HOW TO MAINTAIN A BIPOD OR TRIPOD
You don’t need any tools to maintain a bipod or tripod. You start by unscrewing the stop guide, which separates the inner leg from the outer one. The outer leg can get some small dings, which are pretty common. This can prevent the leg from moving or sliding, but it can be replaced as a part if the damage is beyond repair. Remove the tip point, and flush the inside with fresh water. You also want to clean and lubricate the tip point threads. On the inner leg, there’s a spring mechanism that releases the outer leg. But it can lose lubrication over time. Just unscrew, clean, and lubricate it so it doesn’t stick.
HOW TO MEASURE TRIPOD HEIGHTS
Set up the tripod over a concrete slab, but make sure you use a stabilizer. Place a straightedge across the brass adapter at the top of the tripod, and set up a tape measure between two legs. Read the measurement as accurately as you can, and perform the same steps for each pair of legs. Once you have completed your measurements, calculate the average of the three positions. If it’s not within tolerance, there’s a problem. You could have point wear, trouble with the locking mechanism, or you may be having a problem with the head assembly.