Black & Decker NST1024 User Manual 2

KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Battery ships from the factory without a full charge. For optimal
performance and runtime charge battery for 9 hours before

attempting to use your trimmer/edger.

• To operate the trimmer, the lock out button must be pressed in.

• This is an automatic feed trimmer – Do not bump head against
ground.

• Use only .065 inch (1.65 mm) diameter line. For optimal results,
use Black & Decker factory wound spool, catalog #AF-100.

• Install guard and auxiliary handle.

• Phillips screwdriver required (not supplied) to install guard.

• For trouble free feeding and best results, only use
Black & Decker replacement spools with single 0.065 inch
line. Black & Decker replacement spool model number
AF-100.

1

VEA EL ESPAÑOL EN LA CONTRAPORTADA.
POUR LE FRANÇAIS, VOIR LA COUVERTURE ARRIÈRE.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y
PÓLIZA DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE
INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.

NST1024 TRIMMER/EDGER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Thank you for choosing Black & Decker! Go to

www.BlackandDecker.com/NewOwner

to register your new product.

PLEASE READ BEFORE RETURNING

THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY REASON:

If you have a question or experience a problem

with your Black & Decker purchase, go to

HTTP://WWW.BLACKANDDECKER.COM/INSTANTANSWERS

If you can’t find the answer or do not have access to the internet,

call 1-800-544-6986 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Mon. -- Fri. to speak

with an agent. Please have the catalog number available when you call.

for instant answers 24 hours a day.

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WARNING: Important Safety

Warnings and Instructions

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:

• Read all instructions before operating product. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and or
serious injury.

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

• Keep long hair and loose clothing away from openings and
moving parts.

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.

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.

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.

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TOOLS

• READ and understand all instructions.

• A BATTERY OPERATED UNIT with integral batteries or a

separate battery pack must be recharged only with the specified
charger for the battery. A charger that may be suitable for one type
of battery may create a risk of fire when used with another battery.

• USE BATTERY OPERATED UNIT ONLY with specifically

designated battery pack. Use of any other batteries may create a
risk of fire.

• AVOID accidental starting. Be sure switch is in the locked or off

position before inserting battery pack. Carrying units with your
finger on the switch or inserting the battery pack into a unit with the
switch on invites accidents.

• DO NOT use unit if switch does not turn it on or off. A unit that

cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be
repaired.

• DISCONNECT battery pack from unit or place the switch in the

locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the unit. Such preventative safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the unit accidentally.

• ALWAYS use safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety
glasses. Also use face or dust mask if trimming operation is dusty.
ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),

• ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,

• NIOSH/OSHA respiratory protection.

• GUARD – Do not use this unit without guard 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 unit 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 nylon
line at all times.

• THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A CUTTING FUNCTION –
Use care when trimming around screens and desirable plantings.

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

•

WARNING: Make sure that other persons and pets

are at least 100 feet (30.5m) away.

•

WARNING: To reduce 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 – Donʼt carry unit with finger
on trigger.

• DO NOT FORCE THE APPLIANCE – It will 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 unit 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 tool 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 units in damp or wet locations. Donʼt use the unit in the
rain.

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

• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS – When not in use, units
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 unit 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 – Before further use of the unit, a
guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that
may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.

• KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT – Do not use or charge
battery in damp or wet locations.

• DO NOT USE OR CHARGE battery in rain.

• REMOVE BATTERY before servicing, cleaning or removing
material from the trimmer. Remove battery from your trimmer and
carry by the front handle when not in use.

• 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 batteries. Released
electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin.
It may be toxic if swallowed.

2

3

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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
equipmen t such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out
microscopic particles.

Extension Cord

Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an
extension cord be sure it is heavy enough to carry the current your
product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause a drop in
line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following
table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Double Insulation

Double insulated tools are constructed throughout with two
separate layers of electrical insulation or one double thickness

of insulation between you and the toolʼs electrical system.
Tools built with this insulation system are not intended to be
grounded. As a result, your tool is equipped with a two prong
plug which permits you to use extension cords without concern
for maintaining a ground connection. NOTE: Double insulation does
not take the place of normal safety precautions when operating this
tool. The insulation system is for added protection against injury
resulting from a possible electrical insulation failure within the tool.
REPLACEMENT PARTS: When servicing all tools, USE IDENTICAL
REPLACEMENT PARTS. Repair or replace damaged cords.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

V................volts A ....................amperes

Hz..............hertz W ..................watts

min ............minutes ..................alternating current

..........direct current

n

o ..................no load speed

..............

Class II Construction

..................earthing terminal

............safety alert symbol .../min ............revolutions

per minute

SAFETY WARNINGS AND

INSTRUCTIONS

CHARGING

1. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.

2. Before using battery charger, read all instructions and cautionary
markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery pack, and (3) product
using battery pack.

3. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury, charge only
Black & Decker Battery Packs. Other types of batteries may burst
causing personal injury and damage.

4. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

5. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Black & Decker
may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

6. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug
rather than cord when disconnecting charger.

7. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped
over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

8. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely
necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk
of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

a. Two-wire cords can be used with 2-wire or 3-wire extension

cords. Only round jacketed extension cords should be used, and
we recommend that they be listed by Underwriters Laboratories
(U.L.). If the extension is to be used outside, the cord must be
suitable for outdoor use. Any cord marked for outdoor use can
also be used for indoor work. The letters "W" or "WA" on the cord
jacket indicate that the cord is suitable for outdoor use.

b. An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or

American Wire Gauge) for safety, and to prevent loss of power
and overheating. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cable; that is, 16 gauge has more

capacity than 18 gauge. When using more than one extension to

make up the total length, be sure each extension contains at
least the minimum wire size.

CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE (AWG) OF EXTENSION CORDS

NAMEPLATE RATING AMPS – 0 – 10.0

Total Extension Cord
Length (ft) 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150

(0-7,6m) (7,6-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-45,7m)

Wire Gauge 18 16 16 14

9. Use only the supplied charger when charging your unit. The use
of any other charger could damage the battery pack or create a
hazardous condition.

10. Use only one charger when charging.

11. Do not attempt to open the charger or the unit. There are no
customer serviceable parts inside. Return to any authorized
Black & Decker service center.

12. DO NOT incinerate battery packs even if they are severely
damaged or completely worn out.

13. Do not incinerate the batteries. They can explode in a fire. A
small leakage of liquid from the battery cells may occur under
extreme usage, charging or temperature conditions. This does
not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal is broken and
this leakage gets on your skin:

a. Wash quickly with soap and water.
b. Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
c. If the battery liquid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean water

for a minimum of 10 minutes and seek immediate medical
attention. MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35% solution of
potassium hydroxide.

IMPORTANT CHARGING SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

CHARGING PROCEDURE

THE BATTERY PACK IS NOT FULLY CHARGED AT THE
FACTORY. CHARGE BATTERY PACK FOR AT LEAST 9 HOURS
BEFORE USE.

The charger is designed to use
standard household 120 volt
60 Hz power.

1. Plug the charger into any
standard 120 Volt 60 Hz
electrical outlet.

2. Slide the charger onto the
battery pack as shown in
figure A and let the battery
pack charge initially for 11 hours. After the initial charge, under
normal usage, your battery pack should be fully charged in
9 to 11 hours.

2a) During charging the green LED will appear.

4 5

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet

120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150

(0-7,6m) (7,6-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-45,7m)

240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300

(0-15,2m) (15,2-30,4m) (30,4-60,9m) (60,9-91,4m)

Ampere Rating

More Not more American Wire Gauge
Than Than
0-6 18 16 16 14
6 - 10 18 16 14 12
10 - 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 Not Recommended

A

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LEAVING THE BATTERY PACK IN THE CHARGER

It is OK to leave battery packs on charge for long periods of time. The
charger has a maintenance mode which gives the battery pack
enough charge to stay “topped off”. If however, the tool is not
expected to be needed for more than 30 days, unplug the charger
and store battery pack in a cool, dry location. NOTE: A battery pack
will lose its charge when kept off of the charger. If the battery pack
has not been kept on maintenance charge, it may need to be
recharged before use. A battery pack may also lose its charge if left in
a charger that is not plugged into an appropriate AC source.

18 AND 24 VOLT BATTERY PACKS

The NST1024 trimmer accepts the following 18 and 24 volt Black and
Decker battery packs: 24V battery (Model HPNB24) and 18V
batteries (Models HPB18-OPE and 244760-00).
NOTE: This trimmer will also accept B&D 18V slide packs.

2b) When charging is complete the green LED will go off.

3. Unplug charger, and remove the battery pack. Place the battery

pack into the tool until it “clicks” into place.
NOTE: To remove the battery pack, press down on the release

button on the back of the battery pack and slide out.

IMPORTANT CHARGING NOTES

1. After normal usage, your battery pack should be fully charged in

9 to 11 hours. If the battery pack is run-down completely, it may
take up to 11 hours to become fully charged. Your battery pack
was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition. Before
attempting to use it, it must be charged for at least 11 hours.

2. DO NOT charge the battery pack in an air temperature below
+40°F(+4.5°C), or above +105°F (+40.5°C). This is important and
will prevent serious damage to the battery pack. Longest life and
best performance can be obtained if battery pack is charged
when air temperature is about 75°F (24°C).

3. While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to
touch. This is a normal condition and does not indicate a problem.

4. If the battery pack does not charge properly—(1) Check current
at receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance. (2) Check
to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns
power off when you turn out the lights. (3) Move charger and
battery pack to a surrounding air temperature of 40°F (+4.5°C) to
105°F (+40.5°C). (4) If the receptacle and temperature are OK,
and you do not get proper charging, take or send the battery
pack and charger to your local Black & Decker service center.
See Tools Electric in yellow pages.

5. The battery pack should be recharged when it fails to produce
sufficient power on jobs which were easily done previously. DO
NOT CONTINUE using unit with its battery pack in a depleted
condition.

6. The battery pack will reach optimum performance after being
cycled 5 times during normal usage. There is no need to run the
battery pack down completely before recharging. Normal usage
is the best method of discharging and recharging the battery
pack.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

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

explode in a fire.

• Do not charge or use battery in explosive atmospheres, such
as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting
or removing the battery from the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.

• If battery contents come into contact with the skin,
immediately wash area with mild soap and water.If battery liquid
gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 15 minutes or
until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the liquid is a
25-35% solution of potassium hydroxide.

• Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory
irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persists, seek medical
attention.

WARNING: Burn hazard. Battery liquid may be

flammable if exposed to spark or flame.

• Charge the battery packs only in Black & Decker chargers.

• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.

• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations

where the temperature may reach or exceed 105°F (40˚) (such
as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer).

WARNING: Never attempt to open the battery pack

for any reason. If battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not
insert into charger. Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do
not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow,
been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (i.e., pierced with a
nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged battery packs should
be returned to service center for recycling.

CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable

surface where it will not cause a tripping or falling hazard. Some

tools with large battery packs will stand upright but may be easily
knocked over.

Battery Cap Information

A battery storage and carrying cap is provided for use whenever the
battery is out of the tool or charger. Remove cap before placing
battery in charger or tool.

WARNING:Fire hazard. Do not store or carry

battery so that metal objects can contact exposed battery
terminals. For example, do not place battery in aprons, pockets, tool

boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys,
etc. Transporting batteries can possibly cause fires if the battery

terminals inadvertently come in contact with conductive
materials such as keys, coins, hand tools and the like. The US

Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR)
actually prohibit transporting batteries in commerce or on airplanes
(i.e., packed in suitcases and carry-on luggage) UNLESS they are
properly protected from short circuits. So when transporting individual
batteries, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well
insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short
circuit.

STORAGE RECOMMENDATION

1. Store tool:
a.) with the battery pack removed and on the charger.
b.) in a place that is cool and dry away from direct sunlight and excess
heat or cold.
c.) out of the reach of children.

2. For prolonged storage such as over the winter, the battery pack
should be fully charged and then removed from the charger. It
should be charged again just prior to use.

Battery Cap

6

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ATTACHING THE AUXILIARY HANDLE

• With the hex wrench supplied, separate
the handle pieces as shown in figure D.
Note: Hex head wrench stores on
trimmer handle above battery.

• Attach the handle to the metal shaft of
the trimmer with the curved edge facing
forward. Push down on the handle so
that it engages with the slot in the shaft.

• Attach the two handle pieces using four
hex head screws as shown in figures E
and F.

• Fully tighten screws with hex wrench.

AUXILIARY HANDLE ADJUSTMENT

• For maximum comfort and control, adjust the auxiliary handle to
suit your height. Shorter users adjust handle to a lower position
(away from you) and taller users, adjust handle to an upper
position (towards you). The handle should be adjusted so that your
front arm is straight when the trimmer is in the working position.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The overall height of the trimmer can be adjusted by loosening the
lock collar and rotating it opposite to the arrow shown in figure G.

The tubes can then be extended shorter or longer. When the desired
height is achieved tighten the collar by rotating in the direction shown
in figure G.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

• WARNING: Always use proper eye protection that

conforms to ANSI Z87.1 (CAN/CSA Z94.3) while operating this
power tool.

• 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.

E

D

G

C

F

9

8

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Before assembling your Cordless String Trimmer, check that you
have received the following in the shipping carton.

1. Guard 4. Auxiliary Handle

2. Charger 5. Trimmer

3. Battery Pack (1)

ASSEMBLY

WARNING:

Remove battery pack from tool before attempting to attach the

guard or make any adjustment. NEVER OPERATE TOOL
WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. The guard must always
be on the tool to protect the user.

ATTACHING THE GUARD

• Remove the screw from the
bottom of the guard.

• Insert the guard into the motor
housing (figure B) until it
“snaps” into place.

• Reinsert the screw through the
hole in the guard and tighten as
shown in figure C.

1

4

5

3

2

24v

B

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