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AIR NIBBLER
MODEL NO: CAT213
PART NO: 3120530
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC0522 -Rev 1
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE air tool. The Air Nibbler is ideal for fast,
accurate sheet metal cutting of curved or intricate shapes using its 4-way
adjustable punch head.
Before attempting to use this product, please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can look forward to your purchase
giving you long and satisfactory service.
Please keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
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SPECIFICATION
Model Number CAT213
Min. Hose Size (ID) 9.5 mm (3/8”)
Operating Pressure 90 psi (6.2 bar)
Air Consumption 6.5 cfm (average)
Max Cutting thickness 1.2 mm /18 Gauge (mild steel)
Min. cutting radius 25 mm
Maximum speed 3800 strokes/minute
Air Inlet Size 1/4“BSP Female
Sound Pressure Level (LpA dB) 79 dB(A)
Sound Power Level (LwA dB) 90 dB(A)
Vibration Levels
Vibration Uncertainty K
4.2 m/s
1.5 m/s
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Dimensions (L x W x H) 200 x 100 x 43 mm
Weight 0.84 kg
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein are correct
at the time of going to print. However CLARKE International reserve the right to
change specifications at any time without prior notice.
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GENERAL SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
1. ALWAYS keep the work area clean and tidy.
2. ALWAYS dress appropriately - Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Tie
long hair out of the way.
3. ALWAYS keep children and visitors away - Do not let children handle the
tool.
4. DO NOT operate the tool where there are flammable liquids or gases.
USE OF AIR POWERED TOOLS
1. ALWAYS stay alert and use common sense - do not operate the tool when
you are tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
2. ALWAYS wear eye protectors when using the nibbler - Eye protection must
provide protection from flying particles from the front and the side.
3. ALWAYS wear ear protectors when using the tool.
4. DO NOT overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
5. DO NOT use any type of bottled gas as a source of power for the tool.
6. DO NOTconnect the air supply hose with your finger on the trigger.
7. DO NOT exceed the maximum pressure for the tool of 90 psi / 6.2 bar.
8. ALWAYS heck hoses for leaks or worn condition before use and ensure that
all connections are secure.
9. ALWAYS keep the air supply hose away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
10. DO NOT use this tool for any other purpose than that described in this
manual.
11. DO NOT fit this tool to any stand or clamping device that may damage it.
12. DO NOT carry out any alterations or modifications to this tool.
13. ALWAYS disconnect from the air supply when:
• Performing any maintenance
• The tool is not in use.
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• The tool will be left unattended.
• Moving to another work area.
14. DO NOT use the tool if it is defective or operating abnormally.
15. DO NOT damage the tool by applying excessive force.
16. ALWAYS maintain the tool with care for the best and safest performance.
17. Quick change couplings should not be located at the air tool. They add
weight and could fail due to vibration.
18. DO NOT force or misuse air tools. It will do a better and safer job at the rate
for which it was designed.
19. This tool vibrates with use. Vibration may be harmful to your hands or arms.
Stop using the nibbler if discomfort, a tingling feeling or pain occurs. Seek
medical advice before resuming use.
20. DO NOT carry the tool by the air supply hose.
21. DO NOT carry the tool with your finger on the trigger.
HAZARDS SPECIFIC TO CUTTING TOOLS
1. ALWAYS be careful around all moving parts and pinch points. Always keep
your fingers away from the point of cutting.
2. ALWAYS ensure material is properly supported during cutting. Use supports
for long material. Hold the material securely to prevent it tilting during the
cut. Use clamps or vices to hold the work piece whenever possible.
3. ALWAYS take care of sharp edges produced by the cutting operation.
4. DO NOT use damaged punches/blades. When replacing cutting tool parts
make sure they are correctly and securely mounted.
5. ALWAYS anticipate unexpected tool movement due to a binding punch or
blade. Release the trigger immediately if this occurs.
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COMPRESSED AIR REQUIREMENTS
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR CAN BE DANGEROUS. ENSURE THAT YOU
ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF
COMPRESSORS AND A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY.
A typical air line layout is shown below. If an automatic in-line filter/regulator is
used, it will keep the air tool in good condition, but should be regularly
checked and topped up with oil. SAE 10 oil should be used and the lubricator
adjusted to approx 2 drops per minute.
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The minimum hose diameter should be 5/16”(8mm) ID and fittings should have
the same internal dimensions.
Never exceed the maximum operating pressure for the tool. It is
recommended that air pressure to this tool does not exceed 90 psi (6.2 bar) at
the tool when running. Higher pressures and unclean air will shorten the life of
the tool due to faster wear and is a possible safety hazard.
Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air as a power source.
Air compressors used with the tool must comply with the appropriate
European Community Safety Directives.
A build-up of moisture or oil in the air compressor will accelerate wear and
corrosion in the tool. ensure any moisture is drained from the compressor daily
and the inlet filter is kept clean.
If an unusually long air hose is required, (over 8 metres), the line pressure or the
hose inside diameter may need to be increased.
The air hose must be rated at least 150% of the maximum operating pressure of
the air tool.
ACCESSORIES
A wide range of accessories is available including filter/regulators, lubricators,
high-pressure hoses (5 to 50 metres) etc.
Contact your CLARKE dealer for further information or CLARKE International
Service Department on 01992 565333.
CLARKE Air Line Oil (part no. 3050825) is available from your CLARKE dealer.
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BEFORE USE
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR CAN BE DANGEROUS. ENSURE THAT YOU
ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF AIR
COMPRESSORS AND A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY.
When opening the carton, check that all the items are present. Any damage
or deficiency should be reported to your CLARKE dealer immediately.
The carton should contain:
• Air Nibbler tool
• Male inlet adaptor
• Spare Die and blade
1. Remove the plastic blanking plug
from the air inlet connection.
2. Pour 2-3 drops of CLARKE airline oil
into the air inlet port. This should be
done regardless of whether or not
a lubricated air supply is to be
used.
3. If required, connect an in-line mini
oiler to the tool.
• A mini oiler helps to prolong the
life of any air tool.
4. Connect a suitable hose as shown or use the snap connector supplied to
connect directly to the hose.
5. Connect the other end of the hose to the compressor.
• PTFE tape may be useful for sealing threaded connections.
6. Turn on the air supply and check for air leaks. Rectify any found before
proceeding.
7. If using a mini oiler, place a sheet of paper next the exhaust port and
squeeze the trigger for approximately 30 seconds. The oil volume is
correctly set when a light stain of oil can be seen on the paper. Excessive
oil should be avoided.
Your air nibbler is now ready for use.
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OPERATION
The punch and die can be rotated through 360o to aid access and obtain
maximum consumable life.
1. To do this, loosen the locknut with
a 22 mm spanner and rotate the
die on the blade until it is in the
right position for the job in hand.
2. Hold the die steady with a 15mm
spanner on its flats and retighten
the locknut.
3. Ensure your workpiece is properly
secured and marked out.
4. Connect the nibbler to the airline.
5. Start the nibbler by squeezing the throttle lever.
6. Introduce the sheet metal into the slot in the end of the die. Apply only light
pressure to move the tool in the desired direction through the material.
7. Do not allow the nibbler to run freely for long periods of time as this could
harm the bearings.
It is recommended that a whip hose with a swivel (not included) be used to
prevent twisting, kinking and resultant wear to the air hose.
CHANGING THE BLADE AND DIE
1. Loosen the locknut using a 22mm
spanner.
2. Unscrew the die (with the locknut
on it) from the body of the tool.
3. Using a 9mm ring spanner, unscrew
the blade retainer with the blade.
4. Remove the old blade from the
retainer and insert the new one.
5. Screw the retainer back into place
and tighten with the ring spanner.
6. Slide the die and locknut over the
blade and screw it back into the
tool until the tip of the blade is flush
with the bottom of the die. Rotate
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the die into the best position required by the workpiece. Hold the die
steady with a spanner on its flats and re-tighten the locknut.
NOTE: The open side of the die should be straight ahead and in
alignment with the metal being cut.
DISCONNECTING THE AIR SUPPLY
1. Do not disconnect the air hose until the supply is isolated at a shut-off
valve.
2. Once the pressure has been isolated, disconnect the air supply hose from
the air tool.
3. Shut down the compressor at the end of the work session.
STORAGE
If the tool is to be stored, or is idle for longer than 24 hours, run a few drops of
CLARKE air line oil into the air inlet, and run the tool for 5 seconds in order to
lubricate the internal parts.
When not in use, disconnect from air supply, clean tool and store in a safe, dry
place.
When storing, replace the blanking plug to the air inlet once the airline is
disconnected.
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MAINTENANCE
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE TOOL IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE AIR
SUPPLY BEFORE PERFORMING ANY CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE.
Please note that factors other than the tools condition may effect its operation
and efficiency. These include reduced compressor output, excessive drain on
the airline, moisture or restrictions in the air-line, or the use of connectors of
incorrect size or poor condition which will reduce air supply.
DAILY
1. Before use, drain water from the air-line and compressor.
2. Lubricate the tool daily for
optimum performance. Use a high
quality airline oil either via a
lubricator in the air supply system
or by placing a few drops into the
tool immediately before use. This
should be carried out regardless of
whether or not an in-line lubricator
is used.
3. Oil can be added via the
lubrication cover on top of the
nibbler. It is screwed on finger tight.
CLEANING & OVERHAUL
1. Keep the tool clean and free from debris.
2. If the tool becomes sluggish and the air supply is of good quality, it may be
necessary to replace worn or damaged parts.
3. Grit or gum deposits in the mechanism may eventually reduce efficiency.
This condition can be corrected by cleaning the air inlet filter and flushing
out the tool with gum solvent oil or an equal mixture of SAE No10 oil and
paraffin.
4. Failing this, the tool should be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, dried
and reassembled. You may prefer to take the tool to your CLARKE dealer if
internal maintenance is required.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION
Tool runs at normal
speed but slows down
under any load.
Tool runs slowly. Air flows
weakly from exhaust.
Tool will not run. Air flows
freely from exhaust.
Tool will not shut off. 1. O-rings damaged or
1. Excessive pressure on
tool.
2. Motor parts worn.
3. Worn or sticking
mechanism due to
lack of lubricant.
1. Motor parts jammed
with gum/dirt.
2. Regulator in closed
position.
3. General airflow
blocked by dirt.
1. Motor vanes stuck
due to buildup of
foreign material.
ill-fitting in seat.
1. Reduce the force
applied to the tool.
2. Return to CLARKE dealer
for repair.
3. Drip air tool lubricating
oil into air inlet. Allow oil
to soak moving parts
before using.
1. Examine inlet air filter for
cleanliness and clean if
necessary.
2. Adjust regulator to open
position.
3. Operate tool in short
bursts.
1. Disconnect air supply
and rotate tool assembly
manually.
2. Try operating tool in
short bursts.
3. Tap motor housing gently
with a rubber mallet.
4. Drip a few drops of air
tool lubricating oil into air
inlet to soak moving
parts.
1. Return to CLARKE dealer
for repair.
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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
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PARTS LIST
No Description No Description
1 Screw nut 19 Gear sleeve
2O-ring 20Nut
3 Spring 21 Gear
4 O-ring 22 Bolt
5 Bolt 23 Gear bracket
6 Air inlet 24 E-clip
7 Trigger pin 25 Bearing
8 Trigger 26 Cushion
9 Main housing 27 Camshaft
10 Bearing 28 Rotating rod
11 Rear plate 29 Front housing
12 Rotor 30 Lubrication cover
13 Rotor blade 31 Bushing
14 Bolt 32 Sliding shaft
15 Cylinder 33 Blade
16 Front plate 34 Blade retainer
17 Bearing 35 Fixing nut
18 Spacer 36 Die
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