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Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Red Metal Chain

BH #MA046MCR • MFR #046MCR
48 reviews
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Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Red Metal Chain
Key Features
  • Drive Set Supports 1 Roll of Paper
The Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Red Metal Chain allows easy raising and lowering of rolls of background paper without lowering the support stands. The system uses two expandable technopolymer inserts to support a single roll of seamless paper. Tightening each side expands the drive inserts from 1.8" to 3" to grip the roll solidly from the inside. One side has a large toothed gear to which a metal link chain affixes, permitting convenient raising and lowering of the background paper roll. The other side has an adjustable tension drag.
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Impact Varidrive Set with Metal Chain (Red)$64.95
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Manfrotto Expan Overview

The Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Red Metal Chain allows easy raising and lowering of rolls of background paper without lowering the support stands. The system uses two expandable technopolymer inserts to support a single roll of seamless paper. Tightening each side expands the drive inserts from 1.8" to 3" to grip the roll solidly from the inside. One side has a large toothed gear to which a metal link chain affixes, permitting convenient raising and lowering of the background paper roll. The other side has an adjustable tension drag.

UPC: 719821241959

Manfrotto Expan Specs

Construction
Technopolymer, aluminum alloy
Load Capacity
22.05 lb (10 kg)
Compatibility
Tubes up to 3.07" (80 mm)
Adjustments
Drives expandable from 1.8-3.0" (46-78 mm)
Weight
4.45 lb (2.0 kg)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.24 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.3 x 5.25 x 3.45"

Manfrotto Expan Reviews

Metal Chain

By William M.
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-29

Price point was good....Expan Drive is great, metal chain is a pain..... Will replace with plastic at some point....

I was concerned but

By Tamara
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-23

after finding a video to see how easy it was to install, I did it in no time at all!! Love this thing!

See any errors on this page?

Can the inserts be attached to tripod-style light ...

Can the inserts be attached to tripod-style light stands with standard mounting studs?
Asked by: David
The Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Red Metal Chain is notched for use in specific mounting brackets such as the Manfrotto 059 Single Background Holder Hook - Set of Two (BH # MA059). Provided the stands, you will use the weight of the roll you wish to mount, and you can use the Manfrotto 635 Quick Action Super Clamp (BH # MA635) to attach the Manfrotto 059 Single Background Holder Hooks to the stands and then mount your paper.
Answered by: Elliot A
Date published: 2025-03-20

Does this work with the 140”x105 Savage paper ...

Does this work with the 140”x105 Savage paper backdrop? Thanks
Asked by: Jose
yes, and the metal chain is the way to go. we have several of them set up in the studio, and the metal chain are far superior to the plastic chain.
Answered by: Scott
Date published: 2020-02-25

What is the load capacity of this drive set?

What is the load capacity of this drive set?
Asked by: DANIEL G
Are you sure about the load capacity of the Manfrotto Drive Set - the Impact Varidrive is advertised as: The Varidrive can handle seamless rolls measuring up to 12' wide and weighing up to 42 lb.
Answered by: DANIEL G
Date published: 2021-11-29

How does this compare to the impact driveset? Any ...

How does this compare to the impact driveset? Any advantages?
Asked by: Prabhu
The Impact Varidrive Set with Metal Chain and the Manfrotto 046MCG Expan Drive Set with Gray Metal Chain work the same way. The build quality and ease of use experience are extremely similar.
Answered by: Edgar M
Date published: 2026-01-25

Is there a limit in length to the number of feet ...

Is there a limit in length to the number of feet of background material that you can unwind and wind up?
Asked by: DANIEL G
No, the chain is a loop and you can wind as much as you want
Answered by: Patrick
Date published: 2021-10-29

How many comes with this set

How many comes with this set
Asked by: Anonymous
Enough to hold one paper roll. That means you get a pair of roll inserts. One with the gear and chain and one without
Answered by: Bob
Date published: 2022-04-26

Can this drive be set up on an portable stand ...

Can this drive be set up on an portable stand system with a telescopic crossbar? How does the drive connect to this type of system? Would any other parts be required?
Asked by: Andrea
This drive can be used on a portable stand, but only with the Manfrotto Background Baby Hooks (Black), B&H # MA081. This would allow you to drive a paper roll up or down using the cardboard core as the connection points for the drive itself. https://bhpho.to/39tWM0R
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2020-01-02

I have the autopoles and plastic drive set from ...

I have the autopoles and plastic drive set from Impact. I want to upgrade to this drive set from Manfrotto, will this be compatible with the Impact bracket?
Asked by: Anurag
Yes, the Manfrotto 046MCB Expan Drive Set with Black Metal Chain is compatible with the Impact hooks for the Varipole system.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2022-05-02
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