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?
Members are discussing how to fix a stiffened stethoscope, with suggestions ranging from using WD40 or silicone-based lubricants to dismantling the bell for lubrication. Some members recommend sending the stethoscope back to the manufacturer for refurbishment, while others suggest using vegetable oil for lubrication. Overall, the consensus is to avoid leaving harsh solvents like WD40 on the stethoscope and to clean off any excess lubricant after fixing the issue.
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.
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. =)
HealthShepherd
183 Posts
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