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Leveling head noise

When using a leveling head, how do you deaden the noise when using it.

Since it's metal on metal it always makes noise when panning. I've tried graphite and dry spray graphite which does nothing. A light coat of oil helps, but also attracts dust, dirt, etc., and a coyote can still hear it moving about 75 to 100 yards out.

I still use my Fatboy invert 50 ball head which is quite, but prefer the a leveling head.
 
My leveling head makes a slight scraping noise also, I put on a Weyllan 55mm ball mount all good now!
 
I only snug the head up, I don't tighten it up like some guys do. Does yours always make noise or just when tight. I use both Fatboy and Leofoto
 
I only snug the head up, I don't tighten it up like some guys do. Does yours always make noise or just when tight. I use both Fatboy and Leofoto
It always makes a noise when panning or moving slightly up and down. It's rock solid when locked up.

The rotating part and lockup part are both coated, but it is very smooth, no rough surfaces. It's just the metal on metal noise as it's moving.
 
Update!

I tried two more products and both worked well, Blaster Graphite Dry Lubricant & Hornady One Shot Case Lube. If you use either product make sure you use the included straw. The straw helps prevent overspray and will allow you to spray in small areas.

I first tried the Blaster Graphite Dry Lubricant. The leveling head was disassembled and cleaned with alcohol. Using the red straw that came with the lubricant, I sprayed all the moving parts liberally. It didn't take long to dry. Touching the sprayed areas, there was no residue that came off on my fingers and it had a dry feeling. Dropping it back into the tripod and adding a rifle to the system, it was a noticeable change in not only the sound I had before, but it moved very smoothly.

While I had been waiting on the graphite to dry, I saw my can of One Shot and decided to give it a try as well. Disassembled the leveling head again and started to clean it with alcohol, oh my lord, what a mess! The alcohol easily removed the graphite, but the paper towel was black. The black transferred to my fingers and it took awhile to remove all the graphite.

With the One Shot, all the moving parts where again sprayed using the straw and again it dried quickly. Reassembled and tested it the same way as the graphite spray was tested. The One Shot also provided very smooth operation and sound reduction as the graphite did.

After testing, the leveling head was again cleaned using the alcohol. Much easier, faster and cleaner than the graphite.

For the type of hunting and shooting I do, the One Shot will work fine. After using it some in the field will determine how often I need to clean it and reapply the One Shot.

Screenshot 2026-03-01 at 8.31.48 AM.png
 

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