HILTI DX 351-CT Powder Actuated Fastening Tool Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- HILTI
Table of Contents
- HILTI DX 351-CT Powder Actuated Fastening Tool
- Parts, operating controls, and indicators
- Safety instructions
- General information
- Description
- Consumables
- Technical data
- Before use
- Operation
- Care and maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Disposal
- EC declaration of conformity (original)
- Health and safety of the operator
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
HILTI DX 351-CT Powder Actuated Fastening Tool
It is essential that the operating instructions are read before the tool is operated for the first time. Always keep these operating instructions together with the tool. Ensure that the operating instructions are with the tool when it is given to other persons.
These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations. The illustrations can
be found on the fold-out cover pages. Keep these pages open while studying the
operating instructions.
In these operating instructions, the designation “the tool” always refers to
the DX 351‑CT powder-actuated tool with grip.
Parts, operating controls, and indicators
- Piston brake (part of fastener guide)
- Threaded sleeve
- Fastener guide
- Piston return spring
- Black housing
- Trigger
- Grip
- Cartridge feed
- Cartridge ejection
- Grip covering
- Ventilation slots
- Power regulation indicator
- Power regulation wheel
Safety instructions
Basic information concerning safety
In addition to the information relevant to safety given in each of the
sections of these operating instructions, the following points must be
strictly observed at all times.
Using cartridges
Use only Hilti cartridges or cartridges of equivalent quality.
The use of cartridges of inferior quality in Hilti tools may lead to a build-
up of unburned powder, which may explode and cause sever injuries to operators
and bystanders. Cartridges must fulfill one of the following minimum
requirements:
- The applicable manufacturer must be able to verify successful testing in accordance with the EU standard EN 16264 or
- The cartridges must bear the CE conformity mark (mandatory in the EU as of July 2013).
NOTE
All Hilti cartridges for powder-actuated tools have been tested successfully
in accordance with EN 16264. The tests defined in the EN 16264 standard are
system tests carried out by the certification authority using specific
combinations of cartridges and tools. The tool designation, the name of the
certification authority and the system test number are printed on the
cartridge packaging.
Please refer to the packaging example at: www.hilti.com/dx-
cartridges.
Requirements to be met by users
Never attempt to use the tool without first receiving proper instruction on
its use and observance of the associated safety precautions. Contact your
local Hilti representative for assistance.
Personal safety
- Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a direct fastening tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating tools may result in serious personal injury.
- Avoid unfavorable body positions. Make sure you work from a safe stance and stay in balance at all times.
- Never point the tool toward yourself or other per-sons.
- Never press the nosepiece of the tool against your hand or against any other part of your body (or other person’s hand or part of their body).
- Keep other persons, especially children, away from the area in which the work is being carried out.
- Keep the arms slightly bent while operating the tool (do not straighten the arms). Stop using the tool immediately if you experience pain or discomfort.
Use and care of powder-actuated fastening tools
-
Use the right tool for the job. Do not use the tool for purposes for which it was not intended. Use it only as directed and when in faultless condition.
-
Always hold the tool securely with both hands on the grip provided. Do not hold the exposed metal pole of the extensions. This may cause the tool to malfunction.
-
Press the tool against the working surface at right angles.
-
Never leave a loaded tool unattended.
-
Always unload the tool (remove cartridges and fasteners) before cleaning, before maintenance, before work breaks and before storing the tool.
-
Check the tool and its accessories for any damage. Guards, safety devices and any slightly worn parts must be checked carefully to ensure that they function faultlessly and as intended. Check that moving parts function correctly without sticking and that no parts are damaged. All parts must be fitted correctly and fulfill all conditions necessary for the correct operation of the tool. Damaged guards, safety devices and other parts must be repaired or replaced properly at a Hilti service center unless otherwise indicated in the operating instructions.
-
Always hold the tool securely and at right angles to the working surface when driving in fasteners. This will help to prevent fasteners being deflected by the working surface.
-
Never use a fastener twice.
-
Never redrive a fastener. This may cause the fastener to break and the tool may jam.
-
Never drive fasteners into existing holes unless this is recommended by Hilti.
k) Always observe the application guidelines, including the minimum thickness of the base material, fastener spacing and the minimum edge distances. -
Use the spall guard when the application permits.
-
Never pull the fastener guide back by hand as this could, under certain circumstances, make the tool ready to fire. This could cause a fastener or the piston to be driven into a part of the body.
-
Do not dismantle the tool while it is hot.
-
The applicable national regulations, especially those concerning accident prevention, must be observed.
Work area safety
- Ensure that the workplace is well lit.
- Operate the tool only in well-ventilated working areas.
- Do not attempt to drive fasteners into unsuitable materials. Materials that are too hard e.g. welded steel and cast iron. Materials that are too soft, e.g. wood and drywall panel (gypsum board).
- Materials that are too brittle, e.g. glass and ceramic tiles. Other unsuitable materials include Glass, marble, plastic, bronze, brass, copper, rock, insulating material, hollow brick, ceramic tiles, thin sheet metal (< 4 mm) and cellular concrete. Driving a fastener into these materials may cause the fastener to break, shatter or to be driven right through.
- Do not use the tool on surfaces with a fire protection coating thicker than 12 mm (½”). Using the tool on surfaces with a fire protection coating may cause the tool to malfunction.
- Before driving fasteners, check that no one is present immediately behind the working surface.
- Keep the workplace tidy. Objects which could cause injury should be removed from the working area. Untidiness at the workplace can lead to accidents.
- Keep the grip section and grip clean, dry and free from oil and grease.
- Wear non-skid shoes.
- Take the influences of the surrounding area into account. Do not expose the tool to rain or snow. Do not use the tool where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Mechanical safety precautions
- Select the correct fastener guide and fastener combination for the job on hand. Failure to use the correct combination of these items may result in injury or cause damage to the tool and/or lead to unsatisfactory fastening quality.
- Use only fasteners of a type approved for use with the tool.
- Do not use a worn or damaged piston or piston brake. Do not tamper with or modify the piston.
Thermal safety precautions
- If the tool has overheated, allow it to cool down.
- Always wear gloves if the tool has to be dismantled for cleaning or maintenance before it has been allowed to cool down.
- The tool must be allowed to cool down if the plastic cartridge strip begins to melt.
Electrical safety precautions
Keep your hands on the black gripping section and avoid electric cables (risk
of electric shock). Regularly check to ensure the gripping section and
extension are in good condition.
Danger of explosion
- Use only cartridges of a type approved for use with the tool.
- Remove the cartridge strip from the tool carefully.
- Never use force when attempting to remove cartridges from the tool.
- Unused cartridges must be stored in a dry, high place, locked up or out of reach of children.
Personal protective equipment
The user and any other persons in the vicinity must wear suitable eye protection, a hard hat, safety shoes, ear protection and protective gloves while the tool is in use or when checking for faults etc. The user must also wear protective gloves.
General information
Safety notices and their meaning
DANGER
Draws attention to imminent danger that will lead to serious bodily injury or
fatality.
WARNING
Draws attention to a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to
serious personal injury or fatality.
CAUTION
Draws attention to a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to slight
personal injury or damage to the equipment or other property.
NOTE
Draws attention to an instruction or other useful information.
Explanation of the pictograms and other information
Warning signs
Obligation signs
Location of identification data on the tool
The type designation and serial number can be found on the type identification
plate on the tool. Make a note of this data in your operating instructions and
always refer to it when making an enquiry to your Hilti representative or
service department.
- Type:
- Generation: 01
- Serial no.:
Description
Use of the product as directed
The Hilti DX 351‑CT is a powder-actuated tool designed for driving nails
into concrete, steel and other materials suitable for DX fastening (see
Fastening Technology Manual). The tool utilizes a captive piston to provide
optimum functional reliability and working safety. The tool features automatic
piston return and cartridge transport powered by gas pressure resulting from
the operation of the tool. Nails of up to 37 mm in length can thus be driven
very quickly and efficiently.
As with all powder-actuated fastening tools, the tool, the fastener guide, the grip, the fasteners and the cartridges form a single “technical unit”. This means that trouble-free fastening with this system can be assured only if fasteners and cartridges specially manufactured for it, or products of equivalent quality, are used. The fastening and application recommendations given by Hilti apply only when these conditions are observed.
The tool is designed for professional use and may be operated, serviced and maintained only by trained, authorized personnel. This personnel must be informed of any special hazards that may be encountered. The tool and its ancillary equipment may present hazards when used incorrectly by untrained personnel or when used not as directed. To avoid the risk of injury use only genuine Hilti fasteners, cartridges, accessories and spare parts or those of equivalent quality. Modification of the tool is not permissible.
Through-shot and ricochet safety device
As a result of the piston principle, the DX 351-CT is classified as a low-
velocity tool. Most excess driving energy is dissipated inside the tool.
Drop-firing safety device
The drop-firing safety device is the result of coupling the firing mechanism
with the cocking movement. This helps prevent the tool firing when dropped
onto a hard surface, no matter at which angle the impact occurs.
Trigger safety device
The trigger safety device prevents the tool firing when only the trigger is
pulled. The tool can be fired only when it is pushed fully against the working
surface, pointing upwards, and the grip pressed.
Contact pressure safety device
The contact pressure safety device prevents the tool firing unless it is
firmly pressed against a surface. The tool can be fired only when pressed
fully against a surface with a force of at least 140 N.
Gravitation safety device
The gravitation safety device prevents the tool firing when in a horizontal
position or when pointing toward the floor. The tool can be fired only when it
is pointing upwards.
Consumables
NOTE
Not all of the products listed in the following tables are available in all
countries. Please contact Hilti in your country for further information or
check the Hilti catalog for details of the products available.
Technical data
Right of technical changes reserved.
DX 351‑CT tool
Before use
NOTE
Read the operating instructions before the tool is operated for the first
time.
Check the tool
Check that no cartridge strip is loaded in the tool. If a cartridge strip is
present in the tool, remove the strip by pulling it out.
Check all external parts of the tool for damage and check that all controls operate faultlessly. Do not operate the tool when parts are damaged or when the controls do not function correctly. If necessary, have the tool repaired at an authorized Hilti service center. Check the piston and piston brake for wear and ensure that the parts have been fitted correctly.
Operation
CAUTION
Never push back the fastener guide with the palm of the hand, with any other
part of the body or with the nail as this presents a risk of injury.
WARNING
Driving a fastener may cause flying fragments. The user of the tool and
bystanders must wear protective glasses and a hard hat. Flying fragments
present a risk of injury to the eyes and body.
CAUTION
The fastener driving action is initiated by ignition of a propellant charge.
The user of the tool and other persons in the immediate vicinity must wear ear
protectors. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
WARNING
Never make the tool ready to fire by pressing it against a part of the body
(e.g. the hand). This could cause a nail or the piston to be driven into a
part of the body. Never press the tool against a part of the body.
Fitting the grip to the tool 2
CAUTION
Unless national or local regulations specify a shorter length, a maximum of 3
extensions (3 ft and/or 1 ft extensions) may be fitted between the grip and
the tool in order to reach high ceilings. The maximum permitted length of all
extensions (not including the grip) is 9 ft (3 m). CAUTION
Check that the grip and extension are fitted correctly. Push the grip onto the
tool from the rear.
Operation 3 4
CAUTION
Keep your hands on the black gripping section and avoid electric cables (risk
of electric shock). Regularly check to ensure the gripping section and
extension are in good condition.
-
Insert the fastener.
-
Push the cartridge strip, narrow end first, into the grip of the tool from below until the full length of the cartridge strip is inside the grip.
NOTE If the cartridge strip is already partly used, pull it through by hand until an unused cartridge is in position in the cartridge chamber. -
Adjust the driving power by turning the regulating wheel (1 = minimum power, 2 = medium power, 3 = maximum power). Start with minimum power. Increase the power if the fastener does not penetrate deep enough.
-
Position the tool perpendicular to the ceiling.
-
Fire the tool and drive the fastener by pushing the grip toward the ceiling.
Changing the equipment 5
- Pull the cartridge strip out of the tool at the cartridge strip exit aperture.
- Push the fastener guide firmly against the piston guide and then screw it on in a clockwise direction until it engages.
Application guidelines
NOTE
For detailed information, please ask your local Hilti representative for a
copy of the applicable technical guidelines or national technical regulations.
Procedure if a cartridge fails to fire
If a cartridge fails to fire or misfires, always proceed as follows:
Keep the nose of the tool pressed at right angles against the working surface
for 30 seconds. If the cartridge still fails to fire, withdraw the tool from
the working surface, taking care to avoid pointing it toward your body or
toward bystanders.
Pull the cartridge strip through to the next cartridge by hand. Use up the remaining cartridges on the strip and remove the used cartridge strip from the tool. The (partly) used cartridge strip must then be disposed of appropriately to prevent the further use or misuse of any unfired cartridges.
Instructions for use of the X‑CW 6
Recommended fastener guides: X‑351‑F8CT Use of the X‑CW fastener with another
DX351 fastener guides may result in poorer fastening quality (higher rate of
failure). Insert the X‑CW fastener in the fastener guide.
Check to ensure that the fastener is inserted correctly. Any fasteners which fail to hold or are incorrectly driven must be replaced.
- Base material: Concrete
- Fasteners: X‑CW C27; X‑CW C32; X‑CW U22; X‑CW U27
- Fastening quality: The head of the nail must press the sleeve against the working surface.
- Nail stand-off: 5 ‑ 7 mm (0.2″ ‑ 0.27″).
Instructions for use of the X‑CC 7
- Recommended fastener guides: X‑FG8S351; X‑FG8ME‑351
Insert the X‑CC fastener in the fastener guide.
Check to ensure that the fastener is inserted correctly. Any fasteners which
fail to hold or are incorrectly driven must be replaced.
- Base material: Concrete
- Fasteners : X‑CC C27; X‑CC27 C32; X‑CC27 U22; X‑CC27 U27
- Fastening quality : The head of the nail must press the clip against the working surface.
- Nail stand-off: 5 ‑ 7 mm (0.2″ ‑ 0.27″)
Changing the piston and piston brake 8 9
WARNING
All cartridges must be removed from the tool. Ensure that there is no fastener
in the fastener guide.
CAUTION
After the tool has been in use, the parts to be handled may be very hot. It is
essential that gloves are worn if the following maintenance operations have to
be carried out before the tool has been allowed to cool down.
NOTE
Firing the tool repeatedly without driving a fastener stresses the piston and
piston brake and causes these parts to wear. If the piston shows signs of
chipping and / or the synthetic rubber part of the piston brake is badly worn,
then these parts have reached the end of their life.
-
Pull the cartridge strip out of the tool at the cartridge strip exit aperture.
-
Unscrew the fastener guide.
-
Rotate the black housing one complete revolution (360°) in a counterclockwise direction.
This releases the piston stop. -
Remove the piston from the piston guide and the piston brake from the fastener guide.
NOTE If the piston is stuck inside the piston guide, the complete piston guide must be removed (see section “Cleaning”). -
Push the piston out by pushing through the cartridge chamber.
NOTE Donotregrindthepiston.Thetoolwillbe damaged if the piston is shortened.
Cleaning 10 11
WARNING
Dirt and residues in DX tools contain substances that may be hazardous to your
health. Do not inhale dust /or dirt from cleaning. Keep the dust or dirt away
from foodstuffs. Wash your hands after cleaning the tool. Never use grease for
the maintenance/lubrication of parts of the tool. This may lead to
malfunctions. Use only Hilti lubricant spray or a product of equivalent
quality.
- Pull the cartridge strip out of the tool at the cartridge strip exit aperture.
- Unscrew the black housing completely in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Push the piston guide back with the palm of the hand to release the piston stop.
- Remove the black housing from the piston guide.
- Remove the complete assembly.
- Clean the piston and fastener guide.
- Clean the cartridge transport system.
- Clean the inside and outside of the piston guide (rear of the piston guide and spring area) and lubricate the outside of these parts with Hilti lubricant spray.
- Clean the cartridge chamber and the power regulation bore on the end surface of the piston guide.
- Clean the inside of the housing and spray it lightly with Hilti lubricant spray.
Care and maintenance
CAUTION
When this type of tool is used under normal operating conditions, dirt and
residues build up inside the tool and functionally relevant parts are also
subject to wear. Regular inspections and maintenance are thus essential in
order to ensure reliable operation. We recommend that the piston and piston
brake are checked and inspected at least weekly when the tool is subjected to
intensive use, but at the latest after 3,000 fasteners have been driven.
WARNING
The tool must be unloaded before carrying out care and maintenance.
CAUTION
The tool may get hot during use. You could burn your hands. Wear protective
gloves when carrying out care and maintenance. Allow the tool to cool down.
Care of the tool
Clean the outside of the tool at regular intervals with a slightly damp
cloth.
NOTE
Do not use a spray or steam/water jet system for cleaning. Never operate the
tool when the ventilation slots are blocked. Do not permit foreign objects to
enter the interior of the tool.
Maintenance
Check all external parts of the tool for damage at regular intervals and check
that all controls operate faultlessly. Do not operate the tool if parts are
damaged or when the controls do not function faultlessly. If necessary, the
tool should be repaired by Hilti Service.
Checking the tool aftercare and maintenance
After carrying out care and maintenance and before loading the cartridges,
check that all safety devices have been fitted and that they function
faultlessly.
Troubleshooting
WARNING
The tool must be unloaded (cartridges and fasteners removed from the tool)
before carrying out cleaning or maintenance.
Disposal
Most of the materials from which Hilti tools or appliances are manufactured can be recycled. The materials must be correctly separated before they can be recycled. In many countries, Hilti has already made arrangements for taking back old tools and appliances for recycling. Ask Hilti customer service or your Hilti representative for further information.
Manufacturer’s warranty – tools
Please contact your local Hilti representative if you have questions about
the warranty conditions.
EC declaration of conformity (original)
We declare, on our sole responsibility, that this product complies with the following directives and standards: 2006/42/EC, 2011/65/EU.
Hilti Corporation, Feldkircherstrasse 100, FL‑9494 Schaan
Norbert Wohlwend
Head of Quality & Processes Management
- BU Direct Fastening
- 04/2013
Technical documentation filed at:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Zulassung Elektrowerkzeuge Hiltistrasse
6 86916 Kaufering Deutschland.
Tassilo Deinzer
- Head of BU Direct Fastening
- BU Direct Fastening 04/2013
Confirmation of CIP testing
The Hilti DX 351 CT has been system and type tested. As a result, the tool
bears the rectangular PTB approval mark showing approval number S 817. Hilti
thus guarantees compliance with the approved type. Unacceptable defects or
deficiencies, etc. determined during use of the tool must be reported to the
person responsible at the ap-proval authority (PTB) and to the Office of the
Permanent International Commission (C.I.P.).
Health and safety of the operator
Noise information
Powder-actuated fastening tool
Declared measured values of noise characteristics according to 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive in conjunction with DIN EN 15895
Operation and set-up conditions:
Set-up and operation of the pin driver in accordance with E DIN EN 15895-1 in
the semi-anechoic test room of Müller-BBM GmbH. The ambient conditions in the
test room conform to DIN EN ISO 3745.
Testing procedure:
The enveloping surface method in the anechoic room on the reflective surface
area in accordance with E DIN EN 15895, DIN EN ISO 3745 and DIN EN ISO 11201.
NOTE
The noise emissions measured and the associated measurement uncertainty
represents the upper limit for the noise values to be expected during the
measurements. Variations in operating conditions may cause deviations from
these emission values.
Vibration
Total vibration in accordance with 2006/42/EC does not exceed 2.5 m/s².
Further information about user health and safety can be found at
www.hilti.com/hse.
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