A flexible shaft, often referred to as a flex shaft, is a device for transmitting rotary motion between two objects which are not fixed relative to one another. It consists of a rotating

wire rope Steel wire rope (right hand lang lay) Wire rope is composed of as few as two solid, metal wires twisted into a helix that forms a composite ''rope'', in a pattern known as ''laid rope''. Larger diameter wire rope consists of multiple strands of ...

or coil which is flexible but has some torsional stiffness. It may or may not have a covering, which also bends but does not rotate. It may transmit considerable power, or only motion, with negligible power. Flexible shafts are commonly used in plumber's snakes. They are popular accessories for handheld

rotary tool A die grinder or rotary tool is a handheld power tool and multitool used for grinding (abrasive cutting), grinding, sanding, honing (metalworking), honing, polishing, or machining material (typically metal, but also plastic or wood). All such t ...

s, and integral parts of rotary tools with a remote motor, which are called "flexible shaft tools". They are used to transmit power to some sheep shears. They are also sold to connect panel knobs to remote

potentiometer A potentiometer is a three- terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used, one end and the wiper, it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. The measuring instrum ...

s or other variable electronic components. Flexible shaft tools are used frequently in the dental and jewelry industry, as well as other industrial applications.

References

* Mechanical power transmission Tools {{Mech-engineering-stub

See also

References