Milwaukee 4' Urinal Auger

The Milwaukee 4' Urinal Auger, model 49-16-3574, is designed specifically for unclogging urinals and floor traps. As someone who has faced the recurring challenge of maintaining functional plumbing in commercial settings, this tool caught my attention with its promise of efficiency and ease of use. Milwaukee, a brand I trust for its durability and innovation, has certainly put thought into this design, but it does come with some notable limitations.

First Impressions and Build Quality
The Milwaukee Urinal Auger arrives with a robust build typical of Milwaukee tools. At 4.5 pounds, it feels solid yet manageable. The handle is removable, allowing for optional attachment to a cordless drill, which is a handy feature when you need extra torque. However, even in manual mode, the tool provides a decent grip and leverage. The construction feels reliable, and the fixed rubber boot is a nice touch, ensuring that porcelain surfaces are protected during use.

Cable Mechanics and Performance
The patented cable lock mechanism is intuitive and makes extending and retracting the cable straightforward. This mechanism feels secure, reducing the worrying chance of slippage mid-operation. The 4-foot cable length is adequate for most urinals and traps, and the 3/8-inch diameter provides a good balance between flexibility and strength—at least, that’s what I initially thought.

In practice, the cable’s thickness presents a significant hurdle. While the tool works impressively well in clear, straightforward traps, it struggles with older or more complex urinal designs. The rigid 3/8-inch cable often fails to navigate the sharp turns and tight spaces in certain urinals. This is a recurring problem, particularly in installations where the trap configuration isn’t standardized. A drop head or a more flexible 1/4-inch cable would significantly enhance the tool’s versatility and ability to tackle diverse plumbing challenges.

Using the Auger with a Drill
Attaching the urinal auger to a cordless drill boosts its efficiency considerably. This is particularly useful when dealing with stubborn clogs that manual force alone cannot dislodge. When I encountered a tough blockage, the extra power from the drill motor made a difference. It is not an immediate fix—it required a good five minutes of persistent reaming—but it eventually broke through the hardened deposits. The ability to switch between manual and powered modes adds a layer of convenience and adaptability to the tool, making it suitable for a range of clog severities.

Durability Concerns
Despite the solid feel and initial performance, durability is a significant issue. In my experience, consistent use quickly wears down the tool. The cable broke after only a few uses, which is disappointing for a product from such a reputable brand. For a tool designed to deal with industrial and commercial plumbing, this lack of longevity is a critical flaw. I expected better endurance, especially considering Milwaukee’s otherwise impressive track record with their tool lineup.

User Experience and Instructions
The use of the Milwaukee Urinal Auger does come with a learning curve. The written instructions included aren’t particularly clear, especially for those new to using such tools. Thankfully, there are several helpful YouTube tutorials available that guide you through the process. Once I got the hang of it, operating the auger became relatively straightforward. The tool’s design and functionality are intuitive, but initial guidance could certainly be improved to reduce the frustration for first-time users.

Additional Thoughts on Functionality
One of the standout features of the Milwaukee Urinal Auger is its fixed rubber boot. This addition prevents the auger from scratching or damaging the porcelain surfaces of urinals, which is a thoughtful design element. The ability to replace cables also extends the tool’s potential lifespan, assuming the replacement parts are of adequate quality and easier to source.

For cleaning beyond urinals, this tool has proven useful in other plumbing contexts. For instance, it worked efficiently in clearing bathtub drains clogged with hair. This versatility is a definite plus, making it more than just a one-trick pony.

Final Recommendation
Would I recommend the Milwaukee 4' Urinal Auger? It’s a mixed bag. For straightforward, less complex jobs, this tool performs admirably. Its ease of use, compatibility with cordless drills, and protective features are all strong points. However, the significant drawbacks—the cable’s inability to navigate complex traps, the lack of durability, and the unclear instructions—are hard to overlook.

If Milwaukee can address these issues, particularly by introducing a more flexible 1/4-inch cable and enhancing the tool’s durability, it would be a highly reliable choice. For now, it serves well in specific scenarios but falls short of being a comprehensive solution for all urinal and trap-related challenges. Therefore, I would recommend considering this tool if your plumbing needs are relatively simple. For more complex and demanding tasks, you might want to explore other options or wait for an improved version from Milwaukee.