Flex Problems, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by Z06-Goose

I doubt this is an indication of a flaw with the Flex...

Nobody said it is a flaw with a Flex. It is something worthwhile knowing about and figuring out though.

[Gary Sword]

I think I read somewhere that there was a backing plate problem on some of the initial machines and they did not release any more until they fixed the problem. I used my Flex for the fist time yesterday and I must say I love the machine.

[mingraygt]

I cant take it! I have to get one!!!

[MotorCity Honda]

Originally Posted by Gary Sword

I think I read somewhere that there was a backing plate problem on some of the initial machines and they did not release any more until they fixed the problem. I used my Flex for the fist time yesterday and I must say I love the machine.

this was related to isolated cases of premature velcro delamination - hence the new BP

[killrwheels@autogeek]

My question is the same, is this a newer unit or older unit with the original backing plate issues ???

[blkyukon]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

Kind of design for mating between backing plate and post that Flex uses will allow for some "play" no matter how hard you tighten that screw if offset pressure is used. Check it out.

Still, even with such design it took me decent bit of pressure to make them touch.

Yes, there is a small amount of play in the backing plate, and if the hex screw is tight, it does take some pressure for the backing plate to touch the machine....but if the screw is loose the backing plate does have more play and if pressure is applied will cause it to rub.

Flex was announced over a year ago but it was not released over a year ago. I do not know exact date when they started shipping in Europe.

Thanks, I remember hearing about it but wasn't sure.

My question is the same, is this a newer unit or older unit with the original backing plate issues ???

I'm not sure that would make a difference...the back side of both backing plates are the same except for the diameter (6" and 5.5")

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by MotorCity Honda

this was related to isolated cases of premature velcro delamination - hence the new BP

That is correct, completely different issue.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

My question is the same, is this a newer unit or older unit with the original backing plate issues ???

I have seen it reported on both.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by blkyukon

Yes, there is a small amount of play in the backing plate, and if the hex screw is tight, it does take some pressure for the backing plate to touch the machine....but if the screw is loose the backing plate does have more play and if pressure is applied will cause it to rub.

Correct. Let me also remark that it is easy to make it not tight enough and that I have found I have much better result when using two washers between bp and head of screw.

[ZoranC]

Allow me to further think loud (and it is meant as a constructive thinking, it is not meant to be in any way misunderstood or misinterpreted as negative in any way):

I speculate it is too much off center pressure that brings backing plate and housing to touch and that logical response to that would be to say not to use the tool in the manner that it is not designed for.

However, Flex might want to realize that what differentiates great tool design from "just" good one is that great design is proactive and it prevents that from happening.

I speculate this might be easily addressable by increasing distance between backing plate and housing (say by increasing height of geared part of backing plate 1/8" at maximum, or grinding down the housing a little bit, or both; but not thinning down backing plate as that would just make it flex more; LOL, no pun was intended).

Another approach could be taken (but much less easily) by reducing "looseness" by say making contact area between bp and center post wider (wider the area less wiggly T-like contact with single center screw can be) and/or by making metal part in bp thicker so that any variance in manufacturing of that thickness and screw length does not result in screw bottoming out before everything is tight enough.

Just a constructive thought and I hope Flex engineers and powers to be see this and consider it.

In the meantime I will continue using my Flex while paying attention not to use it in incorrect manner even though advantage of that handle (great positioning that allows you to easily apply pressure) is what can also be it's disadvantage (such handles allow for gobs of pressure to end up applied unevenly, as hand is not above the head, it is offset).

If I ever end up experiencing this problem myself I might move position of handle so hand is above the head when pressure is applied. And I might consider finding good CNC place to grind down my housing a bit (while fully aware what that implies).

But not until then.