HomeMy WebLinkAbout309.003 - DeWalt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL
POWER SAWS
309.003 DEWALT CORDLESS / RECIPROCATING SAW
EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 2009
Current Revision Date: 8/8/19 Next Revision Date: 8/8/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Chad Tucker, Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Leslie Oulashian,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide instruction to Fresno Fire Department (FFD
or Department) members on the safe operation and maintenance of the Dewalt
cordless reciprocating saw.
APPLICATION
The Dewalt cordless reciprocating saw is used to cut metals, wood, sheetrock, lath,
and composition roofing. The saw is carried on all truck companies and Rescue 11.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
1. Safety Precautions:
a. Saw:
Always wear eye protection and the appropriate safety
clothing.
Avoid accidental starts. Ensure the switch is locked off
before inserting a battery.
Disconnect the battery and/or place the switch in the locked-
off position before changing the blades.
Use the correct blade for the task. Use clean, sharp blades.
This saw is not intrinsically safe. Do not operate in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Be aware the saw may contact and/or cut hidden wiring.
Contact with energized wiring will energize exposed metal
parts of the saw and possibly shock the operator.
b. Battery and Charger:
Do not allow any liquid to get inside the charger.
Never attempt to open the battery for any reason.
Replace the cutting blades as needed, using only sharp,
clean blades.
Replacement blades may be ordered from supply.
2. Operation:
a. Installation and removal of battery:
i. Ensure the on/off switch is locked off. (See Figure 1.)
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ii. Ensure the battery is charged.
iii. Install the battery into the tool handle by aligning the
notch on the battery with the receptacle notch inside the
tool handle. Press the battery unit into the tool handle
until you hear the lock snap closed.
iv. Remove the battery by pressing the release buttons and
firmly pull the battery from the tool handle. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 1
Figure 2
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b. Charging the Battery:
Do not charge the battery in an air temperature below 45
degrees Fahrenheit or above +105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The charger and battery may become warm to the touch
when charging. This is a normal condition and does not
indicate a problem.
The battery is fully charged when the red light on the
charging unit is on continuously. Full charge on the battery
should not require more than four hours.
It is acceptable to occasionally leave the battery in a
correctly-operating charger for 12 to 24 hours. This allows
the charger to fully equalize the cells in the battery.
A partially-discharged battery can be recharged with no
adverse effects.
The saw should be tested every Sunday and the battery
recharged after the test until the charging unit indicates a full
charge (one to four hours).
3. Operating the Saw:
The saw switch is equipped with a lock-off button. Always
lock the switch to eliminate unintentional starting. The lock-
off button is colored red to indicate when the switch is
unlocked.
The variable-speed trigger switch allows added versatility.
The further the trigger is depressed, the higher the speed of
the saw.
Using a very slow speed is recommended only to start a cut.
Prolonged use at very slow speeds may damage the saw.
4. Installing the Blade:
a. Lock the trigger switch and/or remove the battery. Open
blade clamp release lever.
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b. Insert blade shank from the front (it may be inserted in a
conventional or upside down manner).
c. Close blade clamp release lever.
5. Removing the Blade:
a. Open the blade clamp release lever. (See Figure 3.)
b. Remove blade towards the front.
c. Close blade clamp.
INFORMATION
It has been shown while using a cordless Sawzall, or even a corded Milwaukee
reciprocating saw, the blades rapidly become dull. In addition, if the cutting blades
are too short or of the wrong teeth per inch (TPI), the blade can become difficult to
use or even ineffective while attempting to cut through new metal compounds and
combinations (boron steel) found in the A pillars, B pillars, and other areas of today’s
automobiles. The recommended TPI to be used for these metal compounds is in the
range of 10 to 14 TPI. New metal compounds and combinations are sometimes
better cut using a reciprocating saw with a fresh battery and blade.
Each truck company (both reserve and front line) are to maintain an assortment of
blades consisting of an initial pack of 14 Ice Hardened Sawzall blades in various
sizes ranging from 6 inches to 9 inches, with TPIs of 10, 14, and 18. The current
blade complement of wood and metal blades will continue to be used. The new
blades are to be added to the complement found in the Sawzall or Milwaukee
reciprocating saw cases. Additional blades can be ordered from Supply.
Figure 3
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
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