Drain cleaning cable tools and machines use rotational power that is transferred along a flexible, spiral-shaped cable to the cutting tool at the head.
Cable tools and machines are available in a wide range of configurations, including simple hand-operated tools, drill-driven power tools, and larger units with independent electric motors. Powered machines have the advantage of variable speed, which offers greater control and less risk of pipe damage. In recent times, high-speed flexible shaft machines have grown in popularity due to their enhanced cleaning capabilities and are becoming a must-have tool for drainage contractors and plumbers.
Wire-wound cables are sized to suit the pipe diameter and have the flexibility to pass through bends while offering the strength and stability to tackle obstructions and residue build-ups in the pipe. Cables can be used with a multitude of cutting heads, from simple tools such as the straight or funnel augers, through cutting and blade heads to carbide-tipped milling cutters and drill heads.
Contents
- FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINES
- DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES
- CABLE MACHINES AT A GLANCE
- CLEANING AUGURS + CUTTERS
1. HIGH-SPEED FLEXIBLE-SHAFT MACHINES
High-speed flexible shaft technology is relatively new to the sector but has seen rapid growth in use.
The torsional strength of the flexible shaft when rotated at speeds up to 3,000 rpm makes these types of cable machines a powerful option for wall-to-wall pipe cleaning. Powered either by a small electric motor or hand drill, flexible shaft cutters are ideal for the rapid removal of rust, cement, lime and small tree roots in domestic drains and sewers.
The sharp cleaning head at the leading end of the cable is sized to the diameter of the pipe being treated, making it useful for applications such as CIPP preparation and scale removal. With the correct cutting heads, flexible shaft cleaners can be used in different pipe materials such as concrete, cast iron and PVC. This is further enhanced by the ability to control the speed and torque of the cutter, reducing the risk of pipe damage and improving the effectiveness of the clean.
1. WALL-TO-WALL CLEANING
The flexibility and strength of the shaft allows easy access to tight, twisting pipe runs. A wide range of chain heads or knockers can be used in different drain types and diameters, with carbide tip heads suitable for cast iron and concrete pipes and smooth chain heads for PVC pipes. There are also drill heads available for the toughest jobs.
2. EASE OF USE + TRANSPORT
Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.
3. RADIO REMOTE CONTROL
Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.
4. MACHINES CAN BE USED WITH CCTV
As flexible shafts cleaners are water-free they can be used in conjunction with a drain camera system. The outer covering on the shaft protects the camera from damage and allows the operator to view the pipe as it is being cleaned. The camera is fed into the drain just behind the spinning end of the cable.
VIEW OUR RIOFLEX COLLECTION
2. DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES
Cable machines operate using variable speed to spin, scour and cut as the cables are fed into a drain.
Drain cable machines are also commonly known as ‘spring machines’ or ‘drain snakes’ and range in size and features based on the type of cleaning task. The two main types of cable machines are drum and sectional, or suitcase, designs. Both utilise flexible cable lengths with a range of cleaning and cutting heads. In simple terms, a drum machine contains the entire length of cable in its housing (the drum), whereas sectional machines use coupled sections of cable that are transported separately. Both types have advantages. Enclosed drum machines are cleaner for internal work and easily transportable. Sectional machines are lightweight and capable of longer runs, with operators only needing to transport the length of cable that is required for a specific task.
As drain cleaning technology has advanced machines have become lighter, more powerful and safer to use. The variety of scouring cables and cutting blades has also evolved to allow the machines to tackle a wide range of drain cleaning applications.
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MANUAL HANDTOOLSManual hand tools are designed for use in shorter runs of small pipes for tasks such as unblocking and clearing domestic drains, urinals and toilets. Small manual hand tools include closet augers and hand-operated drum machines for a range of applications in pipes up to 150 mm. VIEW OUR COLLECTION |
POWERED HANDTOOLSCommonly used by contractors and plumbers, powered hand tools are typically drill operated, which speeds the unblocking process on smaller drains. The use of variable-speed makes it possible to control the forward and reverse rotation of the cable for more effective blockage clearing. VIEW OUR COLLECTION |
DRUM MACHINESDrum machines are ideally suited to the professional clearing of domestic and commercial drain blockages. The compact nature of these machines means they are easy to transport and store with the performance to handle most types of blockages encountered by drainage contractors and plumbers. VIEW OUR COLLECTION |
SECTIONAL MACHINESUtilising powerful electric motors, Sectional or ‘Suitcase’ machines are suited to cleaning over longer distances. Lightweight, simple to transport and easy to use, they are particularly useful when cleaning longer runs, such as downpipes, in commercial premises and apartment buildings. VIEW OUR COLLECTION |
3. CABLE MACHINES AT-A-GLANCE
Sourcing the right machine for the job can be a time-consuming process. We hope this at-a-glance guide may make the task a little easier…
MANUAL HAND TOOLS | |
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Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Overflows, Small Pipes Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
32mm - 50mm |
Cable Length | Up to 7.5m |
Cable Dia. | 6/7mm |
Our Applications | Type D Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Closet Auger Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Syphon Pump Drain Cleaning Hand Tool |
POWERED HAND TOOLS | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
32mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 6/8/10mm |
Our Application | HandMatic |
FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINES (SMALL) | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
38mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 8mm |
Our Applications | RioFlex Mini PVC RioFlex Mini Concrete/Metal |
FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINES | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
38mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 8mm |
Our Applications | RioFlex 8mm RioFlex 10mm |
SMALL DRUM MACHINES | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
32mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 15m |
Cable Dia. | 6/8/10/15mm |
Our Application | FlexMatic+ |
LARGE DRUM MACHINES | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
40mm - 250mm |
Cable Length | Up to 20m |
Cable Dia. | 10/13/16/20mm |
Our Applications | Master Drum Spring Machine Allround+ |
SUITCASE MACHINES | |
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Applications: Suited to: Cleaning Heads: |
Pipe Size |
32mm - 160mm |
Cable Length | Up to 40m |
Our Application | Victor Drain Cleaning Spring Machine |
4. CABLE MACHINE AUGERS & CUTTERS
Here we aim to describe the wide range of augers, cutters and chain heads available for cable machines.
Quality, durability and application is key in choosing from the wide variety of spring widths, lengths, couplings and heads to suit the type of cable machines. As a note of caution, it can be a false economy to buy springs and cleaning heads based solely on price. Opting for a manufacturer’s high-quality spring or head ensures the right fit for the machine and is likely to last much longer and provide better performance than some of the low-cost alternatives.
CUTTERS, CHAIN HEADS & AUGERS FOR RIONED APPLICATIONS
- Type D accessories
- Super accessories
- Handmatic accessories
- Flexmatic+ accessories
- AllRound+ accessories
- Master accessories
- Mini Victor Dual Speed accessories
- Victor accessories
KNOCKERS, DRILL HEADS & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE RIOFLEX
CABLE CARE
Modern cables have a steel inner core with plastic outer for more cleaning power and extra durability. Springs or cables are available in diameters from 6mm to 22mm to suit the type of machine. To extend the life of springs it is recommended to regularly use a specialist cable oil that acts as a rust inhibitor to cut through moisture and provide a rust-resistant coating.