The Manfrotto 046MC Expan Drive Set with Chainallows 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.

Drive Set Supports 1 Roll of Paper

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I buy a better chain that will not break other than the aluminum ones included?

A: Unfortunately, there are only a plastic or metal chain option for this system. To minimize breakage on the plastic chain, you can shorten the length by removing links as needed.

Q: 2. How far out from the bracket mounting points do the handles of each side stick out?

A: Approximately 5-6"

Q: 3. Does it come with weights?

A: No

Q: 4. 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?

A: Yes, the Manfrotto 046MCB Expan Drive Set with Black Metal Chain is compatible with the Impact hooks for the Varipole system.

Q: 5. Would this be suitable for ceiling mounting a 9 x 20' vinyl backdrop on a roller - total weight around 15 pounds? I was planning to suspend from the ceiling joists on brackets.

A: Your backdrop would need to be rolled on something with a hollow core to slip the white plastic parts of the Manfrotto Expand Drive set into the core (similar to the cardboard cores of the seamless paper backdrops). Then you expand the white plastic until it is tight inside of the core. My Expan Drive Set is attached to the brackets that Manfrotto sells to the Expan Drive Set on to autopoles. I also had a carpenter create a very sturdy wood enclosure that is drilled into the ceiling to keep the autopoles with three backgrounds on chains from ever being too heavy and falling over. Not sure this answers your question, but if you want more info, just send another request. The system does not allow me to add my email or phone to this response. The Expan Drive set is strong though and sturdy, like most things that Manfrotto makes. I have two 12-foot-wide, 120 foot seamless backgrounds suspended on them (and those are really heavy), as well as a very heavy 12-foot-wide handprinted canvas background (also very heavy). The key is to make sure that everything is VERY well secured to wall or ceiling, although vinyl isn't very heavy compared to canvas. I used a professional carpenter for this, because I didn't want to take any chances on the supports that were holding the Expan Drive Set with the three backgrounds falling forward onto my subjects. Make sure that there are no kinks in the plastic chains before pulling on them though, as this will make the chains slip on their tracks.

Q: 6. Can the inserts be attached to tripod-style light stands with standard mounting studs?

A: These are notched for use in specific mounting brackets.

Q: 7. How wide a seamless paper backdrop roll can this support?

A: 9 1/2 foot roll of paper with no problem.

Q: 8. Can this system hold 12 foot wide paper backgrounds?

A: The rolls are only supported at the ends and not all the way through. With such a long roll, you might run into a situation where it starts to bow in the middle.

Q: 9. What is the chain length?

A: 6ft.

Q: 10. Has anyone used this with a drop ceiling?

A: This System needs a Solid Ceiling, & will not be compatible with a Drop Ceiling.