Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a drain-cleaning auger of the type having a round shell made from first and second subshells and a cavity within the shell for housing a drain-cleaning snake. In the improved auger, the first subshell has an outwardly-flared sidewall which increases in diameter and has its maximum diameter at the sidewall edge. The second subshell has an edge in close proximity to that of the first subshell. The subshell edges define a crack or slit-like opening between them for expulsion of water from the cavity by centrifugal force when the shell is power-rotated at high speed. The auger is thereby self-drying.

Abstract: An improved tube-cleaning apparatus of the type having a flat drain-insertable and retractible strip and a grip handle slidable along and engageable with the strip. The improvement includes opposed wiper edges engageable with the strip and serving to clean the strip during movement of the grip handle along the strip. In certain preferred embodiments, opposed wiper edges are biased against the strip and half handles forming the grip handle are structures which are integrally-formed to provide the desired biasing without interfering with other grip handle functions.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning implement of the type with a rotatable snake extendable for drain insertion. The device includes a mechanism for imparting vibratory motion to the snake at a frequency greater than the rate of rotation such that the snake will more readily pass traps and other obstacles in the drain. The vibration is preferably axial with respect to the snake length. The vibration preferably is actuated during use by applying axial pressure on the snake.

Abstract: An improved crank handle apparatus including a rod with radial protrusions near its distal end and a rotatable handle having a passageway receiving the rod, the passageway including a proximal portion with keyways therealong for protrusion passage during assembly, a middle retaining portion ending the keyways, and a distal portion of larger cross-section to accommodate the protrusions in any rotational position.

Abstract: A powered drain-cleaning implement of the type with a rotatable snake extendable for drain insertion. The device has a housing with a rear portion over the motor and a front portion terminating in a collar, a snake container rotatably supported in the front portion and having a forward tubular portion extending through the collar and ending in a distal opening where the snake is adjustably secured, a ring gear on the back of the container, and a pinion gear on the motor engaging the ring gear for high-torque rotation of the snake. The housing preferably substantially covers the motor, gears and container. Its rear portion preferably has a handle and associated trigger for easy holding and operation.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning implement having a plastic shell of two subshells snapped together using male and female mating means along abutting edges and having a snake coiled within the shell and exerting outward mating force on it. The male means are on projections extending from inwardly-projecting sidewall portions formed at intervals around the inside surface of one subshell, and such inside surface has substantially edge-free transitions between the inwardly-projecting portions and positions therebetween to strengthen the shell with maximum mating force from the snake. Preferred embodiments have corner-free mating means. A stop ledge facilitates proper mounting of a rotatable handle.