CRAFTSMAN CMEC1KIT18 Air Compressor Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: Craftsman

Table of Contents

CRAFTSMAN CMEC1KIT18 Air Compressor
Important Instruction
COMPONENTS
Specification
OPERATION
Tool Operation Check
Cold Weather Operation
Cleaning
Warranty
Troubleshooting
FAQs
Video-Introduction
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

CRAFTSMAN CMEC1KIT18 Air Compressor

CRAFTSMAN0-CMEC1KIT18-Air Compressor-product

Important Instruction

Definitions : Safety Alert Symbols and Words.
DANGER : Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, 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.
NOTICE : Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage

COMPONENTS

Main handle
Trigger
1/4″ Male fitting
Magazine release lever
Magazine
Adjustable exhaust (CMPBN18SB)
Depth adjustment
Follower

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WARNING:

Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
Never modify the product or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could result.
To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: Only persons who have read and understand the tool operating/safety instructions should operate the tool.

WARNING :

Actuating tools may result in flying debris, collation material, or dust which could harm the operator’s eyes.
Operators and others in the work area MUST wear safety glasses with side shields.
These safety glasses must conform to ANSI Z87.1 requirements (approved glasses have “Z87” printed or stamped on them).
The employer is responsible for enforcing the usage of eye protection equipment by the tool operator and all other personnel in the work area.
Always assume that the tool contains fasteners.

WARNING :

Do not use oxygen, combustible gases, or bottled gases as a power source for this tool as a tool may explode, possibly causing injury.
Do not use supply sources that can potentially exceed 200 p.s.i.g. (14 kg/cm2) as a tool may burst, possibly causing injury.
The connector on the tool must not hold pressure when the air supply is disconnected.
If a wrong fitting is used, the tool can remain charged with air after disconnecting and thus will be able to drive a fastener even after the air line is disconnected possibly causing injury.
Do not pull the trigger while connected to the air supply as the tool may cycle, possibly causing injury.

Always disconnect the air supply:

Before making adjustments
When servicing the tool
When clearing a jam
When the tool is not in use
When moving to a different work area, as accidental actuation may occur, possibly causing injury.

WARNING : When loading tool:

Never place a hand or any part of the body in the fastener discharge area of the tool.
Never point a tool at yourself or anyone else.
Do not pull the trigger as accidental actuation may occur, possibly causing injury.
Be careful when handling fasteners, especially when loading and unloading, as the fasteners have sharp points.

Do not operate the tool if:

There is no damage to the air hose or fitting.
The tool leaks air.
The tool has received a sharp blow, malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return tool to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or mechanical adjustment.
Warning labels are missing or damaged.
The tool is not in proper working order. Tags and physical segregation shall be used for control.
The tool is without workpiece contact. A tool without workpiece contact can be fired unintentionally causing injury to an operator or a bystander.

WARNING : When operating the tool:

Always handle the tool with care
Never engage in horseplay.
Never pull the trigger unless your nose is directed toward the work.
Never point the tool at yourself or others.
Keep others a safe distance from the tool while the tool is in operation as accidental actuation may occur, possibly causing injury.
Keep bystanders and children away while operating the tool.
Respect tool as a working implement.
Stay alert, focus on your work, and use common sense when working with tools.
Do not use tools while tired, after having consumed drugs or alcohol, or while under the influence of medication.
Do not overreach. Only use in a safe working place.
Keep proper footing at all times.
When working close to an edge of a workpiece or at steep angles use care to minimize chipping, splitting or splintering, or free flight or ricochet of fasteners, which may cause injury.
Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners or with the tool at an overly steep angle as this may cause deflection of fasteners which could cause injury.
Do not load the tool with fasteners when any one of the operating controls is activated.
Use extra caution when driving fasteners into existing walls or other blind areas to prevent contact with hidden objects or persons on the other side (e.g., wires, pipes.)
The operator must not pull the trigger except during fastening operation as serious injury could result if the tool accidentally contacts someone or something, causing the tool to cycle.
Keep hands and body away from the discharge area of the tool. The tool may bounce from the recoil of driving a fastener and an unwanted second fastener may be driven possibly causing injury.
Check the operation of the trigger mechanism frequently. Do not use the tool if the trigger is not working correctly as accidental driving of a fastener may result. Do not interfere with the proper operation of the trigger mechanism.
Never inadvertently pull or grasp the trigger when moving about, changing work location, holstering or hanging tools, or preparing work surfaces for fastening operation.

This tool produces SPARKS during operation. NEVER use the tool near flammable substances, gases, or vapors including lacquer, paint, benzine, thinner, gasoline, adhesives, mastics, glues or any other material that is ‑‑ or the vapors, fumes or byproducts of which are ‑‑ flammable, combustible or explosive. Using the fastenerer in any such environment could cause an EXPLOSION resulting in personal injury or death to the user and bystanders.

WARNING : After driving a fastener, the tool may bounce back (“recoil”) causing it to move away from the work surface. To reduce the risk of injury always manage recoil by:

Always maintain control of the tool.
Allowing recoil to move the tool away from the work surface.
Not resisting recoil such that the tool will be forced back into the work surface.
In “Contact Actuation Mode,” if workpiece contact is allowed to re-contact the work surface before the trigger is released, an unintended discharge of a fastener will occur.
Keeping face and body parts away from the tool.

WARNING :
Disconnect tool

When not in use,
When performing any maintenance or repairs,
When clearing a jam,
When elevating, lowering, or otherwise moving tool to a new location,
When the tool is outside of the operator’s supervision or control,
When removing fasteners from the magazine. WARNING: When maintaining the tool:
Always shut off the air supply, and disconnect tool from the air supply when not in use.
When working on air tools note the warnings in this manual and use extra care when evaluating problem tools.

Additional Safety Warnings

Do not use this product to fasten electrical cables.
Fastening electric wires/cables could result in electric shock or serious harm.
Make sure there are no electrical cables, gas pipes, etc. that could cause a hazard if damaged by use of the tool.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows

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Intended Use

Your nailer is designed for professional fastening applications
DO NOT use under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. Your nailer is a professional power tool.
DO NOT let children come into contact with the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.

Specification

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Tool Air Fitting
This tool uses a free-flow connecting plug 1/4″ N.P.T. The inside diameter should be .200″ (5 mm) or larger. The fitting must be capable of discharging tool air pressure when disconnected from the air supply.

Operating Pressure
60 to 100 p.s.i.g. (4.92 to 6.9 kg/cm²). Select the operating pressure within this range for the best fastener performance. DO NOT EXCEED THIS RECOMMENDED OPERATING PRESSURE.

Adjustments and Usage Prep
Air Supply and Connections WARNING: Do not use oxygen, combustible gases, or bottled gases as a power source for this tool as a tool may explode, possibly causing injury.

Fittings
Install a male fitting on the tool that is free flowing and which will release air pressure from the tool when disconnected from the supply source.

Hoses
Air hoses should have a minimum of 150 p.s.i.g. (10.6 kg/ cm²) working pressure rating or 150% of the maximum pressure that could be produced in the air system. The supply hose should contain a fitting that will provide “quick disconnecting” from the 1/4″ male fitting 3 on the tool.

Supply Source
Use only clean regulated compressed air as a power source for this tool.

NEVER USE OXYGEN, COMBUSTIBLE GASES, OR BOTTLED GASES, AS A POWER SOURCE FOR THIS TOOL AS TOOL MAY EXPLODE.

Regulator
A pressure regulator with an operating pressure of 0–125 p.s.i.g. (0–8.79 kg/cm²) is required to control the operating pressure for safe operation of this tool. Do not connect this tool to air pressure which can potentially exceed 200 p.s.i.g. (14 kg/cm²) as tool may fracture or burst, possibly causing injury.

Do not exceed the recommended maximum operating pressure as tool wear will be greatly increased.
The air supply must be capable of maintaining the operating pressure at the tool.
Pressure drops in the air supply can reduce the tool’s driving power.
Refer to Tool Specifications for setting the correct operating pressure for the tool.

Filter
Dirt and water in the air supply are major causes of wear in pneumatic tools. A filter will help to get the best performance and minimum wear from the tool. The filter must have adequate flow capacity for the specific installation. The filter has to be kept clean to be effective in providing clean compressed air to the tool. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions on proper maintenance of your filter. A dirty and clogged filter will cause a pressure drop which will reduce the tool’s performance

Lubrications
Frequent, but not excessive, lubrication is required for best performance. Oil added through the airline connection will lubricate the internal parts. Do not use detergent oil or additives as these lubricants will cause accelerated wear to the seals and bumpers in the tool, resulting in poor tool performance and frequent tool maintenance. If no airline lubricator is used, add oil during use into the air fitting on the tool once or twice a day. Only a few drops of oil at a time are necessary. Too much oil will only collect inside the tool and will be noticeable in the exhaust cycle.

OPERATION

WARNING :

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the unit off and remove the air supply before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories.
An accidental actuation can cause injury.
Proper Hand Position

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 handle 1

Loading Fasteners CMPBN18SB

Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
Disengage the magazine release lever 4 and pull back the magazine
With the magazine fully open insert fasteners. Points must be against the bottom of the magazine.
Push magazine forward
Continue pushing until the magazine release lever is engaged.

Loading Fasteners CMPFN16SB

Disconnect the tool from the air supply.
Pull follower 8 back until it latches.
Insert nails into the track of magazine
Press pusher release 4 to disengage the follower

Sequential Trip Operation
This tool is supplied with a sequential trip trigger installed. The SEQUENTIAL TRIP contains a contact trip that operates in conjunction with the trigger to drive a fastener. To operate a sequential trip tool, first position the contact trip on the work surface

WITHOUT PULLING THE TRIGGER.
Depress the contact trip and then pull the trigger to drive a fastener. As long as the contact trip is contacting the work and is held depressed, the tool will drive a fastener each time the trigger is depressed. If the contact trip is allowed to leave the work surface, the sequence described above must be repeated to drive another fastener.

Tool Operation Check

CAUTION : Remove all fasteners from tool before performing tool operation check.

Press the contact trip against the work surface, without touching the trigger. THE TOOL MUST NOT CYCLE.
Hold the tool off the work surface and pull the trigger. THE TOOL MUST NOT CYCLE. Release the trigger. The trigger must return to the trigger stop on the frame.
Pull the trigger and press the contact trip against the work surface. THE TOOL MUST NOT CYCLE.
With your finger off the trigger, press the contact trip against the work surface. Pull the trigger. THE TOOL MUST CYCLE.

Depth Adjustment

WARNING : To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the unit off and remove the air supply before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental actuation can cause injury.

The depth that the fastener is driven can be adjusted using the depth adjustment wheel.

To drive the fastener shallower, rotate the depth adjustment wheel 7 to the right.
To drive a fastener deeper, rotate the depth adjustment wheel 7 to the left.

Cold Weather Operation

WARNING : To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the unit off and remove the air supply before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental actuation can cause injury.

WARNING : Do not store tools in a cold weather environment to prevent frost or ice formation on the tool’s operating valves and mechanisms that could cause tool failure.

WARNING : Some commercial airline drying liquids are harmful to “O”-rings and seals – do not use these low-temperature air dryers without checking compatibility.

When operating tools at temperatures below freezing:

Make sure compressor tanks have been properly drained prior to use.
Keep the tool as warm as possible prior to use.
Make certain all fasteners have been removed from a magazine.
Lower air pressure to 80 p.s.i.g. or less.
Reconnect air and load fasteners into the magazine.
Actuate the tool 5 or 6 times into scrap lumber to lubricate o-rings.
Turn the pressure up to operating level (not to exceed 120 p.s.i.g.) and use the tool as normal.
Always drain the compressor tanks at least once a day.

In Addition to the Other Warnings Contained in this Manual Observe the Following for Safe Operation

Use the pneumatic tool only for the purpose for which it was designed.
Never use this tool in a manner that could cause a fastener to be directed toward the user or others in the work area.
Do not use the tool as a hammer.
Always carry the tool by the handle. Never carry the tool by the air hose.
Do not alter or modify this tool from the original design or function.
Always be aware that misuse and improper handling of this tool can cause injury to yourself and others.
Never clamp or tape the trigger or contact trip in an actuated position.
Never leave a tool unattended with the air hose attached.

MAINTENANCE WARNING:

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the unit off and remove the air supply before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories.
An accidental actuation can cause injury.
When working on air tools, note the warnings in this manual and use extra care evaluating problem tools. WARNING: Pusher spring (constant force spring).
Caution must be used when working with the spring assembly.
The spring is wrapped around, but not attached to a roller.
If the spring is extended beyond its length, the end will come off the roller and the spring will roll up with a snap, with a chance of pinching your hand.
Also, the edges of the spring are very thin and could cut. Care must also be taken to ensure no permanent kinks are put in the spring as this will reduce the spring’s force.

Asse mbly Procedure For Seals
When repairing a tool, make sure the internal parts are clean and lubricated. Coat each “O”-ring with lubrication before assembling. Use a small amount of oil on all moving surfaces and pivots. After reassembly add a few drops of Air Tool Lubricant through the air line fitting before testing.

Air Supply-Pressure And Volume
Air volume is as important as air pressure. The air volume supplied to the tool may be inadequate because of undersized fittings and hoses, or from the effects of dirt and water in the system. Restricted air flow will prevent the tool from receiving an adequate volume of air, even though the pressure reading is high. The results will be a slow operation, misfeeds or reduced driving power. Before evaluating tool problems for these symptoms, trace the air supply from the tool to the supply source for restrictive connectors, swivel fittings, low points containing water, and anything else that would prevent the full volume flow of air to the tool

Accessories WARNING:

Since accessories, other than those offered by CRAFTSMAN, have not been tested with this product, the use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only CRAFTSMAN-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 CRAFTSMAN, or call 1-888-331-4569. Versatrack™ (Fig. K) WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn the unit off and remove the air supply before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental actuation can cause injury.

WARNING : To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, do not use a damaged Versatrack™ hang hook or Versatrack™ Trackwall. A damaged Versatrack™ hang hook or Versatrack™ Trackwall will not support the weight of the tool.

WARNING : To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ensure the coupler holding the hang hook is secure.

WARNING :

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, DO NOT suspend the tool overhead or suspend objects from the hang hook. ONLY suspend the tool on the
Versatrack™ Trackwall using the hanging hook.

WARNING : Ensure that the tool weight does not exceed the maximum rated weight for the selected Versatrack™ hook.

WARNING : When hanging objects on a Versatrack™

Trackwall rail adequately spaces the tools in order to not exceed 75 lb (35 kg) per linear foot.

IMPORTANT : Versatrack™ accessories mount compatible tools securely to the Versatrack™ Trackwall system.

Turn the tool off, remove accessories, and remove the air supply.

CAUTION : Any product with exposed cutting teeth must have them covered securely if it is to be on the Versatrack™ Trackwall.

Attach the hang hook 10 on the tool.
Use a wrench to remove the fitting 3.
Place the Versatrack™ hang hook on the fitting.
Use a wrench to re-install the coupler to the fitting at the base of the tool.

NOTE : Versatrack™ 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 CRAFTSMAN, or call 1-888-331-4569.

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.

Repairs WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance, and adjustment (including brush inspection and replacement, when applicable) should be performed by a CRAFTSMAN factory service center or a CRAFTSMAN 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.craftsman.com/registration

Warranty

Three-Year Limited Warranty
CRAFTSMAN will repair or replace, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover part failure due to normal wear or tool abuse. For further detail of warranty coverage and warranty repair information, visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569. This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage caused where repairs have been made or attempted by others.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND EXCLUDES ALL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary in certain states or provinces.

90 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your CRAFTSMAN Power Tool or Nailer for any reason, you can return it within 90 days from the date of purchase with a receipt for a full refund – no questions asked.

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 REPLACEMEN T: If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1-888-331-4569 for a free replacement

Troubleshooting

Trigger valve housing leaks air.	O-ring cut or cracked.	Replace O-ring.
Trigger valve stem leaks air.	O-ring/seals cut or cracked.	Replace the

trigger valve assembly.
Frame/nose leaks air.| Loose nose screws.| Tighten and recheck.
The O-ring or gasket is cut or cracked.| Replace the O-ring or gasket.
The bumper is cracked/worn.| Replace bumper.
The frame/cap leaks air.| Damaged gasket or seal.| Replace the gasket or seal.
Cracked/worn head valve bumper.| Replace bumper.
Loose cap screws.| Tighten and recheck.
Failure to cycle.| Air supply restriction.| Check air supply equipment.
Tool dry, lack of lubrication.| Use Air Tool Lubricant.
Worn head valve O-rings.| Replace O-rings.
Broken cylinder cap spring.| Replace the cylinder cap spring.
The head valve is stuck in the cap.| Disassemble/Check/Lubricate.
Lack of power; slow to cycle.| The tool is dry and lacks lubrication.| Use Air Tool Lubricant.
Broken cylinder cap spring.| Replace the cap spring.
O-rings/seals cut or cracked.| Replace O-rings/seals.
Exhaust blocked.| Check the bumper, head valve spring, and muffler.
Trigger assembly worn/leaks.| Replace trigger assembly.
Dirt/tar build up on the driver.| Disassemble nose/driver to clean.
The cylinder sleeve is not seated correctly on the bottom bumper.| Disassemble to correct.
Head valve dry.| Disassemble/lubricate.
The air pressure is too low.| Check air supply equipment.
Skipping fasteners; intermittent feed.| Worn bumper.| Replace bumper.
Tar/dirt in driver channel.| Disassemble and clean the nose and driver.
Air restriction/inadequate airflow through quick disconnect socket and plug.| Replace quick disconnect fittings.
Worn piston O-ring.| Replace the O-ring, and check the driver.
The tool is dry, and lacks lubrication.| Use Air Tool Lubricant.
Damaged pusher spring.| Replace spring.
Low air pressure.| Check the air supply system to the tool.
Loose magazine nose screws.| Tighten all screws.
Fasteners are too short for the tool.| Use only recommended fasteners.
Bent fasteners.| Discontinue using these fasteners.
Wrong size fasteners.| Use only recommended fasteners.
Leaking head cap gasket.| Tighten screws/replace gasket.
Trigger valve O-ring cut/worn.| Replace O-ring.
Broken/chipped driver.| Replace the driver (check piston O-ring).
Dry/dirty magazine.| Clean/lubricate using Air Tool Lubricant.
Worn magazine.| Replace magazine.
Fasteners jam in the tool.| The driver channel is worn.| Replace nose/check door.
Wrong size fasteners.| Use only recommended fasteners.
Bent fasteners.| Discontinue using these fasteners.
Loose magazine/nose screws.| Tighten all screws.
Broken/chipped driver.| Replace driver.