Retractable dog leashes allow your dog the freedom to roam further while still staying attached to you. You can quickly reel in the dog to keep him out of harm's way. Flexi retractable dog leashes are rated for various sizes of dogs. Be sure to choose the correct size for your dog. Your Flexi retractable dog leash should work smoothly for years, but occasionally something happens to inhibit the retracting mechanism. Usually this is a sign that dirt or dog hair has fouled the leash mechanism. If you clear the blockage, the leash should work again.

  • Retractable dog leashes allow your dog the freedom to roam further while still staying attached to you.
  • Your Flexi retractable dog leash should work smoothly for years, but occasionally something happens to inhibit the retracting mechanism.

Reel the leash in completely. Turn the leash over so that the side without the Flexi logo is facing up. Locate the two recessed screws just below the handle on either side. Use the small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew these screws. Set the screws aside in a safe place.

  • Reel the leash in completely.
  • Turn the leash over so that the side without the Flexi logo is facing up.

Pry apart the two halves of the leash. You may need to insert a flat blade screw driver into the gap between the two halves and wiggle it back and forth a few times before the leash housing will come apart. Remove the top half (the part that doesn't contain the retractable mechanism) and set aside.

Examine the leash and the reel around which it is wound. Check for the following problems: a twist in the leash, which will cause the leash to rewind improperly; a clump of dog hair clogging the mechanism; or dirt clogging the mechanism.

Tug on the end of the leash and very slowly unroll just enough to address the problem. Remove the dirt or the clot of dog hair or straighten the twisted section of leash. Do not unroll the leash completely, and be sure to retain hold of the free end of the leash at all times. The retracting mechanism works by means of a powerful spring and it could lash back at you.

  • Examine the leash and the reel around which it is wound.
  • Tug on the end of the leash and very slowly unroll just enough to address the problem.

Replace the cover on the leash and reinsert the screw and tighten. Your leash should unreel and retract smoothly.

TIP

The screwdriver that comes in an eyeglass repair kit works well for this.

WARNING

Opening the housing on the leash will void the limited warranty.