Hercules HC1012B Assembly instructions

20 V 14-Gauge Metal Cutting Shears
Model
HC1012B
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797
as soon as possible. Reference 59302.
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
22l
Battery and Charger Sold Separately

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59302
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations
and specifications provided with this power tool.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions
for future reference.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers
to your mains-operated (corded) power tool
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work area safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or 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. Keep children and bystanders away
while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
Electrical safety
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
Personal safety
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use a power tool while
you are 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. Use personal protective equipment. Always
wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source and/or battery pack, picking
up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools
with your finger on the switch or energizing power
tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of
dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent
use of tools allow you to become
complacent and ignore tool safety
principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
9. Only use safety equipment that has been approved
by an appropriate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide adequate
protection. Eye protection must be ANSI-approved
and breathing protection must be NIOSH-approved
for the specific hazards in the work area.
10. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.
11. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
12. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
13. The warnings, precautions, 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.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59302
Power tool use and care
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct
power tool for your application. The correct
power tool will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power
tool that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from
the power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with the power tool or these instructions
to operate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool
repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces
dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Slippery handles and grasping surfaces
do not allow for safe handling and control
of the tool in unexpected situations.
Service
1. Have your power tool serviced by a
qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the power tool is maintained.
2. Never service damaged BATTERY
packs. Service of BATTERY packs should
only be performed by the manufacturer
or authorized service providers.
3. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Battery tool use and care
1. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to battery pack, picking up or carrying the
power tool. Carrying the power tool with your
finger on the switch or energizing power tool
that have the switch on invites accidents.
2. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power tool.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
3. Recharge only with the charger specified by
the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk
of fire when used with another battery pack.
4. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
5. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips,
coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal
objects, that can make a connection from
one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
6. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, flush with
water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally
seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
7. Do not use a battery pack or power tool that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
8. Do not expose a battery pack or power tool to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 140°F may cause explosion.
9. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or power tool
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
10. Have servicing performed by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the product is maintained.
11. Do not modify or attempt to repair the power
tool or the battery pack except as indicated
in the instructions for use and care.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59302
12. The battery Charger gets hot during
use. The Charger’s heat can build up to
unsafe levels and create a fire hazard if
it does not receive adequate ventilation,
due to an electrical fault, or if it is used in a
hot environment. Do not place the Charger on a
flammable surface. Do not obstruct any vents on
the Charger. Especially avoid placing the
Charger on carpets and rugs; they are not only
flammable, but they also obstruct vents under
the Charger. Place the Charger on a stable, solid,
nonflammable surface (such as a stable metal
workbench or concrete floor) at least 1 foot away
from all flammable objects, such as drapes or walls.
Keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in
the area. Frequently monitor the Charger and
Battery Pack while charging.
Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE
A LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND
WILL VENT FIRE OR EXPLODE
IF MISTREATED:
a. Keep Battery Pack dry.
b. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures
greater than 140°F.
c. Charge Battery Pack only according
to its Charger’s instructions.
d. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
Grounding
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING:
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 charger. Do not use the charger
if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged,
have it repaired by a service facility before use. If
the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician.
Extension Cords
Note: Extension cords must not be
used with this item’s Charger.
Symbology
VVolts
Direct Current
AAmperes
n0xxxx/min. No Load Revolutions
per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set-up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect Charger’s power
cord to appropriate outlet.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59302
Warning Symbols and Definitions
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
Specifications
Battery Charger Hercules 20V Charger
(56559, sold separately)
Battery Pack Hercules 20V Li-Ion Battery
(57373, sold separately)
Metal Cutting
Capacity
14 Gauge (Steel)
16 Gauge (Stainless Steel)
Minimum Cut
Radius 7″
SETUP - BEFORE USE:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Functions
1. Double Cut Shear Head
2. LED Work Light
3. Trigger Lock
4. Trigger
5. Handle
5
123
4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Tool Set Up
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is locked and Battery
Pack is removed before performing any procedure
in this section.
Charging
Charge battery after unpacking and before
using this tool. Follow instructions included
with battery charger (sold separately).
Attaching Belt Clip
1. Belt Clip can be attached to either side of tool.
2. Attach Belt Clip to desired side
using screw. See Figure A.
Screw Belt Clip
Tool
Figure A: Attaching Belt Clip
Adjusting Shear Head
1. Pull Collar towards Shear Head. See Figure B.
Collar
Figure B: Collar Location
2. With Collar pulled forward, rotate
Shear Head to desired position.
3. Release Collar to lock Shear Head.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 59302
Adjusting Curl
1. To adjust the waste material curl, remove
Battery Pack, and loosen Cap Screws with
included Hex Wrench. See Figure C.
Cap Screws
Figure C: Cap Screw Location
2. Slide left blade forwards or backwards.
Replace Cap Screws.
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up
1. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit.
The work area must not allow access by children
or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
2. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.
3. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.
4. Workpiece thickness should not exceed
cutting capacity in specifications chart.
5. Always lubricate the material to be cut. Lubricate
steel with cutting fluid, lubricate Aluminum with
Aluminum cutting fluid or mineral spirits.
General Instructions for Use
1. To use Trigger Lock, press the Trigger Lock Button
above the Trigger on the left side of the tool.
To release Trigger Lock, press the Trigger Lock
Button on the right side of the tool. See Figure D.
Lock Unlock
Figure D: Trigger Lock and Unlock
2. Lock Trigger, then insert a fully charged Battery
Pack, making sure that it clicks into place securely.
3. Firmly grab handle, unlock Trigger,
and pull Trigger to start tool.
4. The tool has variable speed. To increase speed,
apply more pressure to Trigger. To decrease
speed, lessen pressure on Trigger.
5. When cutting, hold Tool with blades in firm contact
with workpiece. Apply even pressure across cut.
NOTE: Excessive pressure may cause Blades to jam.
6. To stop tool, release the Trigger.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
If Tool stalls, release Trigger to restart.
7. To prevent accidents, remove Battery Pack after use.
Clean, then store tool indoors out of children’s reach.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
Procedures not specifically explained
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Battery Pack is removed
before performing any procedure in this section.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment.
If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance,
and Lubrication
1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the tool. Check for:
• leaking, swollen, or cracked battery pack,
• loose hardware,
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• cracked or broken parts, and
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. Li-Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Do not short, incinerate or open battery.
4. Disconnect battery pack and store battery pack,
charger, and tool in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.
Blade Maintenance
1. With Battery detached, remove the three cap
screws on the Shear Head. See Figure C.
2. Clean, replace or sharpen the blades as
required. Replace blades as a set only.
3. Apply a small amount of Molybdenum
Disulfide grease or equivalent to flats of
Center Blade and Center Blade Bushing.
4. Reassemble by repositioning the Blades.
Replace cap screws and torque to 50-60 in-lb.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 59302
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Battery Pack not properly
connected.
2. Battery Pack not properly
charged.
3. Battery Pack worn out.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Trigger, for example.)
1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are no
obstructions, reinsert the Battery Pack according
to its shape (it should only fit one way), and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.
2. Make sure Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time for
Battery Pack to recharge properly.
3. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Battery Pack wearing out.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
Performance
decreases over time.
1. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.
2. Blades dull or damaged.
1. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
2. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blade misaligned.
3. Blade dull or damaged.
4. Blocked motor housing vents.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Check and correct blade alignment.
3. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
4. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and
NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and Charger power supply before service.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are not available individually as replacement parts. Reference UPC 193175465528.

26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797
Copyright©2022 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.
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 verifies 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 specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.