Read this manual and all labels carefully before
operating your powder actuated tool. This manual
should always accompany the tool and be transferred
with it upon change of ownership.
Warranty.................................................................................................... Back Cover
REMINGTON
Model 494 Powder Actuated Fastening Tool
The Remington Model 494 Powder Actuated Fastening Tool is designed for use
with Remington 22 caliber Type A crimped loads and Remington Power Fasteners.
Remington power fasteners are manufactured from special steel and heat treated
to produce a very hard yet ductile fastener.
Maximum 3" (76 mm)
Spall Shield
Power Fastener*
Barrel Assembly
Muzzle/Guide
Recommended
Approved
Goggles*
* Not provided with tool
Power Load*
Trigger
101437
2
Page 3
Warning: Safety Precautions
!
WARNING ICON G 001
The following pages contain detailed warnings, cautions, and rules of safe operation.
Read carefully and become familiar before operating to avoid serious injury. We
expressly disclaim any liability for any injury to persons or damage to property which result
from your failure to take the precautions contained in this manual.
!
WARNING: This tool is designed only for use by qualified operators. Qualification
is obtained through a thorough understanding of the Safety Warnings and operating
instructions as defined in this operating manual. NOTE: The labor regulations of many
states require that the operator of this tool on a job site be thoroughly trained and certified
for competence prior to operating this tool. For certification procedures, call: DESA
Technical Services Department, 1-800-626-2237.
BEFORE USING
1.ALWAYS handle the tool as if it were loaded. Before starting work, check that the tool is
unloaded and the muzzle is clear. NEVER load a tool unless it is going to be used.
DEFECTIVE
2.ALWAYS inspect to make sure the tool is working properly. If the tool does not work properly,
remove from service and tag DEFECTIVE. DO NOT use the tool again until it has been properly
repaired.
G 018
3.Operators and bystanders must ALWAYS wear goggles and ear protection which meet or
exceed ANSI standards.
101437
3
Page 4
Safety Precautions
POWDER
ACTUATED
TOOLS
IN USE
WARNING
!
482-9
482-10
4.ALWAYS clear the work area on all sides and post appropriate warning signs on job sites.
G 018
482-12
5.ALWAYS make sure the work area is clean from loose material and debris.
HANDLING THE TOOL
G 018
1.NEVER place your hand over the muzzle. Accidental discharge can cause serious injury.
G 018
2.NEVER place your finger on the trigger until the tool’s muzzle is against the work surface.
101437
4
Page 5
Safety Precautions
POWD
POW
LOAD
D
ER
LO
A
DS
G 018
3.ALWAYS store UNLOADED powder actuated tool and power loads in a locked container. Keep
power loads of different power levels in separate containers.
G 018
482-19
4.NEVER carry or pass a loaded powder actuated tool. NEVER point a powder actuated tool at
anyone.
G 018
5.If the tool is dropped, inspect for damage and repair it before continuing to work. NEVER use
a damaged tool.
482-23
G 018
482-24
6.ALWAYS take precaution to maintain your balance while operating a powder actuated tool.
101437
5
Page 6
Safety Precautions
?
?
?
G 018
482-25
7.An operator taking medication should take extra precautions while handling the tool. NEVER
drink alcoholic beverages or take medications which impair your vision, balance or judgement
before using a powder actuated tool.
KNOW YOUR FASTENING BASE MATERIAL
Sinks in
with
average
hammer
blow
TOO SOFT
Start
1
GRAY
3
GREEN
G 018
482-28
BROWN
YELLOW
482-31
2
4
Point
flattens
TOO HARD
?
?
?
?
CENTER
PUNCH TEST
482-26
482-29
482-27
Surface
shatters
TOO BRITTLE
482-30
G 018G 018
1.ALWAYS know the thickness and type of base material into which you are fastening. NEVER
GUESS. Test the base material by using the Center Punch Test. The Center Punch Test is
performed by using a hammer to test drive the particular power fastener to be used into the
material. If the point penetrates easily, the material is too soft. If the point becomes blunt, the
material is too hard. If the material fractures, cracks or shatters, the material is too brittle. Test
fastenings can be made if the material shows a clear fastener impression and the fastener point
is not blunted. ALWAYS start with the lowest power load (Gray-Level 1) and proceeding with
the order shown in the lower right-hand figure above. Always wear approved goggles.
101437
6
Page 7
Safety Precautions
G 018
BRICK
482-33
CAST IRON GLASS
G 018
TILE
2.NEVER attempt to drive power fasteners into very hard or brittle materials including, but not
limited to cast iron, glass, tile, stone, brick, or hardened steel. Materials of this type tend to
shatter and create hazard from flying particles.
G 018
3.NEVER make fastenings in spalled or cracked areas.
G 018
4.NEVER drive power fasteners into thin or easily penetrated materials unless it is backed by
concrete or steel. When in doubt, such as when base material is concealed, conduct a Center
Punch Test (See page 6). Check continually to avoid fastening into unsuitable material,
especially in older buildings.
G 018
5.DO NOT fasten through or within 1/2" of predrilled or pre-punched holes.
101437
7
Page 8
Safety Precautions
3"
3"
3"
1X
3X
482-38
6.DO NOT drive power fasteners into concrete less than three times as thick as the intended
fastener penetration, within 3" of the edge, within 3" of another power fastener or within 3" of
a failed power fastener.
WELD
3"
482-39
1/2"
482-40
TOO THIN
G 018
3/16" MIN
1"
482-41
7.DO NOT drive power fasteners into steel base material less then 3/16" thick, within 2" of a weld,
within 1/2" of the edge or within 1" of another power fastener.
G 018
8.When fastening into masonry walls, always drive into horizontal mortar joints, never into vertical
mortar joints. BE CAREFUL. A poorly laid joint may permit too much penetration, and/or
unsatisfactory holding power.
OPERATING THE TOOL
1.ALWAYS hold tool perpendicular to work surface.
8
101437
Page 9
Safety Precautions
WATER
482-46
2.Should the tool fail to fire, hold the muzzle firmly against the work surface for 30 seconds.
Release the trigger and remove pressure on the tool while holding the muzzle against the
work surface. Again press the tool firmly against the work surface and pull the trigger. If the
tool still fails to fire, hold the tool firmly against the work surface for another 30 seconds before
unloading and carefully discarding the misfired power load into water or oil.
G 018
3.ALWAYS use the spall shield when driving directly into concrete or steel. Always wear
approved goggles.
GAS
482-50
GASOLINE
G 018
OLINE
G 018
482-49
4.NEVER use a powder actuated tool in an explosive or flammable atmosphere or when non-
sparking tools are required.
POWER LOADS AND FASTENERS
POWERLOADS
G 018
1.NEVER leave unfired power loads on floors or work surfaces.
101437
G 018
POWER
LOADS
9
Page 10
Safety Precautions
GRAY
GREEN
Start
1
3
BROWN
YELLOW
482-31
2
4
22
B
E
I
L
R
A
C
6
5
S
S
4
A
R
3
B
2
7
N
8
I
C
9
1
1
K
E
L
10
11
12
482-53
NOTE:
Failure to start with
the lowest power
level can result in
overdrive condition
and will result in
damage to tool
(See page 13).
2.Remington power loads are available in four power levels with gray (1) being the lowest power
level and yellow (4) being the highest power level. Always start with the lowest power level
(gray-level 1) and increase until a proper fastening is made (see page 13
Selecting Fasteners
and Loads).
POWER
LOADS
G 018G 018
POWER
LOADS
3.NEVER use power loads in firearms.
POWDER
POWER
LOADS
LOADS
ONLY
ONLY
482-57
4.NEVER carry fasteners or other hard objects in the same pocket or container with power loads.
YELLOW?
BROWN?
GREEN?
GRAY?
482-58
G 018
5.A color blind person must take extra precautions to prevent the chance of mixing the power
loads of various levels.
101437
10
Page 11
Safety Precautions
G 018
482-59
6.Power fasteners are a permanently installed fixture. An act of demolition is required for their
removal. Appropriate safety precautions must be taken.
Head
Shank
Plastic Flute
482-60
7.NEVER use common nails or other materials as fasteners. Remington Power Fasteners are
manufactured from special steel and heat treated to produce a very hard yet ductile fastener.
G 018
8.NEVER pry a power load out of the tool. Prying can discharge the load causing serious injury
(see
Troubleshooting Guide
, page 16).
9.ALWAYS insert the power fastener first, then the power load. If work is interrupted for any
reason, ALWAYS remove the power load before removing the power fastener (see page 15,
item 7).
101437
11
Page 12
Why A Power Fastener Holds
WHY A POWER FASTENER HOLDS
IN CONCRETE
The compression bond of the concrete to the power fastener
accounts for the majority of the holding power. The fastener displaces the concrete which tries to return to its original form causing
a squeezing effect.
Maximum holding power is achieved when the depth of penetration
produces a bond on the power fastener equal to the strength of the
concrete. As a general rule, penetration should be approximately 1"
to 1 1/4" into the base concrete. Make sure the concrete is at least
three times as thick as the intended fastener penetration. NEVER
have the power fastener point protrude through the concrete.
NOTE: Concrete needs to cure for 28 days before maximum
fastening holding power will be achieved.
WHY A POWER FASTENER HOLDS IN STEEL
Holding power in steel depends on the elasticity of the steel. The
steel pushes back on the shank of the power fastener.
Drop a marble into water; the water parts, the marble continues
down, the water closes back. This is similar to the reaction when a
power fastener penetrates steel.
In steel, the point of the power fastener must penetrate completely
through for highest holding power. If the fastener does not penetrate,
the spring action of the steel pushes back on the point and tends to
force the fastener out.
Recommended applications are between 3/16-3/8" steel.
NOTE: When fastening in steel be sure the point goes through the
steel.
482-64
482-65
12
101437
Page 13
Selecting Power Fasteners
and Power Loads
FASTENING INTO CONCRETE
The proper power fastener length can be determined by adding the
thickness of the material to be fastened and the amount of fastener
that will actually penetrate the concrete. The concrete must be three
times as thick as the intended fastener penetration. In most cases,
penetration should be approximately 1" to 1 1/4" into the base
concrete material.
FASTENING INTO STEEL
The proper fastener length can be determined by adding the thickness
of the material to be fastened and the thickness of the steel. The point
of the power fastener must go completely through the steel.
Wood or Non-Metals
To Concrete
482-85
POWER LOADS
Always start with the lowest power level (gray-level 1). If the first test
fastener does not penetrate to the desired depth, move to the next
highest power level (brown-level 2). Increase until a proper fastening
is made.
IMPORTANT: Damage to the tool will result if the above instructions
are not followed (see illustrations to right and lower right).
OVERDRIVEN POWER FASTENERS
AND PISTON
An overdriven power fastener results when too strong of a power load
is used causing the piston to extend past the muzzle. Move to the next
lightest power load. Repeated overdrive will damage your tool. By
avoiding overdrive, you can extend the life of your tool considerably
and avoid costly repairs.
NOTE: NEVER fire the tool without a power fastener. This can
damage the tool and/or cause possible injury to the operator.
Wood or Non-Metals
To Steel
RIGHT
Flush With Surface
OVERDRIVE
G 018
Piston Extended
Out of Muzzle
482-79
482-66
101437
13
Page 14
Operation
1.Grasp muzzle and slide barrel forward rapidly until it stops. This sets piston into firing position
and opens the chamber.
482-70
482-71
2.Insert power fastener into muzzle of tool, head end first. Push the fastener until point is even
with end of tool. ALWAYS load the fastener first, then the power load.
NOTE:
Failure to start with
the lowest power
level can result in
overdrive condition
482-71
482-72
and will result in
damage to tool
(see page 13).
3.Select the proper Remington Power Load and insert into the chamber until it stops (see
Application Chart
on page 23).
4.Push barrel into housing to the closed position.
14
101437
Page 15
Operation
5.Place the muzzle of tool perpendicular to work surface without tilting the tool. Push tool against
work surface until sliding action of barrel stops.
6.Squeeze trigger to set power fastener. Be sure to keep pressure on tool during this operation.
7.After fastening is made, slide barrel forward rapidly. This motion ejects the spent power load
and resets the piston for the next fastening. Make sure spent load has ejected from tool.
WATER
WATER
482-46
8.Should the tool fail to fire, hold the muzzle firmly against the work surface for 30 seconds.
Release the trigger and remove pressure on the tool while holding the muzzle against the
work surface. Again press the tool firmly against the work surface and pull the trigger. If the
tool still fails to fire, hold the tool firmly against the work surface for another 30 seconds before
unloading and carefully discarding the misfired power load into water or oil.
101437
15
Page 16
Maintenance
IMPORTANT:
Clean your tool after each day’s use. The parts shown in the illustration below should be cleaned
daily. Clean metal parts with accessory wire brushes. Apply penetrating lubricant sparingly and wipe
dry.
Barrel
Buffer
Receiver
Tang
Tang Spring
Tang Cap
Muzzle Cap
Piston
Troubleshooting Guide
PROBLEM
Piston rod hangs out of muzzle
cap.
Overdriving of power fastener.
Piston jammed.
Expended power load will not
extract.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Piston not properly assembled
in relation to tang.
Broken piston.
Excessive power.
Overdriving of power fastener
(see above).
Buffer binding on piston in
muzzle cap.
Dirty or damaged receiver
chamber.
REMEDY
Remove barrel assembly.
Follow instructions for piston
change. Replace all damaged
or missing parts.
Replace piston.
Change either to next lower
power load, or use next longer
fastener length.
Remove barrel assembly.
Follow instructions for buffer
replacement (page 21). Replace
other parts if damaged.
Clean receiver chamber. If
power loads will not chamber
with a slip-fit or extraction
difficulties continue, take tool to
your distributor for repair.
Reduction or loss of power.
Piston not returning to full rear
position.
Worn piston ring.
Broken piston.
16
Barrel must be opened fully to
the full extended position to
properly position piston.
Remove piston. Replace piston
ring.
Replace piston.
101437
Page 17
Troubleshooting Guide (cont.)
PROBLEM
Tool does not completely
depress.
Tool does not fire.
Opening and closing of barrel
or pushing down of the tool,
etc. is not smooth but is rough
or binds.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Misassembled or damaged
breech and firing pin parts.
Failure of tool to depress
completely.
Dirt buildup on breech not
allowing proper penetration of
firing pin.
Lack of proper cleaning.
REMEDY
Remove breech and check all
parts for correct fit assembly.
See data listed under
Does Not Completely Depress,
above.
Check firing pin indentation on
cartridge. Clean breech, breech
face, and firing pin.
Inspect and clean complete tool
(see
Maintenance
Replace worn or damaged
parts.
Tool
on page 16).
Parts Centrals
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If they can’t supply original replacement part(s),
either contact your nearest Parts Central (see below) or call DESA International’s Parts
Department at 1-800-972-7879.
When calling DESA International, have ready
• model number of your tool• replacement part number
RAILWAY DISTRIBUTORS
264 Railway Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
408-866-9266
Guy Bothelho
BALTIMORE ELECTRIC
1348 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06574
1-800-397-7553
203-248-7553
Parts Department
ALL TOOL & FASTENER
7830 N.W. 72nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33166
305-888-6909
Parts Department
PRECISION TOOL
431 Commerce Park Drive
Suite 106
Marietta, GA 30060
404-421-0688
Bob Young
101437
PORTABLE HEATER PARTS
342 No. County Road 400 East
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-7441
1-800-362-6951
F B D
601 Hope Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
502-796-8406
1-800-654-8534
MASTER SERVICE CENTER
1184 Wilson NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
US 1-800-446-1446
616-791-4760
Mike Fowler
MANZO ASSOCIATES
1645 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville, PA 19053
215-364-0480
Parts Department
17
21st CENTURY
RD 2, Box 165
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-795-0400
1-800-325-4828
Parts Department
BLUEBONNET TOOL
10490 Shady Trail
Suite 104
Dallas, TX 75220
214-358-2363
Ken Perry
CLARK SUPPLY
9435 Summerbell
Houston, TX 77074
713-771-0404
Parts Department
IMPORTANT: Do not use key numbers when ordering service parts. Always order components
by part number and description. Include model number and serial number of tool.
For Parts and Accessories, please contact your dealer or distributor. If they are unable to satisfy
your requirements, please contact DESA International at the locations as stated on back page.
Tool Disassembly and Assembly
WARNING: Always unload a powder actuated tool before disassembling, replacing barrel,
!
WARNING ICON G 001
cleaning, or assembling.
DISASSEMBLY
1. a) Remove tang cap, tang spring, and tang.
Slide barrel assembly from receiver.
Barrel Assembly
Tang
Tang Spring
Tang Cap
b) Remove muzzle cap from barrel by un-
screwing counterclockwise.
Muzzle Cap
c) Insert a rod or screwdriver into barrel slot
and push piston and buffer out of barrel.
Receiver
Barrel
2. Remove upper screws from handle and trigger assembly. Slide receiver from handle
and trigger assembly. Remove firing pin and
firing pin spring. Sear and sear spring will fall
out when firing pin is removed.
Receiver
Sear Spring
3. Insert the barrel back into the receiver and
press down. This will release the stop pin.
Remove the stop pin. Remove barrel,
breech, and breech spring from receiver.
Barrel
Firing Pin Spring
Sear
Firing Pin
Handle and Trigger Assembly
Breech
Stop Pin
Screws
Buffer
101437
Piston
Barrel
Barrel Slot
19
Breech Spring
Receiver
Page 20
Tool Disassembly and Assembly
WARNING: Always unload a powder actuated tool before disassembling, replacing barrel,
!
WARNING ICON G 001
cleaning, or assembling.
ASSEMBLY
1. Place buffer, small end first, in muzzle cap.
Push piston all the way into the barrel.
Screw muzzle cap into barrel.
Piston
Muzzle
Cap
Buffer
(Small End in Muzzle Cap)
2. Drop breech spring in receiver. Drop breech
in receiver. Line up slot in top of breech with
hole in the receiver. Use barrel to push
breech assembly up in the receiver.
Stop Pin
Breech Spring
Breech
Barrel
Hole
Receiver
4. Reinsert barrel assembly slotted side down
into receiver. Turn tool over. With barrel
touching breech, insert tang and tang spring
into hole on bottom of receiver. Make sure
tang drops into the slot in the barrel. Screw
on tang cap completely. Tang cap must
always be kept tight to ensure proper operation of tang.
Tang Cap
Tang Spring
Tang
Slot in
Barrel
Barrel Assembly
5. Place sear spring on breech through slot in
bottom of receiver. Slide long side of sear
with hole between breech and breech
spring. Attach firing pin spring to firing pin.
Insert firing pin through hole on end of the
receiver and through hole on sear.
Sear
Sear
Spring
Breech
Receiver
Firing Pin
and Spring
Barrel Assembly
3. Insert stop pin through hole in receiver and
into the slot on breech. Remove barrel assembly. Breech should remain in place.
Stop Pin in Breech Slot
Breech
Breech
Spring
Receiver
Barrel Assembly
Slot
Receiver
6. Attach handle and trigger assembly to receiver with two screws and washers.
Washers
Receiver
Trigger and
Handle
Assembly
20
Screws
101437
Page 21
Buffer and Piston Replacement
WARNING: Always unload a powder actuated tool before disassembling, replacing barrel,
!
WARNING ICON G 001
cleaning, or assembling.
IMPORTANT: This tool is equipped with a
piston buffer. The buffer stops the piston before
it makes contact with the muzzle cap. This
protects the barrel and muzzle cap. Inspect and
replace the buffer on a regular basis.
New Piston
Buffer
Worn Piston
Buffer
TO REPLACE BUFFER AND PISTON:
1. a) Remove tang cap, tang spring, and tang.
Slide barrel assembly from receiver.
Barrel Assembly
Tang
Tang Spring
Tang Cap
b) Remove muzzle cap from barrel by un-
screwing counterclockwise.
Muzzle Cap
Receiver
Barrel
TO REASSEMBLE:
IMPORTANT: Inspect piston ring and replace
if worn.
1. Install new piston ring onto piston (if required).
a) Remove old piston ring.
b) Install new ring. The piston ring consists of
three turns. Place one end into groove
and twist around piston until it is completely in groove.
Piston
Piston Ring
2. Place buffer, small end first, in muzzle cap.
Push new piston all the way into the barrel.
Screw muzzle cap into barrel.
Muzzle Cap
Piston Buffer
(Small End in Muzzle Cap)
3. Reinsert barrel assembly slotted side down
into receiver. Turn tool over. With barrel
touching breech, insert tang and tang spring
into hole on bottom of receiver. Make sure
tang drops into the slot in the barrel. Screw o n
tang cap completely. Tang cap must always be
kept tight to ensure proper operation of tang.
Barrel
Piston
c) Insert a rod or screwdriver into barrel
chamber and push piston and buffer out of
barrel.
Piston
Piston Buffer
101437
Barrel
Barrel
Chamber
Tang Cap
Tang Spring
Tang
Slot in
Barrel
21
Breech
Receiver
Barrel Assembly
Page 22
Application Chart
Power load and power fastener application information.
For fastening this
to this
power fastener
length
power load
color
Two by fours
Furring strips
Metal electrical
junction boxes
Conduit clips
Shelf brackets
1/4" Plywood or
pegboard
Concrete
Cement block
Steel (3/16" to 3/8" thick)
Concrete
Cement block
Steel (3/16" to 3/8" thick)
Concrete
Cement block
Steel (3/16" to 3/8" thick)
Concrete
Cement block
Steel (3/16" to 3/8" thick)
Concrete
Cement block
Concrete
Cement block
Steel (3/16" to 3/8" thick)
2 1/2"
2 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
1 1/2"
2"
1"
1"
1"
1"
1"
1"
1"
1"
1 1/4"
1 1/4"
1 1/4"
Green
Green
Yellow
Green
Green
Yellow
Green
Brown
Yellow
Green
Brown
Yellow
Green
Brown
Green
Green
Yellow
Power load listings are recommendations only. If you are in doubt, try a test fastening using the
next lightest power load.
482-81a
IMPORTANT
This tool is designed to use 22 caliber neck-down crimped loads, power levels 1 (gray) through 4
(yellow).
5/8"
G 018
Neck-Down
Crimped Power Load
CAUTION
WARNING ICON G 001
Do not use any load other than the 22 caliber neck-down crimped load. Other
types of loads will cause load-ejection problems.
Straight Wadded
Power Load
101437
22
Page 23
Application Chart
IMPORTANT
•If power fastener goes below the top surface of the board, use penetrating control disc (* see
illustration below).
•Always wear approved eye and ear protection.
*Use power fastener with penetration control disc, part number 015549.
482-90
101437
22 CALIBER
Type A Crimp
Loads for
powder
actuated tools
DESA International warrants the Remington Model 494 Powder Actuated Fastening Tool against
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase.
If within one (1) year from the purchase date this Powder Actuated Tool fails due to a defect in
material or workmanship, DESA will repair or replace the tool at DESA’s option. To obtain service
under this warranty, contact DESA at the number/address listed below. You must have the Serial
Number, Model Number, date of purchase and indicate the type of problem being experienced.
DESA will send replacement part(s), repair or replace the tool at DESA’s option. However, this
warranty does not cover failures caused by misusing or abusing the product (for proper use of this
product, read and understand the operating instructions in this owners manual). Repairs made
because of misuse, abuse, negligence or accident will be charged for at regular repair prices.
This express and limited warranty is the only warranty on this product, and to the full extent permitted
by law there are no other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and/
or fitness for a particular purpose which extend beyond the terms of this express and limited warranty.
To the full extent permitted by law, the liability of DESA for personal injury, property damage or any
other damage whatsoever, including consequential and incidental damages, arising from the sale
or use of this product shall not exceed the purchase price of this product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.