Flexible shaft kit for 40mm - 50mm pipes, for blockages and limescale

This kit is designed for blockage removal and descaling in pipes of 40mm and 50mm (1½in and 2in). It comes with a 6mm (1/4in) flexible shaft only, because its bending radius matches the radius required to navigate a 90-degree bend in a 50mm pipe. That allows effective cleaning of shower and basin waste pipes and other small pipe systems with multiple bends and junctions.

The 6mm shaft is our most flexible shaft while still maintaining enough rigidity to stop it coiling against the inner wall of larger pipes over longer distances.

We do not recommend using our tools in pipes smaller than 40mm.

Scope of delivery

• 6mm flexible shaft with sleeve, friction rings, shaft lock and spring
• Drill-to-shaft adapter to connect the flexible shaft to your drill or cordless screwdriver
• Mini chain for 40–50mm pipes (with tungsten carbide bits if you choose the version for metal and ceramic pipes)
• Lightweight plain chain without drill head, 32mm – 1 chain (with tungsten carbide bits on the metal and ceramic version)
• Lightweight plain chain without drill head, 50mm – 2 chains (with tungsten carbide bits on the metal and ceramic version)
• Shaft carrier, if selected

The shaft carrier holds a maximum of 30m of the 6mm shaft.

Choosing the chains

The chains supplied with the kit depend on your selection. You can choose chains for PVC pipes, for metal and ceramic pipes, or both. Chains for metal and ceramic carry tungsten carbide cutting edges; chains for PVC pipes have no hard cutting tips.

All chains are made from stainless steel to prevent oxidation and are secured to the shaft with hex set screws, which allows minor adjustment for variations in pipe size.

We recommend adding a cutter for flexible shafts to this setup. It has proven highly efficient at clearing blockages in narrow pipes.

Applications

• Drain cleaning in pipes from 40mm to 50mm
• Clearing blockages in shower and basin waste lines
• Removing urine scale and soft deposits
• Cleaning inlet and outlet pipes at grease traps
• Boiler cleaning: removing hard deposits in fire tubes. Centrifugal force keeps the chains in the centre of the tube, so the entire inner circumference is cleaned evenly

Step by step

• Lubricate the shaft thoroughly
• Select the correct chain type for PVC or for metal and ceramic pipes
• Connect the shaft to the drill using the adapter and set the torque limiter
• Insert the system into the pipe through an access point
• Rotate the shaft so that the chains start cutting
• Remove the debris and repeat if necessary until the pipe is clear

Notes on operation

Do not run the shaft inside the carrier. When working, the shaft should be unwound to a diameter of at least 1m (3ft) – this is the natural coil size at which friction and heat build-up are lowest. Coiled more tightly, friction and heat between shaft and sleeve will significantly reduce the shaft’s performance.

We recommend lightweight chains with this shaft. Where possible, keep the shaft length below 10 to 15m: a longer shaft transmits less torque to the chains, and you will need a more powerful drive to achieve the same result. Order only the length you really need, not a reserve.

Construction

The sleeve is fitted with friction rings at both ends, which protect the ends against wear. They also stop dirt building up between shaft and sleeve, and so reduce friction.

The tool is light and compact, fits into any tool box and is ready to use in seconds: attach the adapter to your drill and off you go.

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 flexible shaft before using it for the first time and check the lubrication every few weeks afterwards. This keeps the shaft performing well over longer distances. Use a lubricant that withstands high temperatures – machine oil, paraffin oil and compressor oil are common choices. Allow roughly 15 to 20 millilitres per metre.

After your purchase we will send you videos showing how to lubricate and use 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 drill 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 chains and drill. 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.

Technical data

• Shaft diameter: 6mm (1/4in)
• Pipe range: 40mm to 50mm
• Chains: stainless steel, secured with hex set screws
• Shaft carrier (optional): holds up to 30m of the 6mm shaft

Product safety information

• Eye protection: always wear safety goggles when working. The rotating chains throw loosened material and waste water out of the pipe.
• Hand protection: wear close-fitting protective gloves to protect yourself from waste water. Do not use wide or loose gloves – they can be caught by the rotating shaft.
• Clothing and hair: keep loose clothing, jewellery and long hair away from the rotating drive.
• Torque limiter: set the torque limiter on your drill before starting work. If the tool jams inside the pipe, it prevents the shaft from coiling up or the machine being wrenched out of your hands.
• Unwinding: do not run the shaft inside the carrier or tightly coiled. In operation it must be unwound to a diameter of at least 1m.
• Hygiene: waste water can contain pathogens. Clean your hands and tools after work and avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Electrical safety: when working in damp conditions, make sure there is adequate protection against electrical hazards, for instance a residual current device.
• Qualification: these products are intended solely for use by trained professionals in the drain cleaning trade.