To do a job right, you need the right tools. When it comes to cable machines, the appropriate blade type and proper application are essential to success. Before unclogging a drain, inspect both the blockage and the line to figure out which attachments will be best. The pipe diameter determines the cable size you should use, which end tools will work, and how the end tools attach.

• Threaded, general-style or bulb-headed - good for pipe diameter between 1” - 3”
• Mounting block or chuck - good for pipe diameter greater than 3”

Blades

Different blade types should be used for different blockages and pipe sizes.

• Single
• Least likely to get stuck in heavy roots
• Good for pipe diameter between 1.5” - 8”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Double
• More cutting action and leverage, thorough side scraping
• Good for pipe diameter between 2” - 4”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Double offset
• Improved maneuvering through traps
• Good for pipe diameter between 1.5” - 5”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Triblade
• Progress from 1 to 3 blades for staged clearing of tough blockages
• Good for pipe diameter 4” - 8”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Pear shaped
• Flexes for use with limited access and varying diameter
• Good for pipe diameter 2” - 8”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Paddle
• Creates churning action to clear soft blockages like grease, sand and sludge
• Good for pipe diameter 3” - 6”
• Has both knife edge and serrations
• Saw
• Rips through roots with blades on both sides
• Good for pipe diameter 4” - 6”
• Has serrations

Ready to purchase? Check out MyTana’s large selection of sewer cable machine blades.

Retrievers

Give equal consideration to choosing the right retriever.

• Retriever
• Extracts broken cable, rags and towels
• Good for pipe diameter 2” - 8”
• Pigtail retriever
• Extracts broken cable and tough obstructions
• Good for pipe diameter 3” - 6”
• Grease spring retriever
• Penetrates grease; extracts broken cable, rags and towels
• Good for pipe diameter 2” - 6”
• Drop-head
• For soft obstructions, vertical turns and back-to-back sinks
• Good for pipe diameter 1.5” - 4”, as well as 6” - 8”

Ready to purchase? Check out MyTana’s large selection of retriever tools.

Bits

Choose the right bit to power through a clog.

• Spade
• Cuts drainage channel through paper products
• Good for pipe diameter 1.5” - 6”
• Chisel
• Punches drainage channel through hard obstructions
• Good for pipe diameter 1.5” - 6”
• Spearhead
• Penetrates tough blockages in both directions
• Good for pipe diameter 3” - 6”

Ready to purchase? Check out MyTana’s large selection of bit attachments.

Unclog and Go!

Once your cable machine is set up, it is only a matter of time before you power through the clog.

Need a handy reference guide? MyTana’s free Cable Machine Attachments Guide shows common cable machine end tools and explains which applications and line sizes they work best in. This free resource helps you identify the best end tool for almost any blockage to clear lines safely, faster and more effectively. Request a copy today: