flex heads breaking from repeated flexing?

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i've got a flex head tig torch 26fx size and just wondering if people have broken these things from repeated flexing?I always assumed that there was a coiled spring aroudn the neck and inside the spring there was the argon and power line. However partially disassembling mine reveals there is just a coil of metal which must obviously carry both the electricity and be hollow inside to carry the argon. seems like repeatedly bending a hollow tube like that will cause it to fail. I have little reason to flex my torch anyways, 99% of the work we do is on a welding table clamped down horizontally.
Reply:Mine tore on my masterweld, but torch heads are cheap so I bend the crap out of them.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Hello AluminumWelder, unfortunately the term "flex-head" doesn't guarantee that it will continue to allow for repositioning. It is likely annealed copper which will work-harden after repeated repositioning and flexing, hence, breakage ensues. I would just about bet the farm that they(the manufacturer) will infer that the torch is designed to be bent for a particular application but not truly designed for infinite and repeated repositioning. If your work requires that sort of repeated repositioning of the head you may wish to look at some of the torches that have a head that can be unlocked with knob and rotated into position and then tightened down to hold that position. They are obviously bulkier than a flex-head but are much less prone to breakage. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:I've posted a pic before but here you go, this is a 20 series but you get the ideaYes they can break over time as it's just twisted copper. They are only meant to be flexed a little (i think 20*? but I could be wrong)There is also a misconception they are not flex heads, they are flex necks. You bend the head and not the neck you can expect it to break pretty easy.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:good to know. just checked ebay the heads only are $12, pretty cheap if I do manage to break one. Might buy a head on ebay as a spare just in case.I've been dipping my torch in a wet sponge too cool it off the thermal shock probably wont' help the longevity either.
Reply:No, but in theory the dipping will anneal the copper and aid with the prevention of breakage, you just didn't hear me recommend that. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:This was in the box with the CK flex head that I boughtAHP AlphaTig 200x 3rd gen.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP