Light Duty: Chain Knocker, Circular

Choosing the correct Chain Duty Type for your plumbing task involves understanding the different options and their best applications:

• Light Duty Chains for effective cleaning of pipes made from soft materials:
  Light Duty Chains do not have any kind of hard metal (carbide) tips. This minimizes the risk of damaging the pipe's interior, making them the ideal choice for cleaning & descaling tasks in PVC, ABS, PEX, Copper and other fragile pipes.
  
  Light Duty Chains are also a great option when a pipe made from tougher material is in considerably rough condition (cracks etc) and you don't want to take any risks.
  
  
• Medium Duty Chains for the most aggressive descaling power in hard metal pipes:
  Medium Duty Chains are equipped with our legendary X-shaped tips. These chains are the most aggressive choice what comes to descaling power in Pipemade's catalogue. These chain knockers are not to be used in soft material pipes since the aggressive carbide tips will most likely damage these kinds of pipes.
  
  Medium Duty is best for Cast Iron, Galvanized Steel Pipes, Orangeburg Pipes, Vitrified Clay Pipes (VCP), Terracotta/Clay Sewer Pipes and other hard material pipes.
  
  However, if the condition of the pipe seems like it cannot take any rough hits, we highly recommend considering the circular chain knocker option since the circular design of those knockers is based on centrifugal force effectively making those chains gentler on the host pipe than standard multi-chained sleeved chain knockers.
  
  
• Heavy Duty Chains for overall great durability of the chain and effective descaling in hard metal pipes:
  The Heavy Duty Chain Knockers are equipped with the Croco shaped tips. These legendary tips excel in durability, and they are slightly less aggressive in descaling than Medium Duty Chains. Make no mistake, these chains will absolutely have effective descaling power inside hard metal pipes and should not be used inside PVC or other soft material pipes. Although, some of our very experienced customers has told us that they have used these chain knockers in very tough tasks inside PVC pipes. Still, we do not recommend it since it might damage those kinds of pipes.
  
  We recommend using the Heavy Duty Chains in Cast Iron, Galvanized Steel Pipes, Orangeburg Pipes, Vitrified Clay Pipes (VCP), Terracotta/Clay Sewer Pipes and other hard material pipes. These are the same pipe types as mentioned in the Medium Duty we know, we know... This is something we cannot draw a clear line about which one to choose since some like the Medium Duty more and some the Heavy Duty.

Mini Chain Knockers:
For really small diameter pipes of DN32 (1 ¼”) - DN50 (2”) with or without tight bends we recommend the Mini Chain Knocker. It only has one hub where both of the short chain links are attached - making the chain easy to navigate through tight spots.

1-Chained Chain Knockers:
The decision between 1-Chained and Mini Chain is really close call since both are very agile with navigating through bends. Here, the chain is multi-link (longer) chain, offering a bit more cleaning area in one run when compared to the Mini Chains. Having only 1 chain and a hub in both ends, it lacks bulkiness and basically navigates effortlessly through wherever the flex shaft does. So, the 1-Chained option is great for small diameter pipes and bends while offering size options up to DN75 (3”)

2-Chained Chain Knockers:
These Chain Knockers offer a middle ground between 1-Chained and 3-Chained options. They are effective at descaling but moderately capable of navigating through bends.

3-Chained Chain Knockers:
The 3-Chained option is usually the option to go with when the descalable line is quite straight with long bends / without tight bends. 3-Chain offers thorough and effective descaling with a moderate cost in flexibility.

Circular Chain Knockers:
Circular chains are often wrongfully ignored. They have the niche of offering powerful cleaning & descaling over the full pipe circumference while being gentle to the pipe. It is an excellent choice for example when facing a pipe in poor condition and you want to minimize the risk of damaging it even more while still being able to clean it. Circular Chain Knockers are usually the most bulkiest chain knockers, so you might struggle if there is going to be navigation through multiple bends or singular tight turns.

Circular Chains impose much less strain on the pipe walls as the centrifugal force rotated tool cleans the walls of the pipe without slamming into them.

If the chain knocker offers an option for chain thickness, typically you'll find two choices: 3.5mm and 4.0mm. This defines the thickness of the chain links in that particular chain knocker. Choosing the correct chain thickness for your chain knocker depends on the specific requirements of the job you're facing.

3.5mm Chain Thickness:
Ideal for maximizing flexibility, these chains require less torque, making them suitable for use with smaller power sources. They navigate bends more smoothly, enhancing overall manoeuvrability. This option is recommended when seeking ease for your drill and the highest level of flexibility. However, the flexibility is also influenced by the shaft's rigidity; for tight bends, consider a thinner shaft combined with 3.5mm chains for optimal results. These chains are by weight the lightest option available.

4.0mm Chain Thickness:
Offers increased efficiency and speed, suitable for straight lines or paths with few, easy bends. These chains demand more torque but excel in power and cleaning efficiency in less complex piping. We recommend using 4,0mm Chains only with 10mm (⅜″) or 12mm (½″) flex shafts since they are more rigid. You can still use 3,5mm chains in 10mm (⅜″) or 12mm (½″) flex shafts.

In summary, 3.5mm chains are your go-to choice for intricate, bend-heavy plumbing systems requiring gentle handling, while 4.0mm chains are best for more straightforward, less complex systems where speed and efficiency are priorities. Always consider the combined effect of chain thickness and shaft flexibility on the manoeuvrability and efficiency of your cleaning tasks.

PVC Pipes:
The PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is usually white, brown, or other lightly coloured commonly used pipe material in plumbing and drainage that are based above-ground like indoors in a household. PVC is a little bit more flexible and can endure higher temperatures (without losing form) than ABS.

For cleaning PVC pipes, we recommend Light Duty Chains or Gentle Duty Brushes. Light Duty Chains do not have any kind of hard metal bits that would damage the pipe. Depending on what you prefer, the Gentle Duty Brushes are also a great choice that gets rid of light scale in drains while still being extremely gentle to the pipe itself. With the Gentle Duty Brush you can roughen up PVC pipes prior to enhance adhesion between the host pipe and spray coating or brush coating effortlessly.

ABS Pipes:
The ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is usually black in colour and commonly used in underground locations that will not be exposed to a direct sunlight that might affect on the pipe’s quality over time. ABS is used in sewage, drainage, DWV-systems (Drain Waste Vent). In some cases, you might find ABS pipes in laboratories or other certain industries since they pack a good resistance for different chemicals. It is also good to note that ABS is a bit less flexible than PVC.

For cleaning ABS pipes, we recommend the same tools that we recommend with PVC: Light Duty Chains or Gentle Duty Brushes. Light Duty Chains do not have any kind of hard metal bits that would damage the pipe. Depending on what you prefer, the Gentle Duty Brushes are also a great choice that gets rid of light scale in drains while still being extremely gentle to the pipe itself. With the Gentle Duty Brush you can roughen up ABS pipes prior to enhance adhesion between the host pipe and spray coating or brush coating effortlessly.

PEX Pipes:
PEX (Crosslinked Polyethylene) pipes are known for their flexibility, resistance to scale and chlorine, and ability to handle high temperatures, making them a popular choice in modern plumbing for hot and cold water supply.

For cleaning PEX pipes, we recommend the same as we do with PVC and ABS pipes: Light Duty Chains are suitable as their design avoids damage to the pipe's interior. Alternatively, Gentle Duty Brushes offer a non-abrasive method to clean or prepare PEX pipes for coating, preserving their integrity while ensuring a thorough clean. These tools ensure effective cleaning without compromising the unique properties of PEX piping.

Copper Pipes:
Copper pipes are most commonly used in plumbing for water supply lines and heating system components, including hot and cold water distribution and radiant heating systems. It is preferred for plumbing due to its durability, corrosion resistance, light weight, and ability to handle high temperatures, making them suitable for both residential and commercial use. It is absolutely harder than PVC, PEX, or ABS but softer and more flexible than Cast Iron.

When it comes to cleaning or descaling copper pipes, Light Duty Chain Knockers or Gentle Duty Brushes are recommended to avoid damaging the pipe's interior. However, for more stubborn descaling needs where these tools might not suffice, Heavy Duty Chain Knockers can be used with caution for great results as well.
 
Cast Iron Pipes:
Cast iron pipes are commonly used in plumbing for main sewage lines and drainage systems due to their high durability, longevity, and resistance to corrosion. They're particularly favoured for underground installations, where their strength can withstand the soil's pressure and environmental conditions. Additionally, cast iron's sound-dampening qualities make it a preferred choice for reducing noise in waste disposal systems within buildings.

When cleaning or descaling Cast Iron pipes it is good to know that The Cast Iron Pipes can almost always withstand even the most aggressive hits from the Chain Knocker. This is why we recommend going with the Medium Duty Chain Knockers for aggressive descaling tasks. If you personally prefer Heavy Duty Chain Knockers, those will also work perfectly. Using Light Duty Chain Knockers in Cast Iron will most likely be more time consuming, but it will eventually get the job done.

Galvanized Steel Pipes:
Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used in plumbing for water supply lines and framing in outdoor and industrial applications due to their durability and resistance to rust. However, their use has declined in residential water supply systems due to the potential for corrosion and accumulation of mineral deposits inside the pipe, which can lead to reduced water flow and water quality issues. Nowadays, they are more likely to be found in older homes or for specific non-potable water applications where corrosion resistance is a priority.

Cleaning & Descaling Galvanized Steel Pipes goes with the same recommendations as with the Cast Iron Pipes. Use Medium Duty Chain Knockers for aggressive descaling tasks and if you prefer Heavy Duty Chain Knockers, those will also work perfectly. Descaling with Light Duty Chain Knockers in Galvanized steel pipes will most likely be more time consuming, but it will eventually get the job done.

Orangeburg Pipe:
Orangeburg pipes, also known as "fiber conduit" or "bituminous fiber pipe," were primarily used for sewer lines and other drainage purposes. They are made from layers of wood pulp and pitch pressed together. Introduced in the early 20th century, their use peaked in the 1940s to 1970s, especially in suburban areas. However, due to their susceptibility to deformation and collapse over time, their use has significantly declined, and they are no longer installed. Today, they are mostly found in older residential areas.

When cleaning an Orangeburg pipes, we recommend using Medium Duty Circular Chains or Heavy Duty Circular Chains but always recommend to proceed with caution as if the pipe's condition is badly deteriorated, you might end up cracking or otherwise damaging the pipe when cleaning it.

Vitrified Clay Pipes (VCP):
The Vitrified Clay Pipes (VCP) are primarily used in sewer systems due to their excellent resistance to corrosion and abrasion. Made from clay that's been fired to a glass-like state, these pipes are durable and suited for transporting wastewater. They're often found in municipal sewer projects and can be ideal for areas with highly corrosive soil or where long-term durability is required. Their use in modern plumbing has decreased with the advent of more flexible and lighter materials, but they remain a reliable choice for certain underground drainage applications.

Cleaning the VCP pipes requires careful working as using heavy duty tools such as chains might crack the pipe when the chain is repeatedly slammed into the pipe wall. Carefully inspect the condition of the pipe and make sure to test your solution of choice in an easy location to verify the suitability of the cleaning method. We recommend using any Circular Chains, Medium Duty Chain Knockers or Heavy Duty Chain Knockers but always recommend proceeding with caution as if the pipe's condition is badly deteriorated, you might end up cracking or otherwise damaging the pipe when cleaning it.
 
Terracotta/Clay Sewer Pipes:
Terracotta or clay sewer pipes, similar to vitrified clay pipes, are traditionally used in underground sewer systems. They're favoured for their long lifespan and resistance to chemical degradation. These pipes, made from natural clay, are especially common in older installations and are well-suited for conveying wastewater due to their robustness against aggressive environments. While their usage has declined with the introduction of more modern materials, terracotta pipes are still valued in some areas for their environmental compatibility and durability.

Cleaning Clay pipes requires careful working. Carefully inspect the condition of the pipe and make sure to test your solution of choice in an easy location to verify the suitability of the cleaning method. We recommend using any Circular Chains to avoid aggressive slamming against pipe interior while cleaning effectively. Medium Duty Chain Knockers and Heavy Duty Chain Knockers are for more aggressive needs but always recommend proceeding with caution as if the pipe's condition is badly deteriorated, you might end up cracking or otherwise damaging the pipe when cleaning it.

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