Drain rod system and connectors therefor

A drain rod system, said system including at least two hollow or tubular rods, said rods connected and/or coupled together by one or more connection means, said connection means including a first male portion at least part of which includes a non-circular member and a second female portion at least part of which is configured to receive at least part of the non-circular member extending from an adjacent male portion, the connection means further including first and second threaded engagement members, said first threaded member including a thread or threaded portion and at least part of the second threaded member adapted to receive at least part of the thread or threaded portion of said first threaded member, wherein at least one or both of said threaded members includes a cylindrical grip portion to enable the user to screw together the male and female portions and/or the first and second threaded members by hand, said grip portion including a gnarled, patterned or roughened surface which improves grip, said first male portion including a lip or flange to prevent the first threaded member and/or the grip portion from being removed from the rod and wherein a cylindrical collar is attached to the rod using one or more pins, bars or rivets and the connection means first male portions or second female portions are also attached to the rods using said one or more pins, bars or rivets, said first threaded member being captive between a substantially planar surface of the collar and the lip or flange.