Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 2879-20 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
MANUEL de L'UTILISATEUR
MANUAL del OPERADOR

Cat. No. / No de cat.

2879-20
M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 15T CRIMPER

SERTISSEUR UTILITAIRE 15T M18™ FORCE LOGIC™
CRIMPADORA 15T UTILITARIA M18™ FORCE LOGIC™

WARNING To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator's manual.
AVERTISSEMENT An de réduire le risque de blessures, l'utilisateur doit lire et bien

comprendre le manuel.

ADVERTENCIA Para reducir el riesgo de lesiones, el usuario debe leer y entender el manual.

GENERAL POWER TOOL

WARNING

SAFETY WARNINGS

Read all safety warnings, instruc-

tions provided with this power tool. Failure to

follow all instructions listed below may result in

electric shock, re 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-oper-

ated (cordless) power tool.

tions, illustrations and specica-

WORK AREA SAFETY

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or

dark areas invite accidents.

• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-

spheres, such as in the presence of ammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks

which may ignite the dust or fumes.

• Keep children and bystanders away while oper­ating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to

lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

•

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power
tools. Unmodied plugs and matching outlets will

reduce risk of electric shock.

• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded

surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric

shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi­tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the

risk of electric shock.

• 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.

• 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.

• If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit inter­rupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI

reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• 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 inuence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools

may result in serious personal injury.

• Use personal protective equipment. Always

wear eye protection. Protective equipment such
as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or
hearing protection used for appropriate conditions

will reduce personal injuries.

• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch

is in the off-position before connecting to power
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carry-

ing the tool. Carrying power tools with your nger

on the switch or energizing power tools that have

the switch on invites accidents.

• 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.

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

power tool in unexpected situations.

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

can be caught in moving parts.

• 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.

• 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.

POWER TOOL USE AND CARE

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

• 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.

• 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

• Recharge only with the charger specied by the

manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one

type of battery pack may create a risk of re when
used with another battery pack.

• Use power tools only with specically desig­nated battery packs. Use of any other battery

packs may create a risk of injury and re.

2

• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

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 re.

• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact. If contact acci­dentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid con-

tacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid

ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is dam­aged or modied. Damaged or modied batteries

may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in re,
explosion or risk of injury.

• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to re or

excessive temperature. Exposure to re or tem­perature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.

• Follow all charging instructions and do not

charge the battery pack or tool outside the
temperature range specied in the instructions.

Charging improperly or at temperatures outside

the specied range may damage the battery and
increase the risk of re.

SERVICE

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualied

repair person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power

tool is maintained.

• Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the

manufacturer or authorized service providers.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR

CRIMPER

•

damage, work on deenergized lines when

possible. Tool is not insulated. Should
work on energized lines be required, ensure all

proper precautions, including those contained

in NFPA 70E, have been taken rst.

•Use tool only with compatible dies and connec-
tors for which they are rated. Jaws, dies, and
connectors must be used in an APPROVED
COMBINATION to achieve a successful op-

eration. Improper combinations can result in a
faulty crimp. Electric shock, re, explosion, and

property damage could occur.

•Keep hands away from crimping jaws while tool

is in use. Fingers could be crushed.

•To reduce the risk of injury, wear safety goggles
or glasses with side shields when operating or
servicing the tool.

•Inspect and discard workpieces with cracks or

wear before use. Materials may crack or shatter.

•Follow connector manufacturers' installation
instructions. Other uses may cause damage to
the tool, accessories, and workpiece.

•

erable amount of dust, use an OSHA compliant

dust extraction solution in accordance with the
solution’s operating instructions.

• Always use common sense and be cautious when

using tools. It is not possible to anticipate every

situation that could result in a dangerous outcome.

To reduce the risk of arc ash,

electric shock and property

To reduce the risk of injury in ap­plications that produce a consid-

Do not use this tool if you do not understand these
operating instructions or you feel the work is beyond
your capability; contact Milwaukee Tool or a trained

professional for additional information or training.

•

Maintain labels and nameplates. These carry im-

portant information. If unreadable or missing, contact
a MILWAUKEE service facility for a free replacement.

•

construction activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive

harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• lead from lead-based paint

• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other
masonry products, and

•

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 spe-

cially designed to lter out microscopic particles.

Some dust created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling, and other

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

1

13

1. Die Release pins

2. Handle

3. Manual release button

4. LED Crimp indicator

5. Hanger

6. ONE-KEY™ coin

battery door

12

11

10

3

4

2

7

8

9

7. ONE-KEY™ indicator

8. Worklight LEDs

9. Trigger

10. Reverse button

11. Jaw release lever

12. Jaw lock pin

13. Swinging jaw

SYMBOLOGY

Volts

Direct Current

United States and Canada

To reduce the risk of injury, wear safety

Read operator's manual.

3

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

To reduce the risk of arc

property damage, work on deenergized

lines when possible. Tool is not
insulated. Should work on energized

lines be required, ensure all proper
precautions, including those contained

in NFPA 70E, have been taken rst.

is in use. Fingers could be crushed.

goggles or glasses with side shields

when operating or servicing the tool.

ash, electric shock and

Keep hands away from

crimping jaws while tool

5

6

TABLE A

Connections made with this tool (2879-20), Adapter (49-15-PUAD) and combination of die
and connector part numbers in the charts below produce cULus Classied crimps accord­ing to the UL 486A-B classication standards.

Anderson Blackburn® Burndy ILSCO Panduit Penn-Union T&B

Splice

Model #'s

Lug

Model #'s

Wire
Size

#8 AWG RED 49-12-U008C 8
#6 AWG BLUE 49-12-U006C 6
#4 AWG GRAY 49-12-U004C 4
#2 AWG BROWN 49-12-U002C 2
#1 AWG GREEN 49-12-U001C 1

1/0 AWG PINK 49-12-U01AC 1/0
2/0 AWG BLACK 49-12-U02AC 2/0
3/0 AWG ORANGE 49-12-U03AC 3/0
4/0 AWG PURPLE 49-12-U04AC 4/0

250 MCM YELLOW 49-12-U250C 250
300 MCM WHITE 49-12-U300C 300 2

350 MCM RED 49-12-U350C 350
400 MCM BLUE 49-12-U400C 400

500 MCM BROWN 49-12-U500C 500
600 MCM GREEN 49-12-U600C 600
750 MCM BLACK 49-12-U750C 750

Model #'s

Model #'s

Wire
Size

#8 AWG BLUE 49-12-U008 8
#6 AWG GRAY 49-12-U006 6
#4 AWG GREEN 49-12-U004 4
#2 AWG PINK 49-12-U002 2 1 1 1
#1 AWG GOLD 49-12-U001 1

1/0 AWG TAN 49-12-U01A 1/0
2/0 AWG OLIVE 49-12-U02A 2/0
3/0 AWG RUBY 49-12-U03A 3/0
4/0 AWG WHITE 49-12-U04A 4/0

250 MCM RED 49-12-U250 250
300 MCM BLUE 49-12-U300 300
350 MCM BROWN 49-12-U350 350
400 MCM GREEN 49-12-U400 400
500 MCM PINK 49-12-U500 500
600 MCM BLACK 49-12-U600 600
750 MCM YELLOW 49-12-U750 750

Splice

Lug

VHS,
VHSS
VHCL,
VHCS

Die

Color Cat. No.

Anderson Blackburn® Burndy ILSCO Panduit Penn-Union T&B

Die

Color Cat. No.

CSP,

CU

CTL,
CTL-2,
CTL-L,

LCN

YS, YS-L,

YS-T

YA, YAZ, YA-L, YA-2L,

YA-2LN, YA-L-NT,

YA-L-2NT, YA-L-TC,

YA-L-2TC, YA-2N,

YA-TC, YA-2TC

Die

Indentation

Mark

Splices:

CT, CTL SCH, SCL,

CLN, CLND, CLNS,

CLW, CLWD, CRA,

CRB, CRA-L, CRB-L,

CRA-2L, CRB-2L,

CSW, CSWS

Anderson Blackburn

1

Lugs: 2

N/A

2

Dual Rated Lugs & Splices

VACS ASP YS-A AS,

VACL ATL YA-A,

YA-ATN

Die

Indentation

Mark

ASN

ACL, ACN, ALND,

ALNS, 2ACL, 2ACN

Anderson Blackburn

Lugs: N/A
Splices:

1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

SCS, SCSS
LCA, LCAS,

LCB, LCC,

LCD

Lugs: Total # of Crimps

Splices: # of Crimps per Side

®

Burndy ILSCO Panduit Penn-Union T&B

1 1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2 2

SA BCUA 60501-60578

LAA,

LAB

Lugs: Total # of Crimps

Splices: # of Crimps per Side

®

Burndy ILSCO Panduit Penn-Union T&B

Lugs: 1

Splices:

N/A

1 1

BBCU,

BCU

BBLU,

BLU

BLUA 60101-60178,

54504-54523-TB,

54804-54823

54104-54123-TB,

54204-54223,

54850BE-54880BE,

54930BE-54923BE

60230-60278

Lugs: 1

Splices: N/A

1

Additional crimps would not negatively affect the integrity of the connection so long as they

are uniformly placed between the intended crimp area of the connector, typically outlined
with color bands or knurls. For the latest listing of approvals, visit milwaukeetool.com.

For technical or service assistance, contact Corporate After Sales Service Technical Sup-

port with technical, service/repair, or warranty questions. 1-800-SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878).

Copper Short & Long Barrel Lugs & Splices

4

Cat. No. ..................................................... 2879-20

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

Volts .............................................................. 18 DC

Battery Type .................................................M18™

Charger Type ................................................M18™

Recommended Ambient

Operating Temperature ......................0°F to 122°F

Force ..........................................................15 Tons

Capacity............................#8AWG - 1500 MCM Cu

#8AWG - 1250 MCM AI

Adapter Cat. No. ...............................49-15-PUAD

ASSEMBLY

Recharge only with the charger

SPECIFICATIONS

cic charging instructions, read the operator’s
manual supplied with your charger and battery.

To remove the battery, push in the release buttons

and pull the battery pack away from the tool.

To insert the battery, slide the pack into the body

of the tool. Make sure it latches securely into place.

may be hazardous.

compatible dies and connectors for which they
are rated. Jaws, dies, and connectors must be
used in an approved combination to achieve a
successful operation. Improper combinations
can result in a faulty crimp. Electric shock, re,

explosion, and property damage could occur.

Inspect adapter before use. Only use an adapter
with "U" dies. Remove adapter when using "P" dies.

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. To install, pull out the release pins and slide the

adapter pieces in each side of the jaws. Adapter
pieces will snap into place after pins are released.
Tug on adapter pieces to ensure they are secure.

3. To remove, pull out the release pins and slide

adapter pieces out from each side of the jaws.

U-Die Adapter
(49-15-PUAD)

Release pins

Inspect dies and connectors before use. Only use

properly matched dies and connectors for the crimp-

ing jaws. Refer to Specications and Table A for die/
connector compatibility.
Only use "P" dies without the adapter, or "U" dies
with the adapter.

NOTE: Install the smaller die piece into the swinging

jaw to ensure the jaws will open fully.

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Slide the appropriate dies into each side of the
crimping jaws.

specied for the battery. For spe-

Removing/Inserting the Battery

Always remove battery pack before

changing or removing accessories.

Only use accessories specically

recommended for this tool. Others

An incomplete or faulty crimp could

cause a re. Use tool only with

Inserting/Removing Adapter

Changing the Dies

3. When using "P" dies, pull out the release pins and
slide the dies into each side of the jaws. Dies will
snap into place after pins are released. Tug on
dies to ensure they are secure.

4. When using "U" dies, rst install the adapter, then
snap the "U" dies into each side of the jaws. Tug
on dies to ensure they are secure.

5. To remove "P" dies, pull out the release pin for
each side of the crimping jaws. Pull out dies.

6. To remove "U" dies, used with the adapter, press

the die release buttons on the adapter pieces and

slide out dies.

To learn more about the ONE-KEY™ function-

ality for this tool, please reference the Quick
Start guide included with this product or go to

milwaukeetool.com/One-Key. To download the
ONE-KEY™ app, visit the App Store or Google Play
from your smart device.

Solid Blue Wireless mode is active and ready

Blinking Blue Tool is actively communicating with

Blinking Red Tool is in security lockout and can

ONE-KEY™

ONE-KEY™ Indicator

to be congured via the ONE-KEY™
app.

the ONE-KEY™ app.

be unlocked by the owner via the

ONE-KEY™ app.

OPERATION

To reduce the risk of injury, always

to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
When working in dusty situations, wear appro-

priate respiratory protection or use an OSHA
compliant dust extraction solution.

damage, work on deenergized lines when

possible. Tool is not insulated. Should work
on energized lines be required, ensure all proper

precautions, including those contained in NFPA

70E, have been taken rst.

Keep hands away from crimping jaws

while tool is in use. Fingers could be

crushed.

Before crimping:

• Inspect the jaws and dies for cracks or other dam-

age. Do not use damaged jaws or dies. Contact a
MILWAUKEE service facility.

• Ensure dies are properly installed.

• Use the 49-15-PUAD adapter with "U" dies.

• Jaws, dies, connectors, and cables must be used

in an APPROVED COMBINATION. Improper
combinations can result in a faulty crimp.

• Inspect and discard workpieces with cracks or wear

before use. Materials may crack or shatter.

• Follow installation specications as specied in

Table A using an approved combination of jaws,
dies, connectors and cables as indicated. Other

uses may cause damage to the tool, accessories,

and workpiece.

1. Install the dies.Use adapter with "U" dies.

2. Insert battery pack.

5

wear proper eye protection marked

To reduce the risk of arc ash,

electric shock and property

Crimping

WARNING

WARNING

WARNING

3. Rotate the jaws to the desired angle.

WARNING

4. Open the jaws by sliding the jaw release lever.

5. Place jaws around workpiece and close the swing­ing jaw. Press in the locking pin.

6.

Crimps should be uniformly placed on the barrel

of the connector.

7.

Crimps should be reasonably placed within the

color bands or knurled area of the connector.

-For splices, begin crimping in the center,

working

-

towards the barrel.

8. Hold tool securely.

9. Press and hold the trigger. When the cycle is

complete the tool will automatically return to its

starting position. An LED will light the workpiece
when the trigger is pulled.

10. Release the trigger.

11.

The die identier is stamped into the connector
during the crimp.

12. Continue crimping according to the instructions

in Table A.

NOTE: After the cycle reaches a certain point, the

crimp may automatically nish, even if the trigger
is released.

Indicator Denition

Solid Green Tool completed the operation and

Solid Red Tool completed the operation but did NOT

Flashing Red Tool did NOT complete the operation.

Flashing

Red/Green

(after Solid

Green or

Solid Red)

outward while alternating sides.

For lugs, begin crimping near the pad, working

LED

reached full crimping pressure.

reach full crimping pressure.

Tool has reached its service interval

(20,000 crimps). Red/Green flashing
will begin after the solid Red or Green
indicator for the operation is displayed.

Tool will stop operating after 25,000

cycles. Return tool to a MILWAUKEE

service facility for inspection and

preventative maintenance.

Reverse Button/Manual Release Button

If the jaws need to be opened without completing the
cycle, press the reverse button. Hold tool securely
until the ram retracts fully.
If the jaws must be opened without the battery pack
installed, press and hold the Manual Release Button
until the ram retracts fully.

MAINTENANCE

To reduce the risk of injury, always

battery pack from the charger or tool before
performing any maintenance. Never disassemble
the tool, battery pack or charger. Contact a

MILWAUKEE service facility for ALL repairs.

Keep your tool, battery pack and charger in good

repair by adopting a regular maintenance program.

Inspect your tool for issues such as undue noise,
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts, or any other condition that may affect the tool

operation. Return the tool, battery pack, and charger
to a MILWAUKEE service facility for repair. After six

months to one year, depending on use, return the
tool, battery pack and charger to a MILWAUKEE

service facility for inspection.

unplug the charger and remove the

Maintaining Tool

If the tool does not start or operate at full power with
a fully charged battery pack, clean the contacts on
the battery pack. If the tool still does not work prop­erly, return the tool, charger and battery pack, to a

MILWAUKEE service facility for repairs.

ONE-KEY™

Chemical Burn Hazard.

lithium button/coin cell battery. A new
or used battery can cause severe in
ternal burns and lead to death in as
little as 2 hours if swallowed or enters the body.
Always secure the battery cover. If it does not

close securely, stop using the device, remove the

batteries, and keep it away from children. If you
think batteries may have been swallowed or en
tered the body, seek immediate medical attention.

An internal battery is used to facilitate full ONE-KEY™
functionality.
To replace the battery:

1. Remove the battery pack.

2. Remove the screw(s) and open the battery door.

3. Remove the old battery, keep it away from children,
and dispose of it properly.

4. Insert the new battery (3V CR2032), with the posi­tive side facing up.

5. Close the battery door and tighten the screw
securely.

your tool, battery pack or charger in liquid or
allow a liquid to ow inside them.

Clean dust and debris from vents. Keep handles
clean, dry and free of oil or grease. Use only mild

soap and a damp cloth to clean, since certain clean­ing agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and

other insulated parts. Some of these include gasoline,

turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated
cleaning solvents, ammonia and household deter-

gents containing ammonia. Never use ammable or
combustible solvents around tools.

For repairs, return the tool, battery pack and charger

to the nearest service center.

This device contains a

-

Internal Battery

To reduce the risk of personal in­jury and damage, never immerse

Cleaning

Repairs

ACCESSORIES

Use only recommended accesso-

For a complete listing of accessories, go online to

www.milwaukeetool.com or contact a distributor.

ries. Others may be hazardous.

SERVICE - UNITED STATES

1-800-SAWDUST (1.800.729.3878)

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM CST

or visit www.milwaukeetool.com

Contact Corporate After Sales Service Technical

Support with technical, service/repair, or warranty
questions.

Email: [e-mail]
Become a Heavy Duty Club Member at

www.milwaukeetool.com to receive important
notications regarding your tool purchases.

6

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