They’ve been around for years. They’re not fancy or sophisticated. But they get the job done. That describes cable machines, as basic to a drain cleaner’s tool kit as a hammer to a carpenter. Year after year, manufacturers find ways to improve this simple yet vital tool. Here is a look at the latest in cable machines for residential applications, as provided by leading suppliers.
?Residential solution
The D-150 series drain cleaning machine from Dahle USA cleans blockages in residential pipes up to 4 inches in diameter. Units spin 5/16- and 3/8-inch cables in drum adapters, or 5/8- and 7/8-inch sectional cables, at 350 rpm. Various cable heads remove grease and roots. The compact machines fit into most trucks. 512/264-0396.
Transports easily
The 4500 series drain cleaning machines from Speedway Drain Cleaning Products clean 1 1/2- to 4-inch lines. Units weigh 79 pounds with 75 feet of 3/8-inch cable, and 87 pounds with 75 feet of 1/2-inch cable. The reel capacity is 100 feet of 1/2-inch cable. Features include a 1/2-hp motor with overload protection, three-position power feed, telescoping handle, 14-inch wheels, and cutter set. 800/835-2200; www.speedway-tools.com.
Countertop machine
The 1/5-hp Model CT (counter top) drain cleaning machine from Electric Eel Manufacturing Co. Inc. has variable speeds from 75 to 350 rpm with constant torque to clean 3/4- to 2 1/2-inch lines up to 50 feet long. The stainless steel drum, running 1/4-, 5/16-, and 3/8-inch cable, is mounted on a steel tubular frame that allows vertical or horizontal operation. A cable guide hose eliminates whipping. The 20-foot electrical cord has a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter. The unit comes with a hand-tighten Jacobs chuck, air-operated foot switch, and cord assembly. 800/833-1212; www.electriceel.com.
One-man operation
The Model GO 68HD heavy-duty drain cleaning machine from Gorlitz Sewer and Drain Inc. has a 3/4-hp motor and separate 10:1 ratio gearbox. The unit clears roots, sludge, grease, and debris in 3- to 10-inch lines up to 500 feet long. A blade assortment, 150 feet of 11/16-inch cable, cable connectors, splices, chucks, and an electric foot pedal are standard equipment.
Additional features include skid bars for added frame protection, large rubber wheels, and a front handle for easy transportation. Rear rubber bumpers absorb shock when positioning the machine on its back, while the tow ring helps technicians pull the machine up the ramp. Options include a power cable feeder, open steel reel, and enclosed polyethylene drum. 877/446-7648; www.gorlitz.com.
Portable and user friendly
The CSA-approved, heavy-duty RIDGID K-400 drain cleaner has a 1/3-hp motor that spins cable at 190 rpm. The front- and back-supported polyethylene drum stores 100 feet of 3/8-inch or 75 feet of 1/2-inch integral wound solid core cable. The cable control system stops the drum from spinning when blockages halt the blade, and limits the potential for the cable to flip over in the drum. An automatic cable feed that reverses the cable’s direction is an accessory.
The cleaner’s fully integrated wheeled cart design, similar to rollaway suitcases, climbs stairs. During operation, the built-in telescoping handle retracts and the wheels come off the ground for added stability. The motor’s position above the drum also improves stability and balance. 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.
Transports in half
The Pivot cable machine (DM150) from Duracable Manufacturing Co. has a heavy-duty, self-aligning cast head bearing that keeps the reel properly aligned as it spins. Two thumbscrews quickly release the reel, enabling technicians to carry the unit up stairs in two pieces. Five notched positions tilt the machine from 0 to 180 degrees and lock the reel in place. The notches also help guide the 90 feet of 1/2-inch cable to roof vents. 800/247-4081; www.duracable.com.
Durable cables
Developed using proprietary wire technology, SparShine cables from Spartan Tool LLC have a finish that renders them impervious to rust and acid without sacrificing fast-torquing stiffness. Cables are available in sizes to fit every machine. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.
One-hand mobility
The R600 drain cleaning machine from ROTHENBERGER USA LLC cleans 3/4- to 6-inch pipes up to 200 feet long using 5/8-inch cables, and up to 165 feet using 7/8-inch cables. Both cables have direct take-up.
The lightweight fiberglass housing and locking drive lever enable technicians to transport the unit in one hand. Accessories include a cable basket, 13-foot guide hose, guide glove, separating pin, spade head cutter, serrated forked cutter, and straight, bulb, and funnel augers. 800/545-7698; www.rothenberger-usa.com.
Smallest cleaner
The compact Colt 1/4-inch cable machine is the smallest in the MyTana Manufacturing Co. Inc. lineup. Equipped with 1/3-hp electric motor and foot pedal operation, the Model M500 cleans tubs, urinals, small sinks, and floor drain lines. The drive mechanism, reel and funnel minimize tangled or kinked cables. A 5/16- inch cable is coming soon. 800/328-8170; www.mytana.com.
Dual drums
The Tru-Clean Series Mini-Pro Dual from Triple R Specialty comes with 1/4-hp GFCI-protected, reversible motor that slows down when encountering resistance. The unit has an electric foot-switch on a 6-foot cord for hands-free operation.
Direct-drive drums are interchangeable. One has 75 feet of 3/8-inch cable with drop head; the snorkel drum has 50 feet of 1/4-inch cable with coiled head. The unit operates in vertical or horizontal position and weighs 46 pounds. 800/356-9661; www.triplerspecialty.com.
Root-cutting power
The portable Maxi-Rooter from General Pipe Cleaners has a 3/4-hp motor with capacitor start and overload protection driving a drum holding 125 feet of 3/4-inch cable or 150 feet of 5/8-inch cable. Without reversing the cable rotation, operators can instantly alter feeding speeds from 0 to 20 feet per minute to match resistance in the line. Switching cable drums takes less than a minute.
The unit’s 23-inch profile fits easily through narrow doorways. Built on an aluminum alloy frame, the drum is supported front and rear for longer bearing wear. A see-through inner drum cage shows technicians how much cable remains. The machine has 10-inch ball bearings, semi-pneumatic wheels, V-belt stair climbers, and a truck-loading wheel mounted on the handle. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.
