DEWALT DCS386 20V Max Reciprocating Saw Instruction Manual

: June 1, 2024
: Dewalt

Table of Contents

DEWALT DCS386 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
Product Information
Product Overview
Intended Use
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
Additional Safety Instructions for Reciprocating Saws
- Additional Safety Information
ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
Accessories And Repairs
Register Online
Limited Warranty
Contacts
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

DEWALT DCS386 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

Product Information

Specifications

Model: DCS386
Intended Use: Professional sawing of wood and metal
Features: Variable speed trigger switch, Lock-off button, Blade clamp lever, Shoe, Hand grip, Battery pack, Battery pack release button, Main handle, LED worklight

FAQs

Q: What is the intended use of the reciprocating saw?
- A: The reciprocating saw is designed for professional sawing of wood and metal. Do not use it under wet conditions or in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
Q: How can I ensure safety while operating the saw?
- A: Keep the work area clean and well-lit, avoid explosive atmospheres, and keep children and bystanders away. Always follow electrical safety guidelines regarding power tool plugs.

Product Overview

DEWALT-DCS386-20V-Max-Reciprocating-Saw-fig-1

Variable speed trigger switch
Lock-off button
Blade clamp lever
Shoe
Hand grip
Battery pack
Battery pack release button
Main handle
LED worklight

Intended Use

This reciprocating saw is designed for professional sawing of wood and metal.
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.

Work Area Safety

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

Electrical Safety

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.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
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.
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.

Personal Safety

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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
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.
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.
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.

Power Tool Use and Care

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

Battery Tool Use and Care

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.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Service

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.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Additional Safety Instructions for Reciprocating Saws

Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire will 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.
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.
ALWAYS wear a dust mask. Exposure to dust particles can cause breathing difficulty and possible injury.
Never switch on the tool when the saw blade is jammed in the workpiece or in contact with the material.
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 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.
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.
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 blades sharp. Dull blades may cause the saw to swerve or stall under pressure.
Do not touch the workpiece or the blade immediately after operating the tool. They can become very hot.

Switching On and Off

After switching off, never attempt to stop the saw blade with your fingers.
Never put the saw down on a table or work bench unless switched off. The saw blade will keep running briefly after the tool has been switched off.

When Sawing

When using saw blades specially designed for cutting wood, remove all nails and metal objects from the workpiece before starting work.
Wherever possible, use clamps and vises to fasten the workpiece securely.
Do not attempt to saw extremely small workpieces.
Do not lean too far forward. Make sure that you always stand firmly, particularly on scaffolding and ladders.
For cutting curves and pockets, use approved accessories.

Checking and Changing the Saw Blade

Only use saw blades conforming to the specifications contained in these operating instructions.
Only sharp saw blades in perfect working condition should be used; cracked or bent saw blades should be discarded and replaced at once.
Ensure that the saw blade is secure in the blade clamp.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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 dust masks that are specially 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 lie 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.
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
SPM …………………strokes per minute
…………………. 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.

Blade Installation and Removal (Fig. B)

WARNING: Cut hazard. Blade breakage may occur if the blade does not extend past the shoe and the thickness of the workpiece during the cut. Increased risk of personal injury, as well as damage to the shoe and workpiece may result.

To Install a Blade

Point tool away from body.
Pull the blade clamp lever 3 upwards; the collar will open to its full open position.
Insert blade 10 fully into blade clamp collar.
- NOTE: Blade can be installed with the teeth facing up to assist in Flush Cutting.
Release blade clamp lever 3 and gently tug on the blade to ensure blade is clamped securely.

To Remove a Blade

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

Pull the blade clamp lever 3 upwards; the collar will open to its full open position.
Remove blade.

To Remove a Broken Blade

If the blade breaks so that the broken piece is caught inside the clamp, take the following steps to remove the remainder of the blade from the saw.

Place the saw on its side on a flat stable surface with the blade clamp collar tab pointing up.
Pull the blade clamp lever 3 upwards to open the blade clamp collar to its full open position.
- If the blade has broken inside the clamp, slide a flat object into the opening of the clamp as far as it can go, then remove the flat object. This will disengage the pin inside the clamp.
- If the blade has broken outside the clamp, slide a flat object into the opening of the clamp to the left of the blade as far as it can go, then remove the flat object. This will disengage the pin inside the blade clamp collar.
Hold the blade clamp collar open with the saw on its side or with the shoe end pointed downward. While holding blade clamp lever open all the way, shake the saw until the broken blade falls out of the blade clamp collar.

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. C)

WARNING: Ensure the tool/appliance is in the off position before inserting the battery pack.

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 battery pack release button 7 and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger.

Proper Hand Position (Fig. D)

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 hand grip 5 , with the other hand on the main handle 8.

Variable Speed Trigger Switch (Fig. A, E)

DEWALT-DCS386-20V-Max-Reciprocating-Saw-fig-5

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.

Worklight (Fig. A)

CAUTION: Do not stare into worklight. Serious eye injury could result.

There is an LED worklight 9 located on the end of the tool near the shoe. The worklight 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 worklight will remain on.

NOTE: The worklight is for lighting the immediate work surface and is not intended to be used as a flashlight.

Cutting (Fig. A, B, D, F–I)

WARNING: Always use eye protection. All users and bystanders must wear eye protection that conforms to ANSI Z87.1.
WARNING: Exercise extra caution when cutting towards operator. Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting.
The blade 10 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.
NOTE: 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 10 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 firmly with both hands while cutting as shown in Fig. D. 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. A, B, F)

The compact design of the reciprocating saw motor housing and pivoting shoe 4 permit close cutting to floors, corners and other difficult areas.

To maximize flush cutting capabilities, insert the blade 10 shaft into the blade clamp collar with the teeth of the blade facing up.
Turn the saw upside down so you are as close to the work surface as possible.

Wood Cutting (Fig. A, B, F, G)

Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the workpiece is firmly anchored or clamped to prevent slipping.
Place blade 10 and pivoting shoe 4 firmly against work to be cut.
Switch on saw motor before starting the cut.
Always hold saw firmly with both hands 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. H)

Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non‑ferrous materials.
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.
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. B, I)

Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber.

Insert blade 10 in blade clamp collar and tighten blade clamp securely.
Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the pivoting shoe is firmly on the work surface.
Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain maximum speed.
Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.
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.

WARNING

Never hold shoe while cutting.

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 or carbide-tipped 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.

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 part of the tool into a liquid.

Accessories And Repairs

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.

Limited Warranty

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.

Contacts

GUADALAJARA, JAL

Av. The Peace #1779 – Col. American Sector Juarez
( 33 ) 3825 6978

MEXICO, D.F.

Central Shaft Lazarus Cardenas No. 18 – Local D, Col. Worker
( 55 ) 5588 9377

MERIDA, YUC

63rd Street #459A – Col. Center
( 999 ) 928 5038

If you have questions or comments, contact us

WWW.DEWALT.com
1-800-4-DEWALT

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.)

PART NUMBER

DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286

The following are trademarks for one or more DeWAL 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.