Drop Weight linear tensioner - spring breaking

HitItHarder · 11-09-2009, 08:08 AM

I have noticed several threads where there is a discussion of the linear tensioners on drop weights "flopping" over and not working because of a string inside the drum breaking due to the tension when stringing. This leads to having to order replacement springs over and over.

Is this a real maintenance issue or just something that is a fluke occurance?

The believe there are several references to this happening with Eagnas machines like the Challenger I and the Flex 740.

I understand that Eagnas may not use the highest quality of parts, but is this a problem with other brands as well? Am I going to run into this with an Alpha DC Plus or Mutual Power? Does this mean it is safer to stay away from these linear tensioners on drop weights even though they are "safer" for stringing stiffer strings?

I understand that there is maintenance with any stringer, I am just trying to know what the issues are with each type of machine. Is this an Eagnas problem or a linear tensioner problem?

topanlego · 11-09-2009, 09:36 AM

This problem has to do with all drop-weights with a clutch. Without the spring, the clutch does not work.

I believe this is not a problem with ratchet systems but someone else will have to confirm that.

Standupnfall · 11-09-2009, 09:42 AM

Mine broke last night and I was shocked as I was halfway done with some mains. A quick dissasemble found the culprit to be the end of the spring which locks the sping in place had snapped off.

2 pairs of needlenose pliers, a 90 bend to the end of the spring and 2 min later I was back in business. All in all I learned a valuable lesson about repairing the machine and lost about 25 min total. 10 min to unstring and restring the mains and 10 to make the repair.
Luckly I was using some syngut on a racquet I am letting a friend use as a demo for purchase and not $42 VS gut for a customer which might have caused a loss of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for me.

I will be ordering a replacement spring or 2 as a backup, but if you need help on the repair feel free to ask.

Can any1 post the link to the replacement spring or possibly a higher quality spring? It did seem like it was made from some nice spring steel and well up to the job but even the highest quality metal will fatigue to failure point at sometime. I got the machine used and did 20+ jobs at around 60lbs myself before it snapped

wrxtotoro · 11-09-2009, 10:13 AM

The spring will not be repairable when the inside of the drum become smooth out or the spring become too loose that it doesn't grab the drum anymore...

It is my third spring in a year and I serious have had enough...

mlewis721 · 11-09-2009, 11:55 AM

I don't own an Eagnas and it has been about 20 yrs since I used a drop-weight but I recently disassembled an Eagnas Hawk for a friend and one of the things that impressed me about the machine was how frequently the design utilized standard hardware. My guess would be that the spring in question is available at a lower cost and in a better grade here.

Standupnfall · 11-09-2009, 01:10 PM

Thanks MLEWIS but i dont see any there with the ends bent, do I just measure everything out and buy it then bend the tip myself?

Standupnfall · 11-09-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxtotoro

The spring will not be repairable when the inside of the drum become smooth out or the spring become too loose that it doesn't grab the drum anymore...

It is my third spring in a year and I serious have had enough...

What do you mean by the inside becoming smoothed out?

Also if anyone would be so kind as to provide the spring wire diameter and coil size it would be great, If not next time I have it out Ill measure and post it up. What kind of Torque spec are we talking about for this spring?

mlewis721 · 11-10-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Standupnfall

Thanks MLEWIS but i dont see any there with the ends bent, do I just measure everything out and buy it then bend the tip myself?

At some point, someone has to. You've done it successfully on your old spring, so I figure you're up to the task.

11-09-2009, 08:08 AM	#1
HitItHarder Rookie Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SC Posts: 212	Drop Weight linear tensioner - spring breaking I have noticed several threads where there is a discussion of the linear tensioners on drop weights "flopping" over and not working because of a string inside the drum breaking due to the tension when stringing. This leads to having to order replacement springs over and over. Is this a real maintenance issue or just something that is a fluke occurance? The believe there are several references to this happening with Eagnas machines like the Challenger I and the Flex 740. I understand that Eagnas may not use the highest quality of parts, but is this a problem with other brands as well? Am I going to run into this with an Alpha DC Plus or Mutual Power? Does this mean it is safer to stay away from these linear tensioners on drop weights even though they are "safer" for stringing stiffer strings? I understand that there is maintenance with any stringer, I am just trying to know what the issues are with each type of machine. Is this an Eagnas problem or a linear tensioner problem?

11-09-2009, 10:13 AM	#4
wrxtotoro Rookie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 123	The spring will not be repairable when the inside of the drum become smooth out or the spring become too loose that it doesn't grab the drum anymore... It is my third spring in a year and I serious have had enough... __________________ 1) Head Speed Pro MSV Heptatwist 18/Pacific Classic 50/50 2) Head Speed Pro MSV Heptatwist 18 50/48 Stringer: Eagnas 710 /w Wise 2086.

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