Backdrops and backdrop gear

[krfessl]

Question for all y'all ...

I just set-up the Impact background 3 hanger set, and hung it off the ceiling not off the wall (will post some shots if anyone is interested, and it's clean and works well for holding the paper rolls...)

I was very surprised to see there is no "brake" on the end gear for raising and lowering the backdrops, and of course one unrolled and damaged some of the paper before I caught it...

So, the question is... How do you keep the paper from unravelling? I've begun using a clamp on the chains up by the gear-head, but it seem hokey...

The paper also unfurls a foot or two if I don't put little lamps on the ends as well on the rolled-up backdrop, when not in use...

[krfessl]

Necessity being the mother of invention, I just used used a small round, lightweight metal "bar" about 6" in length... And slid it between the chan links (through both sides of the chain ) up against the "square" plastic guards on each side of the gear, and perfecto a brake!! Looks like it will easily support the weight of a bottom-of-the-paper weigh down bar also... I like the solution better than the clamp on the chains as it is more solid, and spreads the minimal weight against the gear guards ... It easily slides in and out of the links too...and I can add a tie wrap to the end of the metal piece (as it has holes in the end) to keep it handy and dangling from the bracket when not in use...

Still need a solution for the paper, but I'm thinking that a plastic pipe attached with clamps to the paper ends will fix the and still be light enough to pull up with the chains.... Better solutions welcome for the paper wrap problem!!