Use and Care Manual

7 - English
OPERATION
NOTE: Maintenance information begins on page 8 after French and Spanish language sections.
Illustrations start on page 9.
This product has a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, as well as a Three-year Limited Warranty. For
Warranty and Policy details, please go to www.RIDGID.com or call (toll free) 1-866-539-1710.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING:
This product and some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
may contain chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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 exposure to these chemicals varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure, work in a well-ventilated area and with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are
specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
 Secure the workpiece in a vise or with clamps to keep it
from turning as the bit rotates.
 Hold the drill firmly and place the bit at the point to be
drilled, or where the screw is to be driven.
WARNING:
Do not drive a screw where there is likely to be
hidden wiring behind the surface. Contact with a
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool
“live” and possibly shock the operator. If you must
drive a screw where hidden wire may be present,
always hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces
(handle) when performing the operation to prevent
a shock to the operator.
 Depress the switch trigger to start the drill.
 Move the bit into the workpiece, applying only enough
pressure to keep the bit cutting or driving the screw. Do
not force the drill or apply side pressure to elongate a
hole. Let the tool do the work.
WARNING:
When drilling, be prepared for binding at bit
breakthrough. When these situations occur, drill
has a tendency to grab and kick opposite to the
direction of rotation and could cause loss of control
when breaking through material. If not prepared, this
loss of control can result in possible serious injury.
 With hard, smooth surfaces, use a center punch to mark
the desired hole location. This will prevent the bit from
slipping off-center as the hole is started.
 If the bit jams in the workpiece or if the drill stalls, stop
the tool immediately. Remove the bit from the workpiece
and determine the reason for jamming.
NOTE: This drill has an electric brake. When the switch
trigger is released, the chuck stops turning. When the brake
is functioning properly, sparks will be visible through the
vent slots on the housing. This is normal and is the action
of the brake.
WOOD AND METAL DRILLING
For maximum performance, use high speed steel bits for
wood or metal drilling. Begin drilling at a very low speed to
prevent the bit from slipping off the starting point.
Wood drilling
 Increase the speed as the drill bit bites into the material.
 When drilling through holes, place a block of wood behind
the workpiece to prevent ragged or splintered edges on
the back side of the hole.
Metal and Steel drilling
 Use a light oil on the drill bit to keep it from overheating.
The oil will prolong the life of the bit and increase the
drilling action.
 Maintain a speed and pressure which allows cutting
without overheating the bit. Applying too much pressure
will:
• Overheat the drill;
• Wear the bearings;
• Bend or burn bits; and
• Produce off-center or irregular-shaped holes.
 When drilling large holes in metal, start with a small bit,
then finish with a larger bit.