DANGER
TOOL FOR USE BY LICENSED OPERATORS
ONLY. OPERATOR'S LICENSE CAN BE
OBTAINED AT www.ramset.com.
READ AND OBEY ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING TOOL.
COBRA TOOL
OPERATOR’S
SAFETY & OPERATING
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SEMI-AUTOMATIC, LOW VELOCITY,
PISTON-TYPE FASTENING TOOL
Part #06941
Rev. 8/07
RD v001MA
2
SAFETY INTRODUCTION
DANGER
DANGER
SAFETY INTRODUCTION
THIS TOOL IS TO BE USED ONLY BY PROPERLY TRAINED
AND LICENSED OPERATORS.
YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE RAMSET TRAINING
PROGRAM FOR THE TOOL AND OBTAIN A CERTIFIED
OPERATOR'S LICENSE BEFORE HANDLING, LOADING, OR
OPERATING THIS TOOL. SAFETY TRAINING AND LICENSE
CAN BE OBTAINED AT www.ramset.com
ATTEMPTING TO HANDLE OR OPERATE THIS TOOL
WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND LICENSING CAN RESUL
T IN
SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS.
Just as no one can merely read a book about driving an automobile and then hope
to drive one safely, no one should attempt to use any Ramset tool without adequate,
competent, personal instruction. And just as one must be licensed to drive an automobile,
one must also be licensed to use a powder actuated tool. No automobile instruction
book or instructor can forewarn a learner against all possibilities and emergencies, nor
can Ramset instructors and printed material detail all possible conditions surrounding the
use of Ramset tools and products.
Responsibility for the safe and proper use of this tool rests with the tool user
and the employer.
Operators and bystanders
must wear eye and hearing
protection.
Read manual before
operating tool.
Never close tool with hand over fastener loading end of the tool.
A serious hand injury from penetration by the piston or a
discharged fastener could result.
DANGER
DANGER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3
Preparation
Acceptable Base Materials
Powder-actuated fastening is suitable for
use in the following base materials only:
• Pour
ed Concrete
• Structural Steel
• Masonry Joints (see page 8)
Never attempt to fasten into any other
type of material. Fastening into other
materials can cause blindness or other
serious injury.
Unacceptable Base Materials
Never attempt to fasten into very hard or
brittle materials such as cast iron, tile,
glass, or rock of any type. These materials
can shatter, causing the fastener and/or
base material fragments to fly free and
cause serious injury to tool operator
and others.
Never fasten into soft base materials, such as
drywall or lumber products. These materials
may allow the fastener to travel completely
through and out the other side, endangering
those in the path of the fastener.
Never fasten into any base material that
does not pass the Center Punch test.
Failure to assure the suitability of the base
material can result in serious injury to the
eyes or other body parts.
Center Punch Test
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
WHEN PERFORMING THIS TEST.
1. Always check the material being
fastened into for hardness before
attempting any fastening operation.
2. Using a fastener as a center punch,
strike the fastener against the work
surface using an average hammer
blow and check the results.
Center Punch Test Results
1. If the fastener point is flattened,
the material is too hard for a
powder actuated fastening.
2. If the fastener penetrates the
material easily, the material is
too soft.
3. If the material cracks or shatters,
the material is too brittle.
4. If the fastener makes a small
indention into the material, the
material is suitable for fastening.
NEVER FASTEN INTO SOFT MATERIALS
SUCH AS DRYWALL
NEVER FASTEN INTO VERY HARD OR
BRITTLE MATERIALS
DANGER
DANGER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4
Loads and Load Selection Safety
1. Always make a test fastening after
being sure that the base material
is suitable for powder actuated
fastening. Failure to determine the
correct power level to be used may
result in the use of excessive power,
allowing the fastener to pass completely
through the work material, causing
serious or fatal injuries to others who
may be in the path of the fastener.
2. Color-blind operators must always
select loads by load number to prevent
use of an incorrect load for the same
reasons as in #1 above.
Workplace Safety
1. Operators and bystanders must
always wear approved eye protection
and approved hearing protection.
Failure to do so may result in blindness
or serious eye injury from flying debris
and loss of hearing from constant or
repeated unprotected exposure to
fastening noise.
2. Always keep the work area clear of
bystanders and unnecessary materials
that could interfere with safe tool
operation. Operating the tool in a
congested or cluttered area may affect
your ability to operate the tool safely.
3. Never operate tool if flammable
or explosive materials are nearby.
Powder loads burn and create sparks
when fired and could ignite these
materials or fumes.
4. Always post warning signs within
50 ft. of the area where fastening
is to be done. Sign must state:
“WARNING – Powder Actuated Tool
In Use”. Failure to warn others
may result in serious injury to them.
Contact Ramset at 1-800-241-5640
to obtain this sign.
COLOR-BLIND OPERATORS MUST
ALWAYS SELECT LOADS BY NUMBER
ALWAYS MAKE A TEST FASTENING
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAR OF
BYSTANDERS & CLUTTER
NEVER OPERATE THE TOOL AROUND
FLAMMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE
MATERIALS
ALWAYS POST WARNING SIGNS
DANGER
DANGER
WARNING
POWDER
ACTUATED
TOOL IN USE
WITHIN 50 FEET
Safety is important – Take proper precautions.
ADVERTENCIA
HERRAMIENTA
ACCIONADA CON POLVORA
EN USO A MENOS DE
15 METROS (50 PIES)
La Seguridad Es Importante – Tome Las Precauciones Apropriadas.
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Tool Handling Safety
1. Always be sure tool is operating
properly before attempting to use
it. Follow the “Daily Function Check”
shown to the right and described
on page 9.
2. Always load tool using a strip load
selected directly from a box indicating
the power load type and number.
Never attempt to use loose strip
loads that could be misidentified.
3. Never carry loose strip loads in pockets
with pins or other hard objects.
4. Never load a tool unless you intend
to immediately make a fastening.
Loading a tool and leaving it unattended
in the work area can result in the tool
being accidentally discharged by others.
5. Ne
ver place your hand or any other
body part over the fastener loading
end of tool. Serious hand injury
can result from being struck by either
a fastener or the tool piston should the
tool be accidentally fired.
6.
Always store tool unloaded and
keep the tool and the loads securely
locked in a tool box. Keep keys
away
from children and unlicensed
persons.
7. Always keep the tool pointed away
from yourself and others.
8. Never carry a loaded tool around
the work area.
9. Never allow anyone not trained
to use the tool.
10. Never engage in horseplay with
the tool.
11. Using the tool in poorly ventilated
areas, cleaning tool or handling
loads may result in exposure to
lead or other substances known
to cause birth defects, and other
physical harm. Have adequate
ventilation at all times and wash
thoroughly after exposure.
NEVER LOAD TOOL UNLESS IT IS TO
BE USED IMMEDIATELY
ALWAYS DO A DAILY FUNCTION
CHECK BEFORE LOADING THE TOOL
NEVER PLACE HANDS OR BODY OVER
MUZZLE OPENING
KEEP TOOL LOCKED & OUT OF THE
REACH OF CHILDREN
DANGER
DANGER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6
FAILURE TO FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS CAN
CAUSE INJURY TO
THE TOOL OPERATOR
OR TO BYSTANDERS.
Fastener Driving Safety
1. Only use the tool for fastening into
a suitable base material.
2. Never fire the tool without a fastener.
Firing a tool without a fastener will
cause the piston to strike the work
surface, and may cause serious injury
to you and others in the work area.
3. Always use the spall guard whenever
possible to minimize flying particles
or debris.
4. Al
ways hold the tool perpendicular
to and firmly against the work
surface when making a fastening.
Failure to do so could allow a fastener
to ricochet.
5. Ne
ver attempt to drive a fastener
close to an edge or to another
fastener. See page 8 for guidelines.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE
MISFIRE PROCEDURE.
If the tool does not fire after the normal
firing sequence, continue to hold the
depressed tool against the work surface
for at least 30 seconds. Then carefully lower
the tool, remove the strip load and put it
in a can of water or other non-flammable
liquid. Never carelessly discard a strip with
live loads into a trash container.
If the tool becomes stuck or jammed with
a live powder load, keep the tool pointed
in a safe direction, and immediately tag it,
“Danger–defective–do not use”. Lock
the tool in a tool box and call your local
Ramset distributor for assistance.
USE SPALL GUARD WHENEVER POSSIBLE
ALWAYS HOLD THE TOOL PERPENDICULAR
TO THE WORK SURFACE
NEVER DRIVE A FASTENER CLOSE TO
AN EDGE
HOLD TOOL FIRMLY AGAINST
THE WORK SURFACE FOR AT
LEAST 30 SECONDS.
90
O
DANGER
DANGER
SPALL GUARD
FASTENERS / LOADS
FASTENERS / LOADS
7
Your Ramset Cobra tool uses only the Ramset fasteners and loads shown below or
listed for the tool in the Product Catalog.
DANGER
Never use any other types of fasteners or strip loads in the Ramset Cobra tool. Use of other
types of fasteners or loads may cause unintentional load discharge, damage the tool, cause
poor fastening performance, or create a risk of serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
FASTENERS
.300 HEAD PLASTIC FLUTED DRIVE PINS .300 HEAD PLASTIC FLUTED DRIVE PINS
WITH 7/8" WASHER
1/4" - 20 THREADED STUDS
8 mm HEAD TOP-H
AT DRIVE PINS
CONDUIT CLIP ASSEMBLIES
CEILING CLIP ASSEMBLIES
.300 HEAD POWER POINT
PLAS
TIC FLUTED DRIVE PINS
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank lengths from
1/2" to 2-1/2"
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths of 1/2"
and 1" and thread lengths of 1/2", 3/4" and 1"
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths from
1/2" to 1"
For 1/2" and 3/4" Diameter Conduit with 1"
Pre-mounted Fastener
Ceiling Clip with 1" or 1-1/4" pre-mounted
.145 Shank Pin and Ceiling Clip with 1" or
1-1/4" pre-mounted .150/.180 shank pin.
.150 Straight Shank in Shank Lengths from
1/2" to 7/8"
.150/.180 Step Shank in Lengths from
1" to 1-7/8"
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths from
1" to 3"
LOADS
Ramset RS 27 strip loads are specially made for use in the Ramset Cobra Tool.
The power level of the load is indicated by
the number marked on each box, the color
of the box, and the color on the tip of each
load. As the number increases, the power
level also increases.
Always perform the center punch test
described on page 3 to test the base material.
Always make a test fastening using the
lowest power level first. If more power is
required to set the fastener, use the next
higher power level until the powder level
necessary to drive the fastener is reached.
RS 27 10 SHOT STRIP LOAD
POWER CATALOG LOAD CASE
LEVEL NUMBER COLOR COLOR
2 2RS27 Brown Brass
3 3RS27 Green Brass
4 4RS27 Yellow Brass
5 5RS27 Red Brass
FASTENING APPLICATIONS
FASTENING APPLICATIONS
8
FASTENING APPLICATIONS
Your Ramset tool can be used for a wide
range of fastening needs in a variety of base
materials. Reading and following these important
fastening guidelines will help you get the best
results from your tool, fasteners, and powder
loads, as well as help you perform these
fastening operations safely and effectively.
Powder actuated fastenings are permanent
fastenings so attempting to remove a fastener
from concrete or steel may result in serious
injury.
Fastening to Concrete
When fastening into concrete, always maintain
a minimum spacing of 3" between fastenings
and 3" from any free edge. Concrete thickness
should be at least three times the intended
penetration depth into the concrete. The
primary exception to the 3" edge distance
can occur in a sill plate application where,
by necessity, the edge distance is reduced.
Driving fasteners too close to an edge or too
close to each other can cause the concrete
edge to fail or fasteners to fly free.
Fastening to Concrete Block or
to Masonry Walls
While this application is not recommended,
when used, it is necessary to take care to
observe a 3" edge distance to avoid cracking
the block and over penetration of the fastener to
avoid loss of holding value. Fastenings may be
made into the horizontal joint but not into
the vertical joint.
Fastening to Steel
Your Ramset tool can be used for fastening
on the flat surfaces of structural steel. When
fastening into steel, always maintain a
minimum spacing of 1-1/2" between fastenings
and 1/2" from any edge.
PENETRATION – THIN GAUGE
METAL TO CONCRETE
SPACING WOOD TO CONCRETE
3"
MIN.
3"
MIN.
3" MIN.
SPACING – FURRING
STRIP TO CONCRETE
SPACING — STEEL TO STEEL
3" MIN.
1-1/2"
MIN.
1/2"
MIN.
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
9
TOOL OPERATION
Daily Function Test
Always check the tool first to make sure
it does not contain a strip load or
fastener. Test the tool several times by
depressing the muzzle bushing fully on a
hard surface and pulling the trigger. You
should hear an audible click as the firing pin
releases. Let up on the tool, and check to be
sure the barrel has opened to the semiopen position.
FULLY OPEN AND CLOSE TOOL TO
THE SEMI-CLOSED POSITION
PERFORM THE FUNCTION TEST WITH
EMPTY, UNLOADED TOOL
OPERATING THE RAMSET
COBRA TOOL
1. After checking to be sure that the tool
is not loaded, point it in a safe direction
and be sure that the barrel is fully
extended and then close the tool to the
semi-closed position. This assures that
the piston is in position for the next
fastening. Use the spall guard every
time possible to minimize the risk of
being struck by flying debris.
2. With finger off the trigger, place the
fastener, point out, into the muzzle
end of the tool until the point end is
inside the muzzle. NEVER load a
fastener with your finger on the trigger.
DO NOT use excessive force when
inserting a fastener. STOP immediately
if excessive force is required, inspect
the barrel to find out why the fastener
is not entering the muzzle freely. DO
NOT continue loading unless the
problem is corrected.
3. With the tool pointed in a safe
direction and finger away from the
trigger, insert a strip load into the
bottom of the handle and push it in
until your finger is in firm contact with
the handle recess.
KEEP HANDS
AWAY FROM
MUZZLE
INSERT FASTENER INTO THE MUZZLE
END OF THE TOOL WITH THE POINT OUT
INSERT LOAD STRIP INTO THE OPENING
IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HANDLE
4. Hold the tool perpendicular (90˚) to
the work surface with both hands, and
press down firmly to fully depress the tool.
Maintain firm downward pressure on
the tool with both hands and pull the
trigger to drive the fastener. DO NOT
DEPRESS THE TOOL AGAINST
ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE
INTENDED WORK SURFACE.
Holding the tool firmly in place while
fastening will produce more consistent
fastening quality, and minimize tool
wear or damage.
5. After making the fastening, fully open
and then close the tool to the semiclosed position. This resets the piston
and indexes a new load into place for
the next fastening.
6. In
sert another fastener in the muzzle
end of the tool as before and the tool
is ready for the next fastening. Keep
your finger off of the trigger until the
tool is in position to drive the fastener.
7. To
remove a used or partially used
load strip from the tool, pull the strip
out from the top of the tool. Do not try to
remove the strip by pulling it out from the
bottom of the handle. NEVER
try to remove a jammed or stuck
load strip. Should a “jammed” load strip
occur, call your local Authorized Ramset
Distributor for technical assistance.
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
10
FULLY OPEN THE TOOL AND THEN
CLOSE IT TO THE SEMI-CLOSED
POSITION
HOLD THE TOOL FIRMLY
AND PERPENDICULAR T
O
THE WORK SURFACE
KEEP HANDS
AWAY FROM
MUZZLE
INSERT THE NEXT FASTENER
REMOVE THE LOAD STRIP ONLY
FROM THE TOP OF THE TOOL
90
O
11
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
REFER TO PARTS SCHEMATIC FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS
– Overdriving of fasteners – Excessive power – Change to next lower
power level load strip
color and number
– Tool fails to fire
– Failure to index strip –
Str
ip not inser
ted in
tool correctly or is
damaged
–
Damaged indexing
mechanism
– Check load strip
. Properly
dispose of damaged strip.
(see page 6)
– Failure of tool to stay
closed when held in
the do
wnward position
– Retaining ball missing – Contact your Ramset
Distributor for assistance
– Contact your Ramset
Distributor for assistance
– Broken or damaged parts
– Tag tool with warning
“Defective–Do Not Use”.
Place in a locked
container and contact
your local Ramset
representativ
e for service
– Damaged or bent piston – Replace piston
– Tool cannot be cocked
or opened
– Excessive dirt b
uildup – Clean tool thoroughly
– Reduction or loss
of power
– Piston not being returned
to the full rear position
– Barrel must be pulled
completely open to
proper
ly position the
piston
– W
orn or damaged
piston or piston ring
–
Replace worn or
damaged par
ts
–
Worn or broken pawl – Replace pawl
– Tool does not completely
depress
– Misassembled or
damaged parts
–
Check all parts in the
receiver for damage or
improper assembly
– Failure to depress
completely
– See “Tool does not
completely depress”
–
Firing pin and/or breech
damaged
– Replace damaged parts
– Excessive dirt b
uildup on
breech face not allowing
proper penetration of
firing pin
– After following misfire
procedure
, check firing
pin indentation on load.
Clean breech face
– Soft base material – Check base material
(see page 3)
PARTS SCHEMATIC
PARTS SCHEMATIC
12
PARTS LIST / MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST / MAINTENANCE
13
COBRA TOOL PARTS LIST
KEY PART NO. DESCRIPTION
1 SC301500 SPALL GUARD
2 SC301009 FRONT BARREL (BASEPLATE)
3 SC301011A SHEAR CLIP (PKG. OF 3)
4 SC301010 FASTENER GUIDE
5 SC301200A PISTON ASSEMBLY
6 SC301208 PISTON RING
7 SC301012 PAWL (STOP)
8 SC301006 REAR BARREL (PISTON SLEEVE)
9 SC301014A BARREL RETENTION ASSEMBLY
10 SC301016 PUSH PIN
11 SC301046A DETENT BALL ASSEMBLY
12 SC301034A TRIGGER ASSEMBLY AND PIN
13 SC301001 TOOL BODY
14 SC301113 BOLT (2)
15 SC301300A SEAR HOLDER ASSEMBLY
16 SC301531 SPRING, ADVANCE BAR
17 SC301400 FIRING PIN ASSEMBLY
18 SC301026A FIRING PIN SPRING ASSEMBLY
19 SC301600 HANDLE ASSEMBLY
MAINTENANCE
Always make sure tool is not loaded before performing any service or repair and
always wear safety goggles when cleaning or servicing the tool.
NORMAL CLEANING
All front end parts shown in the disassembly section are to be cleaned daily with a
good detergent oil and wire brush. Remove all dirt and carbon buildup and wipe parts
dry with a clean rag. Check all parts for wear or damage before reassembly and
replace or repair any worn or damaged parts.
COMPLETE CLEANING / GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Heavy or constant exposure to dirt and debris may require that the tool be cleaned
more extensively. Complete disassembly and cleaning of all parts may be necessary
to restore the tool to normal operation. General maintenance should be performed
every six months or more often if the tool is subjected to heavy use. Contact your
authorized Ramset Distributor for assistance.
IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED TOOLS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES
TO TOOL OPERATORS AND BYSTANDERS
clean tool daily
ALWAYS FUNCTION TEST THE TOOL AFTER PERFORMING ANY
SERVICE. SEE PAGE 9 FOR DETAILS ON THE FUNCTION TEST.
14
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
1. Rotate the barrel retention clip off of the
pawl using a flat blade screwdriver or
the point of a long fastener.
ROTATE THE BARREL RETENTION
CLIP AWAY FROM PAWL
REMOVE THE PAWL
2. Remove the pawl by lifting it up and
away from the tool body.
REMOVE THE BARREL ASSEMBLY
3. Slide the front barrel assembly out of
the tool body.
REMOVE THE SHEAR CLIP
4. Unseat and remove the shear clip by
prying it up with a flat blade screwdriver
or fastener point. Remove the clip from
the barrel by prying it up and away from
the groove in the barrel. Use care to
keep the clip from flying free when it is
removed.
SEPARATE THE FRONT BARREL
FROM THE REAR BARREL
5. Separate the front barrel and guide
from the rear barrel assembly.
TOOL DISASSEMBLY
15
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
6. Slide the piston out of the rear barrel
assembly and slide the guide out of the
front barrel.
The tool is now disassembled for normal
cleaning. Inspect all parts for wear or
damage and clean or replace as required.
Use detergent oil and cleaning brushes to
remove dirt and powder residues. Wipe all
parts dry before reassembly. Wear safety
goggles when cleaning tool parts.
REMOVE THE PISTON AND
FASTENER GUIDE
GRIND THE PISTON TIP FLAT
AND BEVEL THE EDGE
7. Check the piston tip for damage and
grind flat. The tip of the piston must be
90˚ to the shank. Grinding should only
be done by qualified personnel. The
minimum overall length of the piston
must not be less than 5-5/8" long. When
less than 5-5/8" long, the piston must
be replaced to avoid tool damage.
ALIGN THE FRONT AND REAR
BARREL GROOVES
ALIGN THE BARREL
ASSEMBLY GR
OOVE WITH
THE PAW
L OPENING
8. Reassemble the tool in the reverse
order of disassembly. When sliding the
front barrel onto the rear barrel, align
the groove in the rear barrel with the
groove in the front barrel.
9. Align the groove in the rear barrel with
the pawl opening in the tool body when
placing the barrel assembly into the tool
body. Replace the pawl and install the
barrel retention clip.
ALWAYS PERFORM THE DAILY
FUNCTION TEST BEFORE USING
THE TOOL AFTER CLEANING
OR SERVI
CING.
Align
Align
WARRANTY
ALL WARRANTIES OF THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES, ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED,
EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Ramset will repair or replace, at its sole
option, any tool, part, or fastener which, within 1 year after sale by Ramset, is
found by Ramset to be defective in material or workmanship, normal wear
and tear excluded. T
HIS IS THE SOLE WARRANTY OF RAMSET AND THE
SOLE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO THE BUYER AND IN NO EVENT WILL
ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
O
R AN
Y OTHER DAMAGES, BE AVAILABLE.
Copyright 2008 Ramset
THE MODEL COBRA TOOL COMPLIES WITH OSHA REQUIREMENTS
AND WIT
H ANSI A10.3 SPECIFICATIONS
FOR TOOL REPAIR SERVICE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
AUTHORIZED RAMSET DISTRIBUTOR OR TO FIND
YOUR NEAREST RAMSET TOOL REPAIR CENTER
VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.RAMSET.COM
OR CALL 800-241-5640
Concrete Fastening Systems
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
800-RAMSET6 (1-800-726-7386)
www.ramset.com
Buy With Confidence…
Buy From Your Authorized Distributor
AN ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS COMPANY
© ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS 2007
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. REVISED 08/07
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