Chicago Electric 47991 Installation manual

1/2” D-HANDLE VSR DRILL
Model 47991
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2002 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Revised Manual 07d, 09j, 11a

Page 2SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power 120 V~, 60 Hz, 10 A
Chuck Capacity 1/16” - 1/2”
Speed 0 - 800 RPM No Load
Dimensions 8-5/8” W x 15-3/4” L x 6-1/4” H
Power Cord 6’ Long, 18 AWG
Note: Performance of this tool (if powered
by line voltage) may vary depending
on variations in local line voltage.
Extension cord usage may also affect
tool performance.
Save This Manual
You will need the manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, assembly instruc-
tions, operating and maintenance proce-
dures, parts list and diagram. Keep your
invoice with this manual. Write the invoice
number on the inside of the front cover.
Keep the manual and invoice in a safe and
dry place for future reference.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: When using tool, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of personal injury and dam-
age to equipment.
Read all instructions before using this
tool!
1. Keep work area clean. Cluttered
areas invite injuries.
2. Observe work area conditions. Do
not use machines or power tools in
damp or wet locations. Don’t expose
to rain. Keep work area well lighted.
Do not use electrically powered tools
in the presence of ammable gases or
liquids.
3. Keep children away. Children must
never be allowed in the work area. Do
not let them handle machines, tools, or
extension cords.
4. Store idle equipment. When not
in use, tools must be stored in a dry
location to inhibit rust. Always lock up
tools and keep out of reach of children.
5. Use the right tool for the job. Do
not attempt to force a small tool or
attachment to do the work of a larger
industrial tool. There are certain
applications for which this tool was
designed. It will do the job better and
more safely at the rate for which it was
intended. Do not modify this tool and
do not use this tool for a purpose for
which it was not intended.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry as they can be
caught in moving parts. Protective,
electrically non-conductive clothes and
non-skid footwear are recommended
when working. Wear restrictive hair
covering to contain long hair.
7. Use eye and ear protection. Always
wear ANSI approved impact safety
goggles and ear protection. Wear a
full face shield if you are producing
metal lings or wood chips. Wear an
ANSI approved dust mask or respirator
when working around metal, wood, and
chemical dusts and mists.
8. Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times. Do
not reach over or across running
machines.
9. Maintain tools with care. Keep tools
sharp and clean for better and safer
performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
Inspect tool cords periodically and, if
damaged, have them repaired by an
authorized technician. The handles
must be kept clean, dry, and free from
oil and grease at all times.
10. Disconnect power. Unplug tool when
not in use.

Page 3SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
11. Remove adjusting keys and
wrenches. Check that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed
from the tool or machine work surface
before plugging it in.
12. Avoid unintentional starting. Do not
carry any tool with your nger on the
trigger, whether it is plugged in or not.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing,
use common sense. Do not operate
any tool when you are tired.
14. Take caution as some woods
contain preservatives such as
copper chromium arsenate (CCA)
which can be toxic. When drilling
these materials extra care should be
taken to avoid inhalation and minimize
skin contact.
15. 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 or other masonry products
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 are specially
designed to lter out microscopic
particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
16. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic elds in close
proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. In addition, people
with pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Don’t use with power switch locked
on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to
avoid electrical shock.
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
17. Check for damaged parts. Before
using any tool, any part that appears
damaged should be carefully checked
to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment and
binding of moving parts; any broken
parts or mounting xtures; and any
other condition that may affect proper
operation. Any part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced
by a qualied technician. Do not use
the tool if the trigger does not turn On
and Off properly.
18. Guard against electric shock.
Prevent body contact with grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges, and refrigerator enclosures.
19. Replacement parts and accessories.
When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other
parts will void the warranty. Only use
accessories intended for use with
this tool. Approved accessories are
available from Harbor Freight Tools.
20. Do not operate tool if under the
inuence of alcohol or drugs. Read
warning labels on prescriptions to
determine if your judgment or reexes
are impaired while taking drugs. If there
is any doubt, do not operate the tool.

Page 4SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
21. Use proper size and type extension
cord. If an extension cord is required,
it must be of the proper size and type
to supply the correct current to the
tool without heating up. Otherwise,
the extension cord could melt and
catch re, or cause electrical damage
to the tool. This tool requires use of
an extension cord of 0 to 10 amps
capability (up to 50 feet), with wire size
rated at 18 AWG. Longer extension
cords require larger size wire. If you
are using the tool outdoors, use an
extension cord rated for outdoor use
(signied by “WA” on the jacket).
22. Maintenance. For your safety,
maintenance should be performed
regularly by a qualied technician.
23. The warnings, cautions, and
instructions discussed in this
instruction manual cannot cover
all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must
be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied
by the operator.
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure
the parts listed on page 6 are included. If
any parts are missing or broken, please call
Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the
cover of this manual as soon as possible.
OPERATION
Refer to FIGURE 1 below.
Warning! Always unplug the unit when
changing bits.
Warning! After drilling or driving screws,
the bit will be extremely hot. Do not
touch it until it has had ample time to
cool down.
1. Insert the Chuck Key (41) into one of
the holes in the Chuck (3) and turn it
counterclockwise to open the jaws.
2. Insert the bit and hand tighten it, then
tighten it with the Chuck Key (41) by
turning it clockwise.
Torque
Switch
Trigger
Power Cord
Side Handle
Chuck
Lock Button
Carbon Brush
(also found on bottom of tool)
Figure 1

Page 5SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
3. With heavy leather gloves on, tug on
the bit and make sure it is securely
attached. Check that it is straight.
Note: Always use sharp bits. Dull or
damaged bits may cause undue stress
on the drill and possibly break causing
injury. Bits are available at Harbor
Freight Tools.
4. Securely clamp your workpiece.
5. Locate the Side Handle on the desired
side of the tool.
Drilling
6. When drilling wood, place the bit
at the point to be drilled. If you are
drilling a hard, smooth surface, use a
punch to mark the drill location. Set
the Directional Switch forward. Grasp
the handles rmly with both hands
and slowly squeeze the Trigger (34).
Never operate the tool without the side
handle. Never force the tool. Only
apply light pressure when horizontal
drilling. If you need more or less
torque, use the torque adjustment on
the top of the drill.
Note: When drilling plastics or plastic
coated chip board, follow the same
directions as stated in number 5 for
wood.
Note: If a bit becomes wedged into the
workpiece, stop and change the
Directional Switch to the reverse
position. Then slowly squeeze the
Trigger to back the bit out of the work
piece.
7. When drilling metal, always use a
punch to mark the drilling position.
Use a lubricant to prolong the life of
the bit and increase the drilling action
with most metals. With steel, tin, and
sheet metal use a light machine oil,
with aluminum, use parafn. Do not
use lubricants with brass, copper, and
cast iron. Grasp the handles rmly with
both hands and slowly squeeze the
Trigger (34). Never operate the tool
without the side handle. Never force
the tool. Only apply light pressure
when horizontal drilling.
8. When driving screws, use bits suitable
for the type and size of screw you are
using. Drill a pilot hole for the screw
head to bite into. Use the lowest
torque setting. Grasp the handles
rmly with both hands and slowly
squeeze the Trigger (34). Never force
the tool. To back out a screw, stop and
change the Directional Switch to the
back position.
MAINTENANCE
1. Unplug the drill while performing
maintenance.
2. Periodically check the mounting screws
and tighten if necessary.
3. Clean the unit with a damp cloth.
Never use solvents to clean the unit.
4. Inspect the chuck and remove any dirt
or debris.
5. Inspect the Carbon Brushes (29). See
Figure 1 on page 4.
• Remove the Carbon Brush Cap
(30) on top of the drill.
• Take the Carbon Brush (29) out of
the Brush Holder (28). If it is dirty,
use a pencil eraser to clean it. If it
is worn, replace it and replace the
Carbon Brush Cap (30). If you
replace one Carbon Brush, you
must replace them both. Repeat
the process with the Carbon Brush
Cap (30) on the bottom of the drill.
REV 07d

Page 6SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST
Part Description Q’ty
1 Screw 1
2 Washer 1
3 Chuck 1
4 Fender Ring 1
5 Felt Cover 1
6 Felt 1
7 1/2 Circle Key 1
8 Spindle 1
9 Screw 4
10 Bearing 1
11 Head Shell 1
12 Gear 1
13 Needle Bearing 1
14 Needle Bearing 1
15 1/2 Circle Key 1
16 Middle Gear 1
17 Gear 1
18 Needle Bearing 1
19 Middle Cover 1
20 Bearing 1
21 Armature 1
Part Description Q’ty
22 Windshield 1
23 Bolt 2
24 Stator 1
25 Bearing 1
26 Bearing Sleeve 1
27 Motor Housing 1
28 Brush Holder 2
29 Carbon Brush 2
30 Carbon Brush Cap 2
31 Right Handle 1
32 Screw 6
33 Governor 1
34 Trigger 1
35 Cable Clamp 1
36 Screw 2
37 Cable Sheath 1
38 Power Cord 1
39 Left Handle 1
40 Screw 8
41 Chuck Key 1
Note: Chuck Key (41) not shown in Assembly Drawing.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL
AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO
MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS
OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT
ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED
TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF
HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING
OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available
individually as replacement parts.

Page 7SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 29 30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
ASSEMBLY DRAWING

Page 8SKU 47991 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product
is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date
of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse,
abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity,
improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event
be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special
or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint
must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either repair
or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we
cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products
at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from
causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the
product.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]