Harbor Freight Tools 62421 Product manual

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,

operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.

18 VOLT CORDLESS

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

REV 14g

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2014 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

Email our technical support at: [e-mail]

Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Table of Contents

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

Specifications ............................................. 6

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

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation .................................................... 7

Maintenance ............................................... 9

Parts List and Diagram .............................. 10

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

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

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

personal injury hazards. 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 INFORMATION

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Read all safety warnings and all instructions.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term ″power tool″ in the warnings refers to your battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work Area Safety

1. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

2. Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools

create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62421

3. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.

Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Personal Safety

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing
and use common sense when operating
a power tool. Do not use a power
tool while you are 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. Use personal protective equipment.
Always wear eye protection. Protective

equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.

3. Prevent unintentional starting.
Ensure the Trigger is in the off-position before
connecting to power source, picking up or
carrying the tool.

Carrying power tools with your finger on
the Trigger or energizing power tools that

have the Trigger on invites accidents.

4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on.

A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part
of the power tool may result in personal injury.

5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control

of the power tool in unexpected situations.

6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry

or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

7. If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of

dust collection can reduce dust‑related hazards.

8. Only use safety equipment that has been
approved by an appropriate standards agency.

Unapproved safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Power Tool Use and Care

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the
correct power tool for your application.

The correct power tool will do the job better and

safer at the rate for which it was designed.

2. Do not use the power tool if the Trigger
does not turn it on and off.

Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the
Trigger is dangerous and must be repaired.

3. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce

the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with the power tool or these instructions
to operate the power tool. Power tools are

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents

are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges

are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the

power tool for operations different from those

intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62421

Battery tool use and care

1. Recharge only with the charger specified by
the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable

for one type of battery pack may create a risk

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

of fire when used with another battery pack.

2. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other

battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

3. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips,
coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal
objects, that can make a connection from
one terminal to another. Shorting the battery

terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

4. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water.
If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help. Liquid ejected from the

battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.

This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Screwdriver Safety Warnings

1. Hold power tools 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 exposed metal
parts of the tool ″live″ and shock the operator.

2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

3. Avoid unintentional starting.
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.

4. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to
a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the
surface and pull the tool out of your control.

5. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.

6. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.

Do not obstruct any vents on the Charger.

Especially avoid placing the Charger on carpets
and rugs; they are not only flammable, but they
also obstruct vents under the Charger.

Place the Charger on a stable, solid, nonflammable
surface (such as a stable metal workbench or
concrete floor) at least 1 foot away from all
flammable objects, such as drapes or walls. Keep a
fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in the area.
Frequently monitor the Charger and
Battery Pack while charging.

8. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.

9. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.

10. WARNING: The cord of this product contains
lead, a chemical known to the State of California
to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

7. The battery Charger gets hot during use.
The Charger’s heat can build up to
unsafe levels and create a fire hazard if it
does not receive adequate ventilation,

due to an electrical fault, or if it is used in a
hot environment.
Do not place the Charger on a flammable surface.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62421

11. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction 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.

Vibration Safety

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Grounding

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.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

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 the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the charger. Do not use the charger
if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before

use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

Extension Cords

Note: Extension cords must not be used with this item’s Charger.

Symbology

Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.

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

WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof surface only.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect Charger’s power
cord to appropriate outlet.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.

V~

A

n0 xxxx/min.

Double Insulated

Canadian Standards Association

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Volts Alternating Current

Amperes

No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)

WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62421

Specifications

Charger Input Rating 120V~ / 60Hz

Battery Rating 18V / 1500mAh

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Battery Type NiCd

No Load Speed 2400 RPM

Chuck Size 1/4"

Setup - Before Use:

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.

Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the

following pages, refer to Parts List and Diagram on page 10.

3160002

Functions

Anvil

Work Light

Trigger

Collar

Direction Switch

Battery Button

Bit Groove

Battery

Pack

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62421

Charger Indicator LED’s

Green LED: Continuously lit

indicates charger is powered.

Red LED: Flashing indicates that the battery is
charging.
Continuously lit (not flashing) indicates
that the battery has finished charging and
should be removed from the charger.

Battery

Pack

Red
LED

Green

LED

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.

Tool Set Up

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the off-position and remove its Battery
Pack before performing any procedure in this section.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Charger

Charging

1. Place the Battery Pack on a dry fireproof surface in
a room where the temperature is from 50–104° F.

Note: If recharging a newly spent Battery Pack,
allow it to cool completely before charging.

2. Examine the Battery Pack. It must be
undamaged, and a NiCd type Battery Pack.

Do not charge a cracked, open, or
leaking Battery Pack, or charge a
non-recommended type of Battery Pack.

3. The Battery Pack’s terminals are designed to fit
this Charger specifically. If the Battery Pack does
to not fit the Charger properly, do not try to insert it.

Do not force a Battery Pack into the Charger.

4. Plug the Power Supply into a grounded,
120V~, 60Hz receptacle.

5. Connect the Power Supply to the Charger.

Workpiece and Work Area Set Up

6. Slide the Battery Pack onto the Charger.

Note: The Battery Pack’s capacity will increase
somewhat during the first few charging cycles.
A fully discharged Battery Pack will take about X to X
hours to fully charge. Recharging the Battery Pack
for more than X hours can damage the battery cells.

7. While charging, the Battery Pack, Charger, and
Power Supply may become warm to the touch.
This is normal, and does not indicate a problem.

8. The red LED will light continuously when the
Battery Pack is charged. Unplug the Charger and
disconnect it from the Battery Pack when finished.

9. Allow the Battery Pack to cool
completely before using it.

10. Press the Battery Buttons to release
Battery Pack from the Charger

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

3. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62421

General Operating Instructions

1. Make sure that the Trigger is in the
off-position, then attach the Battery Pack.

2. Insert the fully charged Battery Pack (11)

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

into the base of the Tool, making sure that
it clicks into place securely. Be sure the
Battery Pack is securely seated into the Drill
Handle so it does not fall off during use.

3. Slide the Direction Switch (which should initially
be centered in the “lock” position) to the right for
forward drilling/fastening, or to the left for reversing
the operation. Use the “reverse” setting only to
remove screws or to release jammed drill bit.

NOTICE: Do not change direction of rotation
while Chuck is rotating. Wait until Chuck has come

to a complete stop before changing direction.

4. If using the Drill to insert or remove screws,
position the tip in the item to insert or remove.

5. If drilling a hole, hold the Drill above the area to drill.

6. Press the Trigger to start the drill. The Work
Light will also activate once the Switch is
pressed and turn off once Switch is released.

7. When inserting or removing a screw or bolt, use
slight pressure at first to keep the bit in the head
of the screw or bolt and cause the screw or bolt
to thread into or unthread from the material.

8. When drilling a hole, let the Drill do the work,
using only enough pressure to follow the
drill as it cuts the hole in the material.

9. When drilling a hard, smooth surface, use
a center punch (not included) to mark the
desired hole. This will prevent the drill bit
from slipping as the hole is started.

10. To “lock” the trigger mechanism, press down the
Direction Switch so that it is in the “center” position.
This will prevent the drill turning on accidentally.

Wood Drilling

a. For best performance, use high speed

drill bits for wood drilling and turn the
torque setting to the drill icon.

b. Start wood drilling at very low speed

to keep the bit from slipping. Increase
speed as drill bit bites into wood.

c. When drilling through holes, place a block

or wood behind the workpiece to prevent
ragged edges on the back side of the hole.

Metal Drilling

a. For best performance, use high speed

drill bits for metal or steel drilling and turn
the torque setting to the drill icon.

b. Start metal drilling at very low speed to keep the bit

from slipping. Maintain the speed and pressure,
allowing for cutting without overheating the bit.

c. When drilling large holes in metal surfaces, use a

small drill bit at first. Then finish with a larger drill
bit. Be sure to lubricate the bit with oil to improve
the drilling action and help increase bit life.

11. When finished using the Drill, release the
Trigger and center the Direction Switch to lock
the trigger mechanism as a safety measure.

12. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool and
remove its Battery Pack after use. Clean, then
store the tool indoors out of children’s reach.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62421

Maintenance and Servicing

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must

be performed only by a qualified technician.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the off-position and remove its Battery
Pack before performing any procedure in this section.

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

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

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

• leaking, swollen, or cracked battery pack,

• loose hardware,

• misalignment or binding of moving parts,

• cracked or broken parts, and

• any other condition that may

affect its safe operation.

2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.

3. NiCd BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Do not short, incinerate or open battery.

4. Disconnect battery pack and store battery pack,
charger, and tool in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

Tool will
not start.

Tool operates
slowly.

Performance
decreases
over time.

Excessive noise
or rattling.

Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.

1. Battery Pack not properly
connected.

2. Battery Pack not
properly charged.

3. Battery Pack burnt-out.

4. Internal damage or wear.

1. Forcing tool to work too fast.

2. Battery Pack power low.

3. Battery Pack burnt-out.

1. Bit dull or damaged.

2. Battery Pack wearing out.

Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)

2. Bit dull or damaged.

3. Blocked motor housing vents.

1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are no
obstructions, reinsert the Battery Pack according
to its shape (it should only fit one way), and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.

2. Make sure Charger is connected and operating properly.
Give enough time for Battery Pack to recharge properly.

3. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.

4. Have technician service tool.

1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.

2. Recharge Battery Pack.

3. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.

1. Keep cutting bits sharp. Replace as needed.

2. Battery Pack capacity will gradually
decrease through use. If symptoms are severe, recycle
old Battery Pack (or dispose of properly) and replace it.

Have technician service tool.

1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.

2. Keep cutting bits sharp. Replace as needed.

3. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and
NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.

Disconnect Battery Pack and Charger power supply before service.

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62421

Parts List and Diagram

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

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.

Parts List

Part Description Qty

1 Sleeve Grip 1
2 Screw St2.9x18 4
3 Sleeve Housing 1
4 Shaft 1
5 Gear Box With Motor 1
6 Left Housing 1
7 Double Head Bit 1
8 Battery Clamp 1

Part Description Qty

9 Belt 1
10 Wire 1
11 Battery Pack 1
12 Right Housing 1
13 Screw St2.9x16 1
14 Switch 1
15 LED 1
16 L/R Button 1

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.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 62421

Assembly Diagram

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 62421

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 • 1-888-866-5797