Flexible shaft 8mm x 23m with connection for Milwaukee M18 HSFSM

This flexible shaft is an alternative version for the Milwaukee M18 FUEL high-speed flexible shaft machine. It comprises the shaft itself, a protective sleeve and the M18 adapter already crimped in place.

Properties

The shaft is 23m long and has a diameter of 8mm (5/16"). It is our second most flexible shaft and navigates multiple bends easily. As a lightweight shaft it suits soft blockages such as grease. We recommend pairing it with lightweight chains.

Why a spare adapter makes sense

The adapter is crimped onto the shaft. Crimped connections are more likely to fail at the crimp point than set-screw connections: with a set-screw connection you cut off the damaged section and refit the adapter with an Allen key. With a crimped connection you need a new adapter and a crimping tool.

Keeping a spare adapter in the van is therefore worthwhile – it saves downtime on site.

Technical data

• Total length: 23m
• Shaft diameter: 8mm (5/16")
• Scope of delivery: flexible shaft, sleeve, crimped M18 adapter
• Connection: crimped (a hydraulic press is required to replace it)
• Use: drain cleaning and blockage removal

Lubrication before first use

Transport regulations do not allow us to ship products that might be considered flammable, so the shafts are delivered without lubricant inside the sleeve.

Lubricate the shaft before first use and check the lubrication every few weeks afterwards. This keeps the shaft performing well over longer distances. Use machine oil, paraffin oil or compressor oil.

After your purchase we will send you videos showing how to lubricate and use the shaft.

How the shaft is built

Our shafts are made from spring-grade steel wire wound in several layers around a single mandrel, each layer applied at an opposing pitch angle. This construction lets the shaft transmit equal torque in both directions of rotation. Properties such as flexibility, torsional stiffness and power transmission follow from the choice and balance of wire type, number of wires, diameter and annealing temperature.

Shaft lengths are stated as minimum lengths. We supply them slightly longer so that you can attach tools of different sizes to the shaft.

Shaft shrinkage

During manufacture the shafts are wound straight, then rolled onto large-diameter spools and later cut into pieces. The ends may therefore shrink slightly during first use, usually more noticeably on the machine side. This is normal: the shaft is being subjected to the stresses of multiple bends and torque for the first time. Once the inner strands have settled, the shrinkage stops. It usually affects around 75mm at each end.

Cut off the shrunken section with an angle grinder and reconnect your tool and the machine. Do not weld the ends. Spring-grade steel is tempered at a specific temperature and cooled at a specific rate so that it keeps its spring properties; welding changes that state.

Important notice

This is not an original Milwaukee shaft, and we do not sell brand-name spare parts. The shaft is offered as an alternative version for your existing machine.

When working with the flexible shaft, observe the safety information for your machine. This product is intended for use by trained professionals in drain and sewer cleaning. If you would like an introduction, get in touch with us.