Although the underlying technology is over 100 years old, flexible shaft drain cleaners are a recent entry to the industry. Over the past decade, they have quickly gained a reputation for being the go-to tool for milling, pipe replacement prep and descaling. Along the way, plumbers noticed that they could be a formidable drain cleaner as well. Flexible Shaft machines are lighter and safer than snake-style drain cleaners, and because their cutting chains rotate in the 2,000 rpm range, they are like having a weed whacker down the drain. The only negative was that they couldn’t clear a severely clogged pipe. They were great at cleaning up after a drain has been opened, but they lacked the ability to deliver the forward momentum necessary to unclog the toughest drains.
Being a drain cleaning company, General wanted to eliminate this weakness. “We have delivered a game changer with this device because the contractor can now do it all with one machine,” says Dave Dunbar, General’s national sales manager. “We examined other entries into the flexible shaft market as well as explored the full range of materials, motors, cutters, connectors, alignments and speeds.”
The Flexi-Rooter 100 offers a stronger flexible shaft with the strength to cut through roots in 4-inch lines, yet flexible enough to negotiate 2-inch lines. An integral variable-speed motor with foot pedal allows the user to use both hands to safely guide the flexible shaft into the line. In addition, a two-part cleaning array combines ClogChopper cutters with carbide chain cutters. According to Dunbar, flexible shaft technology is faster and more thorough than conventional cable drain cleaners, as the shaft spins up to 2,200 rpm, quickly grinding up stoppages and scouring pipe walls clean.
“The Flexi-Rooter 100 is very good at clearing paper, soap and hair, grease and even roots from 2- to 4-inch drains,” he says. “Also, because of its design and function, it is a lighter, safer, and more effective option than other methods of removing these obstructions.”
The ClogChopper cutters rip through tough clogs with six self-sharpening blades that dig into encrusted debris and root masses, easily grinding up stoppages, scale and crystallized urine. The spherical design maneuvers around tight bends and traps. Its durable metal frame includes 10-inch wheels and a folding handle to facilitate transport to and from jobs. A safety slip clutch helps protect the flexible shaft. The shaft is also field-repairable.
“The ClogChopper is a great all in one cutter that serves as a starting tool and self- sharpening cutter,” says Dunbar. “The ClogChopper alone is a game changer in the world of flexible shaft machines.” 800-245-6200; www.drainbrain.com
