Are drain Chains Safe for Pipes With Channel Rot?
While we suggest using a Picote Smart Spider in drains with channel rot, we do understand that our customers might
When working with flexible shafts for drain cleaning, it’s essential to understand the importance of torque and drill settings.
This guide will walk you through the drill specs and torque limits for different shaft diameters and lengths, helping you select the right combination for your specific drain cleaning job and prevent any potential damage to your tools or pipes.
Torque plays a vital role in determining how well a flexible shaft performs during drain cleaning. However, it’s important to note that torque decreases as the shaft length increases. The longer the shaft, the less torque it can provide the drain cleaning chains. If the shaft is subjected to excessive torque, it risks failure, which can be both dangerous and costly.
Keep in mind that power (torque × speed) remains constant, so increasing RPM reduces torque. Match the shaft size and length to the torque your drill provides to avoid damage.
For most heavy-duty cleaning, matching the shaft to 3,000 RPM is ideal—but only if your setup can handle the required torque at that speed.
This table shows the static failure torque data results from a field evaluation test with a linear fit calculation:
| 6mm Shaft: | 5m: 1.19 Nm | 10m: 1.35 Nm | 15m: 1.51 Nm | 20m: 1.67 Nm | 25m: 1.83 Nm | 30m: 1.99 Nm |
| 8mm Shaft: | 5m: 3.85 Nm | 10m: 4.51 Nm | 15m: 5.17 Nm | 20m: 5.82 Nm | 25m: 6.48 Nm | 30m: 7.14 Nm |
| 10mm Shaft: | 5m: 2.80 Nm | 10m: 4.00 Nm | 15m: 5.20 Nm | 20m: 6.40 Nm | 25m: 7.60 Nm | 30m: 8.80 Nm |
| 12mm Shaft: | 5m: 10.75 Nm | 10m: 10.76 Nm | 15m: 10.76 Nm | 20m: 10.77 Nm | 25m: 10.77 Nm | 30m: 10.78 Nm |
Drill Specifications
A 60 Nm drill is sufficient for powering smaller shafts, but for longer distances, it’s better to opt for a stronger drill (170Nm). While the torque breaking point of the shaft may be lower, in practice, the shaft won’t always be running at maximum torque.
Lastly, please take a look at this instructional video to learn how to correctly adjust your torque limiter.
By following these guidelines and understanding the importance of torque limits, you can enhance the longevity of your equipment and ensure safer, more efficient drain cleaning. The right torque settings and shaft selection can make all the difference in the quality and safety of your work.
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