9 best mechanical flexible shafts

Mechanical flexible shafts are essential components in various industrial and scientific applications for power transmission. They consist of a flexible inner core surrounded by a protective casing, which allows for the transmission of rotational motion from one end to the other while accommodating misalignment and bending. Here are some key points about mechanical flexible shafts:

  1. Construction: Flexible shafts typically consist of a core made of steel wires or other materials that provide flexibility while maintaining torsional strength. The core is enclosed in a protective casing, often made of metal or a durable plastic material.

  2. Power Transmission: These shafts are used to transmit rotational motion from one point to another, often in situations where a direct mechanical connection is not feasible due to obstacles or misalignment.

  3. Remote Control: Mechanical flexible shafts are commonly used in remote control systems for various machinery and equipment. For example, they can be found in automotive throttle control cables, remote camera focus systems, and other applications that require precise control over a distance.

  4. Industrial Machinery: In industrial settings, flexible shafts are used in equipment like drills, grinders, and other machines where the power source and the working tool are not in direct proximity. This allows for more versatile and ergonomic operation.

  5. Scientific Instruments: In scientific and laboratory instruments, flexible shafts are used to transmit motion in precision devices, such as microscopes, where fine adjustments are necessary without disturbing the specimen.

  6. Aerospace: Flexible shafts are also used in aerospace applications, such as aircraft control systems, where lightweight and reliable power transmission is crucial.

  7. Maintenance and Lubrication: Regular maintenance and lubrication are essential to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of mechanical flexible shafts. Lubricants help reduce friction and wear within the casing.

  8. Customization: Flexible shafts can be customized in terms of length, diameter, and end fittings to suit specific applications. This flexibility in design makes them adaptable to a wide range of uses.

  9. Safety: Proper installation and maintenance of flexible shafts are critical for safety.Damaged or worn-out shafts can lead to equipment failure or accidents.

  10. Advantages: Some of the advantages of mechanical flexible shafts include their ability to transmit motion over long distances, their versatility in navigating complex pathways, and their cost-effectiveness compared to alternative transmission methods in certain situations.

In summary, mechanical flexible shafts play a crucial role in power transmission in various industrial and scientific applications, providing a reliable and versatile solution for transmitting rotational motion over distances and around obstacles.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mechanical flexible shafts on the market
  

uxcell 40.5" Length Spring Design Flexible Shaft Inner Core Cable, 40.5" Length, Nylon

uxcell

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Flexible shaft is especially suitable where the machines cannot be moved. It is flexible and endurable, can be used garden machine and every kind of flexible transmission used equipment application: car, motorcycle, garden machine and every kind of flexible transmission used equipment.

  • Product Name: Flexible Shaft Core; Material: Plastic, Metal
  • Color : Black, Silver Tone;Spring Dia. : 4mm / 0.15"
  • Total Length : 103cm / 40.5"
  • Net Weight : 78g
  • Package Content : 1 x Flexible Shaft Core

User questions & answers

Question: Usable with travel trailers? What is the degree to inch radio
Answer: 12-24 V LED -
Question: Will this inclinometer still work & display accurately if the mounting surface isn’t vertical
Answer: This fits a 3 inch hole, or about 7.5cm. You want the larger model. No shade either.
Question: What is the Sun Company model number
Answer: Yes
Question: Would like to be able to see this from up to 10 feet away. What are the dimensions? Also, is the rolling ball's movement dampened (e.g., with liquid
Answer: It is not included. This item must be special ordered. My price is $16.95 plus shipping. Dave BestTradingPartner
Question: What light bulb type does this use
Answer: Yes, it does. 12v wiring.

Product features

IDEAL TILT READING

  • Monitors tilt from -45 to +45 degrees. Brass ball rides in special damping fluid for smooth, accurate readings.

EASY TO READ DISPLAY

  • Brass ball instead of bubble included in bright Saturn-yellow tube assembly.
  • Engraved and hand-painted numbers make for a functional, easy-to-read display.

SHATTERPROOF DESIGN

  • Tube assembly is made out of a rugged co-polymer "flex tube" for ultimate durability.
  • Housing is constructed of durable ABS plastic.

MOUNTS WITH 3M VHB TAPE

  • Lev-o-gage includes a piece of 3M VHB (Very-High Bond) tape on the back for easy mounting.

Made in USA

  • The Lev-o-gage has been 100% Made in USA since 1971.
  • Fully assembled and painted by hand, one unit at a time.

About Sun Company

Since 1971, Sun Company has been family-owned and operated with the goal of making the outdoors safer, and more fun. For nearly 50 years, we have been designing and crafting "simply intelligent" products for outdoor lovers of all ages at our facility in Colorado. We hope you enjoy our products as much as we do and we look forward to welcoming you to our family!

VOTOER 2pcs Inner Flex Shaft Flexible Cable Wire Attachment Part Grinder Rotary Tool Replacement Accessories

VOTOER

Product description

2 Pieces Inner Core Spring Rotary Drill Tool Attachment



Note: 1. Shaft should be greased when replacing part.

2. Be sure to UNPLUG your motor before doing any maintenance and NEVER operate your grinder with the outer sheath removed.



  • 38" length, the flexible flex shaft cable is long enough to reach more working space.
  • It is a sturdy inner shaft replacement for your grinders. A must have for your grinding tool!
  • 8mm / 0.31 inch inner diameter of connection. Can be widely used for the maintenance of your flex shaft motor.
  • Rotary flexible, easy to install and convenient to use. This is the real deal replacement for most flexible shaft grinders rotary tools.
  • Flexible Shaft is especially suitable where the machines cannot be moved. Direct replacements for our shop flex shaft grinders.

Foredom No.30 Handpiece Foredom Flex.shaft Grind.

Paaz Jewelry Supply

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Foredom No.30 Handpiece Foredom Flex.shaft Grind. Our most popular handpiece features a #0 geared 3-jaw chuck that accepts any size shank or drill bit up to 5/32". Includes HPCK-0 Chuck Key.

  • Foredom No.30 Handpiece Foredom Flex.shaft Grind.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work on other flex shaft manufacturers machines
Answer: Yes its usable but I suggest the levo gauge sr. If you are asking about the degree to inch ratio. But for a travel trailer this one will work perfectly. The sr. Goes to 50 degrees which is overkill for trailer leveling!
Question: I have an SRM model. Will this shaft work with it
Answer: Depends on how far off vertical you want to mount it. Probably will be okay if somewhat off vertical. But I don't think it works if mounted horizontally. However, I've never mounted it other than vertically.
Question: Anyone know what kind of shaft is needed to use this handpiece? I bought it, but the shaft won't go in
Answer: There was no model number, just Marine model, it is smaller than the other Sun clinometers but fine for my 30 ft sailboat
Question: what size collets does it have
Answer: It is dampened by fluid, which makes the movement of the ball very smooth. The Lev-O-Gage is about 3 3/4" wide; for distance you might want to consider the Lev-O-Gage Senior, which is 6" wide with very large print.

Grobet Flexible Shaft Motor pedal handpice

Grobet USA

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Now with a free A&D Weighing scale EK-1200i. Introduced by Grobet USA, leading distributors of jewelers tools, this Flex shaft motor is one of the most versatile yet affordable tool for any jeweler. Designed identically based on the erstwhile Foredom CC series motor (Foredom no longer makes this series), this flex shaft is meant to get work done! Includes Heavy duty variable speed Foot Pedal (in plastic housing, which generates less heat than conventional metal housing), and No.30 type jewelers handpiece with jacob chuck key. Now enjoy newest improved motor and enhanced styrofoam protective packaging.100% Original and new. Beware of refurbs that may be sold by others.

  • Breakthrough technology - Ball Bearing design
  • Max Speed Load 20000 rpm - 1/10 HP 110V
  • New Improved Original
  • 1yr warranty from Grobet USA

Metal Easy Flexible Bending Shaft Connecting Adapter Link for Electronic Drill - 400mm

hwangli

Flex Shaft 6mm Shank,Metal Flexible Shaft for Wood Carving Knife Chise Grinder Tool with Hex Wrench,100mm/3.93 Inch(Length)

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specifications:

Material: metal

Total length: 100mm/3.93inch

Interface outside diameter: 25mm/0.98inch

Interface inside diameter: 21mm/0.82inch

Shaft diameter: 6mm/0.23inch

Weight: 350g

Package Included:

1 x Flexible Shaft

1 x hex wrench

  • Electric drill can be installed on the this flexible shaft.
  • Suitable for many kinds of carving knife
  • This metal steel flexible shaft is used for electric furniture wood carving
  • This flexible shaft with 6mm shank
  • Made of high quality metal, having a long serving life.

VOTOER Flex Shaft Inner Flexible Cable Wire Attachment Replacement Part Long Bench Grinder Rotary Tool Accessories, Sturdy Stainless Steel

VOTOER

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price
  • 38" length, the flexible flex shaft cable is long enough to reach more working space.
  • The flexible shaft is made of high quality stainless steel, ensures a long service life.
  • 8mm inner diameter of connection. Can be widely used for the maintenance of your flex shaft motor.
  • Rotary flexible, easy to install and convenient to use. This is the real deal replacement for most flexible shaft grinders rotary tools.
  • Flexible Shaft is especially suitable where the machines cannot be moved. Direct replacements for our shop flex shaft grinders.

User questions & answers

Question: What do you grease it with when replacing shaft
Answer: You will meet a tall dark stranger and fall in love with him.

Product features

Stainless Steel Coating

Outer shaft is stainless steel. Durble and Flexible.

Inner Shaft included

Complete flex shaft (inner and outer) for flexible shaft motors. Shaft connection diameter: 8mm / 0.31inch

Long Shaft

Total Length: approximately 98cm / 38 inch. With the shaft, you can hang the motor overhead and long cable allow you to work your way around your work.

Easy Exchange Replacement

Direct replacements for our 380w and 780w flex shaft grinders. Very simple to exchange the flexible shaft.

CTA Tools 9435 24-Inch Long Flexible Shaft Mechanical Fingers

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: - 23 1/2" (60cm) flexible shaft reaches into awkward places to retrieve tools, parts, nuts, bolts, papers, etc. - Unplugs clogged drains, reaches behind file cabinets, radiators, etc. - Grasps hot objects! Simply press the plunger to expand four spring steel claws, then release to clamp jaws on object.

  • Featuring a 24-Inch Length
  • Rugged All-Steel Body
  • Includes Amazing Set of Four Powerful 
Spring Jaws
  • Designed for Easy and Quick Retrieval of Dropped Items from Tight Areas
  • Proudly Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question: how wide will they spread
Answer: The Foredom #30 Handpiece does not use collets it has a Jacobs 3 jaw precision chuck that goes from 0 to 5/32". The chuck is simillar to the chuck on a drill and includes the chuck key with handle (shown in the photo under the handpiece). This is a very precision handpiece and is very useful. To insure that the tool is centered acurately in the chuck tighten the chuck using all 3 holes. This insures that the tool is correctly centered and will run true. There are many attachments that are designed speciaffically for this handpiece. Look at RioGrande.com for specialized jeweleres accessories. Bearings are permanently lubricated.

FLEXIBLE SHAFTS ADJUSTABLE HANGER FOR FLEX SHAFTS

Generic

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adjustable Flex Shaft Holder Great For Holding Tools This is a new adjustable flex shaft holder This conveniently holds Foredom tools, which conserves valuable workspace The wire hanger swivels 360° The base can be screwed into your work bench The height adjusts up to approximately 24" (61 cm) above the work bench

  • This is a new adjustable flex shaft holder
  • This conveniently holds Foredom tools, which conserves valuable workspace
  • The wire hanger swivels 360 degrees
  • The base can be screwed into your work bench
  • The height adjusts up to approximately 24" (61 cm) above the work bench

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