Abstract: A bipod support for a drain cleaning machine is described. The bipod support includes a base, a plurality of legs, a retaining member, and a latch. The retaining member and latch are configured to engage and secure the drain cleaning machine to the bipod support. The bipod support enables rocking movement of the drain cleaning machine while supporting the weight of the machine. Also described are related methods of use of the bipod support.

Abstract: Pressing tools and jaws are described which include communication provisions that enable information concerning the jaws to be used with the press tool, to be transmitted to the tool. The press tool includes provisions that limit or otherwise tailor the output of the tool based on information concerning the jaws.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a crimper body and a crimper. The crimper body is applied to the crimper for crimping cables. The crimper body includes a body, which includes a fixed mold holder provided at one end of an upper portion of the body, and a protector. The protector is mounted to the body to reinforce and fix the fixed mold holder to rest of the body over the entire length of the fixed mold holder. The present disclosure further relates to the crimper including the crimper body. The crimper can effectively prevent fragments of the crimper body from dispersing when broken, and has the advantages of compact structure, light weight, and low cost.

Abstract: Soft start systems for electrically powered tools are described. The soft start systems use direction feedback signal(s) from a direction selection switch of the power tool. Also described are power tools using such soft start systems. In addition, electrical power circuits using the soft start systems are described.

Abstract: Various storage containers are described for retaining drain cleaning cables. Storage systems utilizing the containers with a cable guide assembly are further described. Also described are methods of using the containers and systems.

Abstract: A powered cutting tool for cutting tubular or cylindrical workpieces such as pipe is described. The cutting tool includes a base, an electric motor, a collection of rollers, a frame, a feedscrew, an auto cut wheel system, and a handle for rotating the feedscrew and adjusting the position of the auto cut wheel system relative to the rollers. In certain versions, the cutting tool includes torque-limiting provisions, to limit the amount of torque applied to the feedscrew. In certain versions, the cutting tool includes rollers and press wheels featuring non-metal outer surfaces.

Abstract: Various decoupler tools are described for disengaging drain cleaning equipment couplings. Such couplings typically include a component secured at an end of a drain cleaning cable and a cutter or other accessory used in a drain cleaning operation. The decoupler tools include one or more pins which are used to retract a spring-actuated plunger in one of the coupling components.

Abstract: Power tools such as cutting saws with rotary powered blades are described. Also described are various accessories for tools used with cylindrical workpieces such as pipes are described. The accessories include a clamp and saw joint assembly, various quick connection assemblies between a saw and a clamping system, a plunge guide assembly, a latch plate assembly, an interlock switch, a blade guard system, and a chip management system or chip deflector. Also described are related methods of use.

Abstract: Power tools such as cutting saws with rotary powered blades are described. Also described are various accessories for tools used with cylindrical workpieces such as pipes are described. The accessories include a clamp and saw joint assembly, various quick connection assemblies between a saw and a clamping system, a plunge guide assembly, a latch plate assembly, an interlock switch, a blade guard system, and a chip management system or chip deflector. Also described are related methods of use.

Abstract: Power tools such as cutting saws with rotary powered blades are described. Also described are various accessories for tools used with cylindrical workpieces such as pipes are described. The accessories include a clamp and saw joint assembly, various quick connection assemblies between a saw and a clamping system, a plunge guide assembly, a latch plate assembly, an interlock switch, a blade guard system, and a chip management system or chip deflector. Also described are related methods of use.

Abstract: Shear tools are described. In one version, the shear tools include a pair of pivotally movable jaws positioned between sideplates. Various shearing dies are also described. Also described are systems and related methods utilizing the shear tools and dies which enable convenient shearing or severing of workpieces such as threaded rods.

Abstract: Systems for energizing a drain cleaning cable within a drain line or other region of interest are described. A signal transmitter on an end portion of the cable enables the cable end portion to be sensed or located when in a pipe or conduit underground. Also described are electrically conductive drivetrains for transferring rotary power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Abstract: Wrenches commonly known as “pipe wrenches” which include sidewall surface configurations within a channel extending through a housing component of the wrench are described. Also described are wrenches that include one or more shim components that can be positioned in the housing channel. In addition, methods for reducing failure or fracturing of the wrench due to application of high side or lateral loads are described.

Abstract: Drain cleaning machines having various fluid management provisions are described. The various fluid management provisions serve to direct and collect fluid and debris carried with a drain cleaning cable undergoing retraction into the machine.

Abstract: Motor dampening provisions are described. Incorporation and use of the motor dampener(s) in a rotary type drain cleaning machine enables elimination of a clutch in the machine. Also described are clutch-free drive systems using the motor dampener(s). Also described are torque countering members that are used in conjunction with the motor dampener(s).