Looking for a good wall spreader

[Joel Arvidsson]

Im looking for a good wall spreader (not one with wood). Something like this.
https://www.panther.tv/p/wall-spreader?lang=en

Which is your favorit?

 

[Phil Holland]

There's a bunch of solutions out there. And not just cinema related stuff. Matthews makes a pipe spreader as well as a wood one. You can build some creative solutions if you know what you're dealing with on a hardware level.

No matter what you use, protect the wall on location. It's been a really long time, but I shipped neoprene squares as padding for such an endeavor in a location that really didn't want anything clamped anywhere, historical site.

 

[Joel Arvidsson]

Does Manfrotto AutoPoles qualify as an wallspreader or is it strictly for vertical use? CrossPole is another option from manfrotto that look little more sturdy.

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Joel,
I would be hesitant ti use the AutoPoles as a wall spreader (though I have not tried it myself).

Not sure if they designed the clamp mechanics with that load direction in mind.
I've supported a lout of weight using them vertically, I would not trust them horizontally.
Adding to that, the rubber feet are not very large so there is not a lot of contact area which is important to distribute the load to the wall.
Another consideration; they are very thin walled hence the tubes highly susceptible to damage from clamps. Tubing is a non-standard size

Better to develop a solution built around speed rail.
Larger wall thickness so far less susceptible to bending.
You can easily attach Clancy clamps, truss clamps, stirrups - basically any standard hanger without worrying about it.
Cut it to length as needed.

as far as the pipe to wall interface, Phil mentioned Matthews.
https://products.msegrip.com/products/pipe-spreader
Always a good choice - they also make a wood variety which can be handy in a remote location.

Modern Studio has their version:
https://modernstudio.com/products/1-1-2-pipe-wall-spreader

If a heavier load or you want to build offsets, Modern makes a wall spreader that accommodates two pipes:
https://modernstudio.com/products/double-pipe-wallspreader-for-1-1-2
They also have a double for 1-1/4" pipe:
https://modernstudio.com/products/double-pipe-wallspreader-for-1-1-4

Important to align the spreader contact points to the wall studs - otherwise it could distort / fall or punch through.
Whenever I have used either the Matthews or Modern spreaders, I add a piece of lightweight 1/4 or 3/8" laminated plywood between the spreader and the wall.
Prevents damage as 1} it spreads out the load and 2) is typically stronger than the wall material to reduce denting the wall.
Does not hurt to add a piece of corrugated rubber(could be a cut up floor mat) between the plywood and the walls to prevent slipping.