How to Replace a Tanner Flex Top: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 13/05/2025

Tanner flex tops, those crucial components of your tanning bed, are vital for ensuring even and effective tanning. Over time, wear and tear, or even accidental damage, can necessitate their replacement. A worn-out or damaged flex top can lead to inconsistent tanning results, potential skin damage, and even compromise the overall lifespan of your tanning equipment. Knowing how to replace one efficiently is therefore a valuable skill for anyone owning or maintaining a tanning bed. This is especially true considering the often-high cost of professional repairs.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process for replacing your tanning bed's flex top, empowering you to tackle this maintenance task with confidence and save money. Let's dive into the detailed instructions and learn how to restore your tanning bed to peak performance, ensuring safe and effective tanning sessions for years to come.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Tanner flex top replacement
  • Clean cloth
  • Adhesive strip
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect the power supply to the tanning bed before starting any repair work. Failure to do so could result in serious electric shock.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, to prevent injury from sharp edges or exposure to dust and debris.
  • If you are unsure about any step of the process, consult a qualified tanning bed technician or refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Improper installation can damage the unit and void warranties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Remove Old Flex Top

    • Remove the old flex top by grabbing the small rubber tip, twisting it, and pulling upwards.

  2. Clean the Pipe

    • Wipe away any dirt or residue from the top of the metal pipe.
    Wipe away any dirt or residue from the top of the metal pipe.
    Clean the Pipe

  3. Prepare the Base

    • Unscrew the stem from the base and set the base aside.

  4. Insert New Flex Top and Adjust Friction

    • Insert the replacement flex top into the metal pipe. Check the friction by sliding it up and down. Adjust the screw at the base if necessary (one-quarter turn left to loosen, one-quarter turn right to tighten).
    Insert the replacement flex top into the metal pipe. Check the friction by sliding it up and down. Adjust the screw at the base if necessary (one-quarter turn left to loosen, one-quarter turn right to tighten).
    Insert New Flex Top and Adjust Friction

  5. Secure the Gray Ring

    • Slide the gray ring down into the metal pipe to form a lip.
    Slide the gray ring down into the metal pipe to form a lip.
    Secure the Gray Ring

  6. Apply Adhesive Strip

    • Apply the adhesive strip around the metal pipe and gray ring (halfway up the gray ring, but not covering the top).
    Apply the adhesive strip around the metal pipe and gray ring (halfway up the gray ring, but not covering the top).
    Apply Adhesive Strip

  7. Attach and Secure New Flex Top

    • Push the rubber tip over the gray ring and tape, using your hands and twisting in the same direction as adhesive application. Push and twist several times to get it flush.
    Push the rubber tip over the gray ring and tape, using your hands and twisting in the same direction as adhesive application. Push and twist several times to get it flush.
    Attach and Secure New Flex Top

  8. Final Adjustments

    • Tap the T against the table to assist in securing the flex top. Set the friction to your preferred tightness.
    Tap the T against the table to assist in securing the flex top. Set the friction to your preferred tightness.
    Final Adjustments

Read more: DIY Batting T-Stand: A Cost-Effective Guide

Tips

  • It is recommended to be seated at a desk or table for the installation.
  • If the friction becomes loose, tighten the screw inside the metal pipe with a Phillips screwdriver.
  • Allow your Tanner T to sit for 24 hours to complete the bonding application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Top Alignment

Reason: The new Tanner Flex top isn't properly aligned with the base or other components, leading to leaks or poor performance.
Solution: Carefully realign the top with the base, ensuring all connection points are secure and flush.

2. Over-tightening the Clamps or Fasteners

Reason: Excessive force can crack the Tanner Flex top or damage the underlying components.
Solution: Tighten clamps and fasteners firmly but avoid over-tightening; use a torque wrench if available.

3. Ignoring Damaged Seals or Gaskets

Reason: Using a damaged seal or gasket will result in leaks and compromised performance.
Solution: Replace any damaged seals or gaskets with new, compatible ones before installing the new top.

FAQs

What type of tools do I need to replace a tanning bed flex top?
You'll primarily need a screwdriver (likely Phillips head), possibly some pliers (depending on the fastening method), and potentially a small flathead screwdriver for prying if the old flex top is stuck. Always refer to your tanning bed's specific instruction manual for recommended tools.
Properly maintaining your batting tee is crucial for consistent practice. A worn-out Tanner Flex top can significantly impact your training, just as using a subpar tee can. If you're looking to upgrade your setup and ensure you're using a high-quality tee for optimal performance, check out our guide on five top-rated black baseball batting tees. This will help you choose a worthy replacement once you've completed this guide on replacing your Tanner Flex top.