Which Croco mole do we use for each pipe size?

Introduction

When choosing a Croco mole, the most important consideration is whether it can navigate a 90-degree junction. You should also take into account the size of the pipes you are working with and the thickness of the flexible shaft.

Croco mole sizes

We offer three sizes of Croco moles: 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm. All of these are compatible with 10mm and 12mm flexible shafts, while the 30mm and 40mm moles can also be used with an 8mm shaft.

The main difference between the 40mm and 50mm moles is the weight of the tool itself. A heavier tool will provide more torque, resulting in better performance, whereas the 40mm mole offers similar action but requires less torque. When selecting a tool, it’s important to consider the type of power source you have as well.

The size of the pipes

The first thing you need to determine is the size of the pipes you’ll be working in.

The 50mm Croco mole is ideal for pipes ranging from 75mm to 150mm and can be used with either a 10mm or a 12mm shaft.

The 40mm mole is best suited for pipes between 75mm and 100mm, as long as the shaft thickness allows it to pass through bends.

For narrower pipes, we recommend using the 30mm Croco mole with an 8mm shaft, along with a chain that doesn’t have a drill head.

Be cautious when using the 30mm Croco mole for very narrow pipes. While it can pass through bends, a 12mm shaft will not fit.

We also suggest using a 6mm shaft in 50mm pipes, although we don’t offer Croco moles for such a thin shaft. You can use a 30mm mole for this size pipe, but you’ll need to adjust the set screws to center the 6mm shaft.

For more guidance on selecting the right shaft thickness, watch our video here.

Additionally, we’ve developed a new Mini mole that is perfect for narrow pipes and works with 6mm shafts. You can learn more about the Mini moles at this link.

Pipe material

Croco moles feature deep grooves designed to rasp away blockages. These grooves are located at the front of the mole, so while it can be used in PVC pipes, be sure to slow down when passing through junctions to avoid damaging the walls.

Croco mole’s application

The Croco mole is an ideal tool for grinding through failed liners or more solid blockages, such as cement.

Unlike chains that use centrifugal force to position themselves at the center of the pipe, the Croco mole moves erratically, bouncing around inside the pipe.

Since the mole is heavier than a typical chain, it will require more torque, so it’s important to ensure that you have a suitable power source.

We’ve discovered that using a circular chain alongside the Croco mole provides the advantage of allowing the mole to center itself in the pipe using centrifugal force.

Conclusion

The Croco mole is one of our specialized tools designed to effectively break down hard blockages, and it comes in three different sizes.

When choosing a Croco mole for your project, there are several factors to consider: the size of the pipes you’re working in, the thickness of your flexible shaft, and the available power source.

For optimal performance, we recommend using the Croco mole in combination with a circular chain, as this will allow the mole to center itself inside the pipe through centrifugal force.

Lastly, if you’re working with particularly narrow pipes, you may want to opt for the mini mole instead, as it is significantly smaller and designed for use with a 6mm (1/4″) shaft.

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