Homemade quick-release plate for a cheap tripod

I got the tripod for $2, so  I didn't want to spend $10 for a replacement quick-release plate.   (Note that used tripods will almost always be missing the QR plate, and so it's cost effective to get a used tripod if you're going to make the plate yourself; otherwise, you might as just as well buy a new one.)

Parts list:

• a piece of some material about 1/4" thick cut to the size of the missing plate
• 1/4-20 slotted flat-head machine screw, about 3/4" long
• a neoprene washer, or part of an old inner tube, something like that

bottom of the plate with the counter-sunk screw

the completed QR plate

$2 tripod without a quick-release plate

Cheapy 'pod with the plate

I used wood for the plate because it was handy, but I would have used some expanded PVC (try the scrap box at a plastics dealer) if I could have found some in my junk box.  The bottom of the plate is countersunk so the screw head will be flush.

The thing on the right side of the plate isn't necessary if you cut the plate material to the right length the first time.

I used a phillips screw because that's what I had, but a 1/4" slotted screw can be tightened with a dime, or pocket knife, key, etc.  If you need to buy a screw save yourself some trouble and go to a real hardware store instead of a home-improvement place.  The screw needs to fit the camera, so bring that with you if you don't know what size threads it's tripod socket has.

Construction of the plate should be obvious: it should fit snugly between the two sides that are perpendicular to the bottom, and be tapered to fit under the wedgy lever and under the slanted thing on the other side.  Mine was constructed with part of a Popsicle stick because I didn't cut the wood to the right length to begin with, and adding it was easier than starting over. 

The neoprene washer (try the specialty bins at a hardware store) keep the screw from falling out and keeps the camera from pivoting around the screw once it's tightened down.  Part of an old inner tube or something similar would work, but I happened to have the washer.