RIDGID K-400 (03) PDF Document

The safety symbols and signal words on the RIDGID K-400 are used to communicate important safety information.

Safety Alert Symbol: This symbol is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Indicates information that relates to the protection of property.

Read Operator’s Manual Symbol: This symbol means read the operator’s manual carefully before using the equipment. The operator’s manual contains important information on the safe and proper operation of the equipment.

Wear Eye Protection Symbol: This symbol means always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling or using this equipment to reduce the risk of eye injury.

Entanglement Risk Symbol (Cable): This symbol indicates the risk of hands, fingers or other body parts being caught, wrapped or crushed in the drain cleaning cable.

Electrical Shock Risk Symbol: This symbol indicates the risk of electrical shock.

Entanglement Risk Symbol (Belt): This symbol indicates the risk of entanglement in a belt and pulley.

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, picking up or carrying the tool.

• 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.

Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it ON and OFF. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

• Before using the RIDGID K-400, 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 a 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.

• 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.

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

Line Capacity: 1½” – 3″ (40mm – 75mm) Line with 3/8″ (10mm) Cable; 3″ – 4″ (75mm – 100mm) Line with 1/2″ (12mm) Cable. The K-400 is not designed to remove root blockages.

Drum Capacity: 100′ (30.5m) of 3/8″ (10mm) Diameter Cable; 75′ (22.5m) of 1/2″ (12mm) Diameter Cable.

Motor Type: Induction, Single Phase.

Motor Rating: 120V – 1/3 HP, 6 Amp, 60 Hz; 230V – 0.25 kW, 2.7 Amp, 50 Hz.

No Load Speed: 170 RPM (120V), 140 RPM (230V).

Control: Rocker Type FOR/OFF/REV switch and pneumatic foot switch. Some units have 1/OFF/2 Rotary Switch in place of Rocker Switch.

Operating Temperature: 20°F to 140°F (-6°C to 60°C).

Weight: (Machine Only) 40 lbs (18 kg); (with 3/8″ x 75′ Cable, w/o AUTOFEED) 66 lbs (30 kg).

Dimensions:

• Length: 19.75″ (500 mm)

• Width: 17.25″ (440 mm)

• Height: 22.6″ (575mm) Handle Down, 37.4″ (930mm) Handle Up.

Before assembly, ensure the FOR/OFF/REV switch is OFF and the machine is unplugged. Remove and discard the 5/16″ x 1″ cable lock set screw from the Set Collar Assembly, which is used for packaging to keep the cable from coming out of the drum during transport.

Installing Wheels:

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

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

3. Fully insert the axle through the hole in the bracket.

4. Slide the second wheel onto the axle, boss first.

5. Install the second retaining clip into the groove.

Mounting AUTOFEED® (Optional Equipment):

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

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

3. Insert the handle through the AUTOFEED® cover and securely screw it in place.

4. Remove fasteners holding the front bearing mount to the frame.

5. Slide the AUTOFEED assembly over the cable, aligning its bracket holes with the frame holes. The cable should extend approximately 2″ (50mm) from the front of the AUTOFEED.

6. Use the supplied fasteners to secure the AUTOFEED to the machine.

Attaching Front Guide Hose (Optional Equipment):

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

2. Route the cable through the guide hose adapter. Attach the guide hose adapter to the front of the AUTOFEED using the existing screws, without 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 the adapter. Position the hose so its natural curve follows the path to the drain. Tighten the lock nut to keep the hose from rotating.

Before each use, inspect your RIDGID K-400 drain cleaning machine and correct any problems. Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective equipment.

1. Inspect Gloves: Inspect the RIDGID drain cleaning gloves to ensure they are in good condition with no holes, tears, or loose sections. If gloves are damaged or worn out, do not use the machine.

2. Inspect Power Cord and Plug: Make sure the machine is unplugged. Inspect the power cord, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), and plug for damage. If the plug is modified, missing the grounding prong, or if the cord is damaged, do not use the machine until it has been replaced by a qualified repair person.

3. Clean the Machine: Clean the drain cleaner, including handles and controls, to aid inspection and prevent slipping.

4. Inspect Machine Condition: Check for proper assembly and completeness, any broken/worn/missing parts, and ensure the drum rotates freely. Confirm the foot switch is attached, the belt guard is secure, and the warning label is present and readable. For optional AUTOFEED, inspect that its handle moves smoothly and returns to neutral when released.

5. Inspect Cable and Tools: Clean any debris from the cable and cutting tools. Inspect the cable for wear and damage such as obvious flats, multiple or large kinks, uneven coil spacing, or 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 Cutting Tools: Check tools for wear and damage. Dull or damaged tools can lead to binding and cable breakage.

7. Check Switch Position: Make sure the FOR/OFF/REV switch is set to the OFF position.

8. Test GFCI: With dry hands, plug the cord into a properly grounded outlet. Push the TEST button; the indicator light should go off. Push the RESET button to reactivate it; the indicator light should go on. If the GFCI is not functioning properly, do not use the machine until it has been repaired.

9. Test Machine Operation: Move the FOR/OFF/REV switch to the FOR position. Press the foot switch. The drum should rotate counter-clockwise when viewed from the front. Release the foot switch and let the drum stop. Place the switch in the REV position and repeat the test to confirm it operates properly in reverse. If rotation is incorrect, do not use the machine until repaired.

10. Final Step: Once the inspection is complete, move the FOR/OFF/REV switch to OFF and unplug the machine with dry hands.

1. Check the work area for:

• Adequate lighting.

• Flammable liquids, vapors, or dust. If present, do not work in the area until sources are identified and corrected.

• A clear, level, stable, dry place for the machine and operator. Do not use the machine while standing in water.

• A properly grounded electrical outlet of the correct voltage.

• A clear path to the electrical outlet and for transporting the drain cleaner.

2. Inspect the drain to be cleaned. Determine access points, drain size and length, nature of the blockage, and presence of chemicals. If chemicals are present, contact the chemical manufacturer for specific safety information. If needed, remove fixtures like a water closet to access the drain.

3. Determine the correct equipment for the application by checking the specifications.

4. Ensure the machine has been properly inspected.

5. Place protective covers in the work area if needed, as the process can be messy.

6. Transport the machine to the work area. Ensure the handle is locked in the up position for transport. Use proper lifting techniques.

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

8. Set up barriers if needed to keep bystanders away from the work area.

9. Select the proper tool for the conditions. If the obstruction is unknown, start with a straight or bulb auger to retrieve a sample for inspection. 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. Ensure the spring-loaded plunger in the cable coupler moves freely and retains the tool.

11. Position the foot switch for easy accessibility. You must be able to control the cable, the foot switch, and the FOR/OFF/REV switch simultaneously.

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

13. Plug in the drain cleaner with dry hands to a properly grounded outlet. If an extension cord is needed, ensure it is in good condition, has a three-prong plug, is rated for outdoor use (W or W-A designation), and has a sufficient wire size (16 AWG up to 50 ft, 14 AWG for 50-100 ft).

First, ensure the machine and work area are properly set up and free of bystanders. Then, assume a proper operating position where you can control the foot switch, have good balance, and can place at least one hand on the cable at all times.

Feeding the Cable into the Drain (Manual Operation):

1. Confirm that 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 by pushing on the cable with gloved hands. Do not allow the cable to build up, bow, or curve outside the drain.

5. When the cable has been fed in, pull another 6″-12″ of cable from the drum and continue feeding.

Feeding the Cable into the Drain (AUTOFEED Operation):

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

2. Grasp near the center of the exposed cable with one gloved hand and place the other hand on the AUTOFEED lever, 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 (FORWARD) direction, move the AUTOFEED control handle toward the drain to the ADVANCE position. The rotating cable will work into the drain as you control it with your gloved hand.

If it is difficult to get the cable through a trap or other fitting, the following methods or combinations of methods can be used:

• Sharp thrusts of the cable, both with and without the cable rotating, can help the cable through a trap.

• In some cases with the switch in the OFF position, rotating the drum by hand can change the orientation of the cutter to allow it to more easily negotiate the fitting.

• Run the drain cleaner in REV rotation for several seconds while pushing on the cable. Only do this long enough to get the cable started through the trap. Running the cable in reverse can damage the cable.

• Attach a single section (only one section) of C-9 cable as a flexible leader between the end of the cable and the tool.

If these options do not work, consider using a smaller diameter or more flexible cable, or a different drain cleaner.

Working the Blockage:

If the end of the cable stops turning, or if you feel it start to wind up (twist or squirm), immediately pull the cable back from the obstruction.

• Manual Operation: Pull back on the cable to free the cable end from the blockage.

• AUTOFEED Operation: Move the AUTOFEED handle towards the machine to the retrieve position to free the cable end from the blockage.

Do not keep the cable rotating if it is stuck. Once the cable end is free and turning again, slowly feed it back into the blockage. Let the spinning end “dwell” in the blockage to break it up. Work the tool until you have moved past the blockage and the drain is flowing.

Handling a Stuck Tool:

If the tool stops turning and the cable cannot be pulled back, release the foot switch while firmly holding the cable. If installed, release the AUTOFEED lever to its neutral position. Do not remove hands from the cable, as it may kink, twist, and break. The motor will stop, and the cable and drum may turn backwards until the stored energy is relieved. Place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the OFF position once the tension is released.

Freeing a Stuck Tool:

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

1. Once the drain is open, if possible, start a flow of water down the drain to flush debris and help clean the cable as it is retrieved.

2. The FOR/OFF/REV switch should be in the FOR position. Do not retrieve the cable with the switch in the REV position, as this can damage the cable.

• Manual Operation: With both gloved hands on the exposed cable, pull 6″-12″ (0.15 – 0.3m) lengths of cable from the drain at a time and feed it into the drum. Continue until the cable end is just inside the drain opening.

• AUTOFEED Operation: With one hand on the exposed cable, move the feed lever towards the machine to retrieve the cable. The rotating cable will work its way out of the drain. Continue until the cable end is just inside the drain opening, then release the AUTOFEED lever to the neutral position.

3. Release the foot switch and allow the drum to stop completely. Do not pull the end of the cable from the drain while it is rotating, as it can whip around and cause injury.

4. Place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the OFF position. Pull the remaining cable from the drain with gloved hands and feed it into the drain cleaner. Several passes are recommended for complete cleaning.

Before performing any maintenance, ensure the FOR/OFF/REV switch is OFF and the machine is unplugged. Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective equipment.

Cleaning:

Clean the machine as needed with hot, soapy water and/or disinfectants. Do not allow water to enter the 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 to prevent damage from sediment and drain cleaning compounds. Tip the machine forward after use to drain debris and sediment from the drum. The cable connector plunger pin can be lubricated with light machine oil.

AUTOFEED:

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

Lubrication:

The drain cleaner generally does 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.

1. Remove the belt guard by removing the hold-down screws located next to the motor. Do not operate the drain cleaner with the belt guard removed.

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 near the front bearing mount.

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

4. Reverse the procedure to replace the belt. If changing the belt, adjust the torque limiter as described in the manual.

The torque limiter is set at the factory and in most cases will not need adjustment. If excessive belt slippage occurs or the belt is changed, this procedure can be used to check and adjust the setting.

1. Remove the belt guard by removing the hold-down screws located next to the motor.

2. Check the gap between the torque limiter spring coils near the middle of the spring using a set of feeler gauges.

3. The torque limiter is properly set if the gap is 0.048″ (1.22 mm) to 0.060″ (1.52 mm). If the gap is within this range, no adjustment is necessary.

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

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

6. Pull the hex knob out slightly. If the gap needs to be increased, rotate the knob clockwise to the next flat of the hex knob. If the gap needs to be decreased, rotate it counter-clockwise to the next flat.

7. Repeat steps 2-6 until the spring coil gap is correct.

8. Tighten the hex knob screw.

9. Replace the guard. Do not operate the drain cleaner with the belt guard removed.

To Remove Cable From Drum:

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

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

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

To Install Replacement Cable:

1. To make installation easier, completely uncoil the new cable before proceeding. Use caution as the cable is under tension. Adding a 30-degree bend about 4″ (100mm) from the drum end of the cable will help it enter the drum.

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

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

4. Retighten the screws to clamp the cable against the back plate and back wall of the drum.

5. Feed the cable into the drum.

The drain cleaner and cables must be kept dry and indoors or well covered if kept outdoors. 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.

Parts of the RIDGID K-400 Drain Cleaning Machine contain valuable materials and can be recycled. There are companies that specialize in recycling that may be found locally. Dispose of the components and any waste oil in compliance with all applicable regulations.

For EC Countries: Do not dispose of electrical equipment with household waste. According to the European Guideline 2012/19/EU for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, electrical equipment that is no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.