The PE-8 Kompact "mini spinny"

[Farmallluvr]

My supply guy gave me demo PE8 to use for a couple weeks and I got to use it the other day on a 2016 GMC Sierra I was working on.
I found it to be great for the bumpers,grill edges,door bottoms,a pillars and any other small area I encountered using the 3 inch pad.

I really liked the smoothness and quiet operation of the machine although I wasn't crazy the on/off switch but I think the more I use it I'll get used to it.

My supply guy has a few customers that use Flex's (mostly 3401's)and one thing he told me is disappointing is Flex customer/repair service which makes me hesitant to buy one so I would like know if others have had good or bad experiences with flex customer service.

I think I might have a get a small 3 inch type orbital now too,,lol,,my wife hates me spending money.

[Setec Astronomy]

I've never had to use Flex service, but when they were first "a thing" some people had a lube issue with the 3401 (this is ancient history, 2007 or something) and Powerhouse Tool was fixing them, I don't remember anyone having a problem with them. I think this is before there even was a Flex USA.

I believe there was some issue specific to the 15mm long throw polisher, which caused them to stop selling them for a while (a long while, IIRC), but that's more of design issue than a customer service issue.

[B5visser]

Flex customer service is second to none IME. You can read about my expirience here:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/flex-polishers/116913-little-brag-flex.html?highlight=

Overall, the tools quality are superb and likely won't have any issues, but if you do, they helped me out tremendously!

[wing commander]

Flex was called and shipped part free same day. Better than that won't happen.

[Farmallluvr]

Flex customer service is second to none IME. You can read about my expirience here:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/flex-polishers/116913-little-brag-flex.html?highlight=

Overall, the tools quality are superb and likely won't have any issues, but if you do, they helped me out tremendously!

And thats been my impression of Flex but I just wanted to be sure there wasn't a bunch of people that had problems that I wasn't aware of.

Thank you all for your input

The Mini Spinny nickname is from Dr Oldz,I don't know if anyone else calls it that but I like so I do

[DaveT435]

I've never had to use Flex service, but when they were first "a thing" some people had a lube issue with the 3401 (this is ancient history, 2007 or something) and Powerhouse Tool was fixing them, I don't remember anyone having a problem with them. I think this is before there even was a Flex USA.

I believe there was some issue specific to the 15mm long throw polisher, which caused them to stop selling them for a while (a long while, IIRC), but that's more of design issue than a customer service issue.

When they started selling them again they had more issues with the early production units. I called a Flex they asked for the serial number and when and where I bought it and they sent me a new one and asked me to dispose of the old one. I had another issue with one of their tools that I really didn’t expect them to do anything about and they ended up taking care of it. I never actually asked them to do anything. Point is, I wouldn’t worry at all about Flex’s customer service.

[Dr Oldz]

I love the Mini Spinny. I also wish it had a variable trigger but you get used to it. The RPM range seems high but it works really well for the smaller pads it is designed for. Actually 5.5 inch pads work well on this machine also!

Door sills is a place it can do wonders also!

I never had to use Flex customer service. That says a lot because I have a lot of their polishers and not one has ever failed in the slightest. My 3401 has been used very hard and has a lot of miles on it. Still works exactly like a new unit. I’ve been thru a bunch of backing plates and that’s about it.

[Farmallluvr]

Thats another reason I wanted to buy one too is the variety of sizes you can put on it like the 1,2 and 3 inch and probably 4 in and 5.5's as well.
I was going to opt for a different long throw but the RBL and the HF orbital I have do the job well so I think I'll get a PE8 instead for the versatility ,,and then when the long throw bites the dust I'll replace it then.

[VISITOR]

i wouldn't hesitate to buy any flex polisher/tool. the quality and build speaks for itself and are built to last. they have had a repair facility (powerhouse distributing in Omaha, NE) from the very start when the 3401 was released over a decade ago to service the tools if needed. flex is one company out of a handful that i have confidence in purchasing their products...

[Justin at Final Inspection]

My pe8 is nice. Don't use it a ton but great quality tool.