Flex-light repair

[OCtoolguy]

I recently bought a used Delta bench top drill press that goes by the number DP300. It has an integral flexible light that protrudes from the left side of the drill head. Over the years, from usage, it has become what I would call "loose" for lack of a better description. Anybody who has a Dewalt scroll saw with the factory light will know what I mean. Anyway, I can't make the light stay where I need it anymore because of the weight of the light head and the fact that the flexible holder has worn out. My question is, have any of you more astute folks figured out a way to tighten that holder arm up? I've looked at it but I can't come up with a way to fix it. Other than maybe fill it full of epoxy and that would render it immovable. I'd sure appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

Edited December 3, 2020 by octoolguy

[Dan]

I'm not sure how to fix it but if you don't find a solution you may be able to use this... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nite-Ize-24-in-Bright-Gear-Tie-in-Orange-2-Pack-GT24-2PK-31/203597305

Just wrap this around the light's arm like a barber pole. They are flexible and hold a position pretty well. I use these to hold things like flashlights when I need a third hand. 

[OCtoolguy]

15 minutes ago, Dan said:

I'm not sure how to fix it but if you don't find a solution you may be able to use this... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nite-Ize-24-in-Bright-Gear-Tie-in-Orange-2-Pack-GT24-2PK-31/203597305

Just wrap this around the light's arm like a barber pole. They are flexible and hold a position pretty well. I use these to hold things like flashlights when I need a third hand. 

Thanks Dan, I've not seen those but I will check them out. I am one of those weird people who have to exhaust all possible avenues to repair something. I'll keep you updated on what I find.

 

[Karl S]

Use a piece of # 12 copper wire and tape it along the arm with black electrical tape, it will provide the stiffness that you need.

 

[Rockytime]

Plumber's Teflon tape for temporary fix.

[dgman]

Hey Ray. I assume the light is directly attached to the side of the head? The light conduit will be threaded and inserted into the hole in the head. There will be a lock nut on the inside of the head. The trick will be getting to that nut so you can tighten it. I don’t know what that trick Is though. I’m sure you will be able to figure out!

[OCtoolguy]

13 hours ago, dgman said:

Hey Ray. I assume the light is directly attached to the side of the head? The light conduit will be threaded and inserted into the hole in the head. There will be a lock nut on the inside of the head. The trick will be getting to that nut so you can tighten it. I don’t know what that trick Is though. I’m sure you will be able to figure out!

Dan I'm not sure we are talking about the same thing. It's not loose on the mount. It's the flex neck that has lost its grip. I'm thinking of gently crushing a few sections to increase the friction. If that doesn't work I might try replacing it with some LocLine. 

Edited December 3, 2020 by octoolguy

[kywoodmaster]

Try some heat shrink tube. It should contract into the joints enough to tighten them up.

[rustynail]

If you have to replace I used one of the sewing machine lights for about $10.00 with a magnetic base that someone recamended on here for my Pegas saw and it works great.

 

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, rustynail said:

If you have to replace I used one of the sewing machine lights for about $10.00 with a magnetic base that someone recamended on here for my Pegas saw and it works great.

 

Thanks, that will probably have to be what I do if I can't figure out a way to tighten this gooseneck up. There has to be a way. Maybe a little light tapping with a center punch will help. I'll try to save this thing if I can.