Black & Decker CST1200 TYPE 1 Owner’s Manual

INSTRUCTIONMANUAL

Date Code:

BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT

CST1100, CST1200

FOR ANY REASON PLEASE CALL

• Z_WARNING: Toreduce the risk of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going away from any
nearby solid object such as a wall, steps, large stone, tree, etc. Use great care when
working close to solid objects, and, where necessary, do trimming by hand.

• AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING - Don't carry appliance with finger on trigger.

• DO NOT FORCE THE APPLIANCE - It wilt do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk
of injury at the rate for which it was designed.

• USE THE RIGHT APPLIANCE - Do not use this appliance for any job except that for which it
is intended.

• DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• DAMAGE TO APPLIANCE - If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop
toot immediately, check for damage and have any damage repaired before further operation

is attempted. Do not operate with a broken hub or spool.

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - Do not use electric appliances in
damp or wet locations. Don't use the appliance in the rain.

• DO NOT OPERATE trimmer/edgers in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these
appliances normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.

• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS - When not in use, appliances should be stored
indoors in a dry locked-up place out of reach of children.

• STAY ALERT- Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate appliance
when you are tired.

• MAINTAIN APPLIANCES WITH CARE - Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best
performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories. Inspect appliance cord periodically, and if damaged, have it repaired by an
authorized service facility. Inspect extension cords
periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS - Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. Before
further use of the appliance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.

• FOR HOUSEHOLD use only.

• KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.

• KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.

• DO NOT CHARGE APPLIANCE IN RAIN OR IN WET LOCATIONS.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Lock-off

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BEFORE YOU CALL, HAVETHE CATALOG No. AND DATECODE AVAILABLE.IN MOST CASES,A

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SAVETHIS MANUAL FORFUTUREREFERENCE

Cat No. CST1100, CST1200 Form No. 90516469 NOV. '07
Copyright © 2007 Black & Decker Printed in China

SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS

It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains
relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below
are used to help you recognize this information.

Z_DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in

death or serious injury.

/_ WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.

/_ CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result

in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

Z_WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Z_WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should

always be followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the
following.

Z_WARNING: Some dust created by this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of

these chemicals are:

•compounds in fertilizers

•compounds in insecticides, herbicides and pesticides

• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Z_WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of

California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.

Z_ CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some

conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:

• Before any use, be sure everyone using this toot reads and understands all safety
instructions and other information contained in this manual.

• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.

ZLGENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TOOLS

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION - Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times when
this appliance is in use. Safety glasses are available at extra cost at your local

Black & Decker Service Center or authorized service facility. Always use face or dust mask
if operation is dusty.

• GUARD - Do not use this appliance without guard properly attached.

• DRESS PROPERLY - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving

parts. Rubber gloves and substantial rubber soled footwear are recommended when working
outdoors. Don't operate the appliance when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear long
pants to protect your legs. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

• NYLON LINE - Keep face, hands and feet clear of rotating cutting line at all times.

• THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A CUTTING FUNCTION - Use care when trimming

around screens, fences and desirable plantings.

• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY -All visitors should be kept at safe distance from work area.

• IMPORTANT WARNING - When being used stones, pieces of metal and other objects can

be thrown out at high speed by the line. The toot and guard are designed to reduce the
danger. However, the following special precautions should be taken:

•z_ WARNING: Make sure that other persons and pets are at least 100 ft. (30.5m) away.

/

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_._ DEL de chargement

O ___ _"_Charger Bracket

Hub & Spool
Moyeu et bobine
Bobina y carrete

Charger Support & chargeur
Chargeur Soporte para el cargador
Cargador

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Chargingport and pin
Orificedechargementet

tige
Puertoy puntade carga

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Charger LED

LED de carga

Trigger

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Disparador

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ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Z_ WARNING: When using electric tools, basic safety precautions should always be

followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:

• Do not incinerate the battery even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The

battery can explode in a fire. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.

• If any leakage of liquid from the battery cells occurs, discontinue use immediately and return

the battery to your local Black & Decker Service Center or authorized service facility.

• Never attempt to open the battery for any reason. If the plastic housing of the battery breaks

or cracks, immediately discontinue use and do not recharge.

• Do not charge appliance in rain or in wet locations.

• Use only the following type and size battery: Black & Decker 244373 - 12V.

• Use only Black and Decker 12V charger 244374.

• Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short the battery with conducting

materials such as rings, bracelets and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and
cause burns.

• Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause

damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.

• If the battery case cracks due to a fall or other impact and the electrolyte gel leaks out, wipe

it up with a cloth, neutralize the acid with any alkaline substance such as ammonia solution
or baking soda. If the electrolyte gets on your skin, immediately flush with water and consult
a doctor.

• Do not use battery for anything other than with this product or other designated Black &

Decker product.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Before assembling your Cordless String Trimmer, check that you have received the following in

the shipping carton.
See Figure 1.
A. Trimmer/Edger.

B. Guard.
C. Charger and Charger Bracket.
D. Hardware Bag with (2) screws and (2) plastic anchors.

Z_WARNING: The guard must always be on the toot to protect the user. Use of the unit

without the guard will overheat the motor, and void the warranty.
NEVER OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE.

1. Position the open center of the guard over the line feed head (Figure 2).

2. Hinge the guard on the hook located on the lower motor housing. Ensure the line is free,
and not tucked under the guard. Once hooked, lightly pull on the back edge of the guard

and push the guard down until the 2 latches snap into place on the motor housing.
(Figure 2)

3. Using a phillips screwdriver, screw the preassembled screw in the guard, into the motor
housing. (Figure 3)

BATTERY

THE LEAD ACID BATTERY FOR YOUR TRIMMER IS ONLY PARTIALLY CHARGED AT
THE FACTORY. BEFORE USING YOUR TRIMMER, THE BATTERY MUST BE CHARGED

FOR A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS.

• Your trimmer is equipped with a charger bracket that may be mounted firmly to a walt in your
garage, shed or similar building. (Hardware for hanging the bracket is included in the plastic

bag packed with the trimmer.) Charging your battery in this bracket is very convenient
because it hangs the toot up, out of the way and ensures a good, solid contact between the
charging terminals.

MOUNTING THE CHARGER BRACKET (FIGURE 4)

1. If you intend to mount the charger bracket on a wall, follow the instructionslisted below.

2. Use the hardware provided (Figure 1D) only if hanging on conventional hollow walt
construction such as drywall over studs. If not, use the appropriate fasteners for the
particular wall material.

3. Use the charger bracket to mark the locations of the holes required. Be sure to mount the

bracket high enough so that the trimmer can hang freely from it;about 4 feet (1.2m) from
the floor and close enough to an electrical outlet to plug-in charging transformer.

4. a) Conventional hollow wall: Drill a .250 in. (6mm) diameter hole at each marked
location. Insert the plastic anchors supplied into the holes and insert one of the screws into

each anchor.
b) Alternative wall materials: Insert fasteners as appropriate making sure screw heads

are small enough to fit through bracket.

5. Tighten the screws until the heads are above the walt just enough so that the charger
bracket will fit between the wall and the screw head.

6. Place the charger bracket on the wall (hook end up) and make sure that the power cord is
positioned in the side slot. Press the charger bracket over the screw heads and slide it
down until itsits firmly on the screws.

7. Firmly tighten both screws.

LED INDICATOR LIGHT
The unit is equipped with a red LED charging indicator light, located on the upper left side of

the unit (Figure 1). The indicator light will come on when the unit is properly connected to
the charging base and the power plug is inserted into the electrical outlet. The light will

remain on, so long as the unit is properly connected to the powered charging base. It is
recommended to store the unit on the charger during the growing season, with the charger
plugged in, to have the battery charged for the next use.

TO CHARGE YOUR BATTERY, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

1. Install the trimmer onto the charger bracket by positioning the handle cavity, shown in

Figure 4 over the hook of the charger bracket.

2. Rotate the trimmer down, keeping the hook engaged with the handle cavity, and position

the charge port over the bracket's charge pin (Figure 4).

3. Plug the charger into any standard 120 volt, 60Hz outlet. Charging will be automatically

controlled until you remove the trimmer from the bracket.

4. It is recommended that the trimmer be left on charge, during the growing season. For

winter or other extended periods of storage, it is recommended that the unit be fully
charged prior to storage.

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

z_ CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

Z_ CAUTION: Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects

which could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any
wire which might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at the base of a

chain link fence.
OPERATE THE TRIMMER/EDGER

• To turn trimmer on, pull the lock out button, shown in Figure 1, backwards and, then
squeeze the trigger switch. To turn the tool off, release the trigger.

• Slowly swing trimmer side-to-side as shown in Figure 5.

• To convert for maintenance edging, turn off the tool. (See Figure 6) Holding the trimmer with

one hand by the auxiliary handle, grasp the trimmer head collar and push in direction of

arrow and rotate the trimmer head clockwise (when viewed from the switch end) until it

stops, (half turn), release your hand. The tool is locked in the edger position.

Rotate the wire edge guide forward and down into place before edging, as shown in Figure 7.

• To operate as a maintenance edger, position trimmer above sidewalk as shown in Figure 8.

• Return to trimming position by turning the toot off, push in direction of arrow and rotating the
trimmer head counter clockwise until it stops. When using the tool in the trimmer mode you

may choose to fold the wire edge guide up out of the way.

CUTTING LINE
LINE FEEDING

Your trimmer uses .065 in. (1.65 mm) diameter, ROUND nylon line to cut grass and
weeds quickly and easily. During use, the tip of the nylon line wilt become frayed and
worn and the special self feeding line hub will automatically feed and trim a fresh length
of line. Cutting line wilt wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is
done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut. The

advanced automatic line feeding mechanism senses when more cutting line is needed

and feeds and trims the correct length of line whenever its required. DO NOT BUMP unit
on ground in attempt to feed line or for any other purposes.

CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLED LINES

From time to time, especially when cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line feeding hub

may become clogged with sap or other material and the line will become jammed as a

result. To clear the jam, follow the steps listed below.

1. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 9 and remove the cap by
pulling it straight off.

2. Lift the spool of nylon line out of the hub and clear any broken line or cutting debris from

the spool area. (If you plan to replace the spool or rewind it, this is the place to do so,
otherwise, move on.)

3. Unwrap about one foot (30 cm) of line to ensure that it's undamaged. If it is OK rewind it
and insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub as shown in Figure 10. Pull

4 in. (10 cm) of the line through the hole and maintain tension while placing the spool
down into the hub with the arrow up, as shown in Figure 11.

4. Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop intoplace. (When in place,

the spool wilt turn a few degrees left and right freely). Take care to keep the line from

becoming trapped under the spool.

5. Snap the hub cap back on, and power the toot on. In a few seconds or less you'll hear

the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.

SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT (Use .065 in. diameter ROUND line only)

1. Perform step 1 above to remove cap.

2. Remove the spool from the tool and remove and discard all line on the spool.

3. Choose either OPTION 1 or OPTION 2 below for spool or line replacement. Perform

steps listed under Option 1 or Option 2, then continue with steps 4 through 6 below.

4. Insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub, as shown in Figure 10. Pull the
line through the hole to maintain tension while placing the spool down into the hub, as

shown in Figure 11.

5. Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feet it drop into place. (When in place,

the spool wilt turn a few degrees left and right freely). Take care to keep the line from

becoming trapped under the spool.

6. Snap the hub cap back on, and power the toot on. In a few seconds or less you'll hear

the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.

OPTION 1: ACCESSORY REPLACEMENT SPOOL
Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. AF-100. Discard old spool.

OPTION 2: REWINDING SPOOL USING BULK LINE
Bulk line for your trimmer/edger is available at extra cost from your local dealer or

Black & Decker Service Center. To install bulk line, follow the steps below. (Use .065 in.
diameter ROUND line only)

1. Insert one end of the bulk line into the hole in the spool as shown in Figure 12 about
1/2 in. (12 mm).

2. Hold the line in the hole and pull the rest of the line through the slot in the spool, shown
in Figure 12.

3. Snugly and evenly wind the bulk line onto the spool in the direction of the arrow on the

spool until the line builds up to the notches in the spool rim. (Figure 12) Do not overfill
spool. The spool holds 30 feet (10 m) of line.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Problem Possible Cause Solution

1. Unit won't run. A. Battery not charged. A. Charge for at least 12

2. Line won't feed. A. Line tangled in spool. A. Unwrap 24 in. of line and

3. Line fails to cut off. A. Line cutter in guard is A. Return to service center
damaged or missing, for replacement/repair.

B. Line extends past guard. B. Rewind or trim line to line

hours.

rewind.

cutter.

MAINTENANCE

1. Keep the air intake slots (Figure 1) clean to avoid overheating.

2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top condition, store spare
pre-wound spools or bulk line in a plastic, sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.

3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp rag.

4. DO NOT immerse toot in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow any liquid to get
inside it.

5. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers, gasoline, or other chemicals.

6. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.

7. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time. It is recommended you
periodically touch-up the sharpness of the blade with a file.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and
adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service

organizations, always using identical replacement parts.
ACCESSORIES

Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. AF-100.
Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewound replacement spool) as shown in this manual.

• USE ONLY .065 in. (1.65 mm) DIAMETER NYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE. Do not use

serrated or heavier gauge line, as they will overload the motor and cause overheating. The

unit only functions properly with 0.065 in. diameter nylon monofilament line. This line is
available at your local dealer or authorized service center.

Z_WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended by Black & Decker for use with

this toot could be hazardous.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Black & Decker offers a full network of company-owned and authorized service locations
throughout North America. All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained
personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service.
Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact
the Black & Decker location nearest you.

Tofind your local service location, refer to the yellow page directory under "Tools--Electric"
or call: 1-800-544-6986.