Lubricate with the oil of your choice. We use a Castro synthetic lubricant, but any type of
lubrication will work. Place a few drops on all the bearings and spin the bearings to work the oil
into the bearing cage. This oil will fly out when you spin it, so be forewarned.
Wipe clean the bearing journal on the gimbal sleeve. Wipe on a small amount of lubricant for
easier assembly of the bearing onto the journal. Insert the bearing cup onto the gimbal sleeve
and reassemble in reverse order. Once again I would give a light tap on the gimbal wrench to
tighten the cap on the sleeve.
We do not use, and do not recommend using, any type of thread locker on these threads.
Gimbal handle removal, replacement
Before you replace your gimbal handle, take your new handle and inspect the spindle end
(tapered end portion that fits into the gimbal fork). Make sure the tapered portion has no dents,
scratches, or marring of any kind. If it does, do not use this spindle.
To remove the handle, please follow the instructions below.
Remove gimbal from the sled post. With clamping end of the gimbal facing up, insert
9” hex head
wrench provided through the gimbal handle sleeve into the hex head screw in the gimbal fork.
Remove the screw that holds the fork on the gimbal handle and set it aside. The fork should
separate from the spindle cleanly. If the handle is stuck on the spindle,
you might re-insert the
screw half way and tap the top of the hex head wrench. This will disengage the stainless steel
spindle shaft from the fork.
Reassemble in reverse order. You do not have to use Loctite on the 10-32 screw that attaches
the fork to the handle, but if you decide to, use a non-permanent Loctite (purple) on the gimbal
fork screw. Do not over tighten this screw. The recommended maximum inch/pounds is 28 on
this stainless steel screw.
What to do if the spindle is turning while you turn the hex head screw.
If this occurs, press down slightly on the fork with your index and middle finger next to the hex
head screw as you turn the wrench. This will put slight pressure on the spindle and hold it while you
loosen the screw.
Other notes:
We use a Heilcoil insert on the threads of the gimbal sleeve to prevent possible damage to the
sleeve itself. If you replace the Kipp handle, we recommend not using hardened steel screws - soft zinc
is the best choice. Over a period of time these could damage the thread insert.
If you wish to remove the Kipp handle and use a standard hex head screw, a 10-32 TPI screw
size and .625” long should work fine.
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