Whether it is in residential situations or commercial buildings blocked drains can be highly problematic. Consequently, when cleaning and/or unblocking a drain, installers need a quick and efficient solution that leaves the pipes clean and free flowing.
All FlexShaft machines utilise a flexible shaft that can not only bend, but also still rotates. The company says that the fact it rotates within an outer sheath makes it also safer and cleaner during operation, as the hands don’t touch rotating cables and debris isn’t thrown around while doing a clean-out.
Additionally, because the cable rotates within the sheath, FlexShaft machines also enable the simultaneous use of a camera while performing the drain/pipe cleaning job which can prove to be a true time-saver.
Portability
One of the primary advantages of the two small FlexShaft machines is portability. The K9-102 weighs about 11 kg, while K9-204 weighs 17 kg. FlexShaft machines are powered by a widely used 18-volt battery-powered drills, so there’s no need to deal with power cords. Plus, all machines come with two chain knockers that expand as they rotate to clean the entire circumference of a pipe.
The latest addition to the FlexShaft range is the K9-306 featuring 38m of 10mm cable. It’s less playing in the portability field, but more playing in the power field – the machine weighs around 72kg.
Accessories
The benefits of using a chain knocker in the cleaning process is that the chains expand due to the high-speed rotation and centrifugal force, allowing grease and sludge to be hit off the walls of the pipe, rather than poking a hole in the blockage.
The selection of the correct tool for the blockage remains crucial for success. RIDGID has a wide range of chain knockers and brushes suitable for different types of blockages and different types of pipe material.
A chain knocker with smooth chains can be used for soft blockages, such as grease and soap. A chain knocker with carbide tipped chains is much more aggressive and can be used for tougher blockages such as limescale and uric scale build-ups. Also, light roots can be tackled best with these type of chain knockers. However, as their action is much more aggressive the company recommends users to be very careful while using these chain knocker types in softer pipe materials, such as PVC.
FlexShaft can also be combined with brush add-ons. These brushes, both nylon or nylon/steel, can be used as a cleaning action after a chain knocker cycle or simply as a cleaning tool in the more fragile pipe types.
