Owner's Manual
Reciprocating Saw
Variable Speed
Double Insulated
Model No.
172.17180
• SAFETY
CAUTION: Read, understand and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions
in this manual before using this product.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
• OPERATION
• MAINTENANCE
• ESPAI_IOL, PGS. 00-00
Warranty. .................................................... Page 2
Safety Instructions ..................................... Pages 3-7
Safety Symbols .......................................... Page 7
Description................................................. Page 8
Operation ................................................... Pages 8-11
Maintenance .............................................. Pages 12-13
Accessories ............................................... Page 13
Service Numbers ........... ,........................... Back Cover
FULL ONEYEARWARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RECIPROCATING SAW
If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw fails to give complete satisfaction
within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN ITTOTHE NEAREST
SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace it, free
of charge. If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw is used for commercial
or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date
of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
2
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
I WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions. I
shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1. ALWAYS keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and
dark areas invite accidents.
2. DO NOT operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in (he
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other.)This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does
not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet.
Do not change the plug in any way.
2. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power
cord and grounded power supply system. Applicable only to Class II
(double insulated) tools.
3. Before plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is
within the voltage marked on the tool's data plate. DO NOT use "AC only"
rated tools with a DC power supply.
4. ALWAYS avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is grounded.
5. If operating the power tool in damp locations is unavoidable,
ALWAYS use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to
your tool. ALWAYS wear electrician's rubber gloves and footwear
in damp conditions.
6. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering
a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
7. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tools or pull
the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
I
I
3
ELECTRICAL SAFETY cont.
8. When operatinga power tool outside, ALWAYS use an outdoor extension
cord marked "W-A" or 'W." These cords are rated for outdoor use and
reduce the risk of electric shock.
NOTE: The extension cord must have adequate wire size AWG (American Wire
Gauge) for safe, efficient use. Smaller gauge wires, have greater capacity
(16 gauge wire has more capacity than 18 gauge wire).
PERSONALSAFETY
1. ALWAYS stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense
when operating a power tool. DO NOT use tool while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. ALWAYS dress properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Pull
back long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
3. ALWAYS avoid accidental starting. BE SURE switch is in the "Off"
position before plugging in. DO NOT carry tools with your finger on the
switch. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that
have the switch in the "On" position invites accidents.
4. ALWAYS remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.
A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result
in personal injury.
5. DO NOT overreach, ALWAYS keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6. ALWAYS use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be
used for appropriate conditions
4
TOOL USEAND CARE SAFETY
1.ALWAYSuse clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the
workpiece to a stable platform. Holdingthe work by handor againstyour
body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
2. DO NOT force tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application.
The correct tool and blade will do the job better and safer at the rate for
which it is designed.
3. DO NOT use tool if switch does not turn it "On" or "Off" Any tool that"
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
4. ALWAYS disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories,or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
5. ALWAYS store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained
persons.Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
6. ALWAYS maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control.
7. ALWAYS check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation.
If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.
RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THIS TOOL MAY CREATE
J WARNING: USE OF ACCESSORIES THAT ARE NOT
A HAZARDOUS CONDITION.
8. ALWAYS use only accessories that are recommended for this tool.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool can become hazardous
when used on another tool.
5
SERVICESAFETY
1.If any part of this saw is missing or should break, bend, or fall in any
way; or should any electrical component fail to perform properly:
ALWAYSshutoff the powerswitch and removethe saw plug from the power
source and have the missing, damaged or failed parts replaced BEFORE
resuming operation.
2. Tool service must be performed only at a Sears Service Center. Service
or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk
of injury.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn the
applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire or serious injury,
2. ALWAYS hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own
cord. Contact with a 'live"wire will make the exposed metal parts of the tool
"live" and shock the operator.
3. ALWAYS keep your hands away from cutting area. DO NOT reach under
the material being cut because the nearness of the blade to your hand is
hidden from your sight.
4. DO NOT use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easily,
or cause kickback.
5. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this saw.
ALWAYS wear a dust mask or respirator for applications which
generate dust.
6. ALWAYS protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
7. ALWAYS protect your hearing.Wear hearing protection during extended
periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
8. ALWAYS inspect and remove all nails from lumber before sawing.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
9. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them to
instruct others who may use this tool. If someone borrows this tool,
make sure they have these instructions also.
6
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULEScont.
WARNING: Some dust particles created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction Jobs contain
chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints.
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this
type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
WARNING: The operation of any saw can
result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before
beginning power tool operation, ALWAYS wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shield
and a full face shield when needed. We recommend
a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses
or standard safety glasses with side shield, both available
at Sears Retail Stores,
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V ........................................................................... Volts
A........................................................................... Amperes
Hz......................................................................... Hertz
W .......................................................................... Watts
min ....................................................................... Minutes
........................................................................ Alternating current
.... ................................................................... Direct current
no ........................................................................ No-load speed
[] ........................................................................ Class II construction
.../min ................................................................... Revolutions or
reciprocation per minute
z_ ...................................................................... Indicates danger, warning
caution. It means attentionf!!
Your safety is involved.
IMPORTANT! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
7
Your 8.0-amp reciprocating saw has many built-in convenience features for fast,
efficient cutting. These features include a variable speed dial that allows you to
change the speeds for cutting a variety of materials. An adjustable/pivoting
shoe for maximum control in a variety of cuts and an easy-to-grip rubber boot,
The tool-less blade clamp has easy lever action for extra fast blade changes.
Input
Blade Stroke
Blade Type
Rating
No-load Speeds
Before attempting to use any tool, be sure to familiarize yourself with all
the operating features and safety instructions.
/K WARNING: IF ANY PARTS ARE MISSING, DO NOT OPERATE I
THIS SAW UNTILTHE MISSING PARTS ARE REPLACED. FAILURE TO
DO SO COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
z_ CAUTION: DO NOT let familiarity with your saw make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient
I
to cause severe injury.
,/K CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating this I
I
power tool.
8.0 Amps
11/8 in.
1/2in. Universal Shank
120 volts, 60 Hz AC
0 to 2400 SPM
I
I
I
USING THE VARIABLE SPEED DIAL
Variable speed provides increased cutting versatility.
Simply rotate the dial from the slowest setting (1)
to the highest setting (6) depending upon the material being cut.
8
Choosing the Correct Speed
The speed you use will depend on the type of materials that you are cutting:
1. Use high speeds for cutting wood.
2. Medium speed is best for non-ferrous materials.
3. Low speed is recommended for cutting metal.
NOTE:Material thickness and blade selection will also affect your speed
selection. As a general rule, as the material thickness increases, the speed
should be slower.
increase speed once the cut is started. Prolonged use at a very slow
I CAUTION: Use a very slow speed when beginning a cut. Then
speed may damage your saw.
BLADE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
This saw is designed to use all 1/2-in. universal shank blades.
/tk WARNING: To prevent personal injury, ALWAYS disconnect the I
plug from power source BEFORE assembling parts, making adjustments
or changing blades.
To Install Blade (Figure 2)
1. Disconnect saw from power source.
2. If necessary, extend the
adjustable/pivoting shoe away from
the blade clamp for easier access.
3. Push blade clamp lever up with your
thumb, as shown
4. Insert the blade into the saw's blade
clamp and make sure that blade
attaches to the blade nub inside clamp.
5. Push down blade clamp lever to make
sure blade is locked securely in place.
I
I
I
To Remove Blade
1. Disconnect saw from power source.
2. If necessary, extend the
adjustable/pivoting shoe away from
the blade clamp for easier access.
3. Push blade clamp up with your thumb.
4. Pull the blade out of the blade clamp.
9