Separating manfrotto double super clamp

[capt chuck]

I saw on a website that the manfrotto double super clamp could be separated into two single clamps. It didn't say how (and now of course I can't even find the site again ). I have a double clamp that I would like to separate but I can't tell exactly how. It looks like what is holding them together might be threaded but they don't budge at all when I try to unscrew and it will be quite easy to strip the heads.

Has anyone done this with success? I'm thinking I might be able to drill the connecting parts to separate them, but am thinking of this as a last resort.

Thanks

 

[MagicCat]

I looked at Manfrotto's site, they dont mention anything about them coming apart so I'm going to bet that whatever site you saw this on, separated them by force. In order for a super clamp to be tied together like that, I dont think they would screw them together with a single threaded rod or they stand the risk of twisting out in the field/in-application. From a manufacturers point of view, that would have "law suit" written all over it. Im guessing they are press fit together and not meant to come apart,. That being said, you could probably slip a saws-all blade between them and cut them apart, giving them a permanent Divorace. That of course, would ruin the finish.

 

[capt chuck]

MagicCat thanks for your ideas. I bet you're right that they separating it will be a one-way operation (which I'm ok with). I'm not sure what approach I'll use, but I'm determined since 99% of the time I'm using the double clamp as a single with the extra clamp just along for the ride to add weight.

 

[Jeff Anderson]

I thought it was just two screws at the apex of the adjoining sides of the two jaws. May have to remove the flat plastic insert to get in there. could be wrong though, havent seen a double clamp in a while.

 

[capt chuck]

Update

Update

I thought it was just two screws at the apex of the adjoining sides of the two jaws.

Yep that's what it turned out to be. However, I couldn't get them apart by unscrewing (the heads did strip). I think one clamp was sort of working like a lock washer.

Update:

I was able to separate them by drilling off the heads without damaging the clamps. I worked up from a smaller bit up to a 1/4" and that worked like a charm.