A pistol grip drum auger is a power tool used to clear blockages and remove built-up debris from drains and pipes. It consists of a drum or barrel that contains a spiral auger bit and a motor to rotate the auger. The “pistol grip” handle allows the user to guide and control the spinning auger bit. Drum augers are an essential tool for plumbers, maintenance workers, and anyone who needs to maintain drainage systems.
Page Contents
How Does a Pistol Grip Drum Auger Work?
A pistol grip drum auger works by using the rotating auger bit to grab and pull debris out of a blocked drain or pipe. The motor spins the auger bit inside the drum at a high speed. As the auger turns, its spiral flanges “grab” onto any debris, sludge, roots, grease buildup, and other gunk blocking the drain. The rotational force of the auger then pulls the trapped material back towards the drum and out of the pipe. This allows the auger to essentially “drill” a path through clogs and clear blocked drains.
The pistol grip handle allows the user to steadily feed the rotating auger down into pipes and drains and steer its movement. Once the auger reaches the blockage and grabs on, the debris gets wound up the spiral bit and discharged out of the drum opening. The auger action works to grind through sludge and tackle even stubborn clogs. Powerful drum augers can clear drain lines up to 200 feet long in some cases.
Main Components and Features
Pistol grip drum augers include the following key components and features:
– Drum or barrel – This cylindrical metal drum enclosure holds the auger bit and driveshaft. It contains the debris removed from drains.
– Auger – The auger or “snake” is a spiral flanged bit that spins inside the drum. Different auger lengths are available based on the depth capacity required. Augers are often made of flex-core steel for durability.
– Motor – Provides power to spin the auger. Motors can be electric, pneumatic (air-powered), hydraulic, or gas-powered. More powerful motors allow larger auger diameters and better clearing capabilities.
– Pistol grip – The handle that allows guiding and controlling the auger. Can include controls, triggers, or switches to operate the motor.
– Feed system – Lets the user feed or retract the rotating auger into pipes. Can be manual or automatic powered feed systems.
– Cutting blades (optional) – Some augers include metal cutting blades at the tip to help penetrate tough blockages.
– Extension cables – Allows reaching blockages further away from the drum unit. Extension cables are available in different lengths.
Types of Pistol Grip Drum Augers
There are a few main types and sizes of pistol grip drum augers:
– Handheld drum augers – Compact and portable models ideal for everyday drain cleaning tasks. Typically have drum capacities up to 42″. Well-suited for residential use.
– Commercial drum augers – Larger capacity drums up to 75″ for handling tricky clogs and blockages in commercial facilities. Have more power and strength than basic models.
– Sectional drum augers – Long drums that can be separated into sections, allowing use of extensions. Can clear very long drain lines over 100 feet.
– Large electric drum augers – Powerful electric motor models that excel at removing heavy debris and tough clogs. Ideal for municipal sewer lines.
– Gas-powered drum augers – Gas engines provide torque for heavy-duty augering tasks. Useful when electric power is limited.
– Small handheld drum augers – Mini augers suitable for bathroom sinks, tubs, and other small drains. Compact and easy to operate in tight spaces.
Advantages of Drum Augers
Drum augers provide the following helpful advantages when clearing clogged drains:
– Powerful cleaning action – The spinning auger can grind through all types of debris and penetrate clogs that other drain tools cannot.
– Deep cleaning capabilities – Augers can reach blockages up to 200 feet down pipes and lines.
– Versatility – Can be used to clean sinks, tubs, floor drains, main sewer lines, HVAC systems, plumbing vents, catch basins, and more.
– Continuous cleaning – Auger maintains contact with clog and keeps clearing debris until the drain is open.
– Self-feeding – Auger pulls itself through pipes as it spins, allowing it to get deeper into drain systems.
– Clears tough clogs – Can handle root intrusions, grease buildup, rust and limescale, collapsed drains, and years of accumulation.
– Saves time – Quickly shreds through clogs without disassembly of pipes.
– Reduces need for caustic chemicals – Clears drain without harmful caustic drain cleaners.
How to Use a Pistol Grip Drum Auger
Using a pistol grip drum auger involves these key steps:
1. Select the appropriate auger size and length for the pipe or drain. Match the auger capacity to the drain line.
2. Secure the drum auger to prevent slipping or falling during operation.
3. Clear the drain opening so the auger can feed into it. Remove any covers or strainers.
4. Position the auger near the drain access point. Have a path cleared to feed in the auger.
5. Start the motor to begin spinning the auger in the drum.
6. Feed the rotating auger down into the drain access using the pistol grip. Go slowly to guide the auger.
7. Once resistance is felt from hitting the clog, keep steady pressure but do not force the auger.
8. The auger will pull itself into the clog as it bores through debris. Simply guide the auger as needed.
9. Allow shredding the clog for several minutes before attempting to retract the auger.
10. Extract the auger from the drain line and remove any debris collected in the drum.
11. Stop the motor and properly dispose of the collected debris.
12. Run water through the drain to confirm it is fully cleared after augering.
Safety Tips
– Always wear goggles, gloves, and boots when using drum augers.
– Keep fingers, hands, and objects away from the rotating auger. It can cause serious injury if contacted.
– Avoid overfeeding the auger when hitting a blockage. Going too fast can damage pipes or drum housing.
– Ensure adequate footing when operating the auger and have room to guide the tool.
– Prevent electric shock by using ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets and extension cords.
– Take care when augering bathroom sinks – if the drum hits porcelain it can crack fixtures.
– Unplug the auger and relieve hydraulic pressure before servicing or changing auger bits.
– Do not operate the auger outside of the drum housing for safety.
– Avoid augering without proper training. It takes skill to feed augers correctly.
Maintenance Tips
– Inspect and replace any worn or damaged auger cables regularly. Kinked cables will not feed properly.
– Lubricate drum auger shafts and connection points as needed to prevent binding.
– Check and change auger cutting blades when they become dull. Sharp blades penetrate clogs better.
– Confirm all guards are in place and auger exposed spinning parts are avoided.
– Clean debris from drum housing and auger regularly to prevent buildup.
– Store cable drum augers by winding the cable neatly around the drum when not in use.
– Check drive belts, chain adjustments, and gears per manufacturer instructions.
– Follow all manufacturer maintenance directions for optimal performance and safety.
Conclusion
Pistol grip drum augers are indispensable tools for clearing blocked drains and pipes. They utilize an enclosed rotating auger bit powered by an electric, hydraulic, or gas motor. The key advantage is the ability to bore through and extract even the toughest obstructions. Drum augers range from small handheld models for sinks to large sewer augers mounted on trucks. With proper operation and safety practices, drum augers provide an efficient means to keeping drainage systems clear of problematic clogs and debris. Their rotating auger action and “grabbing” ability makes them an essential equipment item for plumbers, contractors, municipal workers, and homeowners alike.
| Auger Type | Typical Use | Typical Drum Size |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld drum auger | Basic home drain cleaning | Up to 42″ |
| Sectional drum auger | Long lines and main drains | Over 100 feet |
| Commercial drum auger | Heavy duty drain cleaning | Up to 75″ |
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Inspect auger cables | Before each use |
| Lubricate parts | As needed |
| Check belt tension | Per manufacturer specs |
| Clean drum and auger | After each use |