Watkins Swivel Problems

[Eighty-Eight]

Something’s going on with my Watkins all-steel ball hook swivel, which I purchased in October of 2009. The bottom of the U-shaped hook that hangs from the ball seems to be wearing out. The same thing is happening to the U-shaped portion of the hook from which the bag hangs. As a matter of fact, this morning I noticed that the bag hook is starting to open up. I can see that eventually it will break. Is this kind of wear normal? Have any of you had to replace hooks?

I’ve been bagging about an hour a day since October 2009. I’m not at all into power hitting. Those of you who saw my speed bag with metronome video can see what and how I’ve been practicing. What do I do now? From what I’ve been reading on the forum, I’m pretty sure the answer is not “call Fitness Equipment.”

See pictures.

[Biff]

Jack, I think that is pretty common wear for the Watkins swivel. The metal used is not of the highest quality. I know mine was wearing away as well,, although not as badly as yours. I have since placed the Watkins ball with the Everlast eye/-hook into an Everalst plastic housing. That seems to be working well for me.

[Tim]

As a matter of fact, this morning I noticed that the bag hook is starting to open up. I can see that eventually it will break. Is this kind of wear normal? Have any of you had to replace hooks?

Wow - I can't say whether or not that is normal for the Watkins, as I don't have one, but I sure know that isn't a GOOD thing! That hook is ready to die!

I’ve been bagging about an hour a day since October 2009. I’m not at all into power hitting. Those of you who saw my speed bag with metronome video can see what and how I’ve been practicing. What do I do now?

Operator3 is trying to put together a group buy of custom made swivels. That might be your best bet if you want metal.

From what I’ve been reading on the forum, I’m pretty sure the answer is not “call Fitness Equipment.”

See pictures.

hehe, I think I'm going to take them off the Vendor Links post. The feedback is overwhelming

[Mrs Mitts]

CRIKEY Eighty-Eight, that is pretty scary in just a few months!

Thanks for posting this though, it's REALLY helpful to get feedback about stuff like this from forum members. I only joined recently, and this is the second thing I'm now NOT going to buy!!

However, I have just ordered a metronome.......

[Biff]

I feel as if I must add something at this point. I have been pretty vocal about the poor customer service from Fitness-Equipment over the last few months. And I stand by my opinion.

However, I have not had any issues with their equipment. I had purchased a Watkins swivel about 1 - 1/2 years ago. I was very happy with it. It did show some wear on both the eye-bolt and S-hook, but not as bad as 88's.

I wanted something a bit quieter, so I removed the Watkins ball and attached the Everlast eye bolt/S-hook to it and placed them in an Everlast plastic housing. I am very happy with that outcome.

Just my $0.02.

[Eighty-Eight]

Operator3 is trying to put together a group buy of custom made swivels. That might be your best bet if you want metal.

Tim, sounds like a good idea. I read O3's entire thread. The problem for me is that he's not sure if the ball he's designing (slightly larger) will be usable with the Watkins Swivel housing. At this point, I don't think I'd like to take that chance for $16.00 + shipping + Pay Pal fee. I went to Home Depot and got some S-hooks, pried one end open a little more to accommodate the bag loop, and then hammered the other end for a tighter fit on the ball hook. I've hit with this setup a little and didn't seem to have any problems so far. Time will tell. This is not a permanent setup. I ordered 2 Everlast plastic ball hook swivels online for $13.50 each, no shipping. Several forum members have given them thumbs up. I hope the holes in the Watkins vs. Everlast bases match up.

[TJ_MaTee]

Hey 88, I just changed my swivel over from the Watkins all metal, to an Everlast plastic housing with a steel ball from a Watkins (minus the long hook). It's "very" smooth, quicker and much quieter. I also like the feel of the shorter hook (from the plastic ball that came from the everlast). I'll take pics of my Watkins, the hook(s) look very similar
to the wear on your swivel. Looks like a cheap/soft metal was used. Yours looked very worn for the amount of time you used it. It was more worn than mine.
Anyway, you might give the everlast plastic housing a try if you can find a metal ball (use the one from your watkins). You won't have to worry about metal shavings either.

[Eighty-Eight]

TJ,
Pictures would be great if you get the time. Did you have to drill new holes in the platform for the Everlast plastic base or did you use the existing ones?

[TJ_MaTee]

TJ,
Pictures would be great if you get the time. Did you have to drill new holes in the platform for the Everlast plastic base or did you use the existing ones?

No, the holes were the same, made the transition easy!