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Sewer auger safety

| Posted in General Discussion on January 8, 2001 01:30am

*
Since we just had discussion about falls I thought I would put out a warning about using large sewer cleaners (Snake).

I have used the large wheeled type machines several times over the years and always wear gloves when feeding the line into a sewer pipe. I have had the glove snatched a few times, but last week I nearly had my arm broken by one.

I had about 60 feet of 1 inch line in the pipe when it snatched my gloved hand. My coworker was carrying about a 4.0 drift factor and did not let off of the clutch until I screamed. By then the glove fotunately ripped and I got nothing but a sprained elbow and wrist from it.

I found out they make a leather mitten with metal tabs on it to prevent this type of accident from occurring. If you ever rent one of these big hogs, make sure you get the mitten with it.

This is just a FYI. No need to tell me how stupid I was!

Dave

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  1. Joe_Hennessey | Jan 07, 2001 03:33am | #1

    *
    Dave, I have a small machine that HD sells. 1/2" cable by 50'...I decided to buy my own when the price of calling Roto Rooter went past the IQ of the guy they sent out to do the job. When the last kid told me he was not allowed to go on the roof to run it down the vent stack, and he wanted to take his machine in the bathroom & pull a toilet. $400 for a new one at HD.

    I managed to get my glove caught in it when it whipped the first time I used it. Fortunately the glove slipped off before it twisted my fingers much. The way that glove was twisted into the cable, I'm sure it would have been a serious injury.

    After that I read the instruction book that came with it again. It didn't have much to say on the subject, guess it's a learn-as-you-go item. Sure is quick when it happens, I don't think it was turning maybe 10 RPM. It has certainly paid for itself though, but I'm not sure it would be worth the price of an emergency room trip. Joe H

    1. Dave_Richeson | Jan 07, 2001 08:29pm | #2

      *Joe, We have several of these Rigid monsters as well as a small 1/2 inch cable size tripod model and about six of the 1/4 inch drill with drum type. The big machine is $1000.00+ at the supply store with the multi-purchase discount. With the proper end fittings on it I have cleaned up to 8 inch sewer lines with them. Even the smaller machines have grabbed me a few times. The mitten I mentioned cost less than my copay for an emergency room visit. Now for the shade tree lawers. If a rental company did not provide the saftey mitten with the machine they rented, would they be liable? I know that waivers don't mean squat when attorneys get involved, so what would be a guess on this?

      1. Merlyn_Michael | Jan 08, 2001 12:16am | #3

        *My guess is the rental company would call their lawer because you didn't return the machine on time.

        1. Chris_L2 | Jan 08, 2001 12:35am | #4

          *Regarding the small handheld drill type augers. Are they too big and heavy to use on tubs and sinks efficiently. I currently use a homeowner quality drain auger that lets you hook up a drill to it. They work pretty well, as they are light and easy to use, but they only last a couple uses before the cheap cable gets kinked. I tried putting flexcore cable in it but the drum housing is not heavy duty enough.

          1. FredB | Jan 08, 2001 01:30am | #5

            *Guys and Gals, lets face it; all machines have a dark side that is too often ignored. They all worship at the feet of the Injury God. His total purpose in the universe is to bring injury, death and destruction to humans.But this god can be defeated by approaching all machines as the malevolent creatures they are. Keep them caged when not in use and always wear armor when using them.

  2. Dave_Richeson | Jan 08, 2001 01:30am | #6

    *
    Since we just had discussion about falls I thought I would put out a warning about using large sewer cleaners (Snake).

    I have used the large wheeled type machines several times over the years and always wear gloves when feeding the line into a sewer pipe. I have had the glove snatched a few times, but last week I nearly had my arm broken by one.

    I had about 60 feet of 1 inch line in the pipe when it snatched my gloved hand. My coworker was carrying about a 4.0 drift factor and did not let off of the clutch until I screamed. By then the glove fotunately ripped and I got nothing but a sprained elbow and wrist from it.

    I found out they make a leather mitten with metal tabs on it to prevent this type of accident from occurring. If you ever rent one of these big hogs, make sure you get the mitten with it.

    This is just a FYI. No need to tell me how stupid I was!

    Dave

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