How to use a ratchet-handle pipe cleaner?

17th March 2020


How to use a ratchet-handle pipe cleaner?


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		You can use a ratchet-handle pipe cleaner to polish loose pipes before you fit them, and also to clean up the ends of pipes that have already been installed.

		How to clean loose copper pipes
		Step 1 – Insert pipe To polish the outside of the pipe, hold the tool firmly by the handle and push one end of the copper pipe into the hole.

		Step 2 – Clean surface of pipe Swing the handle round and round a few times in a clockwise direction, and the wire teeth inside the hole will polish the outside of the pipe and smooth over any lumps and bumps.

		Step 3 – Remove pipe from cleaner head After a few cranks pull the pipe out to have a good look. If it’s not yet completely clean and burr-free, put it back in for a few more turns.

		Step 4 – Clean inside pipe Turn the tool round and push one end of the pipe as far as it will go on to the double stemmed wire brush at the back.

		Quickly rotate the handle a few times. The wire bristles will spin round and polish the inside of the pipe.

		Step 5 – Check pipe is clean Have a good look, and feel inside the pipe to make sure it’s completely clean and free from burrs. If not, give it a few more rotations.

		How to clean fitted copper pipes
		When a pipe is already installed, for instance against a wall or under floorboards, it can be a bit more difficult to clean as it may be sited at an awkward angle or in a cramped space. This is where the ratchet handle really comes into its own, as you don’t need much room to operate it.

		Step 1 – Attach pipe cleaner Push the head of the tool completely over the end of the pipe.

		Step 2 – Clean surface of fitted pipe Crank the handle back and forth until the pipe is clean and burr-free. The ratchet mechanism will make sure that the head of the tool rotates even though you can’t turn the handle all the way round.

		Step 3 – Check pipe is clean Pull the cleaner off the pipe and make sure the end is clean and smooth. If there are still a few rough edges, put it back and turn the handle a few more times.

		Step 4 – Clean inside fitted pipe Insert the wire brush into the end of the pipe and crank the handle back and forth. The bristles will spin round and polish the pipe clean.

		When you’ve finished, check inside the pipe to make sure it is completely clean and burr-free before moving on to the next job.