Harbor Freight Tools 68284, 68285 User Manual
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and
the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.
50 FOOT
DRAIN CLEANER
ITEM 68285 ITEM 68284
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
REV 12b
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-800-444-3353 as soon as possible.
Copyright© 2011 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Email our technical support at: tech@harborfreight.com
WITH POWER FEED
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Table of Contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 7
Setup .......................................................... 8
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Operation ................................................... 11
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Maintenance .............................................. 18
Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 20
Warranty .................................................... 24
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term ″power tool″ in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool.
Work area safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 68284 68285
Electrical safety
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded
power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
1. 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.
2. Use personal protective equipment.
Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
is in the off-position before connecting to
power source, 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
4. 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.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. Only use safety equipment that has been
approved by an appropriate standards agency.
Unapproved safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Power tool use and care
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. 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.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 68284 68285
Service
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Drain Cleaner Safety Warnings
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
1. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
2. Wear ANSI-approved safety impact eye
goggles and heavy duty LEATHER work gloves
when using the Drain Cleaner. Never grasp
a rotating cable with a rag or cloth glove. Using
personal safety devices reduce the risk for injury.
Safety impact eye goggles and heavy work gloves
are available from Harbor Freight Tools.
3. Avoid unintentional starting.
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
4. Do not force the Drain Cleaner. This tool
will do the work better and safer at the speed
and capacity for which it was designed.
5. Maintain a safe working environment. Keep the
work area well lit. Make sure there is adequate
surrounding workspace. Always keep the work
area free of obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and
other debris. Do not use a power tool in areas
near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors
12. Install this product on a proper surface. Locate
on a flat, level, and solid surface that is capable
of supporting the weight of the Drain Cleaner.
13. Do not operate the Drain Cleaner with
the belt guard removed. Fingers can get
caught between the drive belt and pulley.
14. Do not put too much stress on cable. Keep
gloved hand on the cable for control when
machine is running. In the course of drain
cleaning, if the cable encounters an obstruction,
it may stress the cable and cause the cable to
twist, kink, or break. This may result in serious
injury, and damage the equipment or pipes.
15. Position Drain Cleaner within two feet
of drain opening. Greater distances can
result in the cable twisting or kinking.
16. One person must control both the cable and
the Foot Switch. If the cutter stops rotating, the
operator must be able to turn the machine motor
off to prevent twisting, kinking and breaking of
the cable. Twisting, kinking or breaking cable
may cause striking or crushing injuries.
6. Unplug the Drain Cleaner from its electrical
outlet before performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
7. Do not leave the Drain Cleaner unattended
while running. Turn power off if you
have to leave the Drain Cleaner.
8. Do not allow the cutter to stop turning while
the machine is running. This can overstress
the cable and may cause twisting, kinking or
breaking of the cable. Twisting, kinking or breaking
cable may cause striking or crushing injuries.
9. 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
10. Before each use, check all nuts, bolts,
and screws for tightness. Vibration during
operation may cause these to loosen.
11. Avoid electrical shock. Do not operate the
Drain Cleaner if sitting in standing water, and if
the operator is in standing water. Keep extension
cord off the ground and away from water.
Water increases the risk of electric shock.
17. Reverse Motor direction only when pulling
the Cable off an obstruction. Trying to push the
Cable down the pipe or pull it out of a pipe while
in reverse operation can result in Cable damage.
Make sure Drum has stopped turning
before changing the Rotation Switch.
18. Keep hands away from the rotating Drum and
Distributor Tube. Do not reach into Drum unless
the Drain Clean power cord is unplugged.
19. Use appropriate personal protective equipment
while handling and using drain cleaning
equipment. Drains may contain chemicals, bacteria
and other substances that may be toxic, infectious,
cause burns or other issues. Appropriate personal
protective equipment always includes ANSIapproved safety glasses and heavy-duty work
gloves, and may include equipment such as latex
or rubber gloves, face shields, goggles, protective
clothing, respirators and steel toed footwear.
20. Wash hands after use. Use hot, soapy water
to wash hands and other exposed body parts
exposed to drain contents after handling or
using drain cleaning equipment. Do not eat
or smoke while operating or handling drain
cleaning equipment. This will help prevent
contamination with toxic or infectious material.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 68284 68285
Drain Cleaner Safety Warnings (cont.)
21. Do not operate this machine if operator or
machine is standing in water. Operating machine
while in water increases the risk of electrical shock.
22. Only use drain cleaning machine to clean
drains of recommended sizes according
to these instructions. Other uses or
modifying the drain cleaning machine for other
applications may increase the risk of injury.
23. Be aware of possible damage to drain
lines that may result from the discovery
of roots and other obstacles.
24. WARNING! People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before using this
product. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity
to a heart pacemaker could cause interference to or
failure of the pacemaker. In addition, people with
pacemakers should adhere to the following:
• Avoid operating power tools alone.
• Properly maintain and inspect all tools
before use to avoid electrical shock.
Vibration Safety
25. WARNING! Handling the cord on this product will
expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
26. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
This tool vibrates during use.
Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may
cause temporary or permanent physical injury,
particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.
To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an
extended period should first be examined by a
doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to
ensure medical problems are not being caused or
worsened from use. Pregnant women or people who
have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past
hand injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes,
or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this tool.
If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such
as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),
seek medical advice as soon as possible.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 68284 68285
Grounding
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
the plug. Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service
facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from
Grounded Tools: Tools with Three Prong Plugs
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected through
the green wire inside the cord to the grounding
system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must
be the only wire connected to the tool’s grounding
system and must never be attached to an electrically
“live” terminal. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance with
all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three
wire cord and three prong grounding plug. The plug
must be connected to a properly grounded outlet.
If the tool should electrically malfunction or break
down, grounding provides a low resistance path to
carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk
of electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
look like those in the preceding illustration.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Your machine is equipped with a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI), which protects you against shock if a
short circuit should occur. Check that the receptacle is
properly grounded and test the GFCI before each use.
1. Plug the GFCI Power Plug into a
grounded, 120 VAC electrical outlet.
2. Press the TEST button. The GFCI indicator light will
go out and power to the machine should cut off.
3. WARNING! If the light does not go out when
test button is pushed, equipment should not
be used until proper repairs can be made.
4. To restore power after test, push the reset button.
WARNING! If the machine doesn’t start,
stops while running, or if you experience a
mild shock, do not use the machine. Have it
repaired or replaced by a licensed electrician.
Note: The Power Cord is not GFCI protected from the
GFCI unit to the 3-prong plug in the electrical outlet.
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 68284 68285
Extension Cords
1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord.
Double Insulated tools can use either
a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases,
you must use a heavier gauge extension cord.
Using extension cords with inadequately sized
wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting
in loss of power and possible tool damage.
(See Table A on page 7.)
3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cord. For example,
a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current
than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
4. When using more than one extension cord to make
up the total length, make sure each cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more
than one tool, add the nameplate amperes
and use the sum to determine the required
minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make
sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in
Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired
and in good electrical condition. Always replace
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired
by a qualified electrician before using it.
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V~
A
n0 xxxx/min.
Specifications
Electrical Rating 120V~, 60Hz, 5.3A
Motor Speed 1716 RPM
Power Cord 6′
Cable Type 1/2″ Dia. x 50′ Long
Drain Pipe Capacity 2″ to 4″ I.D.
Volts Alternating Current
Amperes
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect power cord
to appropriate outlet.
Drum Dimensions 13″ x 6.3″
up to 75′ of 1/2″ Cable
Drum Capacity
ITEM 68284 includes Power Feed
(Not Included)
up to 100′ of 3/8″ Cable
(Not Included)
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 68284 68285
Setup - Before Use:
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP
Functions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Frame
Rotation Switch
Handle Locking Knobs
Belt Guard
Cable
Power-Feed Lever
Sealed Air
Activated
Foot Switch
Belt Guard
Tension Knob
Belt Guard
Knob
Belt Guard Knob
Frame
Tool Tray
Quick-Change
Enclosed
Drum
Wheel
Model 68284
Tool Tray
Quick-Change
Enclosed
Drum
Cable
Sealed Air
Activated
Foot Switch
Model 68285
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 68284 68285
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