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
Have you ever stripped a set screw while tightening or loosening it on a flexible shaft drain cleaning tool?
If so, you’re not alone; and there’s a very simple reason why this happens.
In Europe, we use the metric system. Set screws and Allen keys are a good example of where confusion between metric and imperial systems can easily lead to problems.
For heavy-duty drain chains, the correct size is typically a 4.5mm Allen key for the set screw.
For lightweight chains, you would use a 2.5mm Allen key.
If you convert this into imperial sizing, you get something like 3/32″ for the smaller size. And this is where the problem starts: imperial tools often feel like they fit, but they are not an exact match.
When there is even a small amount of play between the Allen key and the set screw, the tool may still turn the screw, but it does not fully engage the socket walls.
That small gap creates weak contact points inside the set screw head. When you apply force:
This is what causes stripping.
The same issue happens with heavier drain chains as well, such as those using a 5/32″ equivalent size, where slight mismatch still creates play in the socket.
Even if it feels like it tightens properly at first, repeated torque or overtightening will eventually damage the set screw.
The easiest way to avoid stripping set screws on your flexible shaft machine is to always use the correct metric Allen key size that matches the tool specification.
If you are unsure, check the tool requirements or ask your local hardware supplier specifically for metric Allen key rather than relying on an imperial one.
Keeping a proper metric Allen key set in your toolbox will save you a lot of frustration and prevent unnecessary wear on your drain chains and flexible shaft accesories.
We also offer a dedicated set screw kit on our website that includes correctly sized Allen keys designed for this purpose.
For a more visual explanation, please take a look at this video.
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