Flex cable sizing

[T.S.Davis]

Has anyone checked even?

I never used to check but I had one that kept clipping so I measured. Happened while ago. Turned out it was under sized.

So fast forward and I checked two in a row and they didn't measure .187 on the cable. They were .181 and .182. Is this common?

Just wondered if anyone else has stumbled into this.

[CraigP]

I've seen a pretty wide range, from 0.180" to 0.185". I have noticed that older cables seem to take a set with the twist, meaning they get smaller. Keeping my eye on that, it might be a symptom of early cable fatigue.

[T.S.Davis]

The one I checked this week I took out of the bag and threw a dial on it. .182. I don't know. Maybe they've always been that way and I never knew.

[CraigP]

That's why on my new hydro I opted to use the SS tubing, because of the additional wall thickness. It's a 0.028" wall that makes about 0.006-0.008" clearance on each side, or 0.012-0.016" diametric clearance. That is working much better, and I've noticed a huge drop in the noise of the drive line. I made a custom bushing for the strut that solves some problems I had and I'm very happy with the setup now! Someone was talking about bushings the other day and I posted pics of that on that post..

[CraigP]

I really think the shafts are shrinking with use....

[MadProps]

I have several new shafts that are under sized & has been confusing me on what to order as replacements since what I have doesnt match whats up for sale

[ray schrauwen]

Miss Hughey cables.

[Doug Smock]

Miss Hughey cables.

Rumor has it they will resurface...

[T.S.Davis]

Wonder if that guy needs a partner Doug........hmmmm

I was less worried about the stuffing tube and more worried about the collet. I had one that I could never get to hold. Even with solder on the end. We spun one out of an MPB collet on Ty's Q sport. Didn't lose anything that time. Checked the dia and figure, well there's the problem. Got another pair and found both to be a tic under. I don't know. Maybe we didn't crank it down enough.

[rol243]

Hughey made the best flex shafts thats for sure. as far as the under sized shafts go , what i think you will find is maybe its Imperial versus Metric.

[trigger]

LOL

[MadProps]

Hughey made the best flex shafts thats for sure. as far as the under sized shafts go , what i think you will find is maybe its Imperial versus Metric.

I dont have issues reading calipers, the flex shafts Im measuring are slightly under

[rol243]

yes what i am saying is if you buy a shaft from the states its most likely an Imperial Measurement size but if this shaft came from china or another country that uses Metric Measurements , its more than likely that the shafts are either metric or imperial which are different in sizes , you need 2 x vernier calipers to measure [ metric and imperial.] i had alot of issues some time ago with my gas powered hydros where i was using a u.s. made [ cc racing ] drive collet but the flex shaft came from chine and the problem was constant slippage until i did the measure and purchased an imperial flex shaft to match the imperial collet.

[ray schrauwen]

I really don't care for the few 3/16" Chinese cables I have. I think I've killed a few cheap collets with those.

The recent cable I got from Steve looks nice but haven't tried it yet. He says their made in USA, good for me, Hughey better.

Nice to hear they are coming back possibly.

Again, kicking myself at a lost opportunity when he offered to give me all the details to do them back in 2005.

If I had taken the info, I'd have a nice business right now....

I'd take that training now.

[rol243]

atleast Aeromarine are still producing well made flex shafts.