DEWALT DCS369 Reciprocating Saw Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual
DCS369
*20V Max Compact Reciprocating Saw**

DCS369 Reciprocating Saw

If you have questions or comments, contact us.
www.dewalt.com 
1-800-4-DeWALT

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications in this manual, including the battery and charger sections provided in an original tool manual or the separate Batteries and Chargers manual.
Manuals can be obtained by contacting Customer Service as described elsewhere in this manual. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Definitions: Safety Alert Symbols and Words
This instruction manual uses the following safety alert symbols and words to alert you to hazardous situations and your risk of personal injury or property damage.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
(Used without word) Indicates a safety related message.
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

Intended Use

This reciprocating saw is designed for professional sawing applications.
DO nOT use under wet conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
This reciprocating saw is a professional power tool.
DO nOT let children come into contact with the tool.
Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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.

1. Work Area Safety
   a ) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
   b ) 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.
   c ) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical Safety
   a ) 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. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
   b ) 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.
   c ) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
   Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
   d ) 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.
   e ) 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.
   f ) 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.

3. Personal Safety
   a ) 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.
   b ) 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.
   c ) 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.
   d ) 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.
   e ) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
   f ) 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.
   g ) 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.
   h ) 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.

4. Power Tool Use and Care
   a ) 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.
   b ) 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.
   c ) 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.
   d ) 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.
   e ) 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.
   f ) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
   g ) 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.
   h ) 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.

5. Battery Tool Use and Care
   a ) 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.
   b ) Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
   c ) 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.
   d ) 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.
   e ) Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
   f ) Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265 °F (130 °C) may cause explosion.
   g ) Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery  and increase the risk of fire.
   Safety Instructions for Reciprocating Saws

6. Service
   a ) 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.
   b ) Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.
   • 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.
   • 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.
   WARNING: Do not operate this tool for long periods of time. Vibration caused by the operating action of this tool may cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use gloves to provide extra cushion, take frequent rest periods, and limit daily time of use.
   WARNING: Inspect work area for hidden electrical wiring, gas pipes or water pipes before making blind or plunge cuts. Failure to do so may result in electrical shock, fire, explosion, or property damage.
   • Hold saw firmly with both hands for all cutting operations. During cutting operations, the blade may suddenly bind in the work and may cause the saw to kickback towards the operator.
   • Keep hands away from cutting area. Never reach underneath the material for any reason. Hold front of saw by grasping the contoured gripping area. Do not insert fingers or thumb into the vicinity of the reciprocating blade and blade clamp. Do not stabilize the saw by gripping the shoe.
   • 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.
   • When cutting pipe or conduit ensure that they are free from water, electrical wiring, etc.

Additional Safety Information
WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it.
Damage or personal injury could result.
WARNING: ALWAYS use safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses. Also use face or dust mask if operation is dusty. ALL USERS AND BYSTANDERS MUST ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

• ANSI Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3),

• ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) hearing protection,

• NIOSH/OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection.
  WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• lead from lead-based paints,

• 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 specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

• Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes,  or lay on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
  WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust  exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
  WARNING: Always wear proper personal hearing protection that conforms to ANSI S12.6 (S3.19) during use. Under some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
  CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface where it will not cause a tripping or falling hazard. Some tools with large battery packs will stand upright on the battery pack but may be easily knocked over.

• Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows:

V ……………………. volts
Hz ………………….. hertz
min ………………… minutes or DC …… direct current
…………………. Class I Construction (grounded)
…/min ………….. per minute
BPM ……………….. beats per minute
IPM ………………… impacts per minute
RPM ……………….. revolutions per minute
sfpm ………………. surface feet per minute
SPM ……………….. strokes per minute
OPM ……………….. oscillations per minute
A ……………………. amperes
W …………………… watts
or AC ……….. alternating current
or AC/DC …. alternating or direct current
****…………………. Class II Construction (double insulated)
no ………………….. no load speed
n ……………………. rated speed
…………………. earthing terminal
………………… safety alert symbol
………………… visible radiation
………………… avoid staring at light
………………… wear respiratory protection
………………… wear eye protection
………………… wear hearing protection
………………… read all documentation
IPXX ……………….. IP symbol

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
WARNING: Cut hazard. Turn off and remove battery from tool before making any adjustments or removing or installing attachments or accessories.
WARNING: Cut hazard. Blade breakage may occur if the blade does not extend past the adjustable shoe and the workpiece throughout the cut. Increased risk of personal injury, as well as damage to the adjustable shoe and workpiece may result.
Blade Installation and Removal (Fig. B)
Different blade lengths are available. Use the appropriate blade for the application. The blade should be longer than 3-1/2″ (89 mm) and should extend past the shoe and the thickness of the workpiece throughout the cut. Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.
To Install Blade into Saw

1. Twist open the blade clamp 3 to its full open position.
2. Insert blade 11 fully into blade clamp.
3. Release blade clamp. Gently tug on the blade to ensure blade is clamped securely.
   NOTE: Blade can be installed upside-down to assist in flush-to cutting.

To Remove Blade from Saw (Fig. B)

WARNING: Burn hazard. Do not touch the blade immediately after use. Contact with the blade may result in personal injury.

1. Twist open blade clamp 3 to its full open position.
2. Remove blade 11 .

Belt Hook (Fig. C)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ONLY use the tool’s belt hook to hang the tool from a work belt. DO NOT use the belt hook for tethering or securing the tool to a person or object during use. DO NOT suspend tool overhead or suspend objects from the belt hook.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ensure the screw holding the belt hook is secure.
WARNING: Before hanging the tool from a work belt, ALWAYS remove the blade and ensure that the lock-off button is in the locked postion to eliminate unintentional starting.
important: When attaching or replacing the belt hook  12 , use only the screw  13  that is provided. Be sure to securely tighten the screw.
The belt hook  12  can be attached to either side of the tool using only the screw  13  provided, to accommodate left- or right-handed users. If the belt hook is not desired at all, it can be removed from the tool.
To move the belt hook, remove the screw that holds it in place then reassemble on the opposite side. Be sure to securely tighten the screw.

OPERATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. D)
NOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.
To install the battery pack  6  into the tool handle, align the battery pack with the rails inside the tool’s handle and slide it into the handle until the battery pack is firmly seated in the tool and ensure that it does not disengage.
To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the release button  7  and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger.
Proper Hand Position (Fig. E)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction.
Proper hand position requires one hand on the main handle  8 and one hand on the hand grip 5 , or one hand on the main handle with the material being cut properly clamped.
Work light (Fig. A)
CAUTION: Do not stare into work light. Serious eye injury could result.
There is a work light 9 located on the end of the tool near the shoe. The work light is activated when the trigger switch is depressed, and will remain on for a short time after the trigger switch is released. If the trigger switch remains depressed, the work light will remain on.
NOTE: The worklight is for lighting the immediate work surface and is not intended to be used as a flashlight.

Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. A, F)

Lock-Off Button and Trigger Switch
Your saw is equipped with a lock-off button  2 .
To lock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button on the left. Always lock the trigger switch  1  when carrying or storing the tool to eliminate unintentional starting.
To unlock the trigger switch, press the lock-off button on the right. Pull the trigger switch to turn the motor ON.
Releasing the trigger switch turns the motor OFF.
WARNING: This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be locked ON by any other means.
The variable speed trigger switch will give you added versatility. The further the trigger is depressed the higher the speed of the saw.
CAUTION: Use of very slow speed is recommended only for beginning a cut. Prolonged use at very slow speed may damage your saw.
Hang Cleat (Fig. A, G)
The pivoting shoe 4 contains a hang cleat 10 that can be used to hang the tool from North American 2×4 material and pipes. To hang the tool, position the tool with the cleat over the top of the material as shown in Fig. G.
NOTE: If using the hang cleat to hang the tool from pipe or other rounded material make sure the foot of the tool is supported by the wall or other material to keep the tool from swinging.
Cutting (Fig. A, B, E)
The blade 11 should extend past the pivoting shoe 4 and the thickness of the workpiece throughout the cut. Select the blade best suitable for the material to be cut and use the shortest blade suitable for the thickness of the material.
Do not use jigsaw blades with this tool.
NOTE: Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.

• Place blade 11 and pivoting shoe 4 lightly against work to be cut.
• Switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain maximum speed before applying pressure.
• Always hold saw as shown in Figure E. Whenever possible, the pivoting shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and will minimize blade breakage.

Flush Cutting (Fig. H)
The compact design of the recipro cating saw motor housing and pivoting shoe permit close cutting to floors, corners and other difficult areas.

1. To maximize flush cutting capabilities, insert the blade shaft into the blade clamp with the teeth of the blade facing up.
2. Turn the saw upside down so you are as close to the work surface as possible.

Wood Cutting (Fig. E, I)

1. Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the workpiece is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.
2. Place blade and pivoting shoe firmly against work to be cut.
3. Switch on saw motor before starting the cut.
4. Always hold saw as shown in Figure E while cutting.

Whenever possible, the pivoting shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.
Metal Cutting (Fig. J)

1. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials.
2. In thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood to the underside of the sheet. This will ensure a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of metal.
3. Avoid forcing cutting blade as this reduces blade life and causes costly blade breakage.
   NOTE: You should spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the line ahead of the saw cut for easier operation and longer blade life. For cutting aluminum, kerosene is preferred.

Pocket Cutting – Wood Only (Fig. K)
Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber.

1. Insert blade in blade clamp and tighten blade clamp securely.
2. Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the pivoting shoe is firmly on the work surface.
3. Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain maximum speed.
4. Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.
5. The blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure blade is completely through material before continuing with pocket cut.
   NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the pivoting shoe as a guide.

Project Tips

• Cut only with sharp blades; they cut cleaner, faster and put less strain on the motor while cutting.
• When cutting, always ensure that the pivoting shoe is resting against the workpiece. This will improve operator control and minimize vibration.
• For longer blade life, use bi-metal blades. These utilize a carbon steel back welded to high speed steel teeth making the blade more flexible and less prone to breaking.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and remove the battery pack before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when performing this procedure.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap.
Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

Accessories

WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT recommended accessories should be used with this product.
Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available at extra cost from your local dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance in locating any accessory, please contact DeWALT; call 1-800-4-DeWALT (1-800-433- 9258) or visit our website: www.dewalt.com.
Repairs
The charger and battery pack are not serviceable. There are no serviceable parts inside the charger or battery pack.
WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment (including brush inspection and replacement, when applicable) should be performed by a DeWALT factory service center or a DeWALT authorized service center. Always use identical replacement parts.
Register Online
Thank you for your purchase. Register your product now for:

• WARRAnTY sERViCE: Registering your product will help you obtain more efficient warranty service in case there is a problem with your product.
• COnFiRMATiOn OF OWnERshiP: In case of an insurance loss, such as fire, flood or theft, your registration of ownership will serve as your proof of purchase.
• FOR YOUR sAFETY: Registering your product will allow us to contact you in the unlikely event a safety notification is required under the Federal Consumer Safety Act.
• Register online at www.dewalt.com.

Three‑Year Limited Warranty
For warranty terms, go to https://www.dewalt.com/support/warranty.
To request a written copy of the warranty terms, contact:
Customer Service at DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East
Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286 or call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258).
Latin America: This warranty does not apply to products sold in Latin America. For products sold in Latin America, see country-specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the local company or see website for warranty information.
FREE Warning label Replacement: If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258) for a free replacement.

DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286
Copyright © 2019, 2021, 2023
The following are trademarks for one or more DeWALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme, the “D” shaped air intake grill, the array of pyramids on the handgrip, the kit box configuration, and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.

References

• DEWALT® Power Tools Official Site | Guaranteed Tough®
• DEWALT® Power Tools Official Site | Guaranteed Tough®

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