vendor if there is actually a problem with one of the collars.

[bda92]

On 10/5/2024 at 7:39 AM, Fred Salles said:

I suspect this post is not genuine as the title chosen is phrased in a general way that reads like an affirmation, which is very demeaning for the brand VDB.

(plus poster's not real name and first post ever).

Please kindly change the phrasing of your title.

 

My sincere apologies to anyone at VDB if they saw this and were offended. I assure you that this post is in fact genuine and that wasn't my intention. If anything, I have become quite a VDB fan and specifically bought this pole because I thought the design was so clever. With this title I was simply trying to describe the problem I'm having with my individual pole in general terms, not accusing all VDB poles of being this way. Please excuse my lack of eloquence, I'll change the title to something else.

 

Thanks for the responses. I suspect that perhaps I just need to clean to pole. Since the pole had been previously opened, there is a possibility that it had gotten dirty somehow by the time I got it.

Edited October 7, 2024 by bda92
I wanted to clarify that I think this is something that happened while it was in the seller's care or during transit.

[bda92]

Hey everyone.

My boom pole has sat in storage since I made this post, as I have been very busy and haven't had a chance to use it. With a short film coming up soon, I took it out and cleaned it as described in VDB's official video. Unfortunately, cleaning didn't seem to fix the problem and the first collar is still too tight. I'm not sure what else could be the problem.

Does anyone have recommendations for who to send it to for inspection in the US? Given that this was an eBay purchase I took a chance on, I unfortunately don't have any warranty information for it.

[DanieldH]

Did you contact VdB?

Even though they are made kind of in the neighborhood, I had rarely VdBs in my hand, and the units I worked with where made some decades ago.

I have the habbit to extend the pole from top segment first, etc, and only tighten the collars as much as needed, but regularly I give some gripping space for each lower segment before rehearsal to have quick control over each segment.