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IS 9110:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for hand operated augers for cleaning water-closets, pipes and sewers. This standard specifies the requirements for hand-operated augers, also known as drain snakes, used for clearing blockages in water closets, pipes, and sewers. It covers the materials, dimensions, construction, finish, and marking for different types of these cleaning tools.
Hand Operated Augers for Cleaning Water-closets, Pipes and Sewers
! This standard is crucial for manufacturers and for procurement departments of municipalities, public works, and large facility management companies.
! The code distinguishes between lighter augers for water-closets and heavier duty ones for larger pipes and sewers, ensure the correct type is procured for the application.
! Although an old standard, it was reaffirmed in 2018, confirming its continued relevance for this type of basic mechanical tool.
A-A-52070U.S. General Services Administration (USA)
HighCurrent
CLEANER, DRAIN AND SEWER, (HAND OPERATED AND POWER DRIVEN)
Covers hand-operated drain and sewer augers, including material, dimensional, and performance requirements.
ISO 2408:2017International Organization for Standardization (International)
LowCurrent
Steel wire ropes — Requirements
Specifies requirements for steel wire ropes, the core component used for the flexible shaft of the auger.
ASTM A47/A47M-99(2018)ASTM International (USA)
LowCurrent
Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
Specifies material properties for malleable iron, one of the materials permitted for auger heads in IS 9110.
Key Differences
≠IS 9110 explicitly defines two types: Type 1 for water closets (with an outer guide tube) and Type 2 for general pipes. A-A-52070 has a broader classification for hand-operated tools (Type I) without a specific sub-type for water closet augers.
≠The Indian standard is exclusively for hand-operated augers, whereas the U.S. federal specification A-A-52070 covers both hand-operated (Type I) and power-driven (Type II) models within the same document.
≠IS 9110 specifies metric dimensions and lengths (e.g., 10 mm diameter, 0.9 m length). A-A-52070 and general US practice use imperial units (e.g., 3/8 inch diameter, 3 ft length).
≠For the auger head, IS 9110 allows the use of malleable cast iron or suitable steel, whereas A-A-52070 and associated products typically specify hardened steel for cutters.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards define the tool's primary components as a flexible steel shaft/cable, a boring head/cutter at the working end, and a handle for manual operation.
≈The material specified for the flexible shaft in both standards is high-tensile or high-carbon steel wire, chosen for its combination of flexibility and torsional strength.
≈The fundamental purpose outlined in both standards is identical: to provide a tool for mechanically clearing obstructions from plumbing drains, pipes, and sewers.
≈Both standards recognize the need for various types of boring heads and cutters (e.g., spear heads, side cutters) to effectively deal with different types of blockages.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Scope of Operation
Strictly hand-operated.
Covers both hand-operated (Type I) and power-driven (Type II) cleaners.
A-A-52070
Water Closet Auger Shaft Diameter
10 mm (for Type 1)
Commonly 1/4" (6.4 mm) to 3/8" (9.5 mm) for closet augers.
A-A-52070
Water Closet Auger Length
0.9 m, 1.8 m
Typically 3 ft (0.91 m) or 6 ft (1.83 m).
A-A-52070
Pipe/Sewer Auger Shaft Diameters
6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm (for Type 2)
Common sizes include 1/4" (6.4 mm), 3/8" (9.5 mm), 1/2" (12.7 mm).
A-A-52070
Pipe/Sewer Auger Lengths
3 m, 4.5 m, 6 m, 7.5 m, 9 m, 15 m
Common lengths range from 15 ft (4.6 m) to 50 ft (15.2 m) for hand-operated types.
A-A-52070
Flexible Shaft Material
High tensile steel wire.
High-carbon, spring-steel wire.
A-A-52070
Boring Head Material
Malleable cast iron or suitable steel.
Typically specified as hardened steel for cutters.
A-A-52070
Water Closet Auger Guide Tube
Mandatory for Type 1; outer casing made of mild steel tube.
Not a formal classification, but commercially available as a feature on 'closet augers'.
A-A-52070
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum wire diameter for water-closet auger4 mm
Minimum wire diameter for pipe/sewer auger6.3 mm
Standard length of pipe/sewer auger7.5 m, 10 m, 15 m
Material for auger wireHigh carbon spring steel wire grade 2 or 3 of IS 4454 (Part 1)
Handle MaterialHard wood or suitable plastic
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions for Hand Operated Augers for Cleaning Water-Closets
Table 2 - Dimensions for Hand Operated Augers for Cleaning Pipes and Sewers