This kit will not replace your high pressure water jet for the removal of sand deposits, but if you need to grind up tree roots, or descale the entire inner circumference of a pipe, then this tool is a game changer.
It will obliterate solid blockages that your high pressure jetting machine struggles with. Root intrusion, cement, and even heavy scale can be ground up into manageable chunks which flow away easily and prevent further blockage somewhere down the line.
The kit is not suitable for PVC because the chains have aggressive metal alloy tips fused to the cutting edge. It is more suitable for pipes made from cement, vitrified clay, cast iron, metal and similar hard materials.
The X-tip chains that come with this kit are our most aggressive chains. They have a crown drill head which has a 25mm (1”) opening diameter, meant for cutting in a forward direction. They have X shaped “teeth” that rasp away whatever they come in contact with.
If you are in the pipe rehabilitation trade, you will be familiar with the challenges of extracting a failed liner. This kit will grind up a failed liner faster than chemical softeners can, but we recommend complementing this tool with our Croco Bore for reinstatement tasks.
The kit consists of:
Toilets
Most clients report that they use this kit on day-to-day toilet blockages because the shaft is covered with a chemical and heat resistant sleeve which prevents damage to porcelain, so there is no need to remove a toilet pan in order to reach a soft blockage in the toilet waste line in close proximity to the toilet.
Lightweight and compact
The tools are lightweight and compact, so you won't find yourself lugging a heavy machine to get to your work area. They can be transported in an elevator and give more options when dealing with blockages in high rise buildings. (You need not be concerned that you might flood someone's apartment.)
Setting up is quick and easy because you only need to attach it to your drill, and you are ready to go.
Downscaling
blockage removal, Besides this tool has the added advantage of descaling pipes, so you can remove lime scale build up faster and more effectively than trying to break it up with a jetting machine. This way, you will not find large broken up chunks of scale that have blocked the pipe further down the line.
Facts to consider
More experienced users are using a sewer cleaning camera at the same time to see what they are doing in real time because the sleeve that covers the shaft will prevent damage to the camera cable.
The sleeve is heat and chemical resistant, and protects your hands whilst handling the shaft.
This makes it safe to use in a confined space with limited access.
The shaft sleeve has friction rings to protect the ends from wear. The friction rings on each end prevent dirt from building up between the shaft and the sleeve, as this would reduce the efficiency and longevity of the tool.
Each tool is made up of three individual chains which use centrifugal force to center the tool inside the pipe. This ensures that the entire inner diameter of the pipe is cleaned in the process.
The chains are adjustable, so it is possible to clean a wider range of pipe diameters with the same chain. To do this, you only need to increase, or decrease the space between the hubs that secure the chain to the shaft.
The chains are made from stainless steel to prevent oxidation, and are fastened to the shaft with hex screws.
Connecting your shaft with hex screws has a big advantage in that you can repair a kinked shaft quickly and easily, since you can slice off the kinked section of shaft with an angle grinder, and reconnect your shaft within minutes as opposed to replacing the whole shaft .
Before you order the longest length possible, consider this:
Most experienced users order the kit with a short shaft for everyday use; and a second shaft and connector in the van. The advantage to this is that on a day-to-day basis, you can carry around less shaft with you into your workspace. If you need extra length you can fetch your secondary shaft from your vehicle and connect it to the one you are working with.
Another advantage to having two separate shafts, is that should you accidentally kink the one you are working with, then you have a backup available immediately. No need to find your grinder to cut off the kinked section of the shaft before you can continue working.
Which shaft thickness should you choose?
The thickness of the shaft depends on the amount of bends that you would like to pass through. The more bends you need to get through, the thinner the shaft should be. However, the thinner the shaft is, the less torque the shaft delivers.
The 6mm (1/4") flexible shaft is most suitable for 50 mm (2") pipes and can manage to get through multiple bends, but has limited torque, so it is more suitable for blockage removal than descaling. (The 6mm will descale a pipe, but it would take longer to achieve results.)
The 8mm (5/16”) flexible shaft is our second most flexible shaft. It has the ability to pass through multiple bends, and has more torque than the 6mm (¼). This shaft is most suitable for pipes with a diameter of 75mm (3”) to 100mm (4”), and will work with blockage removal chains as well as descaling chains.
The 10mm (3/8") flexible shaft is less flexible than the 8mm (5/16) shaft, and yet more flexible than the 12mm (½”). This shaft will navigate through fewer bends than the 8mm (5/16) shaft, but will offer the user similar torque to the 12mm (1/2"). This shaft is suitable for pipes ranging from 75mm (3”) to 150mm (6”).
The 12mm (½”) flexible shaft is our most rigid shaft. This shaft is popular for failed liner removal since it offers the highest torque ratio. The shaft is perfect for descaling and blockage removal of lines ranging from 100mm (4”) to 250mm (10”)
Shaft shrinkage
When we manufacture the shafts we wind them in a long straight line. They are then wound onto a large diameter spool, and later cut into smaller pieces before we assemble them and deliver them to you. This means that when you first use your shaft, you might notice that the ends shrink a little. Usually this is more obvious on the drill end. This is perfectly normal since the shaft is subjected to the stresses of multiple bends and torque for the first time. After the first inner strands of the shaft settle into their permanent position the shrinkage will cease. Usually this affects around 3” (75mm) on either end of the shaft. When you notice this, simply cut off the shrunken section with an angle grinder, and reconnect your chains and drill. It is not necessary to weld the ends, but if you prefer to do this please try to avoid too much heat on the shaft.
Lubricate your shaft before first use
Aviation law prohibits us from delivering products which could be considered flammable so we send the shafts without lubricant in the sleeve.
Please be sure to lubricate your flexible shaft before using it, and then check the lubrication every few weeks. This not only ensures the longevity of your shaft, but also makes it more efficient over longer distances. Here is a video we made on how to lubricate your shaft:
Points to note:
These products are intended to be used by trained professionals in the sewer cleaning trade. They do not come with instructions. If you would like training please make contact with us, and we will guide you.
Product pictures may vary in color and design depending on the size and diameter that you order.