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Super easy hardware store light-backdrop stand

Jun 2, 2007 by Udi Tirosh 3 Comments

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diy_hardware_store_light_stand Tim Boesenkool has sent this awesome idea on how you can make a DIY backdrop stand that reaches all the way to the ceiling, without getting in a fight with your wife.

I have two sturdy light stands but with the work I’m doing it isn’t really enough, and I’m tired of propping reflectors on wobbly chairs etc. Because I don’t have excess room I needed something with a small footprint as well.

So cruising around the hardware store I discovered a great cheap, no assembly required solution and I have two stands for under 50 bucks.

Go to the paint section and see if you can find painter extension poles that twist lock. This is important, the have to be the twist lock variety that can be extended to any length. (About $20 each.) There are painter poles that use pin locks, but these won’t work. Next walk over to the plumbing aisle and get a toilet plunger head. (About $3 each.) Make sure you get the big black ones. Chances are good that they use the same thread and you shouldn’t have a problem twisting the plunger head onto the painter pole.

diy_hardware_store_light_stand - pole and plunger

When at the till, make sure you have some explanation ready, because you will get funny looks standing in line with a 4-12 foot toilet plunger. I just mumbled “the toilet in the basement keeps plugging up”. I’ve rarely seen a more confused look on a store tellers face as she tried to figure out whether she was dumb and not getting what I was talking about, or if she thought I was a serious idiot. I had a good chuckle on the way to the car and congratulated myself on my ingenuity.

Here is how the pole and plunger fit together

diy_hardware_store_light_stand - together

diy_hardware_store_light_stand - fitted

Now to use the poles. Just push plunger up against the ceiling until the plunger pops inwards. Then make sure the pole is on the floor, sturdy and straight. Twist lock the handle while keeping upward pressure and you have a cheap reasonably sturdy lightweight, transportable lightstand. The plungers should even form a suction lock on the ceiling. I’ve used these in rooms with an angled ceiling as well, and they worked perfectly up to 12 feet. Be careful in clients homes because the rubber can leave dark rings that need to be wiped off.

 

diy_hardware_store_light_stand

Be careful not to crank on clamps on too hard or you will collapse the pole, but it should be capable of holding at least a light or a roll of paper between two poles.

Also It may be a good idea to cover the plunger with something to avoid marks on the ceiling. You can use a Nylon Baggy or a balloon cut in half. (David and PANZERWOLF, thanks for the tips).

If you liked this article you might also be interested in other backdrop articles:

  • Studio Lighting – Home Made Cheap DIY Backdrop Stand
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  • DIY – Studio Equipment: Greenscreens and Backdrop Stands

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Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: backdrop, light stand, misc and gear

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.net

About Udi Tirosh

Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

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Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

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