Craftsman 973.113120 User manual

Owner's Manual
5-1/2 in., 18 VOLTS
CORDLESS TRIM SAW
Model No.
973.113120
Save this manual for
future reference
_, CAUTION: Read and
follow all Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions before
first use of this product.
Customer Help Line: 1-800-932-3188
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
Visit the Craftsman web page: www.sears.com/craftsman
972000-799
11-00
•Safety
•Features
•Operation
•Maintenance
• Parts List
®

• Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 2
• Warranty and Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 2
• Rules For Safe Operation ........................................................................................................................... 3-6
A. Important Safety Rules For Battery Tools .............................................................................................. 4
B. Important Safety Instructions For Charger ............................................................................................. 4
C. Important Safety Instructions For Trim Saws ......................................................................................... 5
• Product Specifications and Unpacking .......................................................................................................... 6
• Accessories .................................................................................................................................................... 6
• Features ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
• Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 9-17
• Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................. 18
• Battery Pack Removal and Preparation For Recycling ................................................................................ 18
• Exploded View and Repair Parts List ...................................................................................................... 20-21
• Parts Ordering /Service ............................................................................................................................... 22
,4_ Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means attention!H Your
safety is involved.
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON rRRFTSMRN CORDLESS TRIM SAW
If this I:RAFTSHAH Cordless Trim Saw fails to give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of pur-
chase, RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SEARS SERVICE CENTER IN THE UNITED
STATES, and Sears will repair it, free of charge.
If this I:RAFTSHAH Cordless Trim Saw is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only
90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Your trim saw has many features for making cutting
operations more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety,
performance and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this trim saw making it easy to
maintain and operate.
_L CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire
owner's manual before using your new trim saw.
Pay close attention to the Rules For Safe
Operation, Warnings and Cautions. If you use
your trim saw properly and only for what it is
intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable
service.
_1= WARNING:
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We
recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses
with side shields, available at Sears Retail Stores.
2

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and
the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do
not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
ASAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:
Indicates caution or warning. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
ADANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
AWARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
ACAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injuryto
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
and personal injury.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
_WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this tool •
until you have read thoroughly and understand
completely all instructions, safety rules, etc. •
contained in this manual. Failure to comply can
result in accidents involving fire, electric shock,
or serious personal injury. Save owner's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe
operation, and instructing others who may use
this tool. •
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owner's
manual carefully. Learn its applications and
limitations as well as the specific potential
hazards related to this tool.
GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK by
preventing body contact with grounded surfaces.
For example: Pipes, radiators, ranges, refrigera-
tor enclosures.
•KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas
and benches invite accidents.
•AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't
use power tool in damp or wet locations or
expose to rain. Keep work area well lit.
• KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All
visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept a
safe distance from work area. Do not let visitors
contact tool or extension cord.
•STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use tools
should be stored in a dry and high or locked-up
place - out of the reach of children. 3
DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or
attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.
Don't use tool for purpose not intended - for
example - A circular saw should never be used
for cutting tree limbs or logs.
WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in tool's
moving parts and cause personal injury. Rubber
gloves and nonskid footwear are recommended
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair and keep it from
being drawn into nearby air vents.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses;
they are NOT safety glasses.
PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face mask or
dust mask if operation is dusty.
PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing
protection during extended periods of operation.
SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold
work. It's safer than using your hand and it frees
both hands to operate tool.
DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Do not use while standing
on a ladder or unstable support.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools
sharp at all times, and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories.
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND
WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see that
keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from
tool before turning it on.
NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO-
SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could
ignite flammable liquids, gases, or fumes.
KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE
FROM OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean
cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products or any
strong solvents to clean your tool.
STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and
use common sense. Do not operate tool when
you are tired. Do not rush.
CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use
of the tool, a guard or ether part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it
will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may
affect its operation. A guard or other part that is •
damaged should be properly repaired or
replaced by an authorized service center unless
indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual.
•DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have defective switches
replaced by an authorized service center.
•DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do net
operate tool while under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication.
making adjustments to it, or when changing
accessories.
USE ONLY THE CHARGER PROVIDED WITH
YOUR BATTERY TOOL. Do not substitute any
other charger. Use of another charger could
cause batteries to explode causing possible
serious injury.
DO NOT PLACE BATTERY TOOLS OR THEIR
BATTERIES NEAR FIRE OR HEAT. They may
explode.
DO NOT CHARGE BATTERY TOOL IN A
DAMP OR WET LOCATION.
Your battery tool should be charged in a location
where the temperature is more than 50°F but
less than 100°F.
Under extreme usage or temperature conditions,
battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in
contact with your skin, wash immediately with
soap and water, then neutralize with lemon juice
or vinegar. If liquid gets in your eyes, flush them
with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then
seek immediate medical attention.
If carrying your battery tool at your side, make
sure it is not running and your finger is not on the
switch. Avoid accidental starting.
SECURE WORK before applying power. NEVER
hold werkpiece in your hand or across your legs.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL
CRAFTSMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
CHARGER
CUTTING INTO ELECTRICAL WIRING IN
WALLS AND FLOORS CAN CAUSE THE •
BLADE AND METAL PARTS TO BECOME
ELECTRICALLY LIVE. Do not touch metal parts
when cutting into walls and floors; grasp only the
insulated handle(s) provided on the tool. Make
sure hidden electrical wiring, water pipes, and 4Hk
mechanical hazards are not in the blade path
when cutting into a wall or floor.
•INSPECT FOR and remove all nails from lumber
before cutting.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES FOR BATTERY
TOOLS
Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in an
operating condition. Be aware of possible
hazards when carrying your battery tool, when
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual
contains important safety and operating
instructions for battery charger item number
9-11059 (981831-002).
Before using battery charger, read all instructions
and cautionary markings in this manual, on
battery charger, and product using battery
charger.
WARNING: To reduce risk of injury, charge
only nickel-cadmium type rechargeable batteries.
Other types of batteries may burst causing
personal injury and damage.
Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
Use of an attachment not recommended or sold
by the battery charger manufacturer may result
in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to
persons.
• To reduce risk of damage to charger body and
cord, pull by charger plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.
4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)
•Make sure cord is located so that itwill not be •
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected
to damage or stress.
• An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of improper
extension cord could result in a risk of fire and
electric shock, if extension cord must be used,
make sure:
a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the ,_
same number, size and shape as those of •
plug on charger.
b. That extension cord is properly wired and in
good electrical condition; and
c. That wire size is large enough for AC
ampere rating of charger as specified
below:
Cord Length (Feet) 25' 50' 100'
Cord Size (AWG) 16 16 16
Note: AWG = American Wire Gage •
•DO NOT OPERATE CHARGER WITH A
DAMAGED CORD OR PLUG. If damaged,
have replaced immediately by a qualified
serviceman.
• Do not operate charger if it has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise •
damaged in any way; take it to a qualified
serviceman.
• Do not disassemble charger; take it to a
qualified serviceman when service or repair is
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a
risk of electric shock or fire. •
• To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger
from outlet before attempting any maintenance
or cleaning. Turning off controls will net reduce •
this risk.
• Do not use charger outdoors.
• Disconnect charger from power supply when
not in use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
TRIM SAWS
KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING
ORDER. Never wedge or tie lower blade guard
open. Check operation of lower blade guard
before each use. Do not use if lower blade guard
does not close briskly over saw blade.
_, WARNING: If saw is dropped, lower blade
guard or bumper may be bent, restricting full
return. If lower blade guard or bumper becomes
bent or damaged, replace them before reuse.
KEEP BLADES CLEAN AND SHARP. Sharp
blades minimize stalling and kickback,
KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.
Keep hands away from blade. Do not reach
underneath work while blade is rotating. Do not
attempt to remove cut material when blade is
moving.
WARNING: Blades coast after turn off.
USE RIP FENCE. Always use a fence or straight
edge guide when ripping.
SUPPORT LARGE PANELS. To minimize the
risk of blade pinching and kickback, always
support large panels as shown in Figure 11,
Page 12. When cutting operation requires the
resting of the saw on the workpiece, the saw
should be rested on the larger portion and the
smaller piece cut off.
LOWER BLADE GUARD.
WARNING: If lower blade guard must be raised
to make a cut, always raise it with the retracting
handle to avoid serious injury. See Figure 24,
Page 17.
GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK, Kickback occurs
when the saw stalls rapidly and is driven back
towards the operator. Release switch
immediately if blade binds or saw stalls. Don't
remove saw from work during a cut while the
blade is moving. See Pages 12 and 13.
BEFORE MAKING A CUT, BE SURE THE
DEPTH AND BEVEL ADJUSTMENTS ARE
TIGHT.
USE ONLY CORRECT BLADES. Do not use
blades with incorrect size holes. Never use blade
washers or bolts that are defective or incorrect.
The maximum blade capacity of your saw is 5-1/2
inches.
NEVER touch the blade or other moving parts
during use.
NEVER start a saw when its blade is touching
the workpiece.
NEVER lay atool down before its moving parts
have come to a complete stop.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them
frequently and use them to instruct others who
may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool,
loan them these instructions also.

,_ WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known 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 and other masonry products, and
• 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 filter out microscopic particles.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Blade Diameter
Blade Arbor
Cutting Depth at 0° Bevel Cut
Cutting Depth at 45 ° Revel Cut
5-1/2 in. (140 mm)
3/8 in. (10 mm)
1-9/16 in. (40 mm)
1-1/8 in. (29 mm)
No Load Speed
Motor
Charge Rate
Charger Rating
4,000 RPM
18 Volts DC
1 Hour
120 volts, 60 Hz, AC
Your trim saw has been shipped completely
assembled except for the blade. Inspect it carefully to
make sure no breakage or damage has occurred
during shipping. If any parts are damaged or missing,
contact your nearest Sears Retail Store to obtain
replacement parts before attempting to operate saw. A
blade, blade wrench, rig guide and this owner's
manual are also included.
,_, WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not
operate this tool until the missing parts are
replaced. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.
The following recommended accessories are currently available at Sears Retail Stores.
•5-1/2 in. Thin Kerr Blade
_WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories not listed might be hazardous.
6

BATTERYPACK CHARGER
See Figure 2.
Your charger has a "key hole" hanging feature for
convenient, space saving storage. Screws should be
installed so that center distances are 1-7/16 inches
apart.
YELLOWANDGREENLIGHTS
INDICATESOFTSTARTMODE
GREENLIGHT"ON"
INDICATESSLOWCHARGING
MODEORFULLYCHARGED
REDLIGHT"ON"
INDICATESFAST
CHARGINGMODE 7/16 in.
BACKSIDEOFCHARGER Fig. 2
CHARGER Fig. 1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RECHARGING HOT BATTERIES
When using your trim saw continuously, the batteries in your battery pack will become hot. You should let a hot
battery pack cool down for approximately 30 minutes before attempting to recharge. When the battery pack
becomes discharged and is hot, this will cause the yellow and green lights on your battery charger to come on
instead of the red light. The yellow and green lights indicate soft start mode and will switch to green only, indicat-
ing slow charge mode. The red light indicates fast charge mode, 1 hour charge time. The green light indicates
slow charge mode, requiring overnight charging for batteries to reach full charge. If the green light comes on
after letting battery pack cool down, remove it from charger for additional cooling. Once the battery pack cools
down, you can recharge battery pack in fast charge mode as normal. Do not leave a hot battery pack in charger
until it cools down. The green light will not go off when battery pack cools. If fast charge mode is desired, you
must physically remove a hot battery pack from the charger, tet it cool, then place it back in charger after it has
cooled down.
Note: This situation only occurs when continuous use of your saw causes the batteries to become hot. It does
not occur under normal circumstances. Refer to "CHARGING BATTERY PACK" for normal recharging of
batteries. If the charger does net charge your battery pack under normal circumstances, return both the battery
pack and charger to your nearest Sears repair center for electrical check.

KNOWYOURTRIMSAW
See Figure 3.
Before attempting to use any tool familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety requirements.
Features include easily operated bevel cut and depth
of cut adjustment mechanisms; positive 0° bevel stop;
spindle lock; and blade wrench storage.
_, WARNING: If any parts are missing, do not
operate tool until the missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious
personal injury.
SWITCH
See Figure 3.
Your saw is equipped with a lock-off button which
reduces the possibility of accidental starting. The lock-
off button is located on the handle above the switch
trigger. You must depress the lock-off button in order
to pull the switch trigger. The lock resets each time
the trigger is released. Note: You can depress the
lock-off button from either the left or right side.
APPLICATIONS
(Use only for the purpose listed below)
• Cutting all types of wood products (lumber,
plywood, paneling).
RIP
GUIDESCREW
(WINGSCREW)
SPINDLE
LOCKBUTTON
LOCK-OFF
BUTFON
BLADEWRENCH
(5 mmHEXKEY)
BLADEWRENCH
STORAGEAREA DEPTHOF
CUTADJUSTMENT
(DEPTHADJUSTMENTKNOB)
RIP
GUIDESCREW
(WINGSCREW)
SWITCH
TRIGGER
UPPER
BLADEGUARD
BEVELCUT
ADJUSTMENT
(BEVELADJUSTMENTKNOB) BLADE
LOWER
BLADEGUARD
BASE
ASSEMBLY
RIPGUIDE
Fig. 3
8

_k WARNING:Alwayswearsafetygogglesor
safetyglasseswithsideshieldswhenoperating
tools.Failuretodosocouldresultinobjects
beingthrownintoyoureyes,resultinginpossible
seriousinjury.
,_k WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with your
trim saw to make you careless. Remember that a
careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict
severe injury.
CHARGING BATTERY PACK
The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a
low charge condition to prevent possible problems.
Therefore, you should charge it until light on front of
charger changes from red to green.
Note: Batteries will not reach full charge the first time
they are charged. Allow several cycles (cutting
followed by recharging) for them to become fully
charged.
TO CHARGE
• Charge battery pack only with the charger
provided.
•Make sure power supply is normal household
voltage, 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC only.
• Connect charger to power supply.
• Place battery pack in charger aligning raised rib in
charger with groove in battery pack.
• Press down on battery pack to be sure contacts on
battery pack engage properly with charger
contacts.
Normally, the yellow and green lights on charger
will come on. This indicates charger is in soft start
mode and should switch to fast charge mode within
5 minutes. When charger is in fast charge mode
the red light will come on. If after a period of 15
minutes the yellow and green lights remain on,
remove battery pack, wait 1 minute and reinsert
battery pack in charger. If the yellow and green
lights continue to remain on after an additional 15
minutes, the battery pack is damaged and will not
accept a charge. Return battery pack to your
nearest Sears Repair Center for checking or
replacing.
• When your battery pack becomes fully charged,
the red light will turn OFF and the green light will
turn ON.
After normal usage, 1 hour of charging time is
required to be fully charged. A minimum charge
time of 1-1/2 hours is required to recharge a
completely discharged tool.
• The battery pack will become slightly warm to the
touch while charging. This is normal and does not
indicate a problem.
•Do not place charger in an area of extreme heat or
cold. It will work best at normal room temperature.
• When batteries become fully charged, unplug
charger from power supply and remove the battery
pack.
9

_h, WARNING: Always remove battery pack from
your saw when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, assembling or removing blades,
cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery
pack will prevent accidental starting that could
cause serious personal injury.
TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK
• Locate latches on end of battery pack and
depress to release battery pack from your saw.
See Figure 4.
DEPRESSLATCHESTO
RELEASEBATTERYPACK
LATCHES
BATTERY
PACK
Fig. 4
• Remove battery pack from your saw.
TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK
See Figure 4.
• Place battery pack in your saw. Align raised rib
inside saw with groove on battery pack.
• Make sure the latches on each side of your
battery pack snap in place and battery pack is
secured in saw before beginning operation.
_1, CAUTION: When placing battery pack in your
saw, be sure raised rib inside saw aligns with
groove on battery pack and latches snap in place
properly. Improper assembly of battery pack can
cause damage to internal components.
_i WARNING: A 5-1/2 in. blade is the maximum
blade capacity of your saw. Never use a blade
that is too thick to allow outer blade washer to
engage with the flats on the spindle. Larger
blades will come in contact with the blade guard,
while thicker blades will prevent blade screw
from securing blade on spindle. Either of these
situations could result in a serious accident.
TO ASSEMBLE OR REMOVE BLADE
TO ASSEMBLE BLADE:
• Remove battery pack from saw.
_lh WARNING: Failure to remove battery pack from
saw could result in accidental starting causing
possible serious personal injury.
• Locate latches on end of battery pack and depress to
release battery pack from your saw. See Figure 4.
• Remove blade wrench (5 mm hex key) from
storage area. See Figure 3.
• Depress spindle lock button and remove blade
screw and outer blade washer. See Figure 5.
SPINDLE
LOCKBUTTON
INNER
LOWER OUTER BLADE
BLADE
GUARD BLADE BLADE SCREW
WASHER
HANDLE Fig. 5
Note: Turn blade screw clockwise to remove.
• Wipe a drop of oil onto inner blade washer and
outer blade washer where they contact blade.
,_ WARNING: If inner blade washer has been
removed, replace it before placing blade on
spindle. Failure to do so could cause an accident
since blade will not tighten properly.
10