RIDGID K-380 (01) PDF MANUAL

Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is grounded.

Don’t expose electrical tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a tool will increase the risk of electrical shock.

Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to carry the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shock.

When operating a tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Use only three-wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding plugs and three-pole receptacles which accept the tool’s plug. Use of other extension cords will not ground the tool and increase the risk of electrical shock.

Use proper extension cords. (See chart.) Insufficient conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop, loss of power.

Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cord

Nameplate Amps	Total Length (in feet)
	0-25	26-50	51-100
0-6	18 AWG	16 AWG	16 AWG
6-10	18 AWG	16 AWG	14 AWG
10-12	16 AWG	16 AWG	14 AWG
12-16	14 AWG	12 AWG	NOT RECOMMENDED

Before using, test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) provided with the power cord to insure it is operating correctly. GFCI reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Extension cords are not recommended unless they are plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) found in circuit boxes or outlet receptacles. The GFCI on the machine power cord will not prevent electrical shock from the extension cords.

Keep all electric connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch plugs or tool with wet hands. Reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging tools in that have the switch ON invites accidents.

Remove adjusting keys or switches before turning the tool ON. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

Read the operator’s manual carefully before using the K-380 Drain Cleaner. Failure to understand and follow the contents of the manual may result in electrical shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

Wear gloves provided with the machine. Never grasp a rotating cable with a rag or loose fitting cloth glove. Could become wrapped around the cable and cause serious injury.

Never operate machine with belt guard removed. Fingers can be caught between the belt and pulley.

Do not overstress cables. Keep hand on the cable for control when machine is running. Overstressing cables because of obstruction may cause twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable and result in serious injury.

Position machine within two feet of inlet. Greater distances can result in cable twisting or kinking.

Machine is designed for one person operation. Operator must control foot switch and cable.

Use foot switch to operate machine while maintaining good footing and balance. Do not operate machine in (REV) reverse. Operating machine in reverse can result in cable damage and is used only to back tool out of an obstruction.

Keep hands away from rotating drum and guide tube. Do not reach into drum unless machine is unplugged. Hand may be caught in the moving parts resulting in serious injury.

Be careful when cleaning drains where cleaning compounds have been used. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Serious burns can result from some drain cleaning compounds.

Do not operate machine if operator or machine is standing in water. Will increase the risk of electrical shock.

Wear safety glasses and rubber soled, non-slip shoes. Use of this safety equipment may prevent serious injury.

Only use the K-380 to clean drain lines up to 4″ in diameter. Follow instructions on the use of the machine. Other uses or modifying the drain cleaner for other applications may increase the risk of injury.

Description: The RIDGID K-380 Drain Cleaning Machine will clean drain lines up to 4″ in diameter and 75 feet in length. The corrosion-resistant cable drum holds 100 feet of 3/8″ diameter cable or 75 feet of 1/2″ cable. It is belt-driven by a 1/3 HP electric motor with a grounded electrical system, an integral Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI), and a pneumatic foot actuator.

Specifications:

Line Capacity: Depends on choice of cable. Refer to the following chart for recommendations.

Recommended Line Size & Reach

Cable Size	Line Size	Reach
3/8″ Cable	1 1/2″ – 3″	100′
1/2″ Cable	3″ – 4″	75′

Drum Capacity: 100′ of 3/8″ Diameter Cable, 75′ of 1/2″ Diameter Cable

Motor:

Type: 115V/60 Hz, Reversible, Split Phase

Rating: 1/3 HP @ 1725 RPM

Amps: 6.7

Weight (Machine Only): 37 lbs.

Length: 22″ (25″ w/Autofeed)

Height: 22″

Width: 15″

Standard Equipment

Catalog No.	Model No.	Description
87302	K-380	K-380 Machine Only w/Gloves
87287	K-380 w/C-31 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – C-31 IW 3/8″ x 50′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set Includes: T-202 Bulb Auger, T-205 “C” Cutter, T-211 Spade Cutter, A-13 Coupling Pin
84522	K-380 w/C-32 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – C-32 IW 3/8″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87307	K-380 w/C-32 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Two-Wheel Cart – C-32 IW 3/8″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Kit
87317	K-380 PF w/C-32 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Autofeed – C-32 IW 3/8″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87327	K-380 PF w/C-32 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Two-Wheel Cart – Autofeed – C-32 IW 3/8″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87292	K-380 w/C-44 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – C-44 IW 1/2″ x 50′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Kit
87297	K-380 w/C-45 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – C-45 IW 1/2″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87312	K-380 w/C-45 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Two-Wheel Cart – C-45 IW 1/2″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87322	K-380 PF w/C-45 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Autofeed – C-45 IW 1/2″ x 75′ Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable – T-260 Tool Set
87332	K-380 PF w/C-45 IW	K-380 Machine w/Gloves & Std. Equipment – Two-Wheel Cart – Autofeed – C-45 IW 1/2″ x 75′ Integral Wound Cable – T-260 Tool Set
Accessories
87337	A-380	Auto Feed Assembly
59782	—	Two-Wheel Transport Cart

To prevent serious injury, proper assembly of the Drain Cleaner is required. The following procedures should be followed:

1. Screw handle into the autofeed.

2. Place the mounting bracket onto the back of the autofeed. Bracket shaft must be inserted into the center hole of the autofeed while the two (2) holes in the bracket must be aligned with the mounting pins.

3. Attach autofeed onto the front frame of the K-380 using the two (2) 5/16″ x 1″ flat head screws. Insert the screws into the holes in the frame from the back. Be sure to use the lock washers and tighten the screws until auto feed unit is secure. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

To prevent serious injury, inspect your Drain Cleaning Machine. The following inspection procedures should be performed before each use.

1. Make sure the Drain Cleaning Machine is unplugged and the directional switch is set to the OFF position.

2. Make sure the foot switch is present and attached to the Drain Cleaning Machine. Do not operate the machine without a foot switch.

3. Inspect the power cord, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and plug for damage. If the plug has been modified, is missing the grounding prong or if the cord is damaged, do not use the Drain Cleaning Machine until the cord has been replaced.

4. Check belt guard to insure it is properly fastened to the frame. The gap between the belt guard and drum should not exceed 1/2″ to prevent fingers being caught between belt and pulley. Do not operate this machine without a belt guard.

5. Inspect the Drain Cleaning Machine for any broken, missing, misaligned or binding parts as well as any other conditions which may affect the safe and normal operation of the machine. If any of these conditions are present, do not use the Drain Cleaning Machine until any problem has been repaired.

6. Lubricate the Drain Cleaning Machine, if necessary, according to the Maintenance Instructions.

7. Use tools and accessories that are designed for your drain cleaner and meet the needs of your application. The correct tools and accessories allow you to do the job successfully and safely. Accessories suitable for use with other equipment may be hazardous when used with this drain cleaner.

8. Clean any oil, grease or dirt from all equipment handles and controls. This reduces the risk of injury due to a tool or control slipping from your grip.

9. Inspect the cutting edges of your tools. If necessary, have them sharpened or replaced prior to using the Drain Cleaning Machine. Dull or damaged cutting tools can lead to binding and cable breakage.

10. Inspect cables and couplings for wear and damage. Cables should be replaced when they become severely worn or corroded. A worn cable can be identified when the outside coils become flat. Worn or damaged cables can break causing serious injury.

To prevent serious injury, proper set-up of the machine and work area is required. The following procedures should be followed to set-up machine:

1. Check work area for:

– Adequate lighting.

– Grounded electrical outlet.

– Clear path to the electrical outlet that does not contain any sources of heat or oil, sharp edges or moving parts that may damage electrical cord.

– Dry place for machine and operator. Do not use the machine while standing in water.

– Flammable liquids, vapors or dust that may ignite.

2. Position the Drain Cleaning Machine within 2′ of sewer inlet. Greater distance can result in cable twisting or kinking.

3. Position the air foot switch pedal for easy operator accessibility. Machine is designed for one person operation.

4. Make sure FOR/OFF/REV switch is in the OFF position.

5. Select and install the proper tool to the end of the cable. The T-Slot Coupler allows the tool to be snapped into the cable coupler. To remove tool, use the pin key to depress the plunger and slide the coupling apart.

NOTE! Proper Tool Selection: A good rule of thumb is to use a tool at least 1″ smaller than the line to be cleaned. The style of the tool is determined by the nature of the job and is left up to the operator.

6. Plug the Drain Cleaning Machine into the electrical outlet, making sure to position the power cord along the clear path selected earlier. If the power cord does not reach the outlet, use an extension cord in good condition.

1. Do not go directly through sink drain. Remove the sink’s P-trap by unscrewing it at both ends. Remember to place a bucket under the sink to catch backed up water. Clean any debris that may be stuck in the P-trap.

2. Position drain cleaner as close to the drain pipe as possible and follow the operating instructions.

CAUTION: Attempting to go directly through the sink without removing P-trap could damage your sink porcelain.

Always assume the correct operating posture to maintain proper balance. Be sure you can quickly remove your foot from the foot switch, your hand is on the cable to control twisting, and keep hands away from the rotating drum.

1. Pull sufficient cable out of the drum to start tool and cable into the sewer inlet. Push cable into inlet as far as it will go.

2. Move FOR/OFF/REV switch into FOR (forward) position. Grasp cable with two gloved hands and pull approximately 1 foot of additional cable out of machine, building a slight loop of cable between machine and sewer inlet.

WARNING: Before starting machine, operator’s gloved hand must be on the cable.

3. While depressing foot switch to start machine, use both gloved hands to grasp and push cable into sewer inlet. Rotating cable will slowly work its way into line as operator applies downward pressure with gloved hands on cable loop.

4. Continue to feed the cable into the line until resistance or obstruction is encountered. This will become apparent to operator as it will be difficult to feed additional cable into line and/or the cable will have a tendency to twist sideways in operator’s hands.

5. If cable loads down in the obstruction, relieve load by pulling back on cable with short, quick jerks to free cutter. Slowly advance cable back into the obstruction. Repeat this process until the obstruction is clear. Remember, make sure the cutter is rotating at all times and never force the cable. If motor turns but the drum stops, the torque limiter is slipping because of excessive force.

WARNING: Do not allow tension to build up in the cable. This will happen if the cutting tool hits a snag and stops turning, but the motor and its drum continue to rotate. Torque builds until the cable suddenly twists, potentially wrapping around your hand or arm. If tool gets hung up in an obstruction, refer to Reverse Operating Instructions in the “Special Procedures” section.

6. Once obstruction is cleared, it is recommended to flush debris from line with running water. Repeat Step 5 several times if necessary for a thorough cleaning job. Work cable through additional stoppages as required. After establishing flow, increase cutter size to thoroughly clean line.

7. To retrieve cable from drain line, run machine in FORWARD direction. Pull one to two feet of cable from sewer and manually push back into the machine. This procedure should be continued until it is apparent that the tool is just inside sewer inlet.

WARNING: Never retract tool from sewer inlet while cable is rotating. Tool can whip causing serious injury.

NOTE! It is recommended that a continuous flush of water be used to clean the cable and tool as they are retrieved.

8. Turn FOR/OFF/REV Switch to OFF position and remove cord from power source.

9. Pull remaining cable and tool from sewer and hand feed cable back into machine.

1. Manually pull sufficient cable out of the drum to start tool and cable into the sewer inlet. Push cable into inlet as far as it will go.

2. Move FOR/OFF/REV switch into FOR (forward) position. Do not step on the air foot switch pedal at this time.

3. Loosely grasp cable with gloved hand and place other hand on the feed lever. Feed lever should be in the neutral position (vertical or 12 o’clock). Exert sufficient downward pressure on cable to maintain control while depressing foot actuator to start drum rotation. Do not force the cable. Allow it to feed itself into the drain.

WARNING: Before starting machine, operator’s gloved hand must be on the cable.

4. To automatically feed cable into line, move feed lever in same direction as rotating drum and cable. Push feed lever away from neutral (vertical) position until it engages and feeds the cable. Full advance or retrieval is almost 90° from the neutral position.

WARNING: Always keep hand on the cable to feel tension.

5. Continue to feed the cable into the line until resistance or obstruction is encountered. The condition will generally become apparent to the operator as the cable will have a tendency to twist sideways in the operator’s hands.

6. Operator should immediately respond to this condition by moving feed lever into full reverse (opposite direction of drum rotation). This should release the twist in cable and reduce size of cable loop.

7. Once free of this obstruction and the load is relieved from the cable, gradually feed cable forward. Allow cutter to advance slowly and work through the obstruction. If cable shows signs of loading (generally apparent by growing loop between machine and drain), immediately back cutter from obstruction by reversing feed.

8. Manually pull back sharply on the cable to free the cutter and relieve the load on the cable. Slowly advance cable back into the obstruction. Repeat this process until the obstruction is clear. Remember, make sure the cutter is rotating at all times and never force the cable. If motor turns but the drum stops, the torque limiter is slipping because of excessive force.

9. Several passes at a thoroughly blocked drain line are recommended. After establishing flow, increase cutter size to thoroughly clean line. Flush with strong flow of water.

10. To retrieve cable from sewer line, move the feed lever in opposite direction of drum rotation. The cable should now feed itself back into machine. The retrieval process is greatly aided by manually pulling the cable from the drain a foot at a time as the autofeed is used.

11. When the tool is just inside the sewer inlet, release the air foot switch pedal and allow the machine to come to a complete stop.

12. Turn FOR/OFF/REV switch to OFF position and remove cord from power source.

13. Pull remaining cable and tool from the sewer. Hand feed the cable into the machine.

Running machine in reverse will cause premature failure of cable. Use reverse only to free a tool caught in an obstruction. If this should occur, immediately remove foot from air foot switch pedal and allow machine to come to a full and complete stop. Place FOR/OFF/REV switch to REV (reverse) position.

Tighten screw on nose of machine so that it firmly captures cable to avoid kinks occurring inside the drum. If machine has automatic feed, move feed knob to neutral position. Grasp cable with gloved hands and pull while jogging air foot switch pedal. When tool is dislodged and drum has stopped rotating, place FOR/OFF/REV switch in FOR (forward) position, loosen set screw on nose of machine and follow normal operating procedure.

WARNING: Never operate this machine in REV (reverse) for any other purpose. Operating in reverse can damage a cable and cause serious injury.

To Remove Damaged or Worn Cable:

1. Pull out excess cable from drum allowing access to cable bracket.

2. Loosen screw on back of drum that fastens cable bracket clamping cable against back wall of drum.

3. Pull end of old cable from drum and discard.

To Install Replacement Cable:

NOTE! To make cable installation easier, completely uncoil new cable before proceeding. Also, a 30 degree bend about 4 inches from back end of cable will facilitate it entering the drum.

1. Insert about 24 inches of cable through the guide tube into the drum.

IMPORTANT: Cable should coil into the drum in a counter-clockwise direction.

2. Reach inside the drum and maneuver cable so that it is under the cable bracket.

3. Retighten the screw to clamp the cable against the back wall of the drum.

Cable Selection – Solid Core (Integral Wound) Cable:

C-31 IW: 3/8″ x 50′ w/Solid Core Cable

C-32 IW: 3/8″ x 75′ w/Solid Core Cable

C-44 IW: 1/2″ x 50′ w/Solid Core Cable

C-45 IW: 1/2″ x 75′ w/Solid Core Cable

Additional Tools Available For 3/8″ & 1/2″ Cable:

Catalog No.	Model No.	Description
62990	T-201	Straight Auger, 5″ (127mm) Long
62995	T-202	Bulb Auger, 1 1/8″ O.D.
63000	T-203	Bulb Auger, 7/8″ (22mm) Diameter
54837	T-204	“C” Cutter, 1″
63005	T-205	“C” Cutter, 1 3/8″
63010	T-206	Funnel Auger, 3″ (76mm) Long
63020	T-208	Spiral Cutter, 1 1/2″ (38mm) Diameter
63025	T-209	Spiral Cutter, 2″ (51mm) Diameter
63030	T-210	Grease Cutter, 1″ (25mm) Wide
63035	T-211	Grease Cutter, 1 3/8″ (35mm) Wide
63040	T-212	Grease Cutter, 1 3/4″ (44mm) Wide
63045	T-213	Four-Bladed Cutter, 1″ (25mm) Wide
63050	T-214	Four-Bladed Cutter, 1 3/8″ (35mm) Wide
63055	T-215	Four-Bladed Cutter, 1 3/4″ (44mm) Wide
63060	T-216	Chain Knocker, 2″ (51mm) Diameter
63065	T-217	Drop Head Auger, 4″ (102mm) Long
63280	T-218	Flue Brush, 3″ (76mm) Diameter
63070	T-219	Flue Brush, 2 1/2″ (64mm) Diameter
63080	T-220	Flue Brush, 2″ (51mm) Diameter
63220	T-221	Flue Brush, 1 1/2″ (38mm) Diameter
59982		Cable Rust Inhibitor, 1 Quart
59987		Cable Rust Inhibitor, 1 Gallon

Maintenance Instructions:

Make sure machine is unplugged from power source before performing maintenance or making any adjustment.

Lubrication: Grease all exposed, moving and rotating parts, such as guide tube assembly, as required. NOTE! No lubrication of the Motor Shaft is required.

Autofeed Assembly: Proper cleaning and lubrication of the autofeed assembly is advised for long, trouble-free operation. After each use, hose out autofeed assembly with water and lubricate with lightweight machine oil.

Cables: Cables should be thoroughly flushed with water to prevent damaging effects of sediment and drain cleaning compounds. Periodically lubricate cables and couplings with RIDGID Cable Rust Inhibitor. Store cables indoors to prevent deterioration by the elements. Cables should be replaced when they become severely corroded or worn. A worn cable can be identified when outside coils of cable become flat.

Motor-driven equipment must be kept indoors or well covered in rainy weather. Store the machine in a locked area that is out of reach of children and people unfamiliar with drain cleaners. This machine can cause serious injury in the hands of untrained users.

Trouble Shooting

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE REASONS	SOLUTION
Cable kinking or breaking.	Cable is being forced. Cable used in incorrect pipe diameter. Motor switched to reverse. Cable exposed to acid. Cable worn out.	Do Not Force Cable! Let the cutter do the work. Use 1/2″ cables in 3″ to 4″ lines. Use reverse only if cable gets caught in pipe. Clean and oil cables routinely. If cable is worn, replace it.
Drum stops while pedal is depressed. Restarts when pedal is re-depressed.	Hole in pedal or hose. Hole in diaphragm switch.	Replace damaged component. If no problem found with pedal or hose, replace diaphragm switch.
Drum turns in one direction but not the other.	Faulty reverse switch.	Replace switch.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter trips when machine is plugged in or when foot pedal is depressed.	Damaged power cord. Short circuit in motor. Faulty Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.	Replace cord set. Take motor to authorized service center. Replace cord set that includes a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
Motor turning but cage is not.	Torque limiter slipping because cable is being forced.	Do not force cable.

The wiring diagram shows the electrical connections between the following components:

– BLK LEAD OF CORD (Black lead of cord)

– GRND LEAD OF CORD (Ground lead of cord)

– AIR SWITCH

– TO MOTOR SHELL

– PROT (Protector)

– RED, YEL (Yellow), BLU (Blue), BRN (Brown), WHT (White), and ORG (Orange) wires

– AUX (Auxiliary) and MAIN windings

– Terminals T1, T3, T4, T5

– KEYWAY IN STEM

– Cap (Capacitor)

– WHT LEAD OF CORD (White lead of cord)