Harbor Freight Tools 60618 Owner's Manual

Table of Contents

Safety ......................................................... 2

Specifications ............................................. 5

Setup .......................................................... 6

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation .................................................... 8

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Maintenance .............................................. 10

Parts List and Diagram .............................. 11

Warranty .................................................... 12

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

WARNING – When using tools, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

General

To reduce the risks of electric shock, fire, and injury to persons, read all the instructions before using the tool.

Work Area

1. Keep the work area clean and well lighted.
Cluttered benches and dark areas increase the
risks of electric shock, fire, and injury to persons.

2. Do not operate the tool in explosive atmospheres,

such as in the presence of flammable liquids,
gases, or dust. The tool is able to create sparks

resulting in the ignition of the dust or fumes.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 60618

3. Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away
while operating the tool. Distractions are able
to result in the loss of control of the tool.

Personal Safety

1. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing and

use common sense when operating the tool.
Do not use the tool while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

A moment of inattention while operating the
tool increases the risk of injury to persons.

2. Avoid unintentional starting.

Be sure the valves are closed before
connecting to the air supply. Do not connect

the tool to the air supply with the valves open.

3. Do not overreach.

Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Tool Use and Care

1. Use clamps or another practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable platform.

Holding the work by hand or against the body is
unstable and is able to lead to loss of control.

2. Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for the
application. The correct tool will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which the tool is designed.

3. Do not use the tool if the valves do not turn the
tool on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled
with the valves is dangerous and must be repaired.

4. Disconnect the tool from the air source

before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive

safety measures reduce the risk of starting the
tool unintentionally. Close all valves, detach the
air supply, and pull on the safety valve to release all
residual air pressure before leaving the work area.

4. Use safety equipment.
A dust mask, non-skid safety shoes and
a hard hat must be used for the
applicable conditions.

5. Always wear eye protection.
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

6. Always wear hearing protection
when using the tool.

Prolonged exposure to high intensity
noise is able to cause hearing loss.

7. Wear heavy-duty work gloves during use.

5. Store the tool when it is idle out of reach

of children and other untrained persons.
A tool is dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

6. Maintain the tool with care.

A properly maintained tool reduces the risk
of binding and is easier to control.

7. Check for misalignment or binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition
that affects the tool's operation. If damaged,

have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained tools.
There is a risk of bursting if the tool is damaged.

8. Use only accessories that are identified by the

manufacturer for the specific tool model. Use of
an accessory not intended for use with the specific
tool model, increases the risk of injury to persons.

Service

1. Tool service must be performed only

by qualified repair personnel.

2. When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Use only authorized parts.

3. Use only the lubricants supplied with the
tool or specified by the manufacturer.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 60618

Air Source

1. Never connect to an air source that is
capable of exceeding 200 psi.

Over pressurizing the tool may cause

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air at the
rated pressure or within the rated pressure range as
marked on the tool. Always verify prior to using the
tool that the air source has been adjusted to the rated
air pressure or within the rated air-pressure range.

bursting, abnormal operation, breakage
of the tool or serious injury to persons.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Symbols and Specific Safety Instructions

Symbol Definitions

Symbol Property or statement

PSI

CFM

SCFM

NPT

NPS

Pounds per square inch of pressure

Cubic Feet per Minute flow

Cubic Feet per Minute flow
at standard conditions

National pipe thread, tapered

National pipe thread, straight

2. Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible

gases or any bottled gas as an air source
for the tool. Such gases are capable of

explosion and serious injury to persons.

Symbol Property or statement

WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Eye Injury.
Wear ANSI-approved eye protection.

WARNING marking concerning Risk of
Hearing Loss. Wear hearing protection.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Respiratory Injury. Wear
NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 60618

Specific Safety Instructions

1. The warnings and precautions discussed in this

manual cannot cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must be understood
by the operator that common sense and caution
are factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.

2. Use this kit only with sodium bicarbonate

blasting media (sold separately).
Do not use any other blasting media.
Especially do not use sand (crystalline silica)
as a blasting media, it can cause serious
respiratory disease.

3. WARNING: This product, when used for abrasive

blasting and similar applications, produces chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

Vibration Precautions

This tool vibrates during use. Repeated or long-term
exposure to vibration may cause temporary or permanent
physical injury, particularly to the hands, arms and
shoulders. To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:

1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an

extended period should first be examined by a
doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to
ensure medical problems are not being caused or
worsened from use. Pregnant women or people who
have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past
hand injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes,
or Raynaud's Disease should not use this tool.
If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such
as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),
seek medical advice as soon as possible.

4. WARNING: The brass components of
this product contain lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause
birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)

5. Attach all accessories properly to the tool before
connecting the air supply. A loose accessory
may detach or break during operation.

6. Obey the manual for the air compressor
and abrasive blaster used with this tool.

7. Install an in-line shutoff valve to allow
immediate control over the air supply in an
emergency, even if a hose is ruptured.

2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.

3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.

4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.

5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.

6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.

7. To reduce vibration, maintain tool
as explained in this manual.
If abnormal vibration occurs, stop immediately.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Functional Description

Specifications

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Working Air Pressure 80 PSI

Tank (Top) Connector 3/8″ or 1/2″

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 60618

Initial Tool Set Up/Installation

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this

manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages,

refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.

Note: This air tool is shipped with a protective plug covering the inlet. Remove this plug before set up.

Installation

Note: Abrasive Blaster required for

operation, sold separately.

1. Close air supply valve, disconnect air supply
from Abrasive Blaster, and release all pressure
from its Tank by pulling the safety valve.

2. Empty all abrasive media from the
Abrasive Blaster and its hoses.

Note: Any remaining abrasive media
may cause clogging and/or undesirable results.

3. Disconnect the Abrasive Valve Assembly’s three
connections as listed below and shown in Figure A:

a. Air Hose Connection

b. Tank Connection

c. Abrasive Hose Connection

Tank
Connection

Air Hose

Connection

7. Thread the Service Tee (2) into the bottom of the Tank
by hand as far as possible, then wrench tighten it.

8. The Hose Barb Fitting (8) that is angled upward
is used to attach a plain Air Hose. Secure this
connection using a Hose Clamp (sold separately).

Note: For an Air Hose with a threaded fitting:

a. Unthread and remove the Hose Barb Fitting (8).

b. Wrap the threads on the end of

the Air Hose with at least three wraps of
thread seal tape (sold separately).

c. Thread the Air Hose into the 45° Elbow (9)

by hand as far as possible, then wrench tighten it.

9. Slip the Abrasive Hose over the Hose Barb Fitting (8),
and secure it with a Hose Clamp (sold separately).

10. Wrap the threads on the end of
the Purge Hose (10) with at least three wraps
of thread seal tape (sold separately).

11. Thread the Purge Hose (10) into the Ball Valve (5)
by hand as far as possible, then wrench tighten it.

Abrasive

Valve Asm.

Figure A: Disconnect Three Abrasive Valve Asm.

Connections

(Item 68994 shown for reference.)

4. Clean disconnected hose ends and
threads leading into the tank. Remove all thread seal
tape from threads and chase threads if needed.

5. Remove the Cover (1) from
the top of the Service Tee (2).

6. Wrap the threads on the top of
the Service Tee (2) with at least three wraps
of thread seal tape (sold separately).

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 60618

Abrasive

Hose

Connection

Air Hose

Connection

Tank

Connection

Soda
Blast
Asm.

Figure B: Kit Installation

Abrasive

Hose

Connection

Purge
Hose (10)

Air Supply

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM EXPLOSION:
Use only clean, dry, regulated, compressed air to power this tool.
Do not use oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible gases,
or any other bottled gas as a power source for this tool.

NOTE: A DRY, OIL-FREE AIR SUPPLY IS CRITICAL.
Moist or lubricated air will quickly clog the blaster and render it unusable.

1. Incorporate a filter, regulator with pressure gauge,
dryer, in-line shutoff valve, and quick coupler
for best service, as shown on Figure C.

An in-line shutoff ball valve is an important safety
device because it controls the air supply even if
the air hose is ruptured. The shutoff valve should
be a ball valve because it can be closed quickly.

Note: An oiler system should not be used

with this tool. The oil will mix with the material
being propelled, causing poor results.

2. Attach an air hose to the compressor's air outlet.
Connect the air hose to the air inlet of the tool.
Other components, such as a coupler plug
and quick coupler, will make operation
more efficient, but are not required.

Note: Air flow, and therefore tool performance,
can be hindered by undersized air supply components.

3. Close the tool’s Trigger Valve.
Open all of the tool's other valves.

4. Turn on the air compressor according
to the manufacturer's directions and
allow it to build up pressure until it cycles off.

5. Adjust the air compressor's output regulator
so that the air output is enough to properly
power the tool, but the output will not exceed
the tool's maximum air pressure at any time.
Adjust the pressure gradually, while checking the
air output gauge to set the right pressure range.

6. Inspect the air connections for leaks.
Repair any leaks found.

7. If the tool will not be used at this time,
close all valves, detach the air supply,
and pull on the safety valve to release all
residual air pressure to prevent accidental operation.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Air

Compressor

Regulator

Air Hose Air Hose

Moisture

Filter

Figure C: Portable Air Supply Setup

Coupler

and Plug

Air Dryer

Converted

Soda Blaster

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 60618

Operating Instructions

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this

manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Inspect tool before use, looking for damaged, loose, and missing parts.
If any problems are found, do not use tool until repaired.

Tool Set Up - Filling Soda Blasting Media

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Close all valves, detach the air supply, and pull on the safety valve to release all residual air pressure
before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Do not adjust or tamper with any control or component in a way not specifically explained within
this manual. Improper adjustment can result in tool failure or other serious hazards.

IMPORTANT: Fill tank immediately before use and

do not allow media to sit in the blaster. It will solidify
in the tank, becoming very difficult to remove.

1. Open the Tank.

Note: Household baking soda is NOT blasting media.

2. Use a funnel and screen filter to fill the Tank
with sodium bicarbonate blasting media
(all sold separately).

Note: Using DRY media only and SCREENING when
filling are both CRITICAL to prevent severe clogging.

3. Close the Tank securely.

Workpiece and Work Area Set Up

1. Designate a work area that is clean and well-lit.
The work area must not allow access by children
or pets to prevent distraction and injury.

2. Route the air hose along a safe route to reach
the work area without creating a tripping hazard
or exposing the air hose to possible damage.

3. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.

4. There must not be hazardous objects
(such as utility lines or foreign objects) nearby
that will present a hazard while working.

5. Keep a large bucket and blanket nearby to
assist with purging unused media after use.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 60618

General Operating Instructions

1. Connect the air hose, from the moisture- and
oil-free air supply, as explained earlier, and
adjust air supply within operating PSI.

2. Close the Purge Valve and the
Trigger Valve completely.

3. Open the Air Valve.

4. Open the Throttle Valve about halfway for now.
This may require adjustment later
for optimal performance.

5. Slowly open the Abrasive Valve completely.

6. Direct the Nozzle at the work surface and
open the Trigger Valve to start blasting.

Note: Media flow will be intermittent at first.

7. As needed, adjust the Throttle Valve
to optimize operation.

8. If media clumps and flow stops:

a. Close the Trigger Valve.

b. Hold the end of the Purge Hose in the

large bucket and cover it with a blanket.

c. Quickly open and close the Purge

Valve to clear the clog.

d. If clog is cleared, continue working.

If clog is not cleared, try closing the Throttle Valve,
directing the Nozzle at a piece of scrap material,
and opening the Trigger Valve to clear the clog.

e. If clog cannot be cleared any other way,

close all Valves, disconnect air supply and
open Air Valve to release air pressure, then
disassemble components and clean them out.

10. PREVENT CLOGGING. PURGE media after use:

a. Leave the Air Valve open and

close the Throttle, Abrasive, and Trigger Valves.

b. Direct the end of the Purge Hose into the

large bucket, and cover it with a blanket.
Hold the Purge Hose while opening the
Purge Valve slowly and completely until
all of the media has drained out.

c. Close the Purge Valve.

Leave the Purge Hose in the bucket and
the bucket covered for a few minutes.

d. Open the Throttle and Abrasive Valves.

e. Direct the Nozzle at a piece of scrap material

and open the Trigger Valve to
expel any media remaining in the Hose.

f. Close the Air, Throttle, Abrasive,

and Trigger Valves.

g. Disconnect air supply and open Air Valve

to release air pressure, then close it.

11. Vacuum and/or sweep up all dust after use.

12. Store the tool indoors out of children's reach.

13. After blasting, parts will have a thin coating that will
help inhibit rust temporarily. This coating needs to
be washed off with a wet cloth before painting.

Air Valve

Throttle

Valve

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

TO PREVENT CLOGGING:

• USE A DRY, OIL-FREE AIR SUPPLY.

• USE DRY, FRESH SODIUM BICARBONATE

BLASTING MEDIA ONLY.
Household baking soda is NOT blasting media.

• SCREEN MEDIA WHEN FILLING.

ANY moisture or oil will quickly clog
the blaster and render it unusable.

9. To REFILL media as needed:

a. Close the Air, Throttle, Abrasive,

and Trigger Valves.

b. Disconnect air supply and open Air Valve

to release air pressure.

c. Refill media according to

the instructions on page 8.

d. Reconnect air supply and restart use at Step 4.

Purge Valve

Trigger Valve

Abrasive Valve

Figure D: Components and Controls

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 60618

User-Maintenance Instructions

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must

be performed only by a qualified technician.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Close all valves, detach the air supply, and pull on the safety valve to release all residual air pressure
before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise, vibration,
or leaking air occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

Note: These procedures are in addition to the regular checks and maintenance

explained as part of the regular operation of the air-operated tool.

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the tool. Check for:

• loose hardware or housing,

• misalignment or binding of moving parts,

• cracked or broken parts, and

• any other condition that may

affect its safe operation.

2. Daily - Air Supply Maintenance:
Every day, maintain the air supply according
to the component manufacturers' instructions.
Drain the moisture filter regularly.
Performing routine air supply maintenance
will allow the tool to operate more safely
and will also reduce wear on the tool.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

Decreased output. 1. Not enough air pressure and/

or air flow.

2. Blocked air inlet screen
(if equipped).

3. Air leaking from loose housing.

4. Mechanism contaminated.

Severe air leakage.
(Slight air leakage
is normal,
especially on
older tools.)

1. Cross-threaded housing
components.

2. Loose housing.

3. Damaged valve or housing.

4. Dirty, worn or damaged valve.

1. Check for loose connections and make sure that
air supply is providing enough air flow (CFM)
at required pressure (PSI) to the tool's air inlet.

Do not exceed maximum air pressure.

2. Clean air inlet screen of buildup.

3. Make sure housing is properly assembled and tight.

4. Have qualified technician clean mechanism.
Install in-line filter in air supply as stated
in Setup: Air Supply on page 7.

1. Check for incorrect alignment and uneven gaps.
If cross-threaded, disassemble and
replace damaged parts before use.

2. Tighten housing assembly.
If housing cannot tighten properly,
internal parts may be misaligned. Technician needs
to disassemble tool, align parts and reassemble.

3. Replace damaged components.

4. Clean or replace valve assembly.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect air supply before service.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 60618

Parts List and Diagram

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE
ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY
STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Part Description Qty

1 Cover 1
2 Service Tee 1
3 Ceramic Nozzle 1
4 O-ring 1
5 Ball Valve 2

1

2

3

Part Description Qty

6 Male Branch Tee 1
7 3/8" to 1/2" Adapter 1
8 Hose Barb Fitting 2
9 45° Elbow 1

10 Purge Hose 1

5

4

10

5

7

8

9

Record Product's Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,

and are not available individually as replacement parts.

8

6

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 60618

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards,
and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the
period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper
installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries
to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of
our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

3491MissionOaksBlvd.•POBox6009•Camarillo,CA93011•(800)444-3353