Eagnas Flex 940 swivel clamp issues

Jack the Hack

Hall of Fame
A Cheap Temporary Fix...

Folks,

I have a Flex 940 that is about 8 years old, and one of my ConeLock clamp bases stripped out and would no longer lock down. In an attempt to fix it, I tried to disassemble the clamp to figure out which part needed to be replaced. As I was doing this, I found that the "channel nut" that fits into the slot on the base was locked/stripped into place and that I could not easily unscrew it. Using two lock grips, I tried to force it, and the entire bolt sheared in half!!! Here's an exploded view of the results:

30css39.jpg


I e-mailed Maxline/Eagnas to find out how much it would cost to replace the parts, but did not get a reply in a timely manner. Meanwhile, I really needed to string my racquets as I had broken the strings in all my personal frames and wanted to get back out on the court (without having to pay for a tennis store to string the racquets).

After reading through this thread, I made a short trip down to our local Lowe's Home Improvement store and purchased the following items:

  • 138188 Metric Wing Nut 8MM-1.25 for $1.09
  • 138144 Metric Flat Washers 8MM for $0.80
  • 138129 Hex Head Bolt 8MM-1.24X50MM for $0.92
  • 138182 Metric Hex Nuts 8MM (5) for $0.76

The total spend was $3.86 with tax.

When I got home, I used some WD40 and lock grips to get the old "channel nut" off of the broken bolt. I then used the new bolt, 2 of the new washers, 2 of the new nuts, the old swivel base, the 4 old top washers, and the new wing nut to reassemle the base. Here is a view of what I put together and how it looks assembled:

15cn72p.jpg


f21pvl.jpg


The new mechanism now clamps on and off by a simple turn of the wing nut and seems to work fine. I've strung 2 racquets since trying this and the base locks down like it should.

To note, I only string about 25 or 30 frames per year, so I don't heavily use the machine and I don't care about speed when stringing. I do look at this as a temporary solution until I can do a more permanent one that might work better. If I was stringing professionally, perhaps the wing nut would not be fun or efficient to use. However, it sure was cheap, and I thought I share in case someone else runs into a similar jam.
 

JetFlyr

Rookie
Flex 940 Turntable Wobble

I've had a Flex 940 for nearly five years and it's been a really reliable machine. I've used a Wise on it since the first week.

My only real complaint with the 940 is that the turntable continually wobbles. It seems I have to take an Allen wrench to the main bolt under the turntable every 3-4 frames to tighten it, only to have it loosen (and wobble again) after a few more frames. I've tried Lok-tite, but that didn't seem to work very well. Does anyone know of a viable solution to stop this wobbling??
 

Tugotti

New User
I know this thread is a little old maybe the user is still on here I was wondering how this set up buying from McMaster went?

I jumped the gun and swung by mcmaster to get the following:

2 Each 94750A582 Black-Oxide Steel Full-Thread T-Slot Nut 3/8"-16 Thread Size, for 1/2" Slot Width $2.43
2 Each 6271K29 Die Cast Zinc Adjustable Handle 3/8"-16 Thread X 2-3/8" L Stud, 2-9/16" L Handle $8.56
2 Each 5909K11 Cage Assembly for 10 mm Shaft Diameter, 24mm OD Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing $3.17
4 Each 5909K71 1 mm Thick Washer for 10 mm Shaft Diameter Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing $1.08

Every piece looks stout so I'm hoping this will last. The adjustable handle can't strip out like the original one piece. The bearings are much higher quality also. Ken, Can you post that info here for others to see? I assume this is a common problem.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
I know this thread is a little old maybe the user is still on here I was wondering how this set up buying from McMaster went?

His last post was in July of 2010 but he does accept emails maybe you should send him one if you want the answer
 

Adles

Rookie
I'm going to resurrect this thread...

I had the stripped thread issue on my Flex 940, so I bought exactly what was suggested here. I did have to drill out the base a little to fit the 3/8" instead of 8mm, and I also got a pair of 3/8" ID fender washers from Loews just because I thought it needed them.

But, it all works great!! Easier to tighten because of the thrust bearing and smoother too. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I think there is less drawback as well. Thanks TT forums!

I jumped the gun and swung by mcmaster to get the following:

2 Each 94750A582 Black-Oxide Steel Full-Thread T-Slot Nut 3/8"-16 Thread Size, for 1/2" Slot Width $2.43
2 Each 6271K29 Die Cast Zinc Adjustable Handle 3/8"-16 Thread X 2-3/8" L Stud, 2-9/16" L Handle $8.56
2 Each 5909K11 Cage Assembly for 10 mm Shaft Diameter, 24mm OD Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing $3.17
4 Each 5909K71 1 mm Thick Washer for 10 mm Shaft Diameter Steel Thrust Needle-Roller Bearing $1.08

Every piece looks stout so I'm hoping this will last. The adjustable handle can't strip out like the original one piece. The bearings are much higher quality also. Ken, Can you post that info here for others to see? I assume this is a common problem.
 

MrRandom247

Semi-Pro
You guys are magic.
Good idea as a backup.
My central locking clamp is shot, stripped, parts missing.
I have 9mm base slot width.
8mm seems like the right width.
I'll see how I go.
 

MrRandom247

Semi-Pro
Epsilon machine is stainless steel nut free.
All new parts are stainless steel.
1 x M8 50mm bolt (hardware store)
1 x M8 wing nut (hardware store) but then replaced with:
1 x M8 nylon handle Grand Soliel brand (local junkyard) - gets more locking torsion than wing nut

All washers as per original layout.
Works very well for loose change.
Have spare parts for future.
No lubrication yet - can add lithium white spray to thread?
Here are some pics:
IMG_2645_zpsboobsj1v.jpg


IMG_2647_zpskvs70ejq.jpg
 
I just bought these items from McMaster as my threads on the bolt was wearing out too. I am hoping I do not need to drill the base, and if you did was it with a drill gun

I'm going to resurrect this thread...

I had the stripped thread issue on my Flex 940, so I bought exactly what was suggested here. I did have to drill out the base a little to fit the 3/8" instead of 8mm, and I also got a pair of 3/8" ID fender washers from Loews just because I thought it needed them.

But, it all works great!! Easier to tighten because of the thrust bearing and smoother too. Maybe I'm imagining it, but I think there is less drawback as well. Thanks TT forums!
 
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