Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight
The Manfrotto Expan Drive Set incorporates two expandable core units. One side has a large toothed gear to which a nylon link chain affixes, permitting convenient raising and lowering of the background paper roll. The other side has an adjustable tension drag. The double core units are unique in that when the overall screw on which the drive unit is mounted is tightened the drive expands from a minimum of 1.8" to 2".
To accommodate cored paper rolls in any length, all you do is insert the Expans at both ends, tighten up until they're snug and mount the entire assembly on your background holder hooks.
This item replaces old catalog #2920B.
- A heavy duty, metal chain is available separately: 2924.
- This items includes a weight for the plastic chain, to keep it steady.
| Load Capacity | 22 lbs (10kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 24 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (11)
- Durable (10)
- Attach securely (6)
- Easy to setup (4)
- Reliable (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Studio (9)
- Indoors (6)
- Portraits (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (8), Semi-professional (5), Semi-pro photographer (4), Professional (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
Best Background Support System!
You need Bogen/Manfrotto hooks (brackets) with this. Choose 3 roll or 6 roll brackets.
The brackets can mount on ceiling or on wall -ceiling is probably best (better separation and he...Read complete review
You need Bogen/Manfrotto hooks (brackets) with this. Choose 3 roll or 6 roll brackets.
The brackets can mount on ceiling or on wall -ceiling is probably best (better separation and height for all rolls).
Long paper cores may possibly sag, so you can use PVC 2" diameter or aluminum tubing.
It is simple to setup and works great. With this system you can change backgrounds really fast.
Best overall solution for permanent installs pricewise and for changing speed.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Time Saver, However, BEWARE THE PLASTIC
The drives are quick and easy to set up on paper core rolls. However, I had to upgrade to metal chains because the plastic chains are worthless. I would consider buying the Exan Drive...Read complete review
The drives are quick and easy to set up on paper core rolls. However, I had to upgrade to metal chains because the plastic chains are worthless. I would consider buying the Exan Drive set with metal chains. The plastic chains will make you crazy
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 24 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
If you have a seamless background then you need this!
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I use this for 4 107" paper background rolls. It's easy to work with, you put the drive set in, then turn until it expans and tightens in the paper roll. The chain is plastic, but as my ceiling is only 8 ft high, I don't foresee a problem. Rolls the paper beautifully, especially if you also use the paper weights. We put 2 sets on one side, and 2 on the other side, so the chains won't get mixed up.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Studio lighting
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
If you purchase this you need to buy the metal chain the plastic ones break too often
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I have used this Manfrotto expan system in my new photographic studio. The chain mechanism works great and it is easy to change paper backdrops.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Affordable
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I have 2 12' paper rolls on these, and I wish I would have done this a lot sooner. Makes raising and lowering backgrounds so convenient and the price point is very reasonable. I wasn't sure how they'd hold up with the 12' rolls on them, but so far the cores are not sagging at all in the middle, and everything is rolling just fine! One suggestion: don't even bother with the plastic chains, get the metal ones, you will be glad you did.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
easy to set up,good operation
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Flimsy
- Weak
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
We bought this to expand the capacity of our studio. We were very happy with this products before but the new ones seems to come with a brittle chain that breaks easily even when the brakes are loose. We bought 3 of them and they have the same problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
these things are a must-have in most studio environments. the cheezy plastic chain has a tendency to snap when rolling up a background, at least for a 12' sweep. i plan on getting the metal chains
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
works great
Pros
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
Just set this up in a small space studio and its so nice being able pull down 3 different colors of paper as needed. Great quality hardware too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Works well
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
No more fumbling with the paper, the rod and the clamp and rolling the paper back up is a breeze. I recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I'm satisfied with this product so far. I'm using it with 107 inch paper rolls. My only complaint is that the chain is a little chintzy but I think it should be okay with paper - you'd probably want the metal chain for muslin.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
Chain is very fragil
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
Great, straightforward design. A few twists, and the supports expand to fit snugly inside each end of a roll of background paper. Right tool for the job. Works perfectly with Manfrotto brackets; can be wall or ceiling-mounted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Drive rotates smoothly
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
This is the second set of expan drive sets that I have installed. I love them. My only wish is that I had purchased different colors to quickly identify which set to lower. I am very happy with them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I have a six roll stack in our studio so six of these sets. The plastic chains aren't perfect they tend to snap if under pressure. Also the installation is simple but requires two people in my case which can be a pain.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I am increasing the number of backgrounds I use in my protrait studio.
I purchased this item to hang rolls of background paper. I have used this item before and find it to be reliable and easy to use.
Pros
- Durable
- EASY SET -UP
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
I DON'T KNOW WHY I WAITED
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
The drives are quick and easy to set up on paper core rolls. However, I had to upgrade to metal chains because the plastic chains are worthless. I would consider buying the Exan Drive set with metal chains. The plastic chains will make you crazy
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Manfrotto 046B Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Black Chain and Weight:
Work perfectly with the auto-pole system. Includes heavy duty clamps to hold securely in place and supports three backgrounds at the same type within a limited space.
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What's in the Box
- 2 x Expan Drive Inserts
- Black Plastic Chain with Weight
- One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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