Iron Horse IH-HF3N1 Setup guide

Read and understand tool labels and
manual. Failure to follow warnings could
result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-551-2406
Manufactured by:
3 in 1 FLOOR NAILER
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MODEL # IH-HF3N1

Please read this manual before operating, and understand the warnings and cautions.
The installation, operation and maintenance procedures should be read carefully, and
the manual kept for reference. Note: additional safety measures may be required as a
result of your particular application of the tool.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Eye protection that conforms to ANSI specifications and provides protection against
flying particles both from the FRONT and SIDE should ALWAYS be worn by the
operator and others in the work area when loading, operating, or servicing this tool.
Eye protection is required to guard against flying fasteners and debris, which could
cause severe eye injury. Note: non-side shielded spectacles and face shields alone
do not provide adequate protection.
Caution: Additional safety precautions will be required in some environments. For
example, the work area may include exposure to a noise level which can lead
to hearing damage. The employer and user must ensure that any necessary
hearing protection is provided and used by the operator and others in the
work area. Some environments will require the use of ANSI approved head
protection.
Air supply and connections
· Do not use oxygen, combustible gases or bottled gasses as a power source for this tool,
as the tool could explode, causing personal injury.
· Do not use supply sources which can potentially exceed 120 PSI, as tool could burst,
causing personal injury.
· The connector on the tool must not hold pressure when air supply is disconnected. If
a wrong fitting is used, the tool can remain charged with air after disconnecting, and can
drive a fastener even after the air is disconnected, possibly causing injury.
· Always disconnect air supply: before making adjustments, when servicing the tool,
when clearing a jam, when the tool is not in use, and when moving to a different work
area, as accidental actuation may occur possibly causing an injury.
Loading Tool
When loading the tool: never place a hand or any part of the body in fastener discharge
area of the tool, never point tool at anyone. Do not pull the trigger or depress the trip
as an accidental actuation may occur, causing injury.
Operation
· Always handle the tool with care. Never pull the trigger unless nose is directed toward
the work, keep others a safe distance from the tool while tool is in operation, as accidental
actuation may occur, possibly causing injury.
· The operator must not hold the trigger pulled on contact arm tools except during
fastening operation as serious injury could result if the trip accidentally contacted someone
or something, causing the tool to fire.
· Keep hands and body away from the discharge area of the tool. A contact arm tool may
bounce from the recoil of driving a fastener and an unwanted second fastener may be
driven, possibly causing injury.
Page 2

Loading Tool (con't.)
· Check operation of the contact arm mechanism frequently. Do not use the tool if the arm
is not working correctly as accidental driving of a fastener may result. Do not interfere with
the proper operation of the contact arm mechanism.
· Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners or with the tool at an overly steep angle,
as this may cause deflection of fasteners which could cause injury.
· Do not drive fasteners close to the edge of the work piece as the wood may split, allowing
the fastener to be deflected, possibly causing an injury.
Maintenance
When working on air tools, note the warnings in this manual and use extra care when
evaluating problem tools.
SPECIFICATIONS
· Fasteners: 15-1/2 gauge, 1/2" crown staples from 1-1/2" to 2" long
· Magazine capacity: 100 fasteners
· Operating pressure: 70-110 PSI (4.8-7.5 bar)
· Max pressure: 120 PSI
· Air consumption: 0.5 CFM per staple, 30 staples/minute @ 80 PSI
Note: Take the actual rate at which the tool will run to determine the amount of air
required. For instance, if your fastener usage averages 15 fasteners per minute, you need
50% of the tool's CFM requirement of free air to run the tool at 30 fasteners per minute.
OPERATION
Caution: This flooring stapler was designed for use in installing unfinished hardwood
flooring. It can be used to install pre-finished flooring, however caution must
be used to ensure that the finish is not damaged by the tool. It is recommended
that the tool be tested on a sample section to be certain that the technique
of use does not leave marks on the finish. This procedure should be followed
before each job due to variations in flooring and tool condition.
Air supply and connections
Fittings: Install a male plug on the tool which is free flowing and will release air
pressure from the tool when disconnected from the supply source.
Hoses: Air hoses should have a minimum of 150 PSI working pressure rating, or 1.5
times the maximum pressure that could be produced in the air system. The
supply hose should contain a fitting that will provide quick disconnecting
from the male plug on the tool.
Supply source: Use only clean, regulated compressed air as a power source for this
tool. Do NOT use oxygen, combustible gas, or bottled gas as a power
source for this tool, as tool may explode.
Regulator: A pressure regulator with an operating pressure of 0 - 125 PSI is
required to control the operating pressure for safe operation of this tool.
Operating Pressure: Do not exceed the recommended maximum operating pressure
of 120 PSI as tool wear will be greatly increased. The air supply
must be capable of maintaining the operating pressure of the tool.
Pressure drops in the air supply can reduce the tool's driving power.
Desired operating pressure is between 70 to 100 PSI.
Page 3

Air supply and connections (con't.)
Filter: Dirt and water in the air supply are major causes of wear in pneumatic tools.
A filter will help to get the best performance and minimum wear from the tool.
The filter must have adequate flow capacity for the specific installation. The
filter has to be kept clean to be effective in providing clean compressed air to
the tool. Consult the manufacturer's instructions on proper maintenance of your
filter. A dirty and clogged filter will cause a pressure drop that will reduce the
tool's performance.
Lubrication
Frequent lubrication is required for best performance. Oil added through the air line
connection will lubricate the internal parts. Use a good quality air tool oil. Do not use
detergent oil or additives as these will cause accelerated wear to the seals and bumpers
in the tool, resulting in poor performance and frequent need for maintenance.
If an inline oiler is not used, add oil during use into the air fitting on the tool once or twice
a day. Only a few drops at a time are necessary. Too much oil will collect inside the tool and
will be noticeable in the exhaust cycle.
Cold weather operation
For cold weather operation, near and below freezing, the moisture in the air line may
freeze and prevent tool operation. We recommend the use of a winter formula air tool
lubricant.
Caution: Do not store tools in a cold environment to prevent frost or ice formation on the
tool's operating valves and mechanisms that could cause tool failure.
Note: Some commercial air line drying liquids are harmful to O-rings and seals - do
not use these low temperature air dryers without checking compatibility.
Loading the Floor Nailer
To prevent accidental injuries:
· Always wear ANSI approved eye protection
· Never place a hand or any other body part in nail discharge area of the tool while the
air supply is connected
· Never point the tool at other people
· Never pull the trigger unless nose is directed at the work
· Always handle the tool with care
· Do not pull the trigger or depress the trip mechanism while loading the tool
Staple loading
Pull cover open. Insert stick of staples. Push cover forward until the detent pin snaps
into place, locking the cover. The tool is now ready to operate.
Tool operation
· Floor nailer is actuated (fired) by hitting the cap firmly with a mallet (not included).
· Always wear ANSI approved eye protection.
· Never use this tool in a manner that could cause a fastener to be directed toward the
user or others in the work area.
· Do not use the tool as a hammer to position flooring strips, as this could damage the
tool. Use the mallet for this purpose instead.
· Always carry the tool by the handle. Never carry the tool by the air hose.
· Do not alter or modify this tool from the original design or function.
Page 4

Tool operation (con't.)
· Always be aware that misuse and/or improper handling of this tool can cause injury to
yourself and other.
· Never clamp or tape the trigger or contact trip in an actuated position.
· Never leave a tool unattended with the air hose attached.
· Do not operate this tool if it does not contain a legible warning label.
· Do not continue to use a tool that leaks air or does not function properly. Take the
tool to a qualified service technician for proper servicing.
MAINTENANCE
Caution:
· Use caution when working with the spring assembly. The spring is wrapped around, but
not attached to, a roller. If the spring is extended beyond its length, the end will come
off of the roller and the spring will roll up with a snap, with a chance of pinching your hand.
Also, the edges of the spring are very thin and can cut. Care must also be taken to ensure
no permanent kinks are put in the spring, as this will reduce the spring's force.
· Do not use modified replacement parts or parts which will not give equivalent performance
to the original equipment.
Assembly procedure for seals
When repairing a tool, make sure the internal parts are clean and lubricated. Coat each
O-ring with O-ring lubricant before assembling. Use a small amount of oil on all moving
surfaces and pivots. After reassembly, add a few drops of air tool oil through the air line
fitting before testing.
Air supply pressure and volume
Air volume is as important as air pressure. The air volume supplied to the tool may be
inadequate because of undersized fittings and hoses, or from the effects of dirt and water
in the system. Restricted air flow will prevent the tool from receiving an adequate volume
of air, even though the pressure reading is high. The results will be slow operation,
misfeeds, or reduced driving power. Before evaluating tool problems for these symptoms,
trace the air supply from the tool to the supply source for restrictive connectors, swivel
fittings, low points containing water, and anything else that would prevent full volume
flow of air to the tool.
To replace piston
1) Insert the flats on the lower end of the driver piston stem carefully into the end of a
piston/plunger wrench.
2) Using another piston/plunger wrench, or another wrench of the proper size, unscrew
the plunger from the upper end of the stem. After this is done, it will be possible to lift
the poppet off the stem.
3) Place the piston/plunger wrench down over the piston stem onto the driver piston,
locking the piston ears in the slots in the wrench. Unscrew the piston from the stem.
To replace driver
1) It is not necessary to disassemble the piston-poppet-driver assembly to replace the
driver. Pull the poppet up on the driver piston stem as far as it will go.
2) Insert the piston/plunger wrench over the driver piston, locking the piston ears in the
slots in the wrench. Unscrew the piston from the threaded portion of the stem.
Page 5

To replace driver (con't.)
3) To remove the driver blade from the piston stem, push the driver blade pin out of the
stem. This will release the blade.
4) Insert new driver blade into the slot in the end of the driver piston stem and assemble the
driver blade pin. Test the side play in the driver blade by grasping the driver piston stem
in one hand and the blade in the other, moving the blade sideways in alignment with the
slot in case of any slight misalignment between the blade and guide in the nose. If there
is no side play, the blade should be removed and the top (pin end) just barely dressed off
with a stone. It is not necessary to do more than smooth off the top to get the necessary
side play. Do not grind. Reinsert the blade and pin in the stem and test for side play once
more. Repeat as necessary to get this small amount of side play. Carefully examine the large
threaded portion of the piston stem. A nylon lock can be seen imbedded in a recessed hole
in the stem. It is very important that this nylon lock can be replaced when its locking efficiency
has been reduced through several disassemblies of the piston. It is necessary to use the sharp
point of a knife or some such instrument to remove this nylon lock. Insert a new one by
setting it into the recessed hole in the stem, and tapping it gently until firmly seated.
*Reverse these instructions to reassemble*
5) Assemble plunger flush with the end of piston stem.
To replace piloted valve seals
1) Remove exhaust deflectors and four hex socket head cap screws holding cap to cylinder.
Remove cap exposing the poppet piston and piloted valve.
2) Remove gasket, piloted valve seat, piloted valve, spring and O-rings.
3) Clean all O-ring grooves. Lubricate new O-rings and assemble.
4) After new O-rings have been assembled to piloted valve, insert spring into valve body.
Lay tool on its side and slide valve into position. Turn tool upright and replace gasket.
5) After new O-ring has been assembled to valve seat, slide it through the gasket and over
the piloted valve.
6) Insert new O-ring in stepped hole in cap directly over piloted valve. Assemble cap using
four socket head cap screws and replace exhaust deflector.
To replace wear plate or blade guide
1) Separate the magazine from the nose by removing four socket head cap screws
2) Remove and replace wear plate or blade guide.
To replace detent spring or pusher spring
1) Remove magazine
2) Set the magazine down on a flat surface. Cup palm over the hooked end of the cover to
prevent the detent pin and the detent pin spring from slipping out and being lost when
cover is removed. Turn the magazine upside down and reach in with a small screwdriver, or
needle nose pliers, and lift the pusher spring off the pusher. Slide cover out the back
end of the magazine.
3) To remove the springs from the magazine, use a 3/32" pin punch and drive the spring
anchor pin out of the magazine body. Replace and reverse the instructions to reassemble.
Page 6

Trigger valve housing O-ring cut or cracked Replace O-ring
leaks air
Trigger valve stem O-ring/seals cut or cracked Replace trigger valve assembly
leaks air
Frame/nose leaks Loose nose screws Tighten and recheck
O-ring or gasket is cut or cracked Replace O-ring or gasket
Bumper cracked/worn
Replace bumper
Frame/cap leaks Damaged gasket or seal Replace gasket or seal
air Cracked/worn head valve Replace bumper
bumper
Loose cap screws Tighten and recheck
Failure to cycle Air supply restriction Check air supply equipment
Tool dry, lack of lubrication Use air tool oil
Worn head valve O-rings Replace O-rings
Broken cylinder cap spring Replace cylinder cap spring
Head valve stuck in cap Disassemble/check/lubricate
Lack of power; Tool dry, lacks lubrication Use air tool oil
slow to cycle Broken cylinder cap spring Replace cap spring
O-rings/seals cut or cracked Replace O-rings/seals
Exhaust blocked Check bumper, head valve spring, muffler
Trigger assembly worn/leaks Replace trigger assembly
Dirt/tar build up on driver Disassemble nose/driver to clean
Cylinder sleeve not seated Disassemble to correct
correctly on bottom bumper
Head valve dry
Disassemble/lubricate
Air pressure too low Check air supply equipment
Skipping fasteners; Worn bumper Replace bumper
intermittent feed Tar/dirt in driver channel Disassemble and clean nose and driver
Air restriction/inadequate air Replace quick disconnect fittings
flow through quick disconnect
socket and plug
Worn piston O-ring Replace O-ring, check driver
Tool dry, lacks lubrication Use air tool oil
Damaged pusher spring Replace spring
Low air pressure Check air supply system to tool
Loose magazine nose screws Tighten all screws
Fasteners too short for tool
Use only recommended fasteners
Bent Fasteners Discontinue using these fasteners
Wrong size fasteners
Use only recommended fasteners
Leaking head cap gasket Tighten screws/replace gasket
Trigger valve O-ring cut/worn Replace O-ring, check driver
Broken/chipped driver Replace Driver (check piston O-ring)
Dry/dirty magazine Clean / lubricate with air tool oil
Worn magazine Replace magazine
Page 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
POSSIBLE CAUSES
LIKELY SOLUTIONS
PROBLEM

Fasteners jam Driver channel worn Replace nose check door
in tool Wrong size fasteners
Use only recommended fasteners
Bent fasteners Discontinue using these fasteners
Loose magazine/nose screws Tighten all screws
Broken/chipped driver Replace driver
Record Product's Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Page 8
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing
the tool. Disconnect air supply before service.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
LIKELY SOLUTIONS

The manufacturer and/or distributor has provided the parts list and assembly diagram in
this manual as a reference tool only. Neither the manufacturer or distributor makes any
representation or warranty of any kind to the buyer that he or she is qualified to make
any repairs to the product, or that he or she is qualified to replace any parts of the
product. In fact, the manufacturer and/or distributor expressly states that all repairs
and parts replacements should be undertaken by certified and licensed technicians and
not by the buyer. The buyer assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or her repairs
to the original product or replacement parts thereto or arising out of his or her
installation of replacement parts thereto.
PART PART
1 Whack cap 34 Snap retainer
2 Bolt M5*20 35 Spring pin
3 O-ring 25*3.55 36 O-ring 1.7*2
4 Air deflector 37 Latch
5 Bolt M4*16 38 Pin
6 O-ring 46.2*3.55 39 Spring
7 Piston seat 40 Pusher seat shelf
8 Gun body 41 Driver guide strip
9 O-ring 15.6*1.8 42 Magazine
10 Sealing nut 43 Pin
11 O-ring 12.8*1.8 44 Pusher seat shelf
12 O-ring 34.5*2.65 45 Spring
13 Piston sleeve 46 Right pusher
14 O-ring 32*4.5 47 Left pusher
15 O-ring 12.8*2.5 48 Bolt M5*16
16 Main piston 49 Seat pad
17 O-ring 50*3.55 50 Base
18 Bumper 51 Gasket
19 Sealing washer 52 Bolt M6*40
20 Brace 53 Base plate
21 Bolt M6*25 54 Bolt M6*12
22 Nut M6 55 Nut M5
23 Air inlet plug 56 Bolt M5*28
24 Protective cap 57 Mallet (not included)
25 Brace sleeve
26 Cylinder seat
27 Driver guide
28 Nail head
29 Bolt M5*10
30 Magazine cover
31 Spring II
32 Spring core
33 Pin A4*20
Page 9
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
PARTS LIST

Page 10

Page 11

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