Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE 4' Urinal Auger

Unclogging urinals can be a challenging task, but the Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE 4' Urinal Auger brings some unique features to the table. As someone who has spent considerable time tackling plumbing tasks, I was eager to see how this tool measures up against the competition and if it lives up to the Milwaukee reputation for quality and innovation.

One of the standout features of this tool is its ability to maneuver traps effectively while protecting the delicate porcelain of urinals. This is crucial because the last thing anyone wants is to scratch or damage the fixtures while trying to clear a blockage. The fixed rubber boot does an admirable job of preventing scratches, which provides peace of mind when working with expensive and sensitive porcelain.

The integrated locking mechanism for cable extension and retraction is another thoughtful addition. This makes it more convenient to adjust the cable length while working, ensuring that you have the right amount of cable extended to tackle the clog without unnecessary hassle. The cable itself is a 4-foot, 3/8-inch bulb cable, which is designed specifically for urinals and floor traps. The fact that the cable is replaceable (Milwaukee offers a replacement, model 48-53-2577) means that you can extend the life of the tool considerably by simply swapping out the cable when it wears out.

The M12 battery system compatibility is a great feature for those who already own other Milwaukee tools. It means you can use the same batteries across multiple tools, saving both money and storage space. The tool comes with a 5-year warranty, while the cable has a 2-year warranty, which is reassuring in terms of durability and reliability.

However, it’s not all perfect. One of the major downsides I noticed is the tendency of the cable to rust. In my experience, rust started appearing within a month and a half of regular use. This is a significant drawback, especially when compared to cables from other brands that offer rust-resistant options lasting much longer. Using a blower to remove moisture and applying a light coat of oil can help mitigate this issue, but it’s an extra step that some might find cumbersome.

Performance-wise, the tool excels in many situations, but it does have its limitations. While it worked efficiently on some urinals, I found it struggled with others, particularly those with tighter built-in traps. The cable's size seems to be a limiting factor here, and it might not be suitable for all urinal designs. In some cases, it failed to navigate through the integral trap into the drain piping, which was frustrating and time-consuming. This means that for certain urinals, you might still need to pull the fixture to clear the blockage, defeating the purpose of having a specialized tool in the first place.

Another issue I encountered was the durability of the cable end. In one instance, the cable end broke off, making the tool unusable until a replacement could be obtained. This isn't just an inconvenience; it also adds to the cost and downtime, which can be particularly problematic in a busy work environment.

Despite these drawbacks, the tool does have a lot going for it. When it works, it works well, saving time and effort. It’s designed to minimize contamination, which is a big plus when dealing with potentially unsanitary conditions. The cable design and overall build quality are better than some competing products, but the rust and durability issues cannot be ignored.

In conclusion, would I recommend the Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE 4' Urinal Auger? It depends on your specific needs. If you’re a professional plumber who frequently deals with urinals and floor traps, this tool can be a valuable addition to your arsenal, particularly if you already use other Milwaukee M12 tools. Its ability to protect porcelain and the convenience of the integrated locking mechanism make it a strong contender.

However, if you frequently encounter urinals with tight built-in traps or if durability and rust are significant concerns for you, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to take extra steps to maintain the tool. For occasional use, the issues might not be deal-breakers, but for heavy-duty, daily use, the limitations could become more apparent.

Overall, the Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE 4' Urinal Auger offers some excellent features and can save time and effort in many situations, but it’s not without its flaws. Weighing the pros and cons, it could be a worthwhile investment, but one should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to handle them.