I’ve been looking for a crank stand for a while now. I have a heavy duty tripod and was debating on getting the crank stand to make it more stable. But I wanted to see what other options were out there before making my final decision. I came across the Global Truss St-132 crank stand and decided to take a closer look because of all the features it had that others didn’t, as well as its price point which is much lower than some others I looked at previously. Here’s what I found out.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Global Truss ST- 132 Crank Stand
The ST-132 crank stand is a high-quality stand that can be used for almost any application. It features two different adjustable heights and an easy to use locking mechanism. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on this product, which means it will last you for years without worry of breaking down or needing repair.
This stand has been rated the best in its class by industry experts and buyers alike, making it worth every penny when considering the benefits offered over other stands available on the market today. Before purchasing a stand, there are a few things you should consider.
Capacity
The higher the weight capacity, the more expensive it will be. However, you need to ensure that it can hold your equipment. This information should be easy to find on an online retailer’s website or product description. You should always compare the weight capacity of any stand with your lighting equipment to ensure you are never overloaded.
Height Adjustment
The height adjustment is another detail that should be considered before you make your purchase. This allows you to change the vertical distance between the floor and base of the stand, which can result in more space when setting up or tearing down your lighting setup. This is a great way to save time when switching from one piece of equipment to the next.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism can make or break any stand. You want it to be solid and sturdy without much hesitation when closing and opening it. The best option you have is choosing a stand with an adjustable pin mechanism. This allows you to choose your desired height each time, rather than having to collapse the stand upon closing. It also provides more support laterally.
Price
Generally, stands are not too expensive when compared to other pieces of equipment in the lighting industry. However, there are some options out there that can save you some money and still provide solid results. You need to consider which features matter most to you and focus on those aspects while comparing options. If you need a stand that is more heavy-duty, the price will be higher. But, if you are only using it to hold smaller equipment the weight capacity is not a major issue.
Ideal Uses
One of the benefits about buying a stand for your lighting equipment is that it can be used for many different applications. It does come at a higher price than other products on the market, but once you choose a model you will have it for years to come. These stands are ideal for use on a music tour, at a live show or in a musical theater production as the height adjustability allows you to place different pieces of equipment wherever they need to go and ensure that your lighting setup is perfect for every performance.
If you are trying to find the best crank stand for your needs, make sure you choose one that can provide all of these details. This will ensure it lasts as long as possible and provides flexibility in a variety of applications. Consider each aspect before choosing a final model to ensure that you only spend your money once rather than continuously replacing options that do not meet your needs.
Global Truss ST- 132 Crank Stand Review
I own a Global Truss ST- 132 crank stand that I use for my house. It has a medium duty design and can be used on projects from 5 – 13 feet. It also has a max vertical load capacity of 220 pounds. The price, as cheap as it is for what you get, can’t be beat! In addition to its size and weight, the construction is heavy-duty as well. The case that came with it was also a nice touch and didn’t let me down on its durability.
If you’re looking for a good crank stand at a low price without any worries about quality issues, look no more because this product will meet or exceed your expectations. I absolutely adore this crank stand. The price can’t be beat. This thing is extremely strong and very durable. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on another project in the near future.
Pros:
– Price is awesome
– Extremely strong and durable
Cons:
– Not very portable
– A little bit heavy
Features And Benefits Of A Global Truss ST- 132 Crank Stand
The Global Truss ST-132 crank stand is the perfect addition to any work site. It holds up to 220 lbs of max vertical load, allows for a variety of height adjustments, and includes durable rubber feet that protect both the flooring surface and your gear from scratches or scuffs. The heavy duty construction means it can be used in all types of environments without worry about damage or wear.
The 35mm insertion diameter support bar provides extra stability for large lights and other fixtures during setup so you don’t have to worry about tipping over as much as with other stands on the market. This feature also makes it easier to transport since it folds flat for easy packing into a car trunk or storage closet.
Also, the Global Truss ST-132 crank stand is equipped with 18″ wide secure latches that are adjustable from 4.5″ to 16″. The stand also has a high weight capacity of 220 pounds for securing larger fixtures. The rubber feet protect floors and provide added stability. This crank stand is a great addition to any production.
In addition, this crank stand performs well under any conditions thanks to its corrosion resistant material. If you are looking for a dependable crank stand that will perform well at any event or show, then look no further than the Global Truss ST-132 Crank Stand.
Alternatives
Hercules SS710B Crank-Up Speaker Stand
The Hercules SS710B Crank-Up Speaker Stand is the ideal solution for your mobile DJ. It’s made of strong, durable aluminum that won’t rust, corrode or weaken like steel tubing does. The stand can be adjusted to 7 speaker heights with an easy crank of the handle. This stand folds up to a compact size of 23″ x 17″ x 6″ so it’s super portable and easy to store when not in use.
One of the best features is the ease with which it can be set up at different heights thanks to its crank handle. I found this stand really helpful when needed speakers on either side of the DJ booth having them at different heights than each other. I also liked that this stand was very light and portable. Unlike some other speaker stands I’ve used where they were like a tripod that needed to be hammered into the ground, this one was really easy to pick up and move around as needed throughout the night.
Pros:
– Lightweight and durable aluminum material
– Foldable design for easy storage
– Easy crank to adjust height of stand
– Can be adjusted with ease
Cons:
– Not all speaker types snug fit into cribbage
GRIFFIN Crank Up Light Stands
These light stands are perfect if you need to elevate your speakers and lights. If you’ve dealt with setting up a DJ booth before, these will feel like second nature. They’re lightweight but still strong enough to handle whatever you throw at them. The three way locking system makes it easy to adjust the height and the rubber feet keep the stand in place while you crank away.
The stand is easy to put together and also easy to take apart. It’s important that they can fold up small enough for transport but this makes it difficult if you plan on leaving the stands in one place most of the time. The carry bag is nice and compact too so as long as you have a smaller vehicle it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Pros:
– Easy to transport
– Durable and stable
– Folds up easily
Cons:
– The bag is a little too small to fit both strands together.
Hercules LS700B Quick-N-EZ Crank Light Stand
This light stand is of the highest quality of the Hercules brand of stands. It is quick and easy to use and can be adjusted up to 130 inches (330 cm). The steel T-bar tubing of the stand ensures that it will not bend under weight and provides a strong base for your lights.
The height adjustment on the LS700B Quick-N-EZ Crank Light Stand can be done with one hand and you don’t need to dig through the parts drawer looking for a wrench. The stand is light enough to carry around all day long and folds down into a small size for storage.
Pros:
– Lightweight and easy to carry
– Compact for storage
– Quick one hand height adjustment process
– Sturdy construction
Cons:
– A bit expensive
AxcessAbles Crank Up Stands
The AxcessAbles crank-up stands are an essential piece of equipment for the mobility impaired. These stands are lightweight and easy to use, which means they can be carried down flights of stairs with ease. These cranks prevent falls by increasing the height of the stand from 57.5″ to 98″ in seconds.
The crank-up stands are made from sturdy material, so they are able to comfortably hold up to 110 pounds. There is also a convenient hand-crank system that allows you to raise or lower the stand at your own pace with minimal effort.
Pros:
– Lightweight and easy to use
– Sturdy material
Cons:
– Limited height adjustment
GRIFFIN Light Trussing Stands
GRIFFIN Light Trussing Stands is a crank up truss stand for your lighting equipment. This crank up truss stand can hold up to 200 pounds of equipment and offers unbeatable versatility because it features two interlocking poles that you have the option of adjusting.
It also includes two heavy-duty truss T-Adapters so that you can mount your lights and any other equipment with ease. The retractable legs allow you to pack up your DJ truss lighting stands in seconds for easy transport, which makes this the perfect choice for mobile DJs, stage performers, or musicians. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
– Provide sufficient support and stability
– Accommodate any DJ booth or DJ system
– Hoist your light cans up in the air
Cons:
– A bit pricey
How To Set Up A Crank Stand
A crank stand is a device that allows you to put up lights and trusses without needing any other equipment. It’s made out of steel tubing, which means it can support the weight of even heavy lights. The crank stand is portable, so it can be moved around easily while still being strong enough to hold everything in place. There are two types of crank stands: the table top version and the floor version. Here are instructions on how to set one up for lighting or trussing.
– Place your light stand on its side against one edge of the crank stand with one foot resting on an upper crossbar.
– Extend the arm all the way out.
– Use the crank to straighten out your light stand.
– After it’s extended, adjust the leg to level your light stand. If it doesn’t, don’t force it! The crank arm can bend if you put too much pressure on it.
– Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for each additional light stand or truss section.
– If you’re using a floor version, just place each stand on its side and crank them all out at once. Remember to leave room for the trusses or lighting fixtures to extend past the support bar.
Tips For Using A Crank Stand
The crank stand is a hugely versatile piece of equipment, and it can be used for many different purposes. You may need to use your crank stand as a lighting and truss system in the event you don’t have access to any other equipment. There are some things that you should know before using your crank stand as a lighting and truss system:
– Make sure that all of the parts fit together securely so that they won’t fall apart during transport or set up.
– The height at which the lights will hang from the stand must be calculated beforehand because you’ll want them high enough so that they don’t hit people’s heads or interfere with their line of sight but not too high where they start getting blocked by walls or ceilings.
– Each of your lighting units (lamp, ballast etc.) must be securely fastened to the truss bars before you put them on the crank stand so that they don’t fall off during transport or set up.
– If you plan on using more than one lighting unit with a single plug, then you will need to purchase a multi-tap or make your own. There are various ways you can make your own plug.
– The weight limit for each truss bar is 30 kilograms (66 pounds). If you have too many lights on one truss, then it will start to lean over towards the center of the stand which may cause damage to the truss bars.
– Although the crank stand is sturdy, it still requires proper care and you should always lower your lights before moving them. This will prevent them from being damaged.
– When you’re setting up your lighting units, always make sure they are properly connected to your power source with enough cable to avoid any malfunctions or damage to the unit.
Relative Questions
– What is the difference between a truss stand and a tripod?
A tripod is taller and lighter weight than a truss, which can make it easier to set up and take down. The other main difference between the two is that a truss can be collapsed down to become shorter. The biggest difference between a truss and a tripod is the cost, however. The general rule of thumb for truss stands is that they cost more than tripods but less than pipe-and-drape kits.
– Why does my truss stand keep falling over?
This problem might be the result of a weight imbalance. One way to combat this issue is to use sandbags or other weights at either end of the truss for balance. If your truss stand has a center support, you can also add a counterweight by placing a small amount of lead from an electronic scale underneath that section.
While this will help balance out the weight, it may not be strong enough to hold your truss. The other possible reason why your truss stand keeps falling over is that you’re standing too close to it while trying to adjust or reposition its height.
– How do I hang drapes on my truss stand?
The best way to go about this is to use a C-clamp. If you have a truss stand without a center support, place the clamp at one end of the truss and then attach your draw tension rod to its other end. To hang drape on a truss with a center support, simply loop one end of your drape over the support and then hook the other end to your tension rod.
– How do I attach drapes on my truss stand if the stand doesn’t have a center support?
This can be done by using either Velcro or clips, both of which are available at your local hardware store. If you go with clips, they’ll need to be placed about a foot from the end of the truss.
– Is a truss stand the same thing as a pipe and drape kit?
The main difference between a truss stand and a pipe and drape kit is that a truss stand has adjustable legs, whereas a pipe and drape kit does not. Another difference is that a truss stand is usually meant to be used only in temporary settings, while a pipe and drape kit can be reused multiple times.
– What type of lighting is best for a truss stand?
Truss stands are easier to use with small and medium lights than large ones. This is because the smaller lights weigh less and it’s easier to attach them securely to your truss. Large lights may not be able to fit on smaller truss stands, so they will most likely have to be hung above the truss. Another way of dealing with large lights is to replace some of your truss bars with larger ones.
– What types of lighting are not good for truss stands?
Moving lights and large par cans will need a very strong truss stand if they’re going to be attached directly on top of the unit itself, and it might be necessary to use a pulley to hang the light off of the top of the truss stand.
Here is a video that demonstrates the Global Truss ST-132 crank up lift and crank stand.
– Why is it important to lower my lights before moving them?
If you try to move your lights while they’re still turned on, you risk damaging your equipment and causing a fire hazard. This is because you could knock over a light that’s connected to a power source, which could then result in the unit overheating and catching on fire.
– How many truss stands do I need?
This is one of those questions that depends largely on your stage size and where you plan to set up your truss stand. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two truss stands per square foot of stage space.
For example, if you have a 20-foot by 30-foot stage, measure your stage space and divide it by two. Then multiply that number by the number of people who will be in attendance at your event to find how many truss stands you’ll need.
– Can I hang truss stands from rafters?
If you do plan to attach your truss stand to the rafters, make sure that you affix it securely in place and then add additional weights at either end for balance. Also keep an eye on your lights to ensure that they aren’t pushed over by the weight of the truss stand.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a truss stand that’s easy to use and can take on just about any size stage, then the Global Truss ST-132 crank stand is the one for you. What makes this such a great choice is that it’s designed to provide you with maximum safety and durability, while also allowing for easier transport. I hope that I have helped you learn a bit more about truss stands and how to use them.
