Flexible shaft for a screwdriver: design, purpose and application
In some cases, it is not possible to tighten the screw using a standard tool. In such situations, it is recommended to use a flexible shaft, which will become an indispensable assistant, even if you work in a narrow space.
Design
Such an adapter has special requirements regarding bending stiffness. In the center of the structure there is a special cable or wire rod. They are made from materials that can withstand torsional stress. It is based on a metal core on which the wire is wound. There can be several layers.
The safety of the tool is ensured by a rubber sheath, it is also an additional protection of the core from damage and retains the lubricant inside. In relation to the rotating rod, this shell remains stationary. On the one hand, there is a cartridge on the adapter, through which you can change the attachments. On the other hand, there is a union nut or fastening fittings, through which fixation takes place with a screwdriver.
Views
All flexible shafts can be divided into two large groups, depending on the direction of rotation:
- rights;
- left.
This must be taken into account, since each type has its own scope. With the help of some, the screws are tightened, while others are unscrewed. Adapters differ not only in the direction of rotation, but also in length. For domestic use, flexible shafts from 5 to 40 centimeters are often used.
Appointment
The main purpose of using the adapter is to transfer torque from the screwdriver to the bit when used in a hard-to-reach place. In this case, we are talking not only about situations where an angle tool can be used, but about moments when a flexible shaft cannot be dispensed with.
You can attach a tip or a snap that fits the diameter. They are removable so they can be easily detached, cleaned, greased and replaced. For this, manufacturers have provided a special hole on the side of the tool.
Application
Not only screwdrivers are equipped with adapters of this type, but also:
- drills;
- engravers;
- brushcutters.
Sometimes they even clean pipe blockages. The car's speedometer is also powered by such a device.
Price
The price for such additional equipment depends on:
- manufacturer;
- materials used;
- possible load;
- length.
On average, their cost varies from 250 to 800 rubles, if you pay attention to inexpensive models. As for those products in which the core is made of carbon steel, they can be estimated by the manufacturer up to 2,000 rubles. Their advantage is that such a tool has a long service life.
Work
Externally, a flexible shaft is almost indistinguishable from a thick cable, only its surface is often corrugated. The flexible shaft is equipped with tight articulated joints, which retain their immobility during operation. You can see how when the screwdriver is turned on, only the tips begin to move.
The user can hold the adapter in his hand and twist or twist the self-tapping screws without fear of damaging the palm. Some models have a limit when using self-tapping screws, and it reaches 4 * 70 mm. If this indicator is, for example, 4 * 100 mm, then after overcoming 80 mm inside the timber, the flexible shaft simply folds into a loop and cannot complete the task.If you try to continue working, then the cable inside simply breaks off near the nozzle. The ultimate load is 6 Nm.
How to do it yourself?
You can make such a product yourself, using a cable as a basis. It can be from a clutch, gas, or a speedometer. The braided wire is purchased or taken already available - it is almost impossible to make it yourself. It is threaded inside the cable.
One end of the future core is connected to the shank, for which a nut and welding are used. A screwdriver chuck is pushed onto the second end. When using a homemade flexible shaft, it is important not to hold onto the chuck, but to the protective sheath, that is, the cable.
Such an extension cord will come in handy when there is no way to buy it. In terms of technical characteristics, a properly designed adapter is in no way inferior to a new one, you just need to spend time on its manufacture and take care of safety so that it does not break during operation. For this reason, weld seams must be made with good quality.
The choice of a finished product should be approached with great responsibility. The work performed with a flexible shaft is complex and time-consuming. Failure of one mechanism will disrupt the operation of all others. When buying, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the product. A checked and properly made device will ensure the high quality of the work performed. A hurried purchase will result in double spending. In addition, if the work needs to be done urgently, deadlines will be missed.
In the next video, you will find an overview of a flexible shaft for a screwdriver.
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