DeWALT DCS551 Cut Out Tool 20V Max Instruction Manual

DCS551
**Cut-Out Tool 20V Max*
Instruction Manual**

DCS551 Cut Out Tool 20V Max

1. ON/OFF switch
2. Cutting depth guide
3. Collet nut
4. Collet lock button
5. Collet grip
6. Spindle lock button
7. LED worklight
8. Battery pack
9. Battery release button

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 cut out tool is designed for professional cut out applications.
This cut out tool is a professional power tool.
DO nOT use under wet conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
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  esult 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.

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.

Additional Specific Safety Rules for Cut-Out Tools

• Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and maylead to loss of control.
• Hold power tools by insulated gripping surfaces whenperforming an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.

WARNING: After changing bits or making any adjustments, make sure the collet nut is securely tightened toavoid injury.
WARNING: Do not press spindle lock or collet lock buttons while motor is running. The operator may lose controland drop the tool. Personal injury or serious tool damage may result.
WARNING: Shut off all live electric circuits to any areas where cut outs will be made, to avoid fire or serious personal injury.
CAUTION: Do not touch the bit or collet nut during or immediately after cutting material. The bit and collet nut may be hot enough to burn bare skin.

• Do not run tool while carrying at your side. The spinning bit may become entangled with clothing and injury may occur.

• Always wear eye protection. Dust mask and hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions. Using personal safety devices is recommended. WORK SAFE.

• Always operate the tool with the depth guide in place.
  The guide keeps the bit from plunging too deeply through the material. A minimum of penetration should be maintained to eliminate the danger of cutting into electric wiring.

• Do not use this tool with drill or screwdriver bits. This tool is not intended to be used as a drill or screwdriver.

• Be sure your cutting bits are sharp and in good condition. Damaged bits can cause the tool to jump, injuring the operator.

• Never touch the bit immediately after use. It may be extremely hot.

• Always follow the bit manufacturer’s speed recommendations as some bit designs require specific speeds for safety or performance. If you are unsure of the proper speed or are experiencing any type of problem, contact the bit manufacturer.

• Be sure that the motor has stopped completely before you lay the tool down. If the cutter head is still spinning when the tool is laid down, it could cause injury or damage.

• Be sure that the bit is clear of the workpiece before starting motor. If the bit is in contact with the workpiece when the motor starts it could make the tool jump, causing damage or injury.

• If your tool fails to function properly, take it to an authorized service center. There are no user serviceable parts inside this tool and it should only be opened by trained service personnel.

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

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 cutting operation is dusty. 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 arespecially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

• 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.
  Direct particles away from face and body.

• Use the appropriate dust extractor vacuum to remove the vast majority of static and airborne dust. Failure to remove static and airborne dust could contaminate the working environment or pose an increased health risk to the operator and those in close proximity.

• 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 and injury.

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

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.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols. The symbols and their definitions are as follows:
BPM……………….. beats per minute
V ……………………. volts
min ………………… minutes
or DC………… direct current
…/min………….. per minute
RPM……………….. revolutions per minute
A……………………. amperes
Hz ………………….. hertz
W …………………… watts
Wh …………………. watt hours
no………………….. no load speed
n ……………………. rated speed
………………… safety alert symbol
……………….. wear respiratory protection
………………… wear eye protection
………………… Class II Construction (double insulated)
………………… wear hearing protection
………………… read all documentation
………………… avoid staring at light
**** or AC………… alternating current
Ah ………………….. amp hours

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.
Installing and Removing the Bit (Fig. A)
This tool is designed for spiral cutting bits with either a 1/8″ (3 mm) or 1/4″ (6 mm) shank and has a tool-free bit change system. To change bits, FIRST turn off the tool and disconnect the battery from the tool. Remove the cutting depth guide 2 .

1. To replace bit, depress both spindle lock button 6 and collet lock 4 and turn collet grip  5  counterclockwise.

2. Insert or remove bit.
   WARNING: The bits are sharp and should be handled with great care.
   CAUTION: When replacing bits, do not insert cutting flutes into the collet. This may result in broken bits.

3. While depressing both spindle and collet locks, turn the collet grip clockwise to firmly tighten the collet. For some heavy duty applications, it may be necessary to use a wrench to further tighten the collet nut 3 while depressing the spindle lock button 6 .

4. Attach guide.

CAUTION: Never tighten the collet without a bit installed.
This tool comes with both 1/8″ (3 mm) and 1/4″ (6 mm) collets. To change collets, remove the collet nut and insert the desired collet.
Depth Guide (Fig. A)
Cutting depth guide 2 snaps onto locators as shown.
Keep depth guide in place at all times during operation of the tool. For best results, adjust the guide using the knob to allow the bit to protrude about 1/8″ (3 mm) past the material to be cut.

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. B) nOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.
To install the battery pack  8  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  9  and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger.
Proper Hand Position (Fig. C)
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.
WARNING: Tool may stall (if overloaded or improperly used) causing a twist. Always expect the stall. Grip the tool firmly with both hands to control the twisting action and prevent loss of control which could cause personal injury.
Proper hand position requires one hand on the handle  10  and the other bracing the battery to control the twisting action of the tool.
Switch (Fig. A)
To start the motor, slide the switch 1 to “I” position. To stop the motor, slide the switch to “O” position.
To Maintain Safe Tool Control

• Make sure the work surface is free of nails or screws.
  Cutting into a nail or screw may cause the tool to jump, damaging the bit.

• Never operate the tool with one hand while holding the workpiece with the other hand. Always clamp the material and guide the tool with both hands.

• Do not cut material lying on a hard surface. Clearance behind material to be cut must be allowed for protruding bit.

• Disconnect battery from tool before making adjustments, changing bits, or cleaning tool.

• Do not start the tool with bit engaged in the material. The bit may grab the material.

Cutting a Hole for an Electrical Outlet (Fig. D)
WARNING: Shut off all live electric circuits to any areas where cut outs will be made.

1. Push any wiring deeply into the outlet box to avoid damage from the cutting bit.

2. Before hanging the sheet covering the outlet, mark the approximate location of the center of the outlet on the wall board. Check the cutting bit depth against the side of the board to be sure it will cut entirely through the material.

3. Tack the sheet in place with a few fasteners, avoiding the stud holding the outlet. This allows the wall board to flex slightly around the protruding fixture box.

4. Turn the cut-out tool on. Holding the tool firmly with both hands, plunge the bit straight into the center of the outlet.

5. Cut to the right until the edge of the box is touched.
   Pull out just enough for the bit to clear the edge of the box.
   Plunge in again holding the bit gently against the outside of the box.

6. Follow the outside of the box as shown keeping slight pressure against the box. This will minimize wandering and give you a clean precise cut.

7. Remove the waste and dust from the outlet. Finish fastening the sheet of wall board.

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.
Your DeWALT power tool has been designed to operate over a long period of time with a minimum of maintenance.
Continuous satisfactory operation depends upon proper tool care and regular cleaning.
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 partof 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 product 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 product 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 batteries 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 factory service center or an 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/account‑login.

Three-Year Limited Warranty
For warranty terms, go to 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.

Compatible battery packs and chargers

Battery Packs| DCB201, DCB203, DCB203G, DCB204, DCB204BT, DCB205, DCB205G, DCB205BT, DCB206, DCB208, DCB210, DCB230, DCB240, DCBP034, DCBP520, DCB606, DCB609, DCB609G, DCB612, DCB615
---|---
Chargers| DCB094, DCB102, DCB103, DCB104, DCB107, DCB112, DCB113, DCB115, DCB118, DCB132, DCB1102, DCB1104, DCB1106, DCB1112

WARNING: Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
NOTE: DO NOT charge when the battery pack is below 40 ° F (4.5 ° C) or above 104 ° F (40 ° C). Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 104 ° F (40 ° C).

• Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20, 60 or 120 volts. Nominal voltage is 18, 54 or 108. (120V Max is based on using 2 DeWALT 60V Max lithium‑ion batteries combined.)
  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.

DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road,
Towson, MD 21286
Copyright © 2014, 2020, 2024 DeWALT
NA516951

References

• DEWALT® Power Tools Official Site | Guaranteed Tough®
• DEWALT® Power Tools Official Site | Guaranteed Tough®
• Product & Tool Support | DEWALT
• DEWALT Tool & Product Warranty Information | DEWALT

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