RIDGID K-400 (02) PDF MANUAL

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

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

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

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

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

• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

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

• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the OFF-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch ON invites accidents.

• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool ON. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

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

• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

• Before using the tool, test the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) provided with the power supply cord to insure it is operating correctly. A properly operating GFCI reduces the risk of electrical shock.

• Only use extension cords that are protected by an GFCI. The GFCI on the machine power cord will not prevent electrical shock from extension cords.

• Only grasp the rotating cable with gloves recommended by the manufacturer. Latex or loose fitting gloves or rags can become wrapped around the cable and may result in serious personal injury.

• Do not allow the cutter to stop turning while the cable is turning. This can overstress the cable and may cause twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable and may result in serious personal injury.

• One person must control both the cable and the power switch. If the cutter stops rotating, the operator must be able to turn the tool OFF to prevent the cable from twisting, kinking and breaking.

• Use latex or rubber gloves inside the gloves recommended by the manufacturer, goggles, face shields, protective clothing, and respirator when chemicals, bacteria or other toxic or infectious substances are suspected to be in a drain line. Drains may contain chemicals, bacteria and other substances that may cause burns, be toxic or infectious or may result in other serious personal injury.

• Practice good hygiene. Do not eat or smoke while handling or operating the tool. After handling or operating drain cleaning equipment, use hot, soapy water to wash hands and other body parts exposed to drain contents. This will help reduce the risk of health hazards due to exposure to toxic or infectious material.

• Only use the drain cleaner for the recommended drain sizes. Using the wrong size drain cleaner can lead to twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable and may result in personal injury.

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

• Keep gloved hand on the cable whenever the machine is running. This provides better control of the cable and helps prevent twisting, kinking and breaking of the cable. Twisting, kinking or breaking cable may cause striking or crushing injuries.

• Position machine within two feet of the drain inlet or properly support exposed cable when the distance exceeds two feet. Greater distances can cause control problems leading to twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable. Twisting, kinking or breaking cable may cause striking or crushing injuries.

• Do not operate the machine in REV (reverse) rotation except as described in this manual. Operating in reverse can result in cable damage and is used to back the tool out of blockages.

• 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.

• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewelry or hair can be caught in moving parts.

• Do not operate this machine if operator or machine is standing in water. Operating machine while in water increases the risk of electrical shock.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury during use, follow these procedures for proper assembly. FOR/OFF/REV switch should be OFF and machine unplugged before assembly.

Before assembly, remove and discard the 5/16″ x 1″ cable lock set screw from the Set Collar Assembly. This screw is provided during packaging to keep the cable from coming out of the drum during transport.

Installing Wheels

1. Install retaining clip into groove on one end of axle.

2. Slide one wheel onto axle with the boss away from the clip.

3. Fully insert axle through hole in bracket.

4. Slide second wheel onto axle, boss first.

5. Install retaining clip into groove.

Mounting AUTOFEED® Cable Feed (Optional Equipment)

1. If needed, remove and discard cable lock set screw from the set collar.

2. Pull approximately 6″ (150mm) of cable from the machine.

3. Securely screw handle in place.

4. Remove fasteners holding front bearing mount to frame. Replace with supplied 5/16″ x 3″ fasteners. Install spacer block over fasteners. Confirm mounting bracket properly placed on back of cable feed. Install bracket and cable feed over cable and securely tighten fasteners.

Attaching Front Guide Hose (Optional Equipment)

1. Remove the three (3) cover screws from the front of the cable feed. Keep cover in place.

2. Route the cable through the guide hose adapter. Attach the guide hose adapter to front of cable feed using existing screws, do not include flat washers. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

3. Pull approximately 2′ (0.6m) of cable from the drum. Feed the cable into the coupling end of the guide hose and through the hose.

4. Screw the guide hose coupling onto adapter. Position hose so that the natural curve of the hose follows the path to the drain. Tighten lock nut to keep hose from rotating.

WARNING: Before each use, inspect your drain cleaning machine and correct any problems to reduce the risk of serious injury from electric shock, twisted or broken cables, chemical burns, infections and other causes and prevent drain cleaner damage. Always wear safety glasses, and other appropriate protective equipment when inspecting your drain cleaner.

1. Inspect the RIDGID drain cleaning gloves or mitts. Ensure they are in good condition with no holes, tears or loose sections. If the gloves are not RIDGID drain cleaning gloves or are damaged or worn out, do not use the machine until proper gloves are available.

2. Ensure the drain cleaning machine is unplugged and 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 machine until the cord has been replaced by a qualified repair person.

3. Clean the drain cleaner, including handles and controls, per the maintenance instructions.

4. Inspect the drain cleaning machine for any broken, worn, missing, misaligned or binding parts. Rotate the drum to ensure it turns freely. Check that the foot switch is attached, and the belt guard is securely fastened. Confirm the warning label is present and readable. Inspect the cable feed handle for smooth movement and ensure it returns to neutral. Confirm AUTOFEED cover is secure.

5. Clean any debris from the cable and cutting tools. Inspect the cable for wear and damage such as obvious flats, large kinks, uneven spacing between coils, and excessive corrosion. Replace worn or damaged cable before use. Ensure the cable is fully retracted with no more than 6″ (150mm) outside the machine.

6. Inspect the tools for wear and damage. Replace if necessary.

7. Ensure the FOR/OFF/REV switch is in the OFF position.

8. With dry hands, plug the cord into a properly grounded outlet. Test the GFCI by pushing the test button; the indicator light should go off. Reactivate by pushing the reset button. If the GFCI is not functioning properly, do not use the machine until it is repaired.

9. Move the FOR/OFF/REV switch to the FOR position. Press the foot switch and note the drum’s rotation direction. It should rotate counter-clockwise when viewed from the front. Release the foot switch. Place the switch in the REV position and repeat the test to confirm proper reverse operation. If rotation is incorrect, do not use the machine until it has been repaired.

10. When the inspection is complete, move the FOR/OFF/REV switch to the OFF position and unplug the machine.

WARNING: Set up the drain cleaning machine and work area according to these procedures to reduce the risk of injury from electric shock, fire, machine tipping, twisted or broken cables, chemical burns, infections and other causes, and prevent drain cleaner damage. Always wear safety glasses, and other appropriate protective equipment when setting up your drain cleaner.

1. Check the work area for adequate lighting, flammable materials, and ensure it is a clear, level, stable, and dry place for the machine and operator. Do not use the machine while standing in water. Ensure there is a properly grounded electrical outlet of the correct voltage and a clear path to it.

2. Inspect the drain. Determine access points, drain size and length, and the nature of the blockage. If chemicals are present, understand the specific safety measures required.

3. Determine the correct equipment for the application.

4. Ensure the machine has been properly inspected.

5. Place protective covers in the work area if needed.

6. Transport the machine to the work area. Lock the handle in the up position for transport. Use proper lifting techniques if needed.

7. Position the machine so the cable outlet is within 2 feet (0.6m) of the drain access. Greater distances increase the risk of the cable kinking. If necessary, extend the drain access with similar sized pipe and fittings.

8. Evaluate if barriers are needed to keep bystanders away.

9. Select the proper tool. For unknown obstructions, use a straight or bulb auger to retrieve a sample. Start with the smallest available tool to allow water to flow. Generally, the largest tool used should be no bigger than the inside diameter of the drain minus one inch.

10. Securely install the tool to the end of the cable using the T-slot coupler.

11. Position the foot switch for easy accessibility.

12. Confirm the FOR/OFF/REV switch is in the OFF position.

13. Run the cord along a clear path and plug it into a properly grounded outlet. Use a proper extension cord if necessary: in good condition, three-prong plug, rated for outdoor use (W or W-A), and with sufficient wire size (16 AWG up to 50 ft, 14 AWG for 50-100 ft). A plug-in GFCI is advisable if the outlet is not GFCI protected.

WARNING: Adhere to all safety warnings. One person must control both the cable and the foot switch.

Feeding the Cable into the Drain (Manual Operation)

1. Confirm at least one foot (0.3 m) of cable is in the drain.

2. Grasp the exposed cable with both gloved hands and pull 6″-12″ (150mm – 300mm) of cable out of the drum to create a slight bow.

3. Move the FOR/OFF/REV switch to the FOR (FORWARD) position. Depress the foot switch to start the machine.

4. Feed the rotating cable into the drain. Do not allow the cable to build up outside the drain.

5. When the cable has been fed in, pull 6″-12″ (0.15 – 0.3m) more cable from the drum and continue feeding.

Feeding the Cable into the Drain (AUTOFEED Operation)

1. Confirm at least one foot (0.3m) of cable is in the drain.

2. Grasp the exposed cable with a gloved hand. Place the other hand on the cable feed handle, which should be in the neutral (vertical) position.

3. Depress the foot switch to start the machine.

4. With the cable rotating in the FOR direction, move the AUTOFEED control handle to the ADVANCE position until it engages and advances the cable.

Cleaning the Drain

As you feed the cable, you may feel it slow down or start to wind up. This could be a transition (trap, elbow) or the blockage. Feed the cable slowly. If the cable end stops turning or starts to wind up, immediately pull the cable back from the obstruction. Do not keep the cable rotating if it is stuck. Once the cable end is free, slowly feed it back into the blockage. Let the spinning end “dwell” in the blockage to break it up.

Freeing a Stuck Tool

If the tool is stuck, with the switch in the OFF position and foot switch released, try pulling the cable loose. If it won’t come free, place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the REV position. Grasp the cable, press the foot switch for several seconds, and pull on the cable until it is free. Do not operate in REV longer than required.

Retrieving the Cable

1. Once the drain is open, start a flow of water down the drain to flush debris.

2. The FOR/OFF/REV switch should be in the FOR position. Do not retrieve in REV. Retrieve the cable manually by pulling it from the drain and feeding it into the drum, or use the AUTOFEED by moving the handle to the RETRIEVE position.

3. Release the foot switch and allow the drum to stop completely. Do not pull the cable end from the drain while it’s rotating.

4. Place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the OFF position. Pull the remaining cable from the drain and feed it into the cleaner.

WARNING: FOR/OFF/REV switch should be OFF and machine unplugged before performing any maintenance. Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective equipment.

Cleaning

The machine should be cleaned as needed with hot, soapy water and/or disinfectants. Do not allow water to enter motor or other electrical components. Ensure the unit is completely dry before plugging in and using.

Cables

Thoroughly flush cables with water after every use. Flush debris from the drum by tipping the machine forward. Lubricate the cable connector plunger pin with light machine oil.

AUTOFEED Cable Feed

After each use, hose out the AUTOFEED cable feed assembly with water and lubricate with lightweight machine oil.

Lubrication

In general, the drain cleaner will not require lubrication. If the drum is removed or changed, grease the bearings with good general purpose grease.

Front Guide Hose

After use, flush the guide hose with water and drain.

Belt Removal/Installation

1. Loosen belt guard screws and slide guard off screws.

2. Hold the belt tensioner to the side and remove the belt from the drum and pulley. Slide the belt to the front of the machine.

3. Remove the bolts and nuts holding the front bearing mount and AUTOFEED cable feed in place. Pull the drum and front bearing mount forward enough to slide the belt off the machine.

4. Reverse procedure to replace belt. If changing the belt, adjust the torque limiter.

Torque Limiter Adjustment

1. Loosen belt guard screws and slide guard off screws.

2. Check the gap between the torque limiter spring coils near the middle of the spring with a feeler gauge.

3. The gap should be 0.048″ (1.22 mm) to 0.060″ (1.52 mm). If it is within this range, no adjustment is necessary.

4. If the torque limiter is outside the acceptable range, it must be adjusted.

5. Loosen the screw in the center of the hex knob approximately 3 turns.

6. Pull the hex knob out slightly. To increase the gap, rotate the knob clockwise to the next flat. To decrease the gap, rotate counter-clockwise to the next flat.

7. Repeat steps 2-5 until the spring coil gap is correct.

8. Tighten the hex knob screw.

9. Replace the guard.

Replacing Cable

To Remove Cable From Drum:

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

2. Loosen screws on the back of the drum that fasten cable clamps and back plate.

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

To Install Replacement Cable:

1. Completely uncoil the new cable. Add a 30-degree bend about 4″ (100mm) from the drum end of the cable to help it enter the drum.

2. Insert about 24″ (0.8m) of cable through the guide tube into the drum. The cable should coil in a counter-clockwise direction.

3. Reach inside the drum and maneuver the end of the cable between the cable clamp and back plate. The end should extend at least 3″ (75mm) past the clamp.

4. Retighten the screws to clamp the cable.

5. Feed cable into the drum.

IW (Integral Wound) Solid Core Cables

Tools and Accessories

Tools and Replacement Blades – Fits 3/8″ and ½” Cables (Fits C-31IW, C-32IW, C-33IW, C-44IW and C-45IW)