Those that put a bit of deliberate effort into buying tripods for cameras probably did so because the tripod is needed for important business. You just want to make sure that the pictures you take look good. That is among the prime purposes for purchasing the tripod in the first place. So, why would you take any risks of damaging the tripod? Often, owners of tripods for cameras do not deliberately seek to cause damage. Rather, they simply are unaware of what is needed to ensure the tripod is effectively cared for. As a result, they end up harming it unnecessarily. Thankfully, those that have made such errors in the past provide us with a little insight into what is needed to avoid such problems.
First and foremost, when you are not using the tripod, put it in a safe and secure place. Among the worst mistakes people make is that they place the tripod in an area where it may be potentially damaged. Throwing the tripod carelessly into a closet it definitely not the best way to prevent harm from befalling it. Rather than do this, it would be a much better idea to seek out a safe and secure area in which it can be housed.
When you do store the tripod away, place it in its case. Most assume that a tripod case is exclusively for carrying it. While the case definitely is designed to transport the tripod in a manner that avoids damage, the case also serves as protection while in storage. Imagine if your apartment was flooded. Would you want the water or other corrosives to come in contact with the tripod? Probably not! So, keep the tripod in its carrying case and avoid problems when you store it.
And it goes without saying you should always place the tripod in the case when you are carrying it. This way when you are out and about transporting the tripod you do not want it to get scratched or scuffed. This is not just to make sure the tripod maintains appearances. It is to prevent any damage from impact that may occur in transit.
In terms of preventing damage, the way you operate tripods for cameras will decrease if you are effectively careful. For example, if a latch on the camera tripod becomes stuck, do not force it. This would probably do little more than break the latch rendering the tripod useless. Never force anything or strip the threads on the tripod in anyway. The better you take care of tripods for cameras, the longer they will last. Of course, it also goes without saying, they will perform as intended when they are properly cared for.
There also comes a point when a tripod is an ex-tripod. In other words, when it becomes obvious your tripod can no longer function effectively, you would be best served purchasing a new one. This would be the wisest course of action to follow since a damaged tripod can never be reliable.
