primatech Q550 Operating Instructions Manual

PNEUMATIC FLOORING NAILER

Q550

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Read these instructions thoroughly before using this tool and keep it
handy for reference.

Revision 03/10 Printed in Canada

PRIMATECH PNEUMATIC NAILER Q550

The pneumatic nailer Q550 is a professional precision tool
specially developed for the installation of 3/8" to 3/4" solid and
engineered hardwood flooring. It has been designed for easy
maintenance where major components can be accessed within
seconds without the need of any tool. Weighting only 8.7 pounds
(4 kg), this ergonomically designed tool makes the installation of
hardwood floor very easy, allowing the operator to set and nail
the boards in the standing position. It uses standard L- type 18GA
cleats available in lengths of 1¾" (45 mm), 1½" (38 mm) and 1¼"
(32 mm). For best result, only PRIMATECH cleats should be used.
Read carefully these instructions before operating this tool. It is
important to understand warnings/cautions and the safety
measures to ensure safe use of this tool.

9. Never service or repair the tool, clear obstructions or make
adjustments while the air supply hose is connected.

10. Only compressed air should be used to power this tool ; do
not exceed 110 psi (7.6 bar).

11. Never use oxygen or any other compressed gas as a power
source for this tool.

12. Always wear OSHA-required Z-87 safety glasses with side
shields.

13. Always wear proper ear and feet protection while the air
supply hose is connected.

14. Always remove cleats from the feeder channel before
servicing tool.

DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER SAFETY. NEVER DEPRESS

THE SAFETY CONTACT WITH YOUR HANDS WHEN TOOL IS
CONNECTED TO AIR SUPPLY. EXTREME CAUTION IS
ADVISED WHEN USING THIS TOOL.

CONNECTION & AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM

The Q550 is built around the
Primpact valve engine, a
breakthrough technology for
pneumatic tools. Primpact main
features are:

• short nose and compact valve design with an all­around striking surface

• high-speed action and few moving parts, for a
powerful yet soft stroke and increased precision.

• reciprocal striking system that regulates the depth
of penetration independently from the mallet impact

• finely threaded screw-in cartridge assembly

Additional information is available directly from the manufacturer:

1135 Jeremie-Fortin, Quebec, QC
Canada, G1J 1R8

Phone: [phone] or 1 [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web: www.primatech.ca/support

SAFETY MEASURES

These important guidelines should always be followed to work
safely with the PRIMATECH pneumatic nailer model Q550:

To ensure maximum performance and efficiency, and also a
minimum of care, the P RIMATECH pneumatic nailer requires clean,
dry air. It is necessary to use a filter and a pressure regulator.

This tool needs a detachable male coupler with 3/8" NPT male
treads. The use of a 3/8" (1 cm) diameter air supply hose is
recommended. A smaller hose or a hose longer than 50' (15 m)
could cause a pressure drop when the tool is activated
repeatedly.

ALWAYS USE A FREE-FLOW CONNECTION FOR THE

COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY TO PREVENT THAT THE TOOL

STAYS CHARGED AFTER DISCONNECTING THE AIR SUPPLY
HOSE.

UNLOAD TOOL BEFORE CONNECTING AIR TO PREVENT

ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE.

AFTER MOVING TOOL TO A DIFFERENT WORK AREA, OR

AFTER ANY MAINTENANCE TO THE TOOL, ALWAYS

ENSURE PROPER OPERATION BY ACTUATING TOOL

SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT CLEATS OVER THE
SUBFLOORING .

Dirt, dust, and other particles in the air supply can cause sluggish
operation or premature wear of many components of the tool.
Drain water from the compressor tank regularly. The compressor
start-stop limits should be set to deliver an air pressure of at least
100 psi (7 bar) at all time. Consult the compressor manual or
dealer for instructions on how to make this adjustment.

1. Read these instructions thoroughly before using this tool
and keep it handy for reference if necessary.

2. Always keep hands, feet or other body parts away from the
nail ejection area.

3. Never aim the tool in any direction other than the working
area.

4. Always carry or manipulate the tool by its handle while the
air supply hose is connected.

5. Never hit the head cap of the actuator if the plastic base is
not sitting perfectly on the working surface.

6. Never leave the tool laying down on its side while the air
supply hose is connected; the tool should always be left on
the floor, standing on its plastic base.

7. Do not alter or remove safety.

8. Always disconnect the air supply hose when the tool is not
in use or when move to another work area.

At 80 psi (5.5 bar) and 100 hits per minute, the tool consumes
approximately 3.8 cu.ft (110 ) of air per minute at 70°F (21°C).
Higher air pressure will increase the consumption of compressed
air.

The tool is designed to be operated with a compressed air
pressure of 80 psi (5.5 bar). Occasionally, a higher pressure
could be necessary, for example to use the tool with different
species of harder wood. In these more difficult cases, the
compressed air pressure can be increased up to 100 psi
(7.0 bar). It is very important not to exceed this maximum
pressure to prevent leaks, premature wear or damages to the
tool.

Check the compressed air supply hose before connecting to
ensure that they are free from dirt or particles that can alter the

performance of the tool. Pay special attention to any air leaks. Do
not use a compressed air pressure higher than 110 psi (7.6 bar).
Higher pressure can cause premature wear or damage to certain
components. After assembly, check all the connections to
prevent the leaks and to have maximum efficiency.

In some environments, ear protection might be
required, as working condition may include
exposure to high noise levels which lead to
hearing damage.

TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE FINISHED

SURFACE OF THE INSTALLED FLOOR, REST THE TOOL
ONTO THE SUBFLOORING WHEN CONNECTING AIR,

LOADING TOOL WITH NAILS OR PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE TO THE TOOL.

LOADING THE TOOL

Insert a row of PRIMATECH's cleats inside the feeder channel and
pull back on the plastic tab gently until it engages behind the
cleats. To release, simply squeeze the tab with your thumb and
index and allow the spring to recoil slowly. The clip must be
released slowly to prevent damage. The Q550 uses standard L­type 18GA cleats available in lengths of 1¾" (45 mm), 1½"
(38 mm) and 1¼" (32 mm). Make sure that the proper type of
cleats is used. Primatech's 18GA cleats are packaged into green
color-coded boxes. For MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE, always use
PRIMATECH cleats.

USE ONLY THE TYPE OF CLEATS IDENTIFIED ON THE

FEEDER CHANNEL. THE USE OF ANY OTHER TYPE OF
CLEATS WILL DAMAGE THE TOOL.

OPERATION

Unload tool and rest it onto the subflooring, Connect the hose
and cycle tool once or twice without nails. After loading the tool
with PRIMATECH cleats, the PNEUMATIC NAILER model Q550 is
ready for use.

Wearing safety boots and safety hat is also
highly recommended.

NOTE: All the personal protection equipments
must meet national standards.

Be it raw, factory finished or engineered, hardwood is a
natural material subject to various factors, such as humidity,
subflooring, installation procedure, type of tools, fasteners,
etc. Installer should always ensure optimal surface
preparation, comply with all manufacturer's
recommendations and conduct a pre-installation test prior
beginning any installation.

BEFORE STARTING AN INSTALLATION, FASTEN DOWN

FEW BOARDS TO ASCERTAIN THAT YOU ARE USING

THE RIGHT FASTENER AND THAT THE TOOL IS
PROPERLY ADJUSTED.

ADJUSTING FOR HARDWOOD THICKNESS

The Q550 pneumatic nailer is fitted with a fully adjustable plastic
base Q-033, designed to prevent contact with the top edge of the
flooring. Since there is no standard among manufacturers about
the dimensions of the tongue, it is important to adjust the nailer
to fit the flooring prior any installation. The Q550 also features a
resting block Q-034 which prevent damage to the top edge of the
flooring by positioning the tool against the tongue, preventing the
gate/foot assembly from contacting the board.

Only use the 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) hammer supplied with the tool. The
use of other type of hammers may affect performance. The
rubber face of the hammer can be used with care to help position
the boards.

With the flooring firmly in place, position the tool onto the flooring,
with the resting block Q-034 against the tongue. Apply downward
pressure to ensure proper seating of the cleat. Strike the head
cap Q-001 with the hammer to activate the tool,

Use only the RUBBER FACE of the hammer to
activate the tool. Using the steel end will
damage the tool and void the warranty. If

wood is slightly twisted, hitting the tool with more
force will assist in pulling the board up snugly.

NEVER strike the head cap when the tool is not

sitting on the working surface.

OPERATING THE TOOL WHEN THE SAFETY CONTACT IS

NOT FULLY DEPRESSED WILL CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR
OR DAMAGE TO THE DRIVING BLADE, PISTON AND
CYLINDER.

Eye protection is recommended and should be
worn by the operator and other in working area.
Accidental ejection of nails or wood debris could
cause severe eye injury.

Step 1: adjusting the base for flooring thickness:

 Using the supplied Allen wrench, loosen but do not remove

screws (A); one on each side of the tool.

 With the tool in an upside down position, place a short piece

of flooring against the gate/foot assembly (Q-029/Q-032).

 Engage the Allen wrench in knob (B) as shown; rotate to

move the base up or down. Note that knob (B) has a rotation
range of only about 1/2 turn. Do not apply force when a limit
is reached.

 Adjust the height of the plastic base to obtain a small gap

between the gate/foot assembly and the top side of the
tongue of the sample board. A gap of 1/32", about half the
thickness of the nail, should be adequate for most situations.

 Tighten both screws (A).

Step 2: adjusting the resting block for the width of the tongue:

 Using the Allen wrench, loosen by about 1/2 turn n do not

remove the two screws (C).

 With the short piece of flooring still against the gate/foot

assembly, adjust the gap between the resting block and the
tongue with screw (D). A small gap of 1/32", about half the
thickness of the nail, should be adequate for most situations.

 Tighten both screws (C).
 Ensure that screw (D) is slightly tighten. Do not apply force

on screw (D) once screws (C) are tighten.

After completing the adjustment procedure, proceed with the
installation of few boards. Carefully check for the proper
positioning of the nail onto the board. Check again after few more
rows to insure that all parts are secured in place. Tool may lose
adjustment over time if this procedure is not strictly followed.

BEFORE STARTING AN INSTALLATION, NAIL DOWN FEW

BOARDS TO ASCERTAIN THAT YOU ARE USING THE RIGHT
TOOL AND FASTENER.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

This tool requires minimal lubrication. Use only
detergent-free oil such as Primatech P-090. Few drops
of oil weekly in the air inlet is sufficient. Other types of
lubricant may degrade the seals.

Check periodically to make sure that all screws are tight. Pay
particular attention to the two screws holding the feeder channel
as well as the screws and nuts on the feeder channel assembly
who might loosen up over time. Be careful not to strip the threads
when tightening. The use of an medium strength adhesive
sealant such as the Loctite 242 is recommended for those screws
and nuts.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

Most adjustments to the tool can be made with the 3/16" and
5/32" Allen wrench supplied with the tool. These can be
conveniently stored above the feeder channel Q-048.

Disassembly of the tool must be done in a clean environment.
Some parts can be easily damaged if disassembled with
improper tools or by inadequate methods. Maintenance should
only be performed by trained personnel. Use only genuine
PRIMATECH replacement parts.

TO PREVENT INJURY, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE AIR

SUPPLY HOSE WHEN SERVICING OR DISASSEMBLING THE
TOOL.

When servicing the tool, do not twist or force any parts. Damage
may result from such abuse. If parts do not come loose easily,
contact your PRIMATECH distributor for more information.

NEVER apply threadlocker
or adhesive onto cylinder
or head threads.

When opening the tool for maintenance, always clean all
components of dirt, grit, or particles. Inspect the tool carefully for
broken parts or excessive wear, and replace if necessary. When
ordering parts, be sure to specify the right part number, and also
the tool serial number.