FLEX 3401 Bail Handle Bolts - Installation and Tightening

[Mike Phillips]

FLEX 3401 Bail Handle Bolts - Installation and Tightening



The two metric hex head bolts that attach the bail handle to the head of the FLEX 3401






There are two bolts that attach the forward bail handle onto the head of the FLEX 3401. When correctly installed, you will not see them sticking out past the outside of the handle.

Also note, the head of the FLEX 3401 is tapered or angled, it get's thinner towards the end of the tool. This is important to take into consideration anytime you have removed the bolts and are going to re-install them.





With the plastic head cover removed, you can better see the tapered design of the head of the tool.






See how the threaded hole for the bolts are at an angle?





See the taper?







Before re-installing the handle and bolts to the head of the polisher, make sure the threads are clean and then apply a few drops of oil to the threads.






Test to make sure the bolts spin in freely as you thread them into the head unit.






Look inside the slot for the bolts to make sure the handle is positioned so that it is aligned with the threaded hole.





Insert the bolts and start them using only your fingers. Be sure the bolts thread in easily and do not bind. After you are confident the bolts are threaded in correctly, tighten the bolts using the hex wrench that came with the FLEX 3401.






Periodically re-check and tighten the bolts to make sure the handle is snug to the body of the tool.





Your BEAST is now ready to devour your next car detailing project!!!!!


Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher

[Toolhead]

what is the correct allen/hex wrench size for flex 3401

backing plate screw
bail handle

please

[Mike Phillips]

what is the correct allen/hex wrench size for flex 3401

backing plate screw
bail handle

please

Off hand I don't know, if I did I would have included it above. I wrote the above first thing this morning before coffee.

[PaulMys]

Awesome pics, Mike.

I have often thought "They cross-threaded the bolts" when reading about some members' difficulty installing these.

Remember, everyone........ If bolts are hard to tighten in the first one or two turns, STOP!

Realign and try again.

[Dr Oldz]

Nice Thread Mike! It is a good idea to use a lubricant as you did being that the bolt and housing are dissimilar metals and galling can occur. Anti-seize is a good option also.


Mine would get very slightly loose after a lot of use. I used blue(removable) Loctite and haven’t had to tighten them for years.

[UncleDavy]

Chances are those are either 6mm or 8mm low head socket cap screws. If it is a 6mm then the socket size is 5mm. If it is 8mm, then the socket size is 6mm. When trying to determine the proper tightening torque value, there is a big difference between dry torque and lubricated torque. The torque values listed in most manufacturer's charts are lubricated torque values. A light oil or Loctite 242 will provide the correct lube to achieve the proper values. 14.5 N-M for 6 mm and 35 N-M for 8 mm. Dry lubricated torque values are about 25% higher than lubed values.

[Mike Phillips]

Remember, everyone........ If bolts are hard to tighten in the first one or two turns, STOP!

Realign and try again.

Perfect advice.