Black & Decker NST2018 TYPE 1 Owner’s Manual

@8@CK BECK@

INSTRUCTIONMANUAL

DateCode Catalog Number NST2018

• DO NOT OPERATEtrimmer/edgers in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these units normally

spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.

• STOREIDLEAPPUANCESINDOORS - When not in use, units should be stored indoors in a dry
locked-up place out of reach of children.

• STAYALERT-Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.Do not operate unit when you are tired.

• MAINTAIN APPLIANCESWITH CARE - Keep cutting edge sharp and dean 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 ffdamaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS- Before further useof 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

• KEEPGUARDS IN PLACEAND IN WORKING ORDER.

• KEEPHANDS AND FEETAWAYFROM CUTTINGAREA.

• DO NOT CHARGEAPPLIANCEIN RAIN OR IN WET LOCATIONS.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IFYOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM

WITH YOUR BLACK & DECKER PRODUCT,

CALL 1-800-54-HOW-TO (544-6986)

BEFORE YOU CALL, HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE, CATALOG No.,
TYPE No., AND DATE CODE. IN MOST CASES, A BLACK & DECKER REPRESENTATIVE
CAN RESOLVE YOUR PROBLEM OVER THE PHONE. IF YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION OR

COMMENT, GIVE US A CALL. YOUR FEEDBACK IS VITAL TO BLACK & DECKER.

KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Charge battery for 9 hours before attempting to use your trimmer/edger.

• Tooperate the trimmer, the lock out button must be pulled back.

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

• Use only .065" diameter line.

• Install guard.

SAVE THIS MAHUAL FOR FUTURE REFEREHCE

Cat No. NST2018

Copyright © 2003 Black & Decker

Form No. 598012-01 DEC. '03

Printed in China

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Charger not shown
Chargeur non illustr_

Cargador no ilustrado

Lock-out

A Verroui[lage hors tension

Seguro \

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TO REDUCERISKOF INJURY:

• Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands aJJsafety instructions and
other informationcontained in this manual

• Save theseinstructions and review frequently prior to useand in instructing others.

ZkWARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safe_ precautions should

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

_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
Toreduce your exposure to these chemicals, wear approved safety equipment such as dust masks
that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

ZkWARNING: Thisproductcontainschemicals,including lead, known to the Stateof

California to causecancer,and birth defectsor otherreproductiveharm.
Wash handsafter handling.

Z_CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal hearinq protection durinq use. Under some conditions

and dur'a'tionof use,noisefrom tt_isproductmaycontributeto hearing loss.

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

• READand understand all instructions.

• A BAI"I'ERYOPERATEDUNIT 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 BAFFERYOPERATEDUNIT 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 mustbe repaired.

• DISCONNECT battery pack from unit or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any

ad ustments, changing accessories, or storing the unit. Such preventative safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the unit accidenta y.

• ALWAYS WEAR EYEPROTECTION- Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times when this unit 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 usethis unit without guard attached.

• DRESSPROPERLY- Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught inmoving parts. Rubber

gloves and substantial rubber soled foolwear are recommended when working outdoors. Don't operate the
unit when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear long pants to protect your bgs. Wear protective hair

covering to contain long hair.

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

• THE ROTATINGLINEPERFORMSA CUFFING FUNCTION - Use care when trimming around screens and

desirable plantings.

• KEEPCHILDRENAWAY - All visitors should be kept at safe distance from work area.

• IMPORTANTWARNING - When being usedas an edger, stones, pieces of metal and other objects can be

thrown out at high speed by the line. The unit 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.

• Z_ WARNING: To reduce the risk of rebound (ricochet) injury, work going away from any nearby solid

ob ect such as a wall, steps,large stone, tree, etc. Use great care when working close to
so id obiects, and, where necessary, do edging or trimming by hand.

• AVOID ACCIDENTALLYSTARTING- Don'tcarry unitwith finger on trigger.

• DO NOT FORCETHEAPPLIANCE - It will do the job better and with lesslikelihood of a risk of iniury at the

rate Forwhich itwas designed.

• USE THERIGHTAPPLIANCE - Do not use this unit for any job except that Forwhich 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.

Don't use the unit in the rain.

Interrupteur c_d_tente

GatiJlo interruptor

®

i

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT- Do not use or charge battery in clamp or wet locations.

• DO NOT USEOR CHARGE battery in rain.

• REMOVE BAI"I'ERYbefore servicing, cleaning or removing material Fromthe trimmer. Remove battery from
your trimmer and carry by the front handle when not in use.

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

SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS

Thelabel onyour tool may include thefollowing symbols.

V ..............volts

Hz ............hertz

min............minutes

.... ..........directcurrent

[] ............ClassIIConstruction

..............safetyalertsymbol

BATTERYCAPINFORMATION

Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for usewhenever the battery is out of the unit
or charger. Remove cap before placing battery in charger or tool.

_WARNING: 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. without battery cap. Without cap in place, battery could

short circuit causing fire or burns or damage to battery.

A ................ amperes

W .............. watts

"_,.............. alternating current

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

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

.../min ........ revolutions or

reciprocations per minute

Battery Cap

/I

/ /

CHARGINGTHEBATTERY

1. Thismanualcontainsimportantsafetyandoperatinginstructions.

2. Beforeusingbatterycharger,readallinstructionsandcautionarymarkingson(1)batterycharger,(2)
battery,and(3)productusingbattery.

3. z_CAUTION:Toreducetheriskofinury,chargeonlyBlack&DeckerPowerPacks.Other types of

batteries may burst causing persona 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. Toreduce 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. Useof 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 FORMINIMUM WIRE SIZE (AWG) OF EXTENSION CORDS

TotalExtension Cord Length (fl) 25 50 75 100 125 150
Wire Gauge

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

10. 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.

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

12. 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. Thisdoes 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 I 0 minutes and seek

immediate medical attention. MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35% solution of potassium hydroxide.

NAMEPLATE RATING AMPS - 0 - 10.0

18 18 16 16 14 14

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

• Slowly swing trimmer side-to-side as shown in Figure 9.

• Toconvert for maintenance edging, turn off the tool. (SeeFigure 1O)Holding the trimmer with one hand by the
auxiliary handle, grasp the collar and push in direction of arrow and rotate the trimmer head until it stops, (half

turn), releaseyour hand, (rotate clockwise when viewed from the switch end). Thetool is locked in the edger

position.
Rotatethe wire edge guide forward and clown into place before edging, as shown in Figure 1 I.

• Tooperate as a maintenance edger, position trimmer above sidewalk as shown in Figure 12.

• Returnto trimming position by turning the tool off, push in direction of arrow and rotating the trimmer head

counter clockwise until it stops.When using file tool in file trimmer mode you may choose to fold file wire edge
guide up out of the way.

LINEFEEDING

Yourtrimmer uses .065" (1.65mm) diameter nylon line to cut ,qrassand weeds quickly and easily. Intime, the tip of
file nylon line will become worn and file auto feedmechanism-will automaticallyfeed and trim a fresh length oFline.

Thecutting line will wear faster if the cutting is done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds
are being cut. Theautomatic feed mechanism senseswhen more cutting line is needed and feedsand trims file

correct lenqth of line whenever it isrequired. Youdon't even have to think about it.Do not bump unit on ground in
attempt tofeed line or for any other purpose.

REPLACINGSPOOL/CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLEDLINES

Fromtime to time, especially when cutting thick or stalkyweeds, the line feeding hub may become dogged with sap

or other material and the line will become jammed as a result. Toclear the jam, follow the steps listed below.

• Turnoff the trimmer and removefile battery.

• Pressthe releasetabs on the line spool cover,as shown in Figure 13 and remove the cover by pulling it straight off.

• Liftthe spool of nylon line out of the hub and clearany broken lineor cutting debris Fromfile spool area.

• Incase of jams and tangled line unwrap about one foot (30cm) of line to ensure that it isundamaged. If it isOK

rewind it and insert the line end through theeyelet in the spool hub, as shown in Figure 14. Pullthe line through the
hole tomaintain tension while placing file spool clown into the hub with the notched side exposed, as shown in

Figure 15.

• Pressfile spool clown GENTLYand rotate it untilyou feel itdrop into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a

few degrees left and right freely.)

• Snap the spool cover back on, insertfile battery and turn the tool on. Ina few secondsor lessyou'll hear tile nylon

line being cut automatically to the proper bngth.

REWINDING SPOOL FROM BULK LINE (USEONLY .065" DIAMETERLINE)

Bulkline for your trimmer/edger isavai]abb at extra cost from your local dealer or Black & Decker ServiceCenter.

To install bulk line, follow file steps below.

• Turnoff the trimmer and removetile battery.

• Pressfile release tabs on the line spool cover,as shown in Figure 13 and remove thecover by pulling it straight off.

• Removethe spool from tile tool and remove and discard all line on tile spool.

• Insertone end of the bulk line into the hole in file spool shown in Figure 16 about 1/2" (12ram).

• Hold the line in thehole and pull the rest of the line through file slot in file spool, shown in Figure 16.

• Snugly and evenly wind the bulk line onto thespool in thedirection of thearrow on spool in Figure 16 until it is

near]y full. (The spool holds 50 ft. (15.2m) of line and bulk lineis sold in 50 Footsections.)

• Insertthe lineend through file eyeletin file spool hub, as shown in Figure 14. Pulltile line through the hob to

maintain tensionwhile placing the spool clown into the hub with thenotched sicle exposed, as shown in Figure 15.

• Pressthe spooldown GENTLYand rotate it untilyou feel itdrop into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a

few degrees left and right freely.)

• Snap the spool cover back on, inserttile battery and turn the tool on. Ina few secondsor lessyou'll hear tile nylon

line being cut automatically to the proper length.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Problem PossibleCause Solution

CHARGING THE POWER PACK

THEBATTERIESIN YOUR POWER PACK ARE NOT FULLYCHARGED AT THEFACTORY.BEFOREAITEMPTING
TO CHARGETHEM, THOROUGHLY READALLOF THESAFETYINSTRUCTIONS.

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

1. Plug the charger into any standard 120 Volt 60 Hz electrical outlet. NOTE: Do not charge by means of an
engine generator or DC power source. Use only 120V AC.

2. Slide the charger onto the power pack as shown in Figure 6 & 7 and let the power pack charge initially
for 9 hours. After the initial charge, under normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3 to

6 hours.

3. Unplug charger, and remove the power pack. Place the power pack in the unit and be certain that it is
inserted fully into the battery cavity until it "clicks" into place.

NOTE: To remove the power pack from the unit, press down on the release button on the back of the

pack (Figure 8) and slide out.

IMPORTANT CHARGING NOTES

1. After normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3 to 6 hours. If the power pack is
run-down completely, it may take up to 6 hours to become fully charged. Your power pack was sent from
the factory in an uncharged condition. Before attempting to use it, it must be charged for at least 9 hours.

2. DO NOT charge the power pack in an air temperature below +40°F(+4.5°C), or above +105°F (+40.5°C).
This is important andwill prevent serious damage to the power pack. Longest life and best performance

can be obtained if power 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 power pack does not charge properly--(1 ) Check current at receptacle by plugging ina lamp or other
unit. (2) Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns power ofFwhenyou turn out

the lights. (3) Move charger and power pack to a surrounding air temperature of 40 F (+4.5 C) to 105 F

+40.5 C). (4) Ifthe receptacle and temperature are OK, and you do not get proper charging, take or send

the power pack and charger to your oca Back & Decker service center. See Too s Eectric in ye ow pages.

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

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

discharging and recharging the power pack.

LEAVING THEBATTERYPACKIN THE CHARGER

The charger and battery pack can be left connected with the red light glowing indefinitely. The charger will keep
the battery pack fresh and fully charged.

NOTE: A battery pack will slowly lose its charge when kept out 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 slowly

lose its charge if left in a charger that is not plugged into an appropriate AC source.

1. Unit won't run. A. Battery not charged. A. Charge for at least 12 hours.
B. Battery not properly attached. B. Remove and reattach

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

3. Line fails to cut off. A. Line cutter in guard is A. Return to service center for

damaged or missing, replacement!repair.

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

CLEANING

• Useonly mild soap and damp cloth to clean tile tool. Never letany liquid get inside thetool; never immerse any
part of thetool into a liquid.

• Z_ WARNING: Removeor disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from tile

gardening appliance.

ACCESSORIES

• Recommendedaccessoriesfor usewith your tool are available from your local dealer or authorized service center.

Ifyou need assistanceregarding accessories,pleasecall: 1-800-54-HOW-TO.

• Use Black& Decker replacement spool No. AF-IO0.

• Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewrapped replacement spool) as shown in this manual.

• USEONLY .065" (1.65mm) DIAMETERNYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE.

Heavier linewill overload the motor, cause overheating and will impair tile automatic feed.This line isavailable at

your local dealer or authorized servicecenter.

• Do not usefishing line or other lines thatare not recommended.

• Z_ WARNING: Theuse of any accessory not recommended for usewith this tool could be hazardous.

THE RBRCTM SEAL (_

The RBRCTM (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) Seal on the nickel-cadmium

battery (or battery pack) indicates that the costs to recycle the battery (or battery pack)

at the end of its useful life have already been paicl by Black & Decker. In some areas, it

is illegal to place spent nickel-cadmium batteries in the trash or municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC
program provides an environmentally conscious alternative.

RBRCin cooperation with Black & Decker and other battery users, has established programs in the United
States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel-cadmium batteries. Help protect our environment
and conserve natural resources by returning the spent nickel-cadmium battery to an authorized

Black & Decker service center or to your local retailer for recycling. Youmay also contact your local recycling
center for information on where to drop off the spent battery, or call 1-800-8-BATrERY.

battery/handle.

cutter.

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

A. Guard. C. Nicad Battery Pack. E. Auxiliary Handle.
B. Charger. (NOT SHOWN) D. Trimmer/Edger.

ATTACHING THE GUARD

• Z_ WARNING: NEVER OPERATETOOL WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLYIN PLACE.
THEGUARD MUST ALWAYS BEON THETOOL TO PROTECTTHEUSER.

• Assemble the guard as shown in Figure 2, over the lug on the motor housing, then slide guard forward to

lock on the lug. Thenwith a phillips screw driver, screw the preassembled screws in the guard into the motor
housing. Figure 3.

AUXILIARY HANDLE ADJUSTMENT

• For maximum comfort and control, ad ust the auxiliary handle to suit your heiqht (Figure 4A). Shorter users

adjust handle to a lower position (away Fromyou) and taller users, adjust hanc]le to an upper position
(towards you). The handle should be adjusted so that your front arm is straight asshown in Figure 9.

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 4B. 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 4B.

• Z_ CAUTION: ALWAYSWEAR EYEPROTECTION.

• _ CAUTION: Inspectarea to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-likeobjectswhich could become
entangled in therotating line or spool. Beparticularly careful to avoid any wire which might bebent
outwardly into the path of thetool, suchasbarbs at tile baseof a chain link fence.

OPERATETHETRIMMER/EDGER

• Toturn trimmer on, pull the lock out button, shown in Figure 5, back and, thensqueeze tile trigger switch. Toturn

thetool off, releasethe trigger.

SERVICEINFORMATION

IMPORTANT:To assure product SAFETYand RELIABILITY,repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be

performed by Black & Decker service centers or other qualified service organizations, always using identical
replacement parts.

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.
To Findyour local service location, refer to the yellow page directory under "Tools--Electric"
or call: 1-800-54-HOW-TO.

FUlLTWO-YEAR HOME USEWARRANTY

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material or
workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two ways:

The First,which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer Fromwhom it was

purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made within the time period
of the retailer spolicy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 clays after the sale). Proof of purchase may be

required. Please check with the retailer for their specific return policy regarding returns that are beyond the
time setfor exchanges.

The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker owned or authorized service
center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be required. Black & Decker owned
and authorized service centers are listed under "Tools-Ebctric" inthe yellow pages of the phone directory.

This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have
other rights which vary From state to state. Should you have any questions, contact the manager of your

nearest Black & Decker Service Center.

This tool is not intended for commercial use.

Imported by

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,

701 E. Joppa Rd.

Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

See 'Tools-Electric'

- Yellow Pages -

for Service & Sales