How to Remove Friction Rings from a Flex Shaft

If your flex shaft is damaged and needs fixing, don’t worry—it’s a simple task. This quick guide will show you how to remove the friction ring (also called the sleeve bearing) from your flex shaft. By doing so, you can shorten the sleeve and get back to work quickly with minimal downtime.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cut Off the Damaged Section
Begin by cutting away the damaged portion of your flex shaft. Use an angle grinder to make a clean, straight cut at a 90-degree angle.
Pro tip: Avoid welding the shaft, as it’s unnecessary and can make the repair more complicated.

2. Remove the Compression Spring and Shaft Lock
Next, take off the compression spring and the shaft lock. These parts should come off easily by hand or with simple tools.

3. Unscrew the Friction Ring (Sleeve Bearing)
Locate the friction ring at the end of the sleeve. There’s usually a small section where you can get a firm grip.
If needed, use pliers to hold it securely, then twist to unscrew the friction ring from the sleeve.

4. Shorten the Sleeve
With the friction ring removed, trim the sleeve to your desired length.

5. Reassemble the Shaft
After cutting, screw the friction ring back into place, then reattach the shaft lock and compression spring.

6. Done!
Your flex shaft is now repaired and ready for use again.

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Final Notes

Removing the friction ring to repair a flex shaft is a quick, easy process that doesn’t require welding or special tools. With just a few basic tools, you can extend your shaft’s life and save both time and money.

If you want to watch this process step-by-step, check out the video we made here.