Why are two shorter flex shafts better than one long shaft?

Introduction

Many clients assume that choosing the longest shaft available is always the best option. However, we recommend considering the benefits of using two shorter flex shafts instead of one long one. In this article, we will explain why two shorter shafts can be a more practical choice for most situations.

Advantages of having two shorter shafts:

1. Convenience

One key advantage is convenience. For most jobs, a long shaft is not necessary. Using two shorter shafts means you’ll have less weight to carry, making it easier to transport your equipment to higher floors in a building or farther from your vehicle.

Additionally, with shorter shafts, there is less to clean after most jobs, making them more efficient to maintain.

2. Location of blockages in pipes

Statistically, most blockages occur within 20 meters of the access point. This is in line with Hagen–Poiseuille’s law, which explains how viscosity in fluids causes a pressure drop, ultimately reducing flow.

Since most cleanouts are positioned around 25 meters apart, and blockages are typically found closer to the access point, extremely long shafts are often unnecessary.

3. Backup shaft

If a long shaft gets kinked while working, you’ll need to repair it on the spot or carry a replacement shaft in your vehicle. Finding a replacement shaft immediately can be challenging.

With two shorter shafts, if one becomes damaged, you can easily swap it out. There’s no need for repairs; simply retrieve the second shaft from your vehicle and continue working.

4. Torque Efficiency

A longer shaft requires more torque to operate because energy loss occurs due to friction between the shaft and sleeve. This loss happens even with proper lubrication. Longer shafts are also heavier and harder to push through pipes.

In contrast, two shorter shafts require less torque. When you use a thicker shaft at the drill end and a thinner one at the tool end, the thicker shaft transmits more torque to the thinner shaft, making it more efficient for longer distances. This setup improves the effectiveness of the chain without compromising flexibility.

Simple and secure connection

Connecting two shafts is made effortless with our shaft-to-shaft connector. When you need extra length, simply use this connector to join your secondary shaft, enabling you to reach further into the sewer pipe. This versatile connector not only allows you to link two shafts together, but also provides the flexibility to combine shafts of different sizes. As mentioned earlier, if you encounter a section of pipe that requires a more flexible shaft, you can attach the thicker shaft to your drill end and the thinner one to the tool end.

While some may worry that the connection could break and result in losing the flex shaft down the drain, rest assured that if your set screws are tightened securely, the likelihood of this happening is very low. To ensure proper assembly, we’ve created a short video demonstrating how to correctly connect your two flexible shafts.

If the set screws are not properly tightened and the connection is lost, our grabber tool can help retrieve the shaft. You can find more details about this tool here.

Conclusion

We strongly recommend using two shorter flex shafts rather than one long shaft. This approach delivers more torque to the tool end, reduces the weight you need to carry, and provides flexibility if needed.

Additionally, if a shaft gets damaged, you can quickly swap it for the other one from your vehicle and continue your work without any interruptions.

Connecting two flexible shafts is easy using our shaft-to-shaft connector, as long as the set screws are tightened securely.

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