Flexible shaft 8mm x 20m with connection for RIDGID K204

This flexible shaft is an alternative version for the RIDGID K9-204 drain cleaning machine. It comprises the shaft itself, a protective sleeve and the connector already crimped in place.

Properties and use

The shaft is 20m long and 8mm in diameter. It is our second thinnest shaft, so it passes several bends while still providing enough torque for lightweight chains.

It is designed for light-duty cleaning in pipes from 75mm to 100mm: light scale, small roots and soft blockages. With heavy scale or solid obstructions it reaches its limits.

Do not use this shaft with heavy-duty chains. The 8mm shaft is not designed for high-resistance work.

Why 20m is the maximum length

We are often asked for longer shafts and advise against them: the housing of your machine limits the amount of shaft it can accommodate.

Sleeve

Some users prefer a thicker sleeve. We decided against one: the shaft itself is rigid enough and does not need a heavier sleeve for additional support.

Spare connector

Immediately after the drive the shaft enters a sharp bend. The inner strands work under tight curvature there, so friction heat builds up just after the connector. That is the most likely point of failure.

With a spare connector in the van you replace it on site and carry on working. You will need a crimping tool for that, available inexpensively from hardware stores or online.

Technical data

• Length: 20m (maximum length for this machine)
• Shaft diameter: 8mm (5/16")
• Scope of delivery: flexible shaft, protective sleeve, crimped K9-204 connector
• Pipe range: 75mm to 100mm
• Chains: lightweight chains

Lubrication before first use

Transport regulations do not allow us to ship products that might be considered flammable, so the shafts are delivered without lubricant inside the sleeve.

Lubricate the shaft before first use and check the lubrication every few weeks afterwards. This keeps the shaft performing well over longer distances. Use machine oil, paraffin oil or compressor oil.

After your purchase we will send you videos showing how to lubricate and use the shaft.

How the shaft is built

Our shafts are made from spring-grade steel wire wound in several layers around a single mandrel, each layer applied at an opposing pitch angle. This construction lets the shaft transmit equal torque in both directions of rotation. Properties such as flexibility, torsional stiffness and power transmission follow from the choice and balance of wire type, number of wires, diameter and annealing temperature.

Shaft lengths are stated as minimum lengths. We supply them slightly longer so that you can attach tools of different sizes to the shaft.

Shaft shrinkage

During manufacture the shafts are wound straight, then rolled onto large-diameter spools and later cut into pieces. The ends may therefore shrink slightly during first use, usually more noticeably on the machine side. This is normal: the shaft is being subjected to the stresses of multiple bends and torque for the first time. Once the inner strands have settled, the shrinkage stops. It usually affects around 75mm at each end.

Cut off the shrunken section with an angle grinder and reconnect your tool and the machine. Do not weld the ends. Spring-grade steel is tempered at a specific temperature and cooled at a specific rate so that it keeps its spring properties; welding changes that state.

Important notice

This is not an original RIDGID shaft, and we do not sell brand-name spare parts. The shaft is offered as an alternative version for your existing machine.

When working with the flexible shaft, observe the safety information for your machine. This product is intended for use by trained professionals in drain and sewer cleaning. If you would like an introduction, get in touch with us.