Adjusting tension on Gearwrech flex head

[erdonline]

I just bought an SAE set of Gearwrench flex head wrenches. I have some other sets in metric, of the X-beam flex and regular flex, which are fine so far.

On one of the wrenches in my new set, the tension on the flex head is way too tight. It's very difficult to move the head. I thought that the purpose of the set screw on the head was to be able to adjust the tension, but the allen-head screw doesn't budge. I can just take the set back to exchange it, but I'd like to know if the tension is supposed to be adjustable, and if there is some special trick to moving the set screw. It seems to be an SAE size allen screw.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[reptilezs]

did you try oil?

 

[xurusaibobx]

try oil or wd40 should loosing right up... once you play with the set screw its always going back out over time unless to take it out and put some locktit on it

 

[erdonline]

Yes, I tried oiling it, but it seems to be way over-tightened. I thought the purpose of the set screw was to allow for adjustment if they loosened up over time. If I can't budge the set screw, I'll exchange it. This is part of the $29.97 set from TrueValue that was posted in the Hot Deals thread here recently. They appear to be the same ones that Sears sells for $90.

Ed

 

[uart]

Yes, I tried oiling it, but it seems to be way over-tightened. I thought the purpose of the set screw was to allow for adjustment if they loosened up over time. If I can't budge the set screw, I'll exchange it. This is part of the $29.97 set from TrueValue that was posted in the Hot Deals thread here recently. They appear to be the same ones that Sears sells for $90.

Ed

I don't have that particular wrench, but I believe that the set screw just replaces the conventional pin, theoretically making it easier to rebuild.

On most flex head type wrenches that I've seen, the tension is provided by a spring loaded ball (or pin) in the handle pushing against teeth in the flexing head. These are generally non adjustable.

Oil and flexing back and forth (and perhaps using it a few times) should free it up. If however it's still so tight that it's difficult to use then I'd say it's faulty.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Looks to me you've got 3 options:

1)Use it until the head loosens up

2)Return It

3)Adjust the Set Screw- This may require you to add a little heat to the screw if it has been assembled with Loctite as mine were. However, too much heat may damage the chrome.

 

[metaleltr]

What about a dab of valve grinding compound? Work it back and forth a few times, then clean with WD-40.

 

[spity]

I had this same problem with one of the larger sizes from the same set at sears I think it was a 18 or 19mm. It was so stiff I had to stick the head in a vice and work it back and forth with wd40. Its better but still not right. It feels like there is a burr in between the joint, the joint is uneven or possibly a chrome issue. I plan on exchanging it. I shouldnt have to take apart a brand new tool and trouble shoot it.

 

[hammergodthor]

I've tried adjusting mine, and that little bitty screw doesn't adjust. It looks like they stake the threaded end after they install it. Maybe you can adjust yours, but of my 3 or 4 sets, they don't budge.

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[erdonline]

Based on other users' experiences and my own so far trying to adjust the set screw, I'm not going to try to fool with it any more; I'm going to take it back.

Ed

 

[erdonline]

I exchanged the set at the place of purchase with no problem. I bought the set from a relatively small True Value store and they exchanged them without issue. All the flex heads on the new set are about even tension- maybe a little more on the larger sizes than the small, but that's what I'd expect and think would be appropriate.

Ed