Lower shaft twisting

[Hotrod65]

The lower shaft has started to twist, I took it apart and the issue appears to be the enlarging of the button hole to the point the button pops right through. The cam lock is as tight as I can get it but there is a lot of play. I will be questioning Minelab if this is a warranty issue hope they don't say this is wear and tear as I have only had the detector a short time and at this rate will be going through several lower shafts a season. The wobble is also causing the button hole in the aluminum middle shaft to get larger. I attached some photos. Are there better options rather than having the same issue every few months?

 

[jas415]

Looks like a lot of pressure being put on that area. I know I catch myself using it as a brace when I dig a plug.

 

[Hotrod65]

Nope only used beach (not submerged) and one time in a park, never resting on it or bearing any weight. To me it looks like the slight shaft wobble was enough play to eventually work it into a bigger hole. I kept cranking on the locking collar but that did not stop the issue.

 

[dewcon4414]

Get an Andersons shaft. They use a double button with holes tha doesnt allow the shaft that movement. In the water you put far more torque on every thing. ... from cuff to coil. It really takes a tole on the locks. With the sand and water as a lubricant it wears those locks. I recommend using the ML shaft as a travel or back up shaft. Even the Andersons 3 piece shafts stresses they arent for daily use.

 

[Hotrod65]

I see some aftermarket carbon fiber shafts by ( Edit) and Anderson, anyone have feedback on how they compare? Plugger appears to be a little less expensive, appears to have much better designed locks than the stock twist cam locks.

 

[lytle78]

Another example of the consequences of the torque induced on the shaft by every swing reversal. This is a result of the straight shaft design. I have a suspicion that their mechanical design is not done in-house. There is a reason why aftermarket straight shafts are designed differently - they have to cope with this torque on swing reversal, especially in water.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

Other folks have reported a wobble in the shaft. Minelab has taken care of them.

Contact Minelab USA. They will help you, issue an RMA and tell you where to ship the machine for repair.


Minelab Americas
123 Ambassador Drive, Suite 123
Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Service Centre: 1-877-SOS-MLAB (1-877-767-6522)
E: service@minelabamericas.com

 

[u2robert]

How hard are you swinging the detector it looks like for that amount of damage you must be whipping the detector?

 

[brissietex]

I can see this happening if you are wading or swinging the rod in the shallows. I have noted something of a rod twist/bending on the Equinox and with other detectors in the past when I an swinging against incoming and outgoing water surges close to the low tide lines.

 

[Always Curious]

Yikes, I hope mine doesn't do that. So far, seems fine, and I don't baby it (but no water).

Weight is an issue, of course, but perhaps Minelab should start using a thicker or stronger grade of metal for the shaft.

 

[u2robert]

The whole idea that you need a after market shaft (100.00+) for a new detector is kind of crazy to me, I could buy a new set of headphones or a pinpointer. call Minelab they will take care of it and I do not believe you have to send the detector in. just the middle shaft section.

 

[Hotrod65]

LOL, normal swing speed not "whipping" it around. But most of the use is in 2" to 6" of water which is moving in and out with the waves. When you think of how many times you switch direction in an hour of detecting any small play will cause wear on the material. I contacted Minelab and they are shipping me a new lower rod, they are out of stock on the middle section however they put me on a list when they get more in. My concern is the same thing will happen again as the design is the problem. There should be dual adjustment holes and a double pin and the locking collar needs to be tighter to stop the slippage. Although I have never seen one in person it appears the aftermarket versions have improved on this aspect.

 

[hunt2day]

For those who have gone the Plugger carbon fiber route do you like the one piece or the two piece travel rod ?

 

[juit]

But why buy an anderson shaft if this minelab responsability? Anyone has done a 2 hole mod?

 

[Hotrod65]

I still have not received the lower shaft from Minelab, certainly taking longer to get than I had hoped. Anyway once I do receive the new parts I am going to take the old one and drill a new set of holes and a second set of holes in the middle shaft and use a quick release pin in place of the button, will see if that helps any. The cam locks are another weak link and it just seems like you can't get and keep them tight enough. I ride bikes with carbon fiber frames and struggle with the seat post slipping in much the same manner as these cam locks, so the bike industry uses a special paste that is gritty for use when clamping carbon fiber, I am going to try a coat of that paste to see if it grips better. Another email going to Minelab asking when I will get the lower rod, getting tired of the Gorilla tape look.

 

[Hotrod65]

Well I learned today that Minelab requires the lower shaft be shipped to them with UPS tracking # before they will send out the new one to me.....So much for experimenting with the failed one on ways to improve the connection to the middle shaft.

 

[juit]

Even if you send the serial number?

 

[u2robert]

It's not the lower shaft that is causing the wobble it's the middle shaft and yes Minelab had me send it in by UPS they sent me a RMA# and they will send new middle once they receive the old one. I broke down and bought a New Anderson Carbon Fiber shaft for the Equinox at Kellyco on Tuesday the transfer of parts was easy the problem now is after assembly the shaft is to long I have the lower rod set at the very last hole on the upper rod and the coil is 2' of my right foot I'm of Average height (5' 10") and I can't adjust the shaft any smaller I paid 149.00 for this shaft and it's like it was made for someone 61/2 feet I will call Anderson in the morning?

 

[RavRad]

Should have gone with the other popular CF shaft maker, $50 cheaper and they customize it based on your measurements.

 

[JBM1]

All I can say from what iam reading its disgusting.

Iam so pleased that I did not order one and I was one of the detectorists at its launch during the Detectival 2017 rally in the UK..