Can I Put Two Drain Cleaning Chains on a Flex Shaft?

One of the questions we get from plumbers and sewer cleaning professionals is whether it’s possible—or even advisable—to install two drain cleaning chains on a flex shaft at the same time.

The short answer? Yes, it’s technically possible.
But is it the best approach? That depends on the job.

How Dual Chains Work

Let’s look at a practical example. Imagine you’re facing a severely scaled pipe. You could set up your flex shaft with two different chains:

• At the front: a blockage removal chain with a drill head, designed to break through tougher obstructions.
• Behind it: a circular descaling chain, meant to clean and polish the pipe walls after the initial blockage is cleared.

This setup allows the first chain to break up as much material as possible, while the second follows through with descaling. It’s a logical way to speed up cleaning in pipes with heavy buildup.

Pros and Cons of Using Two Drain Cleaning Chains

Possible Benefits:

• Can save time by combining steps.
• Helps when dealing with heavy limescale or calcified deposits.
• May reduce the need to pull out and reinsert the shaft multiple times.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Reduced flexibility: The shaft might not navigate bends as easily.
• Increased resistance: Two chains add more drag and stress on the shaft.
• Less control: You can’t fine-tune the action of each chain separately.

Our Recommendation

Even though it is technically possible to use two drain cleaning chains on one flex shaft, we generally recommend using one chain at a time.

Why? Because using each tool individually gives you better control and reduces the chance of damaging the shaft. It’s also safer and allows you to adapt more easily to the conditions inside the pipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re experienced and dealing with a straight pipe full of scale, you might benefit from a dual-chain setup. But for most jobs, especially in older or more fragile pipes, it’s best to take it one step at a time.

Got more questions about flex shaft machines or choosing the right drain cleaning chains? Feel free to contact us or check out our full range of professional-grade tools in our online store. You can also watch the video on this topic here.