Hitachi DH 24VB Operator's manual

WARNING:
Improper and unsafe use of this power tool can result in
death or serious bodily injury!
This manual contains important information about prod-
uct safety. Please read and understand this manual before
operating the power tool. Please keep this manual avail-
able for others before they use the power tool.
DOUBLE INSULATION
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AND
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
ROTARY HAMMER
MODEL DH 24VB

— CONTENTS —
Page
IMPORTANT INFORMATION...................................................................................3
MEANINGS OF SIGNAL WORDS ...........................................................................3
SAFETY
INPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING ALL POWER TOOLS...........................................4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE OF THE ROTARY HAMMER ....................................8
REPLACEMENT PARTS ...........................................................................................8
POLARIZED PLUGS .................................................................................................8
USE OF EXTENSION CORD ....................................................................................9
DOUBLE INSULATION FOR SAFER OPERATION ................................................10
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
NAME OF PARTS ...................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................11
ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................12
STANDARD ACCESSORIES .........................................................................12
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES...........................................................................12
APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................17
PRIOR TO OPERATION ..........................................................................................17
HOW TO USE .........................................................................................................19
HOW TO USE THE CORE BIT (FOR LIGHT LOAD) ..............................................23
LUBRICATION ........................................................................................................24
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION......................................................................25
SERVICE AND REPAIRS.........................................................................................25
PARTS LIST ............................................................................................................26

3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Read and understand all of the operating instructions, safety precautions and warn-
ings in the Instruction Manual before operating or maintaining this power tool.
Most accidents that result from power tool operation and maintenance are caused
by the failure to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be
avoided by recognizing a potentially hazardous situation before it occurs, and by
observing appropriate safety procedures.
Basic safety precautions are outlined in the “SAFETY” section of this Instruction
Manual and in the sections which contain the operation and maintenance instruc-
tions.
Hazards that must be avoided to prevent bodily injury or machine damage are iden-
tified by WARNINGS on the power tool and in this Instruction Manual.
Never use this power tool in a manner that has not been specifically recommended
by HITACHI, unless you first confirm that the planned use will be safe for you and
others.
MEANINGS OF SIGNAL WORDS
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situations which, if ignored, could re-
sult in serious personal injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situations which, if ignored, could result in moder-
ate personal injury, or could cause machine damage.
NOTE emphasizes essential information.

4
SAFETY
INPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING ALL POWER TOOLS
WARNING: Death or serious bodily injury could result from improper or un-
safe use of power tools. To avoid these risks, follow these basic
safety instructions:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
1. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS.
Never place your hands, fingers or other body parts near the tool’s moving parts.
2. NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT ALL GUARDS IN PLACE.
Neveroperatethistoolwithoutallguardsorsafetyfeaturesinplaceandinproper
working order. If maintenance or servicing requires the removal of a guard or
safety feature, be sure to replace the guard or safety feature before resuming
operation of the tool.
3. ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION.
Protect yourself from flying or expelled wood chips, metal particles or other de-
bris by using safety goggles or equivalent eye protection. Wear ear protection to
protect yourself from excessive noise.
4. PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigeration enclosures. Never operate the tool in damp or wet locations.
5. DISCONNECT TOOLS.
Never leave the tool connected to a power source. Always disconnect the tool
from its power source before servicing, inspecting, maintaining, cleaning and
before changing or checking any parts.
6. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING.
Don’t carry the tool while it is connected to its power source. Don’t carry the tool
with your finger near the power switch. Be sure the power switch is in the ‘“off”
position before connecting the tool to its power source.
7. STORE TOOL PROPERLY.
When not in use, the tool should be stored in a dry place. Keep out of reach of
children. Lock-out the storage area.
8. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
Clutteredareas and benches invite injuries.Clearallworkareasand work benches
of unnecessary tools, debris, furniture, etec.

5
9. CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT.
Don’t expose power tools to rain. Don’t use power tools in damp or wet loca-
tions. Keep work area well lit and well ventilated.
Don’t use tool in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
Powertoolsproduce sparks during operation. They also spark when switch-
ing ON/OFF. Never use power tools in sites containing lacquer, paint, ben-
zine, thinner, gasoline, gases, adhesive agents, and other materials which
are combustible or explosive.
10. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY.
Do not let visitors contact tool or extension cord.
All visitors should be kept safely away from work area.
11. DON’T FORCE TOOL.
It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was intended.
12. 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—don’t use circular saw
for cutting tree limbs or logs.
13. DRESS PROPERLY.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts.
Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended when working out-
doors.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
14. USE FACE, DUST MASK OR RESPIRATOR IF OPERATION IS DUSTY.
All persons in the area where power tools are being operated should also wear
face, dust masks or respirator.
15. DON’T ABUSE CORD.
Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle.
Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.
16. 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.
17. DON’T OVERREACH.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
18. 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 repaired by authorized
service facility. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if damaged.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

6
19. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES.
Keys and adjusting wrenches remove from tool before turning it on.
20. OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS.
When tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords intended for use out-
doors and so marked.
21. STAY ALERT.
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate tool when you
are tired.
Tools should never be used by you if you are under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication that makes you drowsy.
22. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS.
Before further use of the tool, a guard or other 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 otherwise indicated elsewhere in this
Instruction Manual.
Have defective switches replaced by authorized service center.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on and off.
23. NEVER USE A POWER TOOL FOR APPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECI-
FIED.
Never use a power tool for applications other than those specified in the In-
struction Manual.
24. HANDLE TOOL CORRECTLY.
Operate the tool according to the instructions provided herein. Do not drop or
throw the tool. Never allow the tool to be operated by children, individuals
unfamiliar with its operation or unauthorized personnel.
25. CHECK FOR LIVE WIRES.
Avoid the risk of severe electrical shock by checking for live electrical wires that
may be hidden by walls, floors or ceilings. The wires should be de-energized
before work begins.
26. KEEP ALL SCREWS, BOLTS AND COVERS TIGHTLY IN PLACE.
Keep all screws, bolts, and plates tightly mounted. Check their condition peri-
odically.
27. DO NOT USE POWER TOOLS IF THE PLASTIC HOUSING OR HANDLE ARE
CRACKED.
Cracks in the tool’s housing or handle can lead to electric shock. Such tools
should not be used until repaired.

7
28. BLADES AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE SECURELY MOUNTED TO THE TOOL.
Prevent potential injuries to yourself or others. Blades, cutting implements and
accessories which have been mounted to the tool should be secure and tight.
29. KEEP MOTOR AIR VENT CLEAN.
The tool’s motor air vent must be kept clean so that air can freely flow at all
times. Check for dust build-up frequently.
30. OPERATE POWER TOOLS AT THE RATED VOLTAGE.
Operate the power tool at voltages specified on their nameplates.
If using the power tool at a higher voltage than the rated voltage, it will result in
abnormally fast motor revolution and may damage the unit and burn up the
motor.
31. NEVER USE A TOOL WHICH IS DEFECTIVE OR OPERATING ABNORMALLY
If the tool appears to be operating unusually, making strange noises, or other-
wise appears defective, stop using it immediately and arrange for repairs by a
Hitachi authorized service center.
32. NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED. TURN POWER OFF.
Don’t leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.
33. CAREFULLY HANDLE POWER TOOLS.
Should a power tool be dropped or struck against hard materials inadvertently
it may be deformed, cracked, or damaged.
34. DO NOT WIPE PLASTIC PARTS WITH SOLVENT.
Solvents such as gasoline, thinner, benzine, carbon tetrachloride, and alcohol
may damage and crack plastic parts. Do not wipe them with such solvents.
Wipe plastic parts with a soft cloth lightly dampened with soapy water and dry
thoroughly.
35. USE ONLY AUTHENTIC HITACHI REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Replacement parts not manufactured by Hitachi may void your warranty and
canleadto malfunction and resulting injuries. Authentic Hitachi partsareavail-
able from your dealer.

8
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE OF THE ROTARY HAMMER
WARNING: Death or serious bodily injury could result from improper or un-
safe use of the rotary hammer. To avoid these risks, follow these
basic safety instructions:
1. NEVER touch the tool bit with bare hands after operation.
2. NEVER wear gloves made of stuff liable to roll up such as cotton, wool, cloth
or string, etc.
3. ALWAYS attach the side handle and securely grip the Rotary Hammer.
4. ALWAYS wear ear protectors when using for extended periods.
5. ALWAYS be careful with buried object such as an underground wiring.
Touching these active wiring or electric cable with this tool, you may receive
an electric shock.
Comfirm if there are any buried object such as electric cable within the wall,
floor or ceiling where you are going to operate here after.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
Repairs should be conducted only by a Hitachi authorized service center.
POLARIZED PLUGS
To reduce the risk of electrick shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade
is 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 the proper outlet.
Do not change the plug in any way.

9
USE OF EXTENSION CORD
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord,
be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. Table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and
nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the
gage number, the heavier the cord.
MINIMUM GAGE FOR CORD SETS
Total Length of Cord in Feet (Meter)
0 –25 26 –50 51 –100 101 –150
(0 –7.6) (7.9 –15.2) (15.5 –30.5) (30.8 –45.7)
Ampere Rating AWG
More Not More
Than Than
0 –618161614
6 –10 18 16 14 12
10 –12 16 16 14 12
12 –16 14 12 Not Recommended
WARNING: Avoid electrical shock hazard. Never use this tool with a dam-
aged or frayed electrical cord or extension cord.
Inspect all electrical cords regularly. Never use in or near water
or in any environment where electric shock is possible.

10
DOUBLE INSULATION FOR SAFER OPERATION
To ensure safer operation of this power tool, HITACHI has adopted a double insula-
tion design. “Double insulation”means that two physically separated insulation
systems have been used to insulate the electrically conductive materials connected
tothe power supply from the outer frame handledby the operator.Therefore,either
the symbol “”or the words and “Double insulation”appear on the power tool or
on the nameplate.
Although this system has no external grounding, you must still follow the normal
electrical safety precautions given in this Instruction Manual, including not using
the power tool in wet environments.
To keep the double insulation system effective, follow these precautions:
sOnlyHITACHI AUTHORIZED SERVICECENTER should disassemble or assemble
this power tool, and only genuine HITACHI replacement parts should be in-
stalled.
sClean the exterior of the power tool only with a soft cloth moistened with soapy
water, and dry thoroughly.
Never use solvents, gasoline or thinners on plastic components; otherwise the
plastic may dissolve.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
AND
MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO
OTHER USERS OF THIS TOOL!