WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
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. Reference 57719.
Page 2
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 mains-operated (corded) power tool
or 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded
power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. 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.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor
use reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply.
Use of a GFCI reduces 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
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.
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. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use
of tools allow you to become complacent and
ignore tool safety principles. A careless action
can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with
both hands to resist starting torque.
12. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
14. 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.
15. 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.
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 switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power
tool that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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 and accessories.
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.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean
and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles
and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling
and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Battery Tool Use and Care
1. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to battery pack, picking up or carrying the
power tool. Carrying the power tool with your
finger on the switch or energizing power tool
that have the switch on invites accidents.
2. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power tool.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
3. 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.
4. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
5. 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. 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.
7. Do not use a battery pack or power tool that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
8. Do not expose a battery pack or power tool to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 140°F may cause explosion.
9. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or power tool
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
10. Have servicing performed by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the product is maintained.
11. Do not modify or attempt to repair the power
tool or the battery pack except as indicated
in the instructions for use and care.
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 Pack while charging.
13. Charge Battery Pack using Hercules 12V Lithium
Battery Charger only (sold separately).
Service
1. 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.
2. Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the
manufacturer or authorized service providers.
3. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
4. Use extra caution when cutting overhead and
pay particular attention to overhead wires which
may be hidden from view. Anticipate the path
of falling branches and debris ahead of time.
5. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to
begin work before turning on the tool.
6. 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.
7. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.
8. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.
9. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
10. 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.
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.
Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
Safety Instructions for
Reciprocating Saws
1. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the
cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring.
Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire may
make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live”
and could give the operator an electric shock.
2. Use clamps or another practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the workpiece by hand or against your body
leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
3. Keep hands away from moving parts.
Never place your hands near the cutting area.
LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE A LARGE
AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND WILL VENT
FIRE OR EXPLODE IF MISTREATED:
1. Keep Battery Pack dry.
2. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures greater than 140°F.
3. Charge Battery Pack only according
to its Charger’s instructions.
4. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
Page 5
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.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
Grounding
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.
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
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
situation which, if not
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
Symbology
V
A
n0 xxxx/min.
Volts
Direct 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 Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.
Extension Cords
Extension cords must not be used
with this item’s Charger.
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Functional Description
2
1
4
1. Shoe
2. Blade Clamp
3. Trigger
4. Trigger Lock
5. Handle
OPERATION
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.
Installing / Removing Blade
1. Rotate Clamp Collar in the direction of the arrow and
insert the Blade fully into the Clamp with the Blade’s
teeth pointing down. Release Collar to close Clamp.
Blade
Clamp
Collar
2. With a gloved hand, check that the Blade is
securely locked in place by pulling on it.
3. To remove Blade, rotate Clamp Collar in
the direction of the arrow, remove Blade
from Clamp and then release Collar.
5
3
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. 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.
This is especially critical for plunge cuts.
4. Using a glove, push Blade holder all the
way back. The workpiece must be thinner than
minimum Blade extension.
CAUTION! To prevent injury, do not use on
workpieces thicker than the minimum Blade
extension at their maximum thickness.
Blade tip can strike workpiece and may shatter.
Properly Sized Workpieces
Tool Set Up
PVC Pipe
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is locked and Battery
Pack is removed before performing any procedure
in this section.
Battery Charging
Charge battery after unpacking and before using the
tool. Follow instructions included with battery charger.
WARNING!TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Do
not use a dull or cracked Blade. Check that the Blade
and Shoe are secured tightly before every use.
1. Push the Trigger Lock to the right to lock
Trigger, then insert a fully charged Battery
Pack into the base of the Saw, making sure
that it clicks into place securely. Be sure
the Battery Pack is securely seated into the
Handle so it does not fall off during use.
2. Grip Saw firmly with both hands, rest the front of the
Shoe on workpiece with the Blade above the work.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the Saw if the
Blade is in contact with anything.
3. Push Trigger Lock to the left, then press
Trigger to start the tool. The Work Light
will turn on when Trigger is pressed and
turn off when Trigger is released.
4. The tool has variable speed. To increase
speed, apply more pressure to Trigger. To
decrease speed, apply less pressure.
Note: When cutting softer materials, use a faster speed.
When cutting harder materials, use a slower speed.
5. Allow the Saw to come up to full speed
before touching the workpiece.
6. Guide the Saw Blade into the workpiece.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
To prevent kickback, keep the Shoe pressed
firmly against the workpiece while cutting.
7. Guide the blade into the workpiece, allowing
the Saw to do the cutting. Follow the cut.
Do not exert excessive pressure on the
workpiece. If the Saw slows down as it is
cutting, apply less pressure on the Saw.
8. To stop the Saw, release the Trigger.
9. Allow the Saw to come to a complete
stop before setting it down.
10. When finished using the Saw, push the
Trigger Lock to the right to lock Trigger.
11. To prevent accidents, remove Battery
Pack after use. Clean, then store the
Saw indoors out of children’s reach.
Plunge Cutting
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE: Do not
cut into areas where you cannot identify possible
hazards behind or inside the surface being cut.
Plunge cut into plywood, sheetrock, and thin
board panels. Do not attempt to plunge cut
into thick, hard wood or metal panels.
1. Mark the cut line.
2. Place the edge of the Shoe on workpiece
with Blade NOT touching the workpiece.
WARNING! To prevent serious injury due
to kickback, do not start a plunge cut with
the Blade touching the workpiece.
3. Push Trigger Lock to the left, then press Trigger.
4. Allow the Saw to come up to full speed, then
slowly rotate Saw on the Shoe as the Blade
contacts the workpiece. Hold the Saw firmly.
5. Continue to slowly rotate the Saw until
the Blade has penetrated through the
workpiece. Press the Shoe firmly against the
workpiece and continue to make the cut.
6. To stop the Saw, release the Trigger.
7. Allow the Saw to come to a complete
stop before removing from cut.
8. To prevent accidents, remove Battery
Pack after use. Clean, then store the
Saw indoors out of children’s reach.
Metal Cutting
1. Install a metal cutting Blade.
2. Coat the cutting surface with cutting
oil (sold separately) to prevent the
Blade from overheating.
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is locked and
Battery Pack is removed 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
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
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. Li‑Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED
OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
4. For Blade changing instructions
see Tool Set Up on page 6.
5. 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.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and Charger power supply before service.
connected.
2. Battery Pack not
properly charged.
3. Battery Pack worn out.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Trigger, for example.)
1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Battery Pack wearing out.
1. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.
2. Blade dull or damaged.
Internal damage or
wear. (Carbon brushes or
bearings, for example.)
2. Blade dull or damaged.
3. Blocked motor housing vents.
1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are no
obstructions, clean battery contacts on tool, 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. Dispose of old Battery Pack properly or recycle.
Replace Battery Pack.
1. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
2. Keep Blades sharp. Replace as needed.
Have technician service tool.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Keep Blades 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.
This Hercules tool is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of five (5) years beginning on the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover battery packs and
battery chargers, which are covered under separate warranties. To obtain warranty service, visit your local Harbor
Freight retail store. Warranty registration is not required. The product or part must be returned to us with proof of
purchase (e.g. in‑store receipt or packing slip/invoice) and may require shipment by purchaser to a service center
at purchaser’s expense. If our inspection verifies a covered defect in materials or workmanship during the warranty
period, we will, at our option, repair or replace the defective product. We will return repaired products within a
reasonable time at our expense, but if we determine that there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes
not within the scope of our warranty, then we will return the product to you if you pay return shipping costs.
This warranty does not cover any failure or damage that we determine is due directly or indirectly to normal
wear and tear, misuse, use not for the intended purpose or not in accordance with the product manual,
abuse, accident, rental, modification or alteration, unauthorized repair, improper installation, neglect, lack of
maintenance, or any other failure not arising from defective materials or workmanship. Fraudulent returns or
claims will be denied. The repair or replacement described in this warranty shall be your sole and exclusive
remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN
OR ORAL, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW
AND OTHERWISE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. HARBOR
FREIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR COSTS ARISING FROM THIS WARRANTY
OR THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THESE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.