Chicago Electric VARIABLE SPEED 18 VOLT CORD- LESS DRILL/HAMMER DRILL... User manual

VARIABLE SPEED 18 VOLT CORD-
LESS DRILL/HAMMER DRILL
Model 65949
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
®
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our Web site at: http://www.harborfreight.com
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY, READ
AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.
Copyright©2007 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.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
REV 11h

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source 18 VDC; 1.7 Ah, NiCd
Battery
Charge Time 5 hours (Initial)
3-5 hours (Recharging)
Charger Input 120 VAC / 60 Hz / 1.8 A
Chuck Type 1/2” Single Sleeve Keyless
Torque Settings 16
Variable Speed 0-300 & 0-1200 RPM
Maximum Torque 20-1/2 ft./lb.
Reversible Yes
Trigger Lock Yes
Weight 5.5 Pounds
Save This Manual
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, oper-
ating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result
in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Work Area
Keep your work area clean and well lit.1. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the pres-2.
ence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may
ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders and children away while operating a power tool.3. Distractions
can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from debris such as
chips and sparks. Provide barriers or shields as needed.

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 3
Electrical Safety
Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded1.
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong
or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a quali-
fied electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If
the tools should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low
resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is2.
wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord
and grounded power supply system.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges,3.
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is
grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.4. Water entering a power
tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the Charger’s power cord.5. Never use the Power Cord to carry the
Charger or pull the Plug from an outlet. Keep the Power Cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged Power Cords immediately. Dam-
aged Power Cords increase the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
Stay alert.1. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating
a power tool. Do not use a power tool while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly.2. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep
your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoid accidental starting.3. Be sure the Rotation Button (9) is in the locked position
before inserting the Battery. Carrying power tools with your finger on the trigger, or
inserting the Battery with the trigger depressed, invites accidents.
Do not overreach.4. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing
and balance enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 4
Use safety equipment.5. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, nonskid safety
shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Always wear ANSI-approved safety goggles when working with this tool.
Tool Use and Care
Use clamps (not included) or other practical ways to secure and support the1.
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the workpiece by hand or against your
body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Do not force the tool.2. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool
will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use the power tool if the trigger does not operate it.3. Any tool that cannot
be controlled with the trigger is dangerous and must be replaced.
Remove the battery from the tool and set the Rotation Button (9) to the cen-4.
ter, locked position, before making any adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing the tool. These preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting
the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons.5. Tools
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care.6. Keep drill bits (not included) sharp and clean. Properly
maintained accessories with a sharp cutting edge are less likely to bind and are
easier to control. Do not use a damaged tool or accessory. Tag damaged tools
“Do not use” until repaired.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any7.
other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your8.
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.
Service
Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel.1. Service or
maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instruc-2.
tions in this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance
instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury.

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Maintain a safe working environment.1. Keep the work area well lit. Make sure
there is adequate surrounding workspace. Always keep the work area free of
obstructions, grease, oil, trash, and other debris. Do not use the Cordless Drill in
areas near flammable chemicals, dusts, and vapors. Do not use this product in a
damp or wet location.
Maintain labels and nameplates on the Cordless Drill.2. These carry important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a replace-
ment.
When using the Cordless Drill, always maintain a firm grip on the tool with3.
both hands.
Hold the tool by its insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation4.
where the Cordless Drill may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire
will make exposed metal parts of the Cordless Drill “live” and shock the operator.
Do not use the Cordless Drill or Charger (29) if it has been dropped, damaged,5.
left outdoors, or immersed in liquid.
To avoid electric shock, do not pull or carry the Charger by its Power Cord or6.
pull the Power Cord around sharp corners or edges. Do not unplug the Charger
by pulling on the Power Cord. Keep the Power Cord away from heated surfaces.
To avoid electrical shock, do not handle the Charger, the Adapter (30), or the7.
Cordless Drill with wet hands.
Keep the Handles of the Cordless Drill dry, clean, and free from oil or8.
grease.
Avoid unintentional starting.9. Make sure you are prepared to begin work before
turning on the Cordless Drill.
Never leave the Charger unattended when it is plugged into an electrical outlet.10.
Unplug the Charger from its electrical outlet before leaving.
PROPER BATTERY PACK CARE: Battery Pack (28) leakage may occur under11.
extreme usage or temperature conditions. If Battery Pack fluid comes in contact
with skin, rinse with lemon juice and vinegar, then wash with soap and water. If
the fluid comes into contact with the eyes, flush with water for several minutes and
contact a doctor immediately. Never burn the Battery Pack, as it can explode in a
fire. Do not charge the Cordless Drill with a leaking Battery Pack. Contact local
solid waste authorities for instructions on correct disposal or recycling of the Bat-
tery Pack.
12. WARNING! Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contain chemicals known (to the State of California) to

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 6
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 dust masks that are specially
designed to filter out microscopic particles. (California Health & Safety Code §
25249.5, et seq.)
13. WARNING! People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before
using this product. Operation of electrical equipment in close proximity to a heart
pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker.
GROUNDING
WARNING!
Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is
properly grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the
power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facil-
ity before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by
a qualified electrician.
GROUNDED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH THREE PRONG PLUGS
Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong1.
grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet. If
the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low
resistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric
shock. (See Figure A.)
The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the2.
cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the
only wire connected to the tool’s grounding system and must never be attached to
an electrically “live” terminal. (See Figure A.)

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 7
Your tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly installed and grounded3.
in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like
those in the following illustration. (See Figure A.)
FIGURE A FIGURE B.
DOUBLE INSULATED TOOLS: TOOLS WITH TWO PRONG PLUGS
Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not require grounding. They have a special1.
double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with
the applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard
Association, and the National Electrical Code. (See Figure B.)
Double insulated tools may be used in either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the2.
preceding illustration. (See Figure B.)
EXTENSION CORDS
Grounded1. tools require a three wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can
use either a two or three wire extension cord.
As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge2.
extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a seri-
ous drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage.
(See Figure C, next page.)
The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For3.
example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord.
(See Figure C.)
When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, make sure4.
each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. (See Figure C.)
If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate5. am-
peres and use the sum to determine the required minimum cord size.
(See Figure C.)

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 8
If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make sure it is marked with the suffix6.
“W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.7.
Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified electri-
cian before using it.
Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp or wet8.
areas.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS*
(120 OR 240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD LENGTH
25 Feet 50 Feet 75 Feet 100 Feet 150 Feet
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 -
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - -
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
FIGURE C * Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at 150% of the rated amperes.
SYMBOLOGY
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V~ Volts Alternating Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 9
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure that the product is complete and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number shown
on the cover of this manual as soon as possible.
CHARGING
NOTE: The Battery Pack (28) requires charging before first use. The first charge1.
requires 5 hours charge time prior to initial use of the Cordless Drill.
Note: Always switch to a fresh battery when tool performance begins to diminish.2.
Severe heat is most destructive to a battery; the more heat generated, the faster
the battery loses power. A battery that gets too hot can be permanently damaged.
Never over-discharge a battery by using the tool even after tool performance is
decreasing. Never attempt to discharge a tool’s battery by continuing to pull the
tool trigger. When tool performance begins to diminish, stop the tool, recharge the
battery and use the fresh battery for optimal performance.
When the Battery Pack requires recharging, a3. 3-5 hour charge allows the tool to
operate at full power.
Charging room temperature: 50° F. – 104° F.4.
Depress both buttons at the rear of each side of the Battery Pack and slide unit back5.
to detach from the Drill. Plug Battery Pack into Adapter (30) the same way it plugs
into the Cordless Drill, then slide Adapter onto Charger (29), and plug the Charger
into the nearest 120 volt, grounded, electrical outlet.
While charging, the Battery Pack, Charger, and Adapter may become warm to the6.
touch. This is normal, and does not indicate a problem.
Once the Battery Pack is fully charged, disconnect the Charger from the electrical7.
outlet. Disconnect the Adapter and the Battery Pack from the Charger.

SKU 65949 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. PAGE 10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to
the Assembly Diagram on page 14.
WARNING! Remove the Battery (28) from the tool and set the Rotation Button
(9) to its center, locked position before making any adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing the tool.
To install a drill/screwdriver bit: with the chuck pointing away from you, hold the1.
Chuck Sleeve firmly in place and turn the Chuck (16) counterclockwise. Insert the
shank of the bit all the way into the Chuck. While holding the Chuck Sleeve in place,
turn the Chuck clockwise to lock the bit in place. The Chuck accepts up to 1/2”
diameter bits. Insert the appropriate bit for your application and tighten the Chuck
firmly. (See Figure E., above.)
Secure the workpiece in place, using a vise or clamps (not included).2.
Warning! Never change Torque Setting while drill is still rotating, as this can damage the
drill.
The Torque Setting Ring (15) allows you to select 16 different driving torque settings,3.
depending on the job required.
Torque Settings (1-16):
Accessory Grip (14)
Chuck (16)
Torque Indicator Arrow
Trigger (10)
Battery Pack (28)
Rotation Button (9)
2-Speed Switch (20)
Torque Setting Ring
(15)
Figure E