Set up a C-stand so the load sits over the tallest leg, the grip head knuckles tighten in the direction the weight pulls (the "right-hand rule"), and a sandbag sits on the tallest leg. Do that every time and the stand will not tip, the arm will not droop, and nobody gets hit.
Step 1: Open the base and point the tall leg at the load
Open the three legs until they lock. The legs are three different heights on purpose. Turn the stand so the tallest leg points toward the side where the arm and load will go. The load's weight is then over the widest, most stable part of the footprint. On a sliding-leg stand, slide the adjustable leg up to clear a curb, stair, or set piece.
Step 2: Raise the riser from the top down
Extend the top riser section first, then the lower one. Tighten each T-handle firmly. Raising the top first keeps the heaviest part of the column low while you work and keeps the stand balanced if you need to stop halfway.
Step 3: Mount the arm in the grip head
Loosen the grip head T-handle, drop the arm into the 5/8" hole (the larger of the two), set the angle, and tighten. The serrated discs inside a Matthews grip head bite in every direction, so a properly tightened head holds a horizontal arm without sagging.
Step 4: Apply the right-hand rule
Stand behind the stand, facing the load. The arm should extend to your right, and the grip head T-handles should be on the right side of the head. Now the weight of the load turns the head in the tightening direction: gravity works for you instead of against you. If the T-handle ends up on the left, the load is trying to loosen the knuckle all day. Flip the arm over or rotate the head until the handle is on the right.
Step 5: Sandbag the tall leg
Put a 15 lb or 25 lb sandbag on the tallest leg, as close to the column as possible, directly under the load. The bag must touch the leg, not hang in the air. A second bag on the opposite leg helps outdoors or with a 40" arm fully extended. Matthews Cordura sandbags and BoaBags are made for exactly this.
Step 6: Check the height and lock everything
Snug every T-handle: two on the risers, one on the base, one or two on the grip heads. Grab the top of the stand and push gently toward the load. If the stand rocks, move the bag or reposition the tall leg.
Wrapping a C-stand
Reverse the order. Remove the load, then the sandbag, then bring the arm in, then lower the risers bottom section first. Fold the legs and lean the stand with the grip head knuckles turned in so they do not snag the next stand. Staggered legs let a row of Matthews stands nest on a cart or truck.
Common mistakes
- Load over a short leg. The stand tips toward the short side.
- T-handles on the left. The head loosens as the day goes on and the flag droops into the shot.
- No sandbag, or a sandbag on the wrong leg.
- Extending the lower riser first. The stand is top-heavy while you work.
- Overloading. A standard Matthews C-stand is rated for 22 lb. Put a heavy light on a combo stand with a junior receiver.
Frequently asked questions
Which leg does the sandbag go on?
The tallest leg, under the load.
What is the right-hand rule on a C-stand?
Position the arm and grip-head handles so the weight of the load turns the head in the tightening direction. With the arm to your right and handles on the right, gravity tightens the knuckle.
Can a C-stand hold a light?
Small fixtures, yes, on the 5/8" pin. For anything heavy or mounted high, use a combo stand rated for the load.
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