Description
The Schwan 150 mm flexible extension is a flexible bit holder that transfers the rotation of a screwdriver or drill to places a straight bit cannot reach. The shaft is 150 mm long and the fitting is a 1/4″ hex shank that fits quick-release chucks and bit holders.
The middle section of the shaft is flexible, with a coil-spring construction, so the tool can be at an angle to the screw axis. The flex gives you working room where the tool cannot fit directly behind the screw: inside cabinets, between machine frames, under dashboards and at fixings next to pipework.
At the end of the shaft is a strong magnetic 1/4″ bit socket that holds the screwdriver bit in place and also grips the screw head. The magnet stops the bit falling out when the shaft is guided to a point you cannot see, and holds the screw on the bit while you position it.
The tool weighs 55 g. The flexible shaft is intended for light screwdriving and loosening: the flexible construction does not transmit high torque, so a tight joint should first be loosened with a straight tool. A standard 1/4″ extension bar gives a fixed length and direct power transfer.
Intended use and suitability:
The shaft is intended for loosening and tightening screws where there is no straight line for the tool.
- Furniture installation: screws on the inside wall of a cabinet and behind the frame, where the tool cannot fit straight on.
- Vehicle and machinery servicing: fixings in the dashboard, trim and engine compartment behind pipes and wiring harnesses.
- Electrical and plumbing installations: screws in boxes and brackets in tight enclosures.
- Equipment repair: screws inside housings where a straight bit would hit a circuit board or the frame.
- Need for a magnet: places where a dropped screw cannot be recovered; the magnetic socket holds the screw on the bit.
Package contents:
- 1 pc flexible extension 150 mm, magnetic 1/4″ bit socket
Features:
- Flexible shaft: the tool can be at an angle to the screw, so you can reach the screw past an obstacle.
- Length 150 mm: reaches into recesses and inside housings without an extra extension.
- 1/4″ hex fitting: fits the quick-release chuck of a screwdriver or drill and bit holders.
- Magnetic bit socket: holds the screwdriver bit and screw in place while positioning.
- Weight 55 g: light to handle with one hand while you guide the shaft.
- Interchangeable bit: standard 1/4″ screwdriver bits fit the socket.
Technical specifications:
- Length: 150 mm.
- Shank: 1/4″ hex shank.
- Bit socket: 1/4″ hex socket, magnetic.
- Construction: flexible coil-spring shaft.
- Use: screwdriver and drill at low torque.
Schwan 150 mm flexible extension instructions for use:
Assembly: Push the shaft’s 1/4″ shank all the way into the quick-release chuck or bit holder and make sure it locks. Push the screwdriver bit all the way into the magnetic socket of the shaft.
Guiding: Hold the flexible part of the shaft with your other hand and guide the bit into the screw head. Start at low speed so that the shaft does not start to whip. Keep the bend angle as shallow as possible: the greater the angle, the lower the torque transmitted and the greater the stress on the shaft.
Tight joints: Loosen a seized screw first with a straight screwdriver or extension bar, and only use the flexible shaft once the joint has come loose. Do the final tightening with a straight tool.
Care: Clean any swarf stuck in the magnetic socket, wipe the shaft dry and store it straight in a dry place. Before use, check that the spring section has no breaks or permanent kinks.
Warnings:
- Wear safety glasses: a rotating flexible shaft can throw out swarf and a loose bit.
- A rotating shaft catches sleeves, gloves and hair: keep clothing and hair tied back and guide the shaft from a fixed point.
- Start and finish work at low speed; high speed makes a bent shaft whip uncontrollably.
- Not for high torque or impact drivers: the spring section will twist or break.
- Do not use a shaft that has a break, crack or permanent kink.
- The magnet can interfere with pacemakers and other sensitive devices.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
What is the Schwan 150 mm flexible extension suitable for? Screwdrivers and drills with a 1/4″ hex fitting, when the screw is behind an obstacle and there is no straight line for the tool.
How far does the shaft bend? The spring section gives during use, but the torque drops as the bend angle increases. Work at the shallowest angle you can.
Can the shaft be used with sockets? Yes, if the socket has a 1/4″ hex shank. To loosen tight nut joints, however, a rigid extension is used.
Is the shaft suitable for an impact driver? No. Impact loads damage the spring construction.
Why does the bit fall out of the socket? Usually metal swarf has built up in the socket or the bit is not fully home. Clean the socket and push the bit all the way in.
What is the difference between a flexible and a standard extension? A standard extension bar transfers force in a straight line and withstands higher torque; a flexible shaft lets you work at an angle but at lower torque.
Recycling instructions:
A flexible extension at the end of its life is metal and goes to metal collection, magnets included. Sort plastic packaging into plastic packaging collection and cardboard into carton collection.
