Can't rotate my steth head - advice?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello all. After a couple of weeks not working, I find that my stethoscope has stiffened up and I can't rotate it to use the bell. If I try applying all of my strength to it, the rubber tubing starts to rotate around the bar, rather than the head starting to rotate.

Has anyone solved this problem before? Is it safe to try spraying a lubricant into it? Or using pliers to hold the bar firmly without holding the rubber tubing? Do I need a new steth?

Thanks, Rhymeswithlibrarian

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Tubeable bell is the way to go.

But if you wish to fix use some WD40 to break the seal. Dismantle your bell and use some type lubricant, I prefer graphite.

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Specializes in NICU.

I was about to suggest WD40. Incidentally, WD40 is amazing at getting rid of sticker residue off of the stethoscope tubing...

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Forgot to mention do not leave WD40 on the stethoscope or use it as a primary lubricant. You must clean it off your stethoscope.

WD40 is a solvent, as indicated above by its amazing cleaning power. Your tubing and the rubber seals will be toast if you leave it on.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Rather than WD40, I'd suggest a silicone-based lubricant... much less harsh.

If you do use WD40, Break Free, or something similar, I would (a) remove the tubing, (b) remove the diaphragm, and © use an applicator (Q-tip) to put it on rather than spraying it.

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Specializes in OR, peds, PALS, ICU, camp, school.

If it's Littmann, I think you can send it back for refurb... you can even have tubing replaced for an extra fee (but cheaper than buying new!!)

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

I've had a similar experience. The head is held in place by a single ball bearing rolling in a groove. If the head gets pushed ro pulled forcable, the ball jams the head. Loking inside the hole in the head to the hole in the tubing connector showed the didn't line up. A hard push fixed everything. As xingthe BBB mentioned, Litman is awesome in repairing their products, even out of warranty.

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JUST GET A NEW ONE

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Specializes in good at building stuff.

SOLVED: Hey all, my partner had the same problem - was simply a matter of lubrication as some had guessed - but I think WD40 & Silicon based Lubricants (like PB Blaster) bring the stank - not what you want in peds.

I used generic *** vegetable oil; Remove the diaphragms, dip a q-tip in, dab it into the openings at the center of both bells, and then around where the base of the brass connector & bell housings meet. Then, gripping the bell housings in one hand and the brass connector tight as possible, attempt to rotate back and forth, back and forth. Within 30 seconds of working this my partners was back to full rotation, with nice smooth detent engagements. I took a dish towel and wiped away any excess oil, and that puppy D-U-N. =)

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