CRAFTSMAN 172.171040 (6.5 Amp) Reciprocating Saw Owner’s Manual

CRAFTSMAN 172.171040 (6.5 Amp) Reciprocating Saw

Model Nos.
172.171040 (6.5 Amp)
172.171720 (7.5 Amp)

CAUTION: Read, understand and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions in this manual before using this product.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RECIPROCATING SAW If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace it, free of charge. If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817 WA, Hoffrnan Estates, IL 60179

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions.

Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal Injury.

WORK AREA SAFETY

1. ALWAYS keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to Install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
2. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system. Applicable only to Class II (double insulated) tools.
3. Before plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is within the voltage marked on the tool’s data plate. DO NOT use “AC only” rated tools with a DC power supply.
4. ALWAYS avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
5. If operating the power tool In damp locations Is unavoidable, ALWAYS use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to your tool. ALWAYS wear electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear in damp conditions.
6. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
7. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tools or pull the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
8. When operating a power tool outside, ALWAYS use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or ‘W.” These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
   NOTE: The extension cord must have adequate wire size AWG (American Wire Gauge) for safe, efficient use. Smaller gauge wires, have greater capacity (16 gauge wire has more capacity than 18 gauge wire).

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. ALWAYS stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. DO NOT use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

2. ALWAYS dress properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Pull back long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

3. ALWAYS avoid accidental starting. BE SURE switch is “Off” before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch in the “On” position invites accidents.

4. ALWAYS remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.
   A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

5. DO NOT overreach. ALWAYS keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

6. ALWAYS use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
   Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY

1. ALWAYS use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.

2. DO NOT force tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application. The correct tool and blade will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

3. DO NOT use tool if switch does not turn it “On” or “Off”. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

4. ALWAYS disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

5. ALWAYS store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons.Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

6. ALWAYS maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
   Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7. ALWAYS check for misallgnment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation.
   If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
   WARNING: USE OF ACCESSORIES THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THIS TOOL MAY CREATE A HAZARDOUS CONDITION.

8. ALWAYS use only accessories that are recommended for this tool. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool can become hazardous when used on another tool.

SERVICE SAFETY

1. Tool service MUST BE performed only at a Sears Service Center.
   Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

2. When servicing a tool, ALWAYS use only Identical replacement parts.
   Follow Instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

1. Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual carefully. Learn the applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury.

2. ALWAYS hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a ‘live” wire will make the exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.

3. ALWAYS keep your hands away from cutting area. DO NOT reach under the material being cut because the nearness of the blade to your hand is hidden from your sight.

4. DO NOT use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easily, or cause kickbacks,

5. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this saw. ALWAYS wear a dust mask or respirator for applications which generate dust.

6. ALWAYS protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

7. ALWAYS protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.

8. ALWAYS inspect and remove all nails from lumber before sawing.
   Following this rule will reduce the risk of sedous personal injury.

9. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If someone borrows this tool, make sure they have these instructions also.

WARNING: Some dust particles created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction jobs contain chemicals known 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.

• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
  Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:

• Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

WARNING: The operation of any saw can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, ALWAYS wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shield and a full face shield when needed. We recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shield, both available at Sears Retail Stores.

The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

DESCRIPTION

Your 6.5 and 7.5-amp reciprocating saws have many built-in convenience features for fast, efficient cutting. These features include a variable speed dial that allows you to change the speeds for cutting a variety of materials. An adjustable/pivoting shoe for maximum control in a variety of cuts and an easy-to-grip rubber boot.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

OPERATION

Before attempting to use any tool, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the operating features and safety instructions.

WARNING: IF ANY PARTS ARE MISSING, DO NOT OPERATE THIS SAW UNTIL THE MISSING PARTS ARE REPLACED. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY,

CAUTION: DO NOT let familiarity with your saw make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to cause severe injury.

CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating this power tool.

USING THE VARIABLE SPEED DIAL

• Variable speed provides increased cutting versatility.
• Simply rotate the dial from the slowest setting (1) to the highest setting (6) depending upon the material being cut.

Choosing the Correct Speed

The speed you use will depend on the type of materials that you are cutting:

1. Use high speeds for cutting wood.
2. Medium speed is best for non-ferrous materials.
3. Low speed is recommended for cutting metal.
   NOTE- Material thickness and blade selection will also affect your speed selection. As a general rule, as the material thickness increases, the speed should be slower.

WARNING: IF ANY PARTS ARE MISSING, DO NOT OPERATE THIS SAW UNTIL THE MISSING PARTS ARE REPLACED. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: DO NOT let familiarity with your saw make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to cause severe injury.

CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating this power tool.

USING THE VARIABLE SPEED DIAL
Variable speed provides increased cutting versatility.
Simply rotate the dial from the slowest setting (1) to the highest setting (6) depending upon the material being cut.

Installing the Blade (Figure 2)

1. Unplug the saw.

2. Loosen blade clamp screw with Allen wrench (included).
   NOTE: DO NOT completely remove the blade clamp screw. Just loosen it enough to allow the blade to fit between the blade clamp and the reciprocating shaft.

3. Insert blade through the shoe and line it up between the blade clamp and the reciprocating shaft,

4. Insert the blade far enough in so that the hole in the blade is positioned over the “bump’ or “stationary pin’.
   Tighten screw with wrench.
   NOTE: If the blade should break off and the shank does not come out of the clamp, loosen the screw. Then use a nail or other pointed object to pry the blade shank off of the “bump’or “stationary pin’.

Removing the Blade (Figure 3)

1. See Steps 1 and 2 in Installing the Blade above.
2. When screw is clear of the blade, pull blade shank out of opening in blade clamp.

ADJUSTING THE SLIDING / PIVOTING SHOE (Figure 4)

The shoe slides in or out to adjust the depth of cut to material being cut for maximum control and longer blade life.

To Slide Shoe In or Out: (See Fig. 4)

1. Use the Allen wrench (included) to loosen the 2 screws on bottom of saw housing.
2. Slide shoe in or out to the depth of cut that you desire and retighten both screws.

NOTE: The shoe also pivots to provide maximum control against the surface being cut

To Pivot Shoe: (See Fig. 4)

Firmly hold saw and then pivot shoe to desired position.

FLUSH CUTTING (Figure 5)

1. The compact design of the motor housing and the adjustable shoe on this saw allows you to make extremely close cuts in floors, corners and other extremely tight areas.
2. To obtain the maximum flush-cutting capability of this saw, make sure that the shoe is in its closest position to the saw housing. And the teeth of the blade are facing as close as possible to the work surface.

WOOD CUTTING (Figure 6)

1. ALWAYS clamp the workpiece down to prevent it from slipping.
2. Place the adjustable shoe and the blade lightly against the surface to be cut.
3. Turn on saw and allow it to come to full speed before applying pressure to the workpiece.
4. ALWAYS hold the saw firmly with both hands while cutting. Whenever possible, hold the adjustable shoe firmly against the material to be cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrating and help minimize blade breakage.
   NOTE: Wear gloves if cutting for long periods

METAL CUTTING (Figure 7)
This saw has different metal cutting capacities depending upon the type of blade being used and metal being cut.

1. ALWAYS clamp the work down to prevent it from slipping.
2. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous metals.
3. When cutting thin gauge sheet metals, ALWAYS clamp wood on both sides of the sheet. This will give you a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of the metal.
4. DO NOT force the cutting blade. Forcing the blade will reduce blade life and cause the blade to break.

NOTE: We recommend that you spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the line of cut ahead of the saw. This will allow easier operation and help extend blade life. When cutting aluminum, use kerosene,

POCKET CUTTING: Wood Only (Figure 8)

1. Measure the surface area to be cut and mark it clearly using a pen, pencil or chalk.
2. Install a pocket cutting blade into saw.
3. Tip the saw backwards until the back edge of the adjustable shoe is resting on the work surface.
4. To avoid breaking the blade, start the saw and use the slowest speed to begin the cut. Then gradually increase the speed as you start to cut.
5. Hold the saw handle firmly and begin to make a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.
6. The blade will begin to feed into the material.
7. ALWAYS be sure that the blade is completely through the material before continuing with the pocket cut.
   NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the saw guard as a guide.

MAINTENANCE

SERVICE

WARNING: Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components, which could cause a serious hazard.

1. Tool service MUST BE performed only by a Sears Service Center. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
   IMPORTANT NOTE: All service that requires opening the saw should only be performed at a Sears Service Center.

2. When servicing a tool, ALWAYS use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance Section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

TOOL LUBRICATION
Your CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw has been properly lubricated and is ready to use.

1. In two to six months, depending on use, take your tool to the nearest Sears Service Center for a complete cleaning, inspection and lubrication.
2. Tools used constantly on production jobs will need lubrication more often.
3. Tools that haven’t been used for long periods of time should be lubricated before you use them.

WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS

To ron in pier owed store any or periming any maintenance.

Only the parts shown on pages 14-15 are intended to be repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts represent an important part of the double insulation system and should only be serviced at a Sears Service Center.

CLEANING

WARNING: To avoid accidents, ALWAYS disconnect the tool from the power source BEFORE cleaning or performing any maintenance.

CAUTION: Certain cleaning agents and solvents cause damage to the plastic parts. These include gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

1. Use a clean cloth to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
2. Electric tools are subject to accelerated wear and possible premature failure
   when they are used to work on fiber glass boats, sports cars, etc. The fiber glass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to electrical too! parts, such as bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, it is not recommended that this tool be used for extended work on fiber glass. During any use on fiber glass, it is extremely important that the tool is cleaned frequently with compressed air.

WARNING: ALWAYS wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.

IMPORTANT:
To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment MUST be pertormed by a Sears Service Center.

ACCESSORIES
The following recommended accessories are currently available at your local Sears Store.

BLADES
Sears has a large selection of reciprocating saw blades in a variety of lengths and teeth per inch that are ideal for a wide variety of cutting needs. Choose blades for cutting wood only, blades for metal cutting only and general-purpose blades that cut wood or metal.

EXTENSION CORDS
Sears offers a large selection of extension cords that help extend your working range.

WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories that are not recommended might be dangerous.

Reciprocating Saw-Model No. 172.171040 (6.5 Amp), 172.171720 (7.5 Amp)
The Model Number will be found on the Nameplate. Always mention the Model No. in all correspondance regarding your tool

SEE BACK PAGEFOR PARTS ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

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