Harbor Freight Tools 68568 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.

12 VOLT LITHIUM
CORDLESS

IMPACT
DRIVER

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

REV 14i

Email our technical support at: [e-mail]

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© 2011 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.

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

Specifications

General Power Tool
Safety Warnings

Charger Input 120 VAC / 60 Hz

Motor Speed 0 - 2000 IPM (impacts per minute)

Chuck 1/4” Hex

Settings Forward / Reverse

Max. Torque 384 in.-lbs.

Charging Time approximately 75 Minutes

Battery Type 12V, Li-Ion; 1300 mAh

Important Safety Information

In this manual, on the labeling, and all other
information provided with this product:

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.

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol,
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE is used to address practices
not related to personal injury.

CAUTION, without the safety alert symbol, is used
to address practices not related to personal injury.

WARNING Read all safety warnings and

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 mains-operated (corded) power tool
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

1. Work area safety

a. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

b. 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.

c. Keep children and bystanders away

while operating a power tool. Distractions

can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical safety

a. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet

conditions. Water entering a power tool

will increase the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal safety

a. 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.

b. Use personal protective equipment. Always

wear eye protection. Safety equipment such

as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard

hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.

c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the

switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source and/or battery pack, picking
up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools

with your finger on the switch or energizing power

tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

d. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and

balance at all times. This enables better control

of the power tool in unexpected situations.

e. 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.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 68568

f. 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 ANSI­approved and breathing protection must be NIOSH­approved for the specific hazards in the work area.

d. 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.

4. Power tool use and care

a. 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.

b. Do not use the power tool if the switch

does not turn it on and off. Any power

tool that cannot be controlled with the switch

is dangerous and must be repaired.

c. Disconnect the plug from the power source

and/or 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.

d. 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.

e. 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.

f. 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.

5. Battery tool use and care

a. Recharge only with the charger specified by

the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable

for one type of battery pack may create a risk
of fire when used with another battery pack.

b. Use power tools only with specifically

designated battery packs. Use of any other

battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.

c. 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.

6. Service

a. 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.

Impact Driver Safety Warnings

1. Let bit cool before touching, changing
or adjusting it. Bits heat up dramatically
while in use, and can burn you.

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. 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. 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 while charging.

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

8. 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. In addition, people
with pacemakers should:

• Avoid operating alone.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 68568

• Do not use with power switch locked on.

• Properly maintain and inspect
to avoid electrical shock.

9. WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities, contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement or other
masonry products

• Arsenic and chromium from chemically
treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending
on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well
ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as those dust masks that are
specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

10. WARNING: The cord of this product contains
lead and/or di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP),
chemicals 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.)

11. WARNING: This product contains di (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (DEHP), a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. (California Health
& Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

12. 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.

Lithium Battery Safety Warnings

2. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

TO THE BATTERY PACK:

a. Open,
b. Drop,
c. Short-circuit,
d. Incinerate, or
e. Expose to temperatures greater than 140°F.

3. Charge Battery Pack only according to
the instructions in this manual.

4. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged

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.

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

LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE A LARGE

AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND WILL VENT

FIRE OR EXPLODE IF MISTREATED:

1. Keep Battery Pack dry.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 68568

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS.

Grounding

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING
WIRE CONNECTION: 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 tool. Never remove
the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool
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.

Double Insulated Tools:
Tools with Two Prong Plugs

VAC

A

n0 xxxx/min.

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.

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

WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.

Keepammableobjectsaway.

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

Outlets for 2-Prong Plug

1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require

grounding. They have a special double insulation
system which satisfies OSHA requirements and
complies with the applicable standards of Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard
Association, and the National Electrical Code.

2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120

volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.

(See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)

Extension Cords

Note: Extension cords must not be used with this

item’s charger.

Symbology

Double Insulated

Canadian Standards Association

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 68568

Instructions for Putting into 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.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Unlock and release the Trigger and disconnect Battery Pack before
assembling or making any adjustments to the tool.

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

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

Lock

Collar

Work Light

Charger

Direction

Switch

Trigger

Battery Release Tabs

Battery Pack

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 68568

Operating Instructions

WARNING! Do NOT use a different Charger

or Battery to power this Impact Driver.

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: Unlock and release
the Trigger and disconnect Battery Pack before
adjusting tool or installing accessories.

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.

Make sure the Battery Pack is undamaged;
do not charge a cracked or leaking battery pack.

2. Plug the Power Cord into the Charger. Then plug the

Power Cord into a grounded, 120 VAC, 60 Hz outlet.
The green charging light will activate, showing
that power is supplied to the Charger.

3. Slide the Battery Pack onto the Charger’s base.

The red charging indicator light will activate
to show that charging is taking place.

Note: The Battery Pack’s capacity will increase somewhat
during the first few charging cycles. A fully discharged
battery will take about 75 minutes to fully charge.
CAUTION! Recharging the Battery Pack for more
than 75 minutes can damage the battery cells.

General Operating Instructions

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Unlock and release the Trigger and disconnect Battery
Pack prior to making any adjustments to the tool.

1. With a charged Battery inserted in Impact
Driver, select appropriate size 1/4” drive
socket. Use only impact Hex-type sockets.

2. Insert the socket into the Locking Collar.

3. Hold socket on the nut that is to be loosened/tightened.

4. Press down on the Direction Switch. Pressing down
on Switch on right side (with the arrow facing front of
the Impact Driver) will activate the Forward direction.
Pressing down on Lever on left side (with arrow facing
away from front) will activate Reverse direction.

5. Once the direction is selected, hold the handle firmly
over the nut and gently squeeze the Trigger, while
keeping the other hand securely on top of housing.

6. Once the Trigger is pressed, the Work
Light (35) will illuminate work area.

7. When the nut is tightened or
loosened, release the Trigger.

8. To prevent accidents, remove Battery Pack from
bottom of Impact Driver and remove socket
from tool. Make sure to store Impact Driver in
a dry, clean location out of reach of children.

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

5. Unplug Charger and disconnect from
Battery Pack when finished.

6. Allow the Battery Pack to cool completely before use.

7. Press the Battery Release Tabs to release
Battery Pack from the Charger (or when
removing it from the Impact Driver’s handle).

8. Slide Battery Pack into handle of Impact Driver.

9. Store the Charger indoors, out of reach of children.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 68568

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:
Unlock and release the Trigger and disconnect
Battery Pack before performing any inspection,
maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

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

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition
of the tool. Check for loose hardware, misalignment
or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken
parts, damaged electrical wiring, and any other
condition that may affect its safe operation.

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

3. When storing, always store in clean, dry and
safe location out of reach of children.

4. WARNING! If the supply cord of this power

tool’s charger is damaged, it must be replaced
only by a qualified service technician.

5. Dispose of Battery Pack properly. Do not
short, incinerate or open Charger or Battery
Pack. Keep Charger and Battery Pack dry.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 68568

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

Tool will not start. 1. No power at outlet during

charging.

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

Performance
decreases over time.

Excessive noise
or rattling.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool. Disconnect power supply

before service.

1. Accessory dull or damaged.

2. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.

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

2. Accessory misaligned.

3. Accessory dull or damaged.

4. Blocked motor housing vents.

1. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker. If breaker
is tripped, make sure circuit is right capacity
for tool and circuit has no other loads.

2. Have technician service tool.

1. Keep accessories sharp. Replace as needed.

2. Havequaliedtechnicianreplacebrushes.

Have technician service tool.

1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.

2. Check and correct accessory if not seated properly.

3. Keep accessories in good working
order. Replace as needed.

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

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 68568

Parts List and Assembly 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.

Parts List

Part Description Qty.

1 Shield Ring 1
2 Gasket 1
3 Locking Spring 1
4 Lock Collar 1
5 ModiedRing 1
6 Screw 4
7 Front Casing 1
8 Washer 1

9 Shaft 1
10 Oil Seal 1
11 Gasket 1
12 Impact Head 1
13 Steel Ball (Ø3.5) 3
14 Impact Block 1
15 Steel Ball (Ø3) 30
16 Steel Ball Pad 1
17 Torque Spring 1
18 Spring Pad 1
19 Main Shaft 1
20 Steel Ball (Ø5.5) 2
21 Gear 2
22 Rolling Needle 2

Part Description Qty.

23 Gasket 1
24 Internal Wheel 1
25 Bearing 1
26 Gear Case 1
27 Stator 1
28 Rotor 1
29 Gasket 3
30 Bearing 1
31 Carbon Brush Bracket 1
32 Carbon Brush 2
33 Carbon Brush Cover 2
34 Lens 1
35 Work Light 1
36 Left Housing 1
37 Battery Clamp 1
38 Battery Pack 1
39 Tapping Screws 9
40 Trigger 1
41 Lead Wire 1
42 Right Housing 1
43 Direction Switch 1

44a Charger (not shown) 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 68568

Assembly Diagram

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 68568

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