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How to Build a Monopod

Monopods are useful tools for amateur and professional photographers alike. They offer the user stability as well as mobility. You can construct your own monopod with basic materials that can be found at most hardware stores. The construction process takes just a few minutes, and once the glue dries, you will be able to take your new monopod out on a photo shoot.

Things You'll Need

¾-inch PVC pipe, 8 foot
Hacksaw
Sandpaper
2 PVC end caps, ¾ inch
Drill
15/32-inch drill bit
Marker
Permanent glue
1 1/4-by-20-inch hex bolt

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the PVC pipe down to the desired size with the hack saw. A monopod shorter than 6 inches will be difficult to hold onto. Alternatively, making your monopod too tall will make it difficult to reach the camera.
- 2
  Brush about 2 inches in from each end of the PVC pipe with sandpaper to roughen them up and prepare them for glue. A few passes with sandpaper should be adequate to remove the shiny surface.
- 3
  Drill a hole into the center of each PVC end caps with the 15/32-inch drill bit. Mark the end of the bolt at 1/4-inch from the tip of the bolt. Screw the bolt through the hole in one of the end caps to thread the hole and remove the bolt.
- 4
  Apply a layer of permanent glue from the head of the bolt down to the marked line. Replace the screw into the end cap so that the bolt head is inside of the cap. Allow the glue to dry completely. There should be a ¼-inch stub of bolt protruding from the end cap.
- 5
  Apply a thin layer of glue to the inside of the end caps and place on both ends of the PVC pipe. Allow to dry overnight before using the monopod.

Photography