Craftsman 172.171040 User manual

Owner'sManual
Reciprocating Saw
Variable Speed
Double Insulated
Model Nos.
172.171040 (6.5 Amp)
172.171720 (7.5 Amp)
CAUTION: Read, understand and follow
all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions
in this manual before using this product.
• SAFETY
•OPERATION
•MAINTENANCE
•ESPAI_IOL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Warranty. .................................................... Page 2
Safety Instructions ..................................... Pages 3-7
Safety Symbols .......................................... Page 7
Description ................................................. Page 8
Operation ................................................... Pages 8- 11
Maintenance .............................................. Pages 12-13
Accessories ............................................... Page 13
Service Numbers ....................................... Pages 14-16
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RECIPROCATING SAW
If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw fails to give complete satisfaction
within one year from the date of purchase, RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST
SEARS STORE IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace it, free
of charge. If this CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating 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. 817 WA, Hoffrnan Estates, IL 60179
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!

I_WARNING: BE SURE to read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire and/or serious personal Injury.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1. ALWAYS keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and
dark areas invite accidents.
2. DO NOT operate power tools In explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. ALWAYS keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a
power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
f. Double insulated tools are equipped with apolarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other.) This plug will fit in apolarized 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.
2. Double insulation [] eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power
cord and grounded power supply system. Applicable only to Class II
(double insulated) tools.
3. Before plugging in the tool, BE SURE that the outlet voltage supplied is
within the voltage marked on the tool's data plate. DO NOT use "AC only"
rated tools with a DC power supply.
4. ALWAYS avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is grounded.
5. If operating the power tool In damp locations Is unavoidable,
ALWAYS use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to supply power to
your tool. ALWAYS wear electrician's rubber gloves and footwear
in damp conditions.
6. DO NOT expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering
a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
7. DO NOT abuse the cord. NEVER use the cord to carry the tools or pull
the plug from the outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
3

ELECTRICAL SAFETY cont.
8. When operating a power tool outside, ALWAYS use an outdoor extension
cord marked "W-A" or 'W."These cords are rated for outdoor use and
reduce the risk of electric shock.
NOTE: The extension cord must have adequate wire size AWG (American Wire
Gauge) for safe, efficient use. Smaller gauge wires, have greater capacity
(16 gauge wire has more capacity than 18 gauge wire).
Minimum Gauge for Extention Cords (AWG)
Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet
0 - 26 -51 -101 -
120V 25 ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
Ampere Rating AWG AWG AWG AWG
More than 0 18 16 16 14
Not more than 6
More than 6
Not more than 10 18 16 14 12
More then 10
Not more than 12 16 16 14 12
More than 12 14 12 Not Recommended
Not more than 16
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. ALWAYS stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense
when operating a power tool. DO NOT use 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.
2. ALWAYS dress properly. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry. Pull
back long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
3. ALWAYS avoid accidental starting. BE SURE switch is "Off" before
plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools
that have the switch in the "On" position invites accidents.
4. ALWAYS remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on.
A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result
in personal injury.
5. DO NOT overreach. ALWAYS keep proper footing and balance at all
times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6. ALWAYS use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be
used for appropriate conditions
4

TOOL USE AND CARE SAFETY
1. ALWAYS use clamps or other practical ways to secure and support the
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your
body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
2. DO NOT force tool. Use the correct tool and blade for your application.
The correct tool and blade will do the job better and safer at the rate for
which it is designed.
3. DO NOT use tool if switch does not turn it "On" or "Off". Any tool that
cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
4. ALWAYS disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
5. ALWAYS store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained
persons.Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
6. ALWAYS maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control.
7. ALWAYS check for misallgnment or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any 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.
IAk WARNING: USE OF ACCESSORIES THAT ARE NOT
RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH THIS TOOL MAY CREATE
A HAZARDOUS CONDITION.
8. ALWAYS use only accessories that are recommended for this tool.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool can become hazardous
when used on another tool.

SERVICE SAFETY
1. Tool service MUST BE performed only at a Sears Service Center.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel
could result in arisk of injury.
2. When servicing a tool, ALWAYS use only Identical replacement parts.
Follow Instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance instructions may create
a risk of electric shock or injury.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
1. Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn the
applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire or serious injury.
2. ALWAYS hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own
cord. Contact with a'live"wire will make the exposed metal parts of the tool
"live" and shock the operator.
3. ALWAYS keep your hands away from cutting area. DO NOT reach under
the material being cut because the nearness of the blade to your hand is
hidden from your sight.
4. DO NOT use dull or damaged blades. Bent blades can break easily,
or cause kickback,
5. ALWAYS wear safety glasses or eye shields when using this saw.
ALWAYS wear a dust mask or respirator for applications which
generate dust.
6. ALWAYS protect your lungs. Wear a face mask or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
7. ALWAYS protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended
periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious
personal injury.
8. ALWAYS inspect and remove all nails from lumber before sawing.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of sedous personal injury.
9. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently and use them to
instruct others who may use this tool. If someone borrows this tool,
make sure they have these instructions also.

ADDITIONALSPECIFICSAFETYRULEScont.
/t_ WARNING: Some dust particles created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction jobs contain
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.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this
type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust
masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
Z_ WARNING: The operation of any saw 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 shield
and a full face shield when needed. We recommend
a Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses
or standard safety glasses with side shield, both available
at Sears Retail Stores.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V........................................................................... Volts
A........................................................................... Amperes
Hz ......................................................................... Hertz
W.......................................................................... Watts
rain ....................................................................... Minutes
_-' ........................................................................ Alternating current
.... ................................................................... Direct current
no ........................................................................ No-load speed
[] ........................................................................ Class II construction
.../min ................................................................... Revolutions or
reciprocation per minute
/_k ...................................................................... Indicates danger, warning
caution. It means attention!!!
Your safety is involved.
IMPORTANT! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
7

Your 6.5 and 7.5-amp reciprocating saws have many built-in convenience
features for fast, efficient cutting.These features include a variable speed dial
that allows you to change the speeds for cutting a variety of materials. An
adjustable/pivoting shoe for maximum control in a variety of cuts and an
easy-to-grip rubber boot.
Rg. 1 _Variable
I tl -- .---TriggerSwitch
B,a o
_5_(_-_t_O e R_ubberBoot _Ha;dle
Input
Blade Stroke
BladeType
Rating
No-loadSpeeds
6.5 Amps or 7.5 Amps
11/8 in.
I/2 in. Universal Shank
120 volts, 60 Hz AC
0 to 2400 SPM
Before attempting to use any tool, be sure to familiarize yourself with all
the operating features and safety instructions.
Z_ WARNING: IF ANY PARTS ARE MISSING, DO NOT OPERATE
THIS SAW UNTIL THE MISSING PARTS ARE REPLACED. FAILURE TO
DO SO COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY,
Z_ CAUTION: DO NOT let familiarity with your saw make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient
to cause severe injury.
/_ CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection while operating this
power tool.
USING THE VARIABLE SPEED DIAL
Variable speed provides increased cutting versatility.
Simply rotate the dial from the slowest setting (1)
to the highest setting (6) depending upon the material being cut.
8
I
I

Choosing the Correct Speed
The speed you use will depend on the type of materials that you are cutting:
1. Use high speeds for cutting wood.
2. Medium speed is best for non-ferrous materials.
3. Low speed is recommended for cutting metal.
NOTE-Material thickness and blade selection will also affect your speed
selection. As a general rule, as the material thickness increases, the speed
should be slower.
iAk CAUTION: usa averyslowspeedwhen beginningaCut.Then
increase speed once the cut is started. Prolonged use at avery slow
speed may damage your sew.
BLADE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
This saw is designed to use all 1/2-in. universal shank blades.
I_WARNING: To prevent personal injury, ALWAYS disconnect the
plug from power source BEFORE assembling parts, making adjustments
or changing blades.
Installing the Blade (Figure 2)
1. Unplug the saw.
2. Loosen blade clamp screw with
Allen wrench (included).
NOTE: DO NOT completely remove
the blade clamp screw. Just loosen
it enough to allow the blade to fit
between the blade clamp and the
reciprocating shaft.
3. Insert blade through the shoe
and line it up between the blade
clamp and the reciprocating shaft,
4. Insert the blade far enough in so that
the hole in the blade is positioned
over the "bump' or "stationary pin'.
Tighten screw with wrench.
NOTE: If the blade should break off and
the shank does not come out of the clamp,
loosen the screw. Then use a nail or other
pointed object to pry the blade shank off
of the "bump'or "stationary pin'.
Removing the Blade (Figure 3)
1. See Steps 1 and 2 in Installing the Blade above.
2. When screw is clear of the blade, pull blade shank
out of opening in blade clamp. 9

ADJUSTING THE SLIDING/PIVOTING SHOE (Figure 4)
The shoe slides in or out to adjust the
depth of cut to material being cut for
maximum control and _onger blade _ita.
To Slide Shoe In or Out: (See Fig. 4)
1. Use the Allen wrench (included)
to loosen the 2screws on
bottom of saw housing.
2. Slide shoe in or out to the depth
of cut that you desire and
retighten both screws.
NOTE: The shoe also pivots to provide
maximum control against the surface being cut.
To Pivot Shoe: (See Fig. 4)
1. Firmly hold saw and then pivot
shoe to desired position.
FLUSH CUTTING (Figure 5)
1. The compact design of the motor
housing and the adjustable shoe
on this saw allows you to make
extremely close cuts in floors,
comets and other extremely tight areas.
2. To obtain the maximum flush cutting
capability of this saw, make sure that
the shoe is in its closest position to the
saw housing.And the teeth of the blade
are facing as close as possible to the
work sudace,
WOOD CUTTING (Figure 6)
1. ALWAYS clamp the workpiece
down to prevent it from slipping.
2. P_ace the adjustable shoe and
the blade lightly against the
surface to be cut,
3. Turn on saw and allow it to come
to full speed before applying pressure
to the workpiece.
4. ALWAYS hold the saw firmly with both
hands while cutting.Whenever possible,
hold the adjustable shoe firmly against
the material to be cut. This willprevent
the saw from jumping or vibrating and
help minimize blade breakage.
Fig. 6
NOTE: Wear gloves if cutting for long periods.
10

METAL CUTTING (Figure 7)
This saw has different metal cutting capacities depending upon the
type of blade being used and metal being cut.
1. ALWAYS clamp the work down to
prevent it from slipping.
2. Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a
coarse blade for non-ferrous metals,
3. When cutting thin gauge sheet metals.
ALWAYS clamp wood on both sides of the
sheet. This will give you aclean cut without
excess vibration or tearing of the metal.
4. DO NOT force the cutting blade, Forcing
the blade will reduce blade life and cause
the blade to break.
NOTE: We recommend that you spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along
the line of cut ahead of the saw. This will allow easier operation and help extend
blade life. When cutting aluminum, use kerosene,
POCKET CUTTING: Wood Only
(Figure 8)
1. Measure the surface area to be
cut and mark it clearly using a pen,
pencil or chalk.
2. Install a pocket cutting blade
into saw.
3. Tip the saw backwards until the back
edge of the adjustable shoe is resting
on the work surface.
4. To avoid breaking the blade, start
the saw and use the slowest speed
to begin the cut. Then gradually
increase the speed as you start to out.
5. Hold the saw handle firmly and begin
to make a slow, deliberate upward swing
with the handle of the saw.
6. The blade will begin to feed into the material.
II_P_.._";_,_
J/i*
Rod( toolup tonormalcutting
positionafter bladehascut
throughmaterial,
7. ALWAYS be sure that the blade is completely through the material before
continuing with the pocket cut.
NOTE: in areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the saw
guard as a guide.
11

SERVICE
IA_ WARNING: Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized I
personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components,
which could cause a serious hazard.
1. Tool service MUST BE performed only by a Sears Service Center.
Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result
In a risk of injury.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All service that requires opening the saw should only be
performed at aSears Service Center.
2. When servicing a tool, ALWAYS use only identical replacement parts. Follow
instructions in the Maintenance Section of this manual. Use of unauthorized
parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric
shock or injury.
TOOL LUBRICATION
Your CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw has been properly lubricated
and is ready to use.
1. In two to six months, depending on use, take your tool to the nearest Sears
Service Center for a complete cleaning, inspection and lubrication.
2. Tools used constantly on production jobs will need lubrication more often.
3. Tools that haven't been used for long periods of time should
be lubricated before you use them.
WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS
I_WARNING: To avoid accidents, ALWAYS disconnect the
tool from the power source BEFORE cleaning or performing any
maintenance.
1. Only the parts shown on pages 14-15 are intended to be repaired or
replaced by the customer. All other parts represent an important part
of the double insulation system and should only be serviced at a
Sears Service Center.
12

CLEANING
IAk WARNING: To avoid accidents, ALWAYS disconnect the tool
from the power source BEFORE cleaning or performing any maintenance.
I_CAUTION: Certain cleaning agents and solvents cause damage
to the plasUc parts. These include gasoline, carbon tetrachloride.
chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents
that contain ammonia.
1. Use aclean cloth to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
2. Electric tools are subject to accelerated wear and possible premature failure
when they are used to work on fiber glass boats, sports cars, etc. The fiber
glass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to electrical tool parts, such as
bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, it is not recommended
that this tool be used for extended work on fiber glass. During any use on
fiber glass, it is extremely important that the tool is cleaned frequently with
compressed air.
I_WARNING: ALWAYS wear safety goggles when cleaning tools I
with compressed air. I
IMPORTANT:
To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and
adjustment MUST be performed by a Sears Service Center.
The following recommended accessories are currently available at
your local Sears Store.
BLADES
Sears has a large selection of reciprocating saw blades in a variety of lengths
and teeth per inch that are ideal for a wide variety of cutting needs, Choose
blades for cutting wood only, blades for metal cutting only and general-purpose
blades that cut wood or metal.
EXTENSION CORDS
Sears offers a large selection of extension cords that help extend your
working range.
IZ_ WARNING: The use of attachments or accessories that are not
recommended might be dangerous. I
13

,Jk
ReciprocatingSaw-ModelNo.172.171040(6.5Amp),172.171720(7.5Amp)
The Model Numberwillbe foundon the Nameplate. Alwaysmention the Model No. inall correspondanceregardingyour tool
No. Part No. Delmdptlon Quantity No. Pert No. Description Quantity
1 B09.0.05.1 Cover 1 29 W57,04.0 Screw 2
2 W57.56.0 Screw Set 2 30 W61.52.0 Loop 1
3 W57.36.0 Screw Set 4 31 W50.03.3 Ball Beedng 1
4 W57.57,0 Screw Set 2 32 B09.0.08 BearingPressPlate 1
5 B09.0.09 Bracket 1 33 TB51.03.01 Rotor 1
6 W57.02.0 Screw 1 34 W50.11.3 Ball Bearing 1
7 B08.3.53 Blade Clamp 1 35 T05.02.05 Beedng Sleeve 1
8 W51.52.0 Roller Pin 1 36 W55.70.0 Screw 2
9 B09.0.12 Gasket 1 37 B00.0.07.1 Fan Baffle 1
10 T15.02.00 Seal 1 38 TB50.03.01 Stator 1
11 W07,02 SlidingBeadng 1 39 B09.0.15.1 IdentificationI.abel 1
12 B09.2.01 RedprocalingShaft 1 40 B09.0.01.1 Shell 1
13 B09.0.11 Yoke Plate 1 41 T02.11.00 Brush 2
14 T14,03.01 Washer 1 42 W55.06.0 Screw 4
15 B09.1.01 Roller Beadng 1 43 T03.09.00 Brush Holder 2
16 B09.1.02 Small Shaft 1 44 T04.01.01 Brush Spdng 2
17 TB01,01 Gear 1 45 W02.23 Switch 1
18 W50.03.0 Bell Bearing 1 46 W02,24 Speed Adiuster 1
19 TB02.01 Spindle 1 47 B09.0.14.1 Nameplate 1
20 TA05.04 Loop 1 48 B09.0.03.1 Right Handle 1
21 W50.12.0 Ball Beadng 1 49 T08.01.07 Cord Clamp 1
22 T14.01.03 Press Plate 1 50 W55.58.0 Screw 2
23 W57,36.0 Screw Set 1 51 T05.01,06 Cord Protector 1
24 B09.0.06 Gear Case 1 52 W01.32.21 Cord and Plug 1
25 W55.76.0 Screw 4 53 W05.09 Wrench 1
26 B09.0.04.1 Rubber Sleeve 1 54 B09.0,02.1 Left Handle 1
27 B09.0.13 Framework 1 55 W55,75.1 Screw 8
28 B09.3.00 Baffle Plate 1
SEE BACK PAGEFOR PARTSORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

27
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16