Skywatcher 150mm Newtonian EQ mount tripod repair/ replacement?

[iankridley]

HI, 

I got my Skywatcher out for the first time in a while tonight, only to find that the screw/ bolt that locks one of the tripod legs have been bent whilst stored in the garage.. It's not just the bolt itself but the bit of the tripod that holds the bolt.

I don't think it is repairable and it won't lock the leg at the moment. Is it worth trying to find a used tripod to replace it? If so, where is the best place to look? I think my Skywatcher is now 15 to 20 years old. Thanks for any advice!

Edited October 2, 2022 by iankridley

[PeterStudz]

What type of EQ mount and tripod do you have? You can get replacement legs for an EQ2 tripod. They are known to break around where you have described but I have a feeling that you have an EQ3 which might have different legs.

[iankridley]

Thanks for replying - I bought it so long ago i can't remember. EQ3 rings a bell but is there any way to be sure?

[PeterStudz]

A picture of the top of the tripod should make it clear. 

[iankridley]

Here it is. I suspect EQ3 as it came with my 6" Newtonian. A quick search suggest this isn't uncommon. but might it be time to upgrade from my aluminium-legded tripod?

[PeterStudz]

Yes, that looks like an old EQ3-2 tripod. I believe that the steel tripod for an EQ5 would fit, but maybe someone else can confirm. It would certainly be an upgrade and they do come up secondhand. I got one from a member on here. 

As a temporary fix you might be able to secure the broken leg in a fixed position using a strong cable tie. Or maybe another type of clamp.