How to Handle the Flexshaft

In the course of my 30 years in the jewelry industry, I can recall many instances of damaged equipment and potentially dangerous situations caused by how the handpiece is connected to the flexshaft. Here are a few observations that can make your equipment last longer and prevent possible injury.

The flexible shaft machine, commonly called a "flexshaft," is a combination of a motor, handpiece and the flexible shaft that connects the two. The machine is usually operated by a foot pedal. Because jewelers often use more than one handpiece during the workday, the procedure of connecting a handpiece to the flexible shaft is a common operation, but is often done incorrectly.

The end of the flexible shaft is a "keyed tip" that rotates when the foot pedal is depressed. When connecting the shaft to a handpiece, it is essential to fit this keyed tip into the slot inside the cover of the handpiece. Since the slot is inside the handpiece, it is difficult to see.

If the flexshaft tip is pushed into the handpiece without aligning the key to the slot, there is potential for equipment damage and personal injury:

Sometimes the key will rotate and drop into the slot when the pedal is depressed, but this will eventually wear down the key.

The shaft can also bend the connector inside the handpiece, causing it to jam and the handpiece to violently jerk if the pedal is depressed quickly. This can cause injury or damage the flexshaft or handpiece.

To make sure the key and slot are properly aligned, some jewelers will look down inside the handpiece to find the orientation of the slot, then turn the handpiece as needed so the key drops in. This works, but here is a fast and simple way to make the connection:

Slightly depress the foot pedal so the shaft is turning slowly, then insert the shaft into the handpiece and gently push.

You will feel the key drop into the slot and can see that the connection is correct when the handpiece begins to move (rotate or hammer, depending on the handpiece).

Now you know the key and slot are properly aligned and it is safe to snap the shaft the rest of the way into the handpiece.

If you develop this habit, you will help prevent injury and protect your equipment.

— Jerry Golech, GG, JBM
JMA Instructor

Jerry Golech began his jewelry career in 1983 in sales and later moved into the manufacturing sector, managing a regional repair shop for a national retailer. He opened a shop in Canton, Ohio, where he specialized in designing and manufacturing custom jewelry, and in complex repair and restoration work. Golech accepted a teaching position at GIA's Carlsbad campus in 2005. Along with teaching the six-month Graduate Jeweler diploma program in GIA's Jewelry Manufacturing Arts program, he specializes in mold making and casting.

Ganoksin Staff Note: Finding The Best Flex Shaft Tools & Accessories

You can find current reviews and recommendations for the best flex shaft sets and packages to buy for your workshop in our Buying Guide section. It's also your best resource for high-quality tools and supplies of all kinds.

By GIA‘s Jewelry Manufacturing Arts instructors – © GIA – 2012

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