HELP!! I think I killed my flex?

07 z-oh-6 said:
Spinning DOES help with the hydro techs. It doesn't dry them, but definitely speeds up the already slow drying process.
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I spun them with my PC and got some splash out but they still seemed soaked. I may have been impatient though given my depressed state over my flex. I was so depressed, and to chear me up I took the car for a spin (usually stored) to go car shopping. Picked out an A4 to replace my DD (CTS). Just have to wait a few months.
 
pokey said:
Picked out an A4 to replace my DD (CTS).
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Good choice! :dblthumb2:

I almost bought a Harbor Freight rotary for drying pads but decided to look around for a used high quality machine instead. I hope to find one in a second hand store that doesn't know the value of the polisher :D
 
pokey said:
OK, here's my bad day story. My wife got me a pad washer from AG for our anniversary tomorrow. Thought I would give it a whirl. I followed the instructions. When drying the pad I lifted the pressure. I must have gone to high or something. It got caught and ripped the back plate and holder right out of the flex.

Here are my pictures. Am I hosed? Its only a month or so old :(

787351449_yp98j-L.jpg


787352467_9BXRP-L.jpg
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For point of reference, here's what an unbroken shaft looks like,

FlexShaft01.jpg


FlexShaft02.jpg


FlexShaft03.jpg



At this point, it will need to go to a repair center.


:)
 
Powerhouse will do it for you. BTW, as you found out, the Flex is easy to work on with basic tools. Find the part numbers you need and order them - then do it yourself.

Regards,
GEWB
 
Thanks everyone, I've sent a message to Powerhouse.
 
not trying to jack this thread but no reason to make another on basically the same subject...

been polishing first vehicle with the new flex. and the plastic bolt broke off on me that holds the back plate on... is this a normal thing? I got an extra one but I seem to have lost it... and I noticed that in the picture above posted by Mike that a metal bolt was used to hold the backplate on. Is it safe to use a metal bolt rather than plastic? any idea what size it is? thanks for your help
 
CacheHX said:
...the plastic bolt broke off on me that holds the back plate on... is this a normal thing? I got an extra one but I seem to have lost it... and I noticed that in the picture above posted by Mike that a metal bolt was used to hold the backplate on. Is it safe to use a metal bolt rather than plastic? any idea what size it is? thanks for your help
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The bolt that holds the backing plate on is metal, you weren't using one of the extra bale-handle bolts were you? :eek:

My Flex came with both metal and plastic bolts for the handle, I used the metal ones. Just went and checked if the plastic ones fit in the backing plate shaft... They do, surprising. The silver metal bolt with a hex-head is for the backing plate, the black plastic flat-head bolts are for the handle, the black metal bolts with a hex-head are also for the handle....I'm pretty sure. :D
 
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haha thats what I was using...oops, thats all it came with though. it came with the hex wrench but no hex bolt.

It all makes sense now. I will just have to find a hex bolt at the hardware store, cause I need it today. anyone know the size?
 
Pokey and CacheHX are just pointing out a few of the FLEX's weaknesses. The bottom line the pricing of this product and the way it is constructed should allow both the issues to be taken care of under warranty. Let's all watch and see if FLEX steps up to the plate and offers free replacements.

We all know if it was a CRAFTSMAN tool they would already have new ones !
 
CacheHX said:
haha thats what I was using...oops, thats all it came with though. it came with the hex wrench but no hex bolt.

It all makes sense now. I will just have to find a hex bolt at the hardware store, cause I need it today. anyone know the size?
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Considering that the plastic bolts fit, pull one of the metal ones from the handle and replace it with the extra plastic onr.
 
I think a lot of y'all are missing the fact that while the GG Pad Washer can be used with any machine, it doesn't mean you can spin dry your pads with any machine. Mike Phillips and many others have already explained the hazards of using a DA to spin your pads without any pressure on them. It is an easy way to destroy pads, too. The Velcro backing on the pad isn't designed to take the kinds of forces that result from cranking up the DA and free spinning wet pads.

Use the GG Pad Washer to clean the pads, but use a circular polisher or drill attachment to spin them dry.

Colin
 
Hello from balmy Northern Colorado!
I’ve been lurking here on the forum for a while now and finally decided to make my first post. Thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas and experience, it’s been really helpful.
After reading this thread, I figured it wasn’t a very good idea to use my new Flex or my PC with the GG pad washer I just bought. Besides the possibility of trashing them, I figured it was better to keep them clean and away from the water, soap and other residue altogether. It is probably ok if you’re really careful but the Flex is way too expensive to take any chances. I decided to use my Milwaukee 3/8” variable speed drill instead. The problem was that all the drill attachments I could find only worked with a rotary backing plate, all mine are DA with the 5/16-24 fine threaded spindle. I found all the parts to make a DA plate drill adapter at ACE hardware for about $4.00. It consists of a 2-1/4” cap screw with the head cut off, a rod coupling and a standard nut. After finding the oddball 5/16-24 hardware, the rest was easy. I can now just spin any size plate onto the drill and clean all my pads without worrying about destroying anything. Just have to wait for some warmer weather, maybe July, to try out the new washer. Here’s some pics. Ok, now somebody tell me they already sell these adapters somewhere and I just didn’t look hard enough! I bet mine is cheaper!!
Kilgore
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Kilgore said:
Hello from balmy Northern Colorado!
I’ve been lurking here on the forum for a while now and finally decided to make my first post. Thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas and experience, it’s been really helpful.
After reading this thread, I figured it wasn’t a very good idea to use my new Flex or my PC with the GG pad washer I just bought. Besides the possibility of trashing them, I figured it was better to keep them clean and away from the water, soap and other residue altogether. It is probably ok if you’re really careful but the Flex is way too expensive to take any chances. I decided to use my Milwaukee 3/8” variable speed drill instead. The problem was that all the drill attachments I could find only worked with a rotary backing plate, all mine are DA with the 5/16-24 fine threaded spindle. I found all the parts to make a DA plate drill adapter at ACE hardware for about $4.00. It consists of a 2-1/4” cap screw with the head cut off, a rod coupling and a standard nut. After finding the oddball 5/16-24 hardware, the rest was easy. I can now just spin any size plate onto the drill and clean all my pads without worrying about destroying anything. Just have to wait for some warmer weather, maybe July, to try out the new washer. Here’s some pics. Ok, now somebody tell me they already sell these adapters somewhere and I just didn’t look hard enough! I bet mine is cheaper!!
Kilgore
View attachment 5694

View attachment 5695

View attachment 5696
Click to expand...
They make rotary and DA adapters for a drill..about 5 bucks.
 
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