How do you use a Cobra pistol grip drum auger?

A Cobra pistol grip drum auger is a powerful tool used to clear clogged drains and pipes. It has a pistol-style grip with a trigger that allows you to easily control the spinning auger drum. The auger is fed through pipes and uses the rotating flanged edge to snag debris and pull it back out. Drum augers are an indispensable tool for plumbers, facilities maintenance workers, and homeowners alike when dealing with blocked drains.

Using a Cobra pistol grip drum auger properly ensures the drain gets thoroughly cleared in an efficient manner. While it may look straightforward, there are some key things you need to know to operate it safely and effectively. We’ll walk through the complete process step-by-step from selecting the right size auger to feeding it into the pipe and clearing the clog.

Choosing the Correct Auger

Cobra offers drum augers in a range of sizes to handle different diameter pipes. Selecting the right size auger head is crucial for allowing it to pass through the pipe and reach the clog. Auger heads typically range from 1/4” to 1” in diameter.

The most common auger head sizes are:

• 1/4” – for sinks, tubs, and small pipes up to 1 1/2” diameter
• 5/16” – for bathroom and kitchen sinks, tubs
• 3/8” – for bathroom sinks, tubs, showers
• 1/2” – for kitchen sinks, laundry drains, bathroom sinks and tubs
• 3/4″ – for kitchen sinks, utility sinks, floor drains
• 1″ – for main sewer lines, floor drains

The auger size should be matched to the drain pipe size it will be fed through. Using too large of an auger head won’t allow it to pass through the bend in the pipes. But too small of a size can fail to break up some clogs.

When in doubt, start with a smaller auger and work your way up until you reach the optimal size. Having a set with multiple auger head sizes on hand allows you to quickly swap them out as needed.

Preparing the Auger

Once you’ve selected the appropriate auger head size, you’ll need to attach it to the auger drum and cable assembly.

1. Make sure the drum is locked in place by tightening the locking screws.
2. Slide the auger head over the cable end and seat it into the collar.
3. Tighten the set screw securely using the provided hex wrench.
4. Check that the auger head is firmly fixed in place by pulling on it.

It is critical that the auger head be securely attached before inserting into a pipe. Oftentimes clogs exert tremendous pressure, so an auger head that slips off could get stuck.

Next, feed about 6” of cable into the drain opening you’ll be clearing. This gives you some cable exposed to grip. Also be sure to open the drain access fully—remove any drain covers or pop-up stoppers completely.

Feeding the Auger into the Drain

With the pistol grip auger ready, it’s time to start feeding the drum into the drain opening:

1. Stand with the drain positioned between your feet for optimal leverage.
2. Place one hand on the rear handle and the other hand on the pistol grip.
3. Squeeze the trigger to start the cable spinning and slowly feed into the drain.
4. Apply steady downward pressure but let the cable do the work.
5. When you meet resistance, that indicates you’ve reached the clog.

Take care not to forcefully plunge the auger head, as this can damage pipes. Let the spinning action of the cable and auger head chip away at the clog naturally.

Be patient and work through tough spots incrementally, retracting then re-feeding a few more inches at a time. Eventually the clog will break apart, allowing you to continue feeding through.

Clearing the Clog

Once the auger head reaches the clog, it takes a bit of technique to power through and dislodge the blockage:

• Apply firm pressure on the cable but avoid forcing it.
• Use one hand to control the pistol grip trigger while the other feeds the drum.
• When you feel the cable grab hold, let the auger head churn for several seconds.
• Retract the cable 6 inches then power back into the clog again.
• Repeat this churning process until the cable feeds through freely.

A back and forth twisting motion helps the auger head chew through accumulations and hook onto debris. Eventually this action will break up the clog entirely.

You’ll know the clog is cleared when cable feeds smoothly into the drain opening. At this point continue feeding a few extra feet to ensure you’ve reached past the clog.

Retrieving the Auger

With the drain now open, it’s time to carefully extract the auger cable and drum.

• Engage the trigger and very slowly pull the drum out of the drain.
• If you feel resistance, let the auger spin in place for a few seconds then try again.
• Feeding a bit more cable in can help break apart debris clinging to the auger.
• Rotate the drum clockwise as you extract the last bit of cable.

Take your time removing the auger to avoid leaving any debris behind or damaging the newly cleared pipe.

Finally, disconnect the auger head once fully extracted. Thoroughly clean the entire auger assembly with water or follow the maintenance instructions. Proper cleaning maximizes effectiveness for future jobs.

Safety Precautions

While extremely handy, power augers also come with inherent dangers. Be sure to follow these precautions:

• Wear goggles – debris can flick out of the drain.
• Never operate barefoot or wear loose clothing.
• Keep hands away from rotating auger.
• Avoid using excessive force.
• Unplug tool when changing auger heads.
• Don’t overextend short augers.

Also exercise patience and let the tool do the work. Forcing an auger can cause accidents or pipe damage. Lastly, never operate a pistol grip auger with a damaged cord or missing guards.

Tips for Avoiding Future Clogged Drains

Prevention is the best way to avoid dealing with clogged drains. Here are some handy tips:

• Use strainers in sinks to catch food and hair.
• Limit grease poured down kitchen drains.
• Only flush toilet paper – no wipes or sanitary products.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives.
• Periodically flush drains with hot water.
• Have older pipes regularly inspected.

Catching debris before it accumulates prevents most clogs. Be mindful of what goes down each drain. With routine maintenance, you can avoid most drain disasters.

In case of the inevitable clog, keep a quality auger like the Cobra pistol grip on hand. Just be sure to use the techniques outlined here to clear drains safely and efficiently. A properly sized and operated auger makes drain cleaning a much simpler task.

Conclusion

Cobra pistol grip drum augers provide an invaluable tool for clearing tough clogs. Their compact size and spinning auger design is perfectly suited for navigating pipes and sinks. With the right auger head size and methodical clearing technique, you can power through most common clogs. Always exercise caution and patience when using an auger. Following the proper process covered here will allow you to safely unclog drains and keep pipes debris-free.